This is more good stuff from Robin Hobb.  We continue the story of Fitz, the royal bastard training in the art of assassination.  His position in this book goes from bad to worse, and then to even worse (no, he hasn't seen worst yet)!
In this volume we have a delightful new character, Queen Kettricken, as well as the always interesting Lady Patience.  Queen Kettricken brings with her from her mountain kingdom the idea of Queen as Servant, which she attempts to live out in her new home.  The people here don't understand her, which causes life to be difficult for her.  Her dearest friend in her trials is Fitz.
Fitz has other problems to worry about, too.  The Forged Ones are spreading across the land, and Prince Verity's war with the Outislanders is growing more desperate.  People are losing confidence in him, and begin to speak favorably about Prince Regal, who wants Fitz dead.
The Royal Assassin, whose place was meant to be a shadowy one, serving the king in secret, has been exposed, and new dangers threaten him.  Fitz will have to make difficult decisions about what is right and what is best, and he learns that those two things aren't always the same.
Fitz's character continues to grow and mature over the course of this book, yet he is still very capable of making impulsive decisions and acting rashly.  The harrowing ending of this book will keep you on the edge of your seat and reading late into the night!
This is more good stuff from Robin Hobb. We continue the story of Fitz, the royal bastard training in the art of assassination. His position in this book goes from bad to worse, and then to even worse (no, he hasn't seen worst yet)! In this volume we have a delightful new character, Queen Kettricken, as well as the always interesting Lady Patience. Queen Kettricken brings with her from her mountain kingdom the idea of Queen as Servant, which she attempts to live out in her new home. The people here don't understand her, which causes life to be difficult for her. Her dearest friend in her trials is Fitz. Fitz has other problems to worry about, too. The Forged Ones are spreading across the land, and Prince Verity's war with the Outislanders is growing more desperate. People are losing confidence in him, and begin to speak favorably about Prince Regal, who wants Fitz dead. The Royal Assassin, whose place was meant to be a shadowy one, serving the king in secret, has been exposed, and new dangers threaten him. Fitz will have to make difficult decisions about what is right and what is best, and he learns that those two things aren't always the same. Fitz's character continues to grow and mature over the course of this book, yet he is still very capable of making impulsive decisions and acting rashly. The harrowing ending of this book will keep you on the edge of your seat and reading late into the night!