Trevor Paul's Reviews > Assassin's Apprentice

** spoiler alert ** 100

This one was special. The way we learn about the world as Fitz does. The way he comes across his ability to skill and use wit to bond and communicate with canines. The mystery and plot twists in the third act. I can’t think of anything to critique in this fantasy opener. The best book I have read in 2024!

Objective Rating:
Assassin’s Apprentice (Read 5/11/24) Rating: 94
Plot: 8
This was more of a slow burn. But that was not a bad thing. I felt we were given just enough plot points to complement the slow maturing of Fitz as he finds his place in this world.
World Building: 9
Again, it felt as though we were slowly given pieces and knowledge around the world as Fitz ages and pays attention to what other characters are saying about the greater world outside of Buckkeep. There were times where it felt as though we were given bullet points as to what was going on in the world, but it did not detract from the story at the time, just informed.
Characters: 10
Fitz is a young boy you can root for. He goes through some heavy stuff and continues to try to do the right thing, with a positively guided moral compass. Burrich is a wizened and stuck in his mindset father-figure. Chade is mysterious and seems to know much more than he lets on. Nosy and Smithy are the two best animal companions in a fantasy book I have ever read, even though we never get dialogue directly from them. Galen is instantly detestable and never grows on you. Shrewd, Regal, and Verity were all perfectly developed for the time they were allowed to take center stage. Even Molly and the other stable boys had their time to shine. I like all the characters in this book. Even Chivalry, who Fitz never gets to meet, but learns so much about in the history from his brothers.
Prose: 10
The prose in this is beautiful. I do not like drinking tea, but I could see myself doing it reading this. She is a beautiful writer; I cannot really say much else.
Enjoyment: 10
This was the best book I have read so far this year. Even though some of the things Fitz endures are sad and traumatic, I wanted to keep reading to see how he endures. I really loved this book and cannot wait to continue the series.
Top 3 moments in the book:
1) The last paragraph in the last chapter prior to the Epilogue. When you find out that Nosy sacrificed himself to save Fitz.
2) When Fitz is using skill to connect with Smithy as the assassin attempts to take Burrich’s life, causing him to give up the trial and race back to Buckkeep.
3) When it is revealed that Burrich takes Galen to the truth stones (or whatever they were called) and beats the living crap out of him for what he has put Fitz through.