my thoughts on the farseer trilogy by robin hobb

In the past month, I finished the final book of the Farseer Trilogy by Robin Hobb.

In this royal court, there is a tradition in which the nobility have names which reflect virtues they wish to hold. This includes Prince Chivalry who, as the eldest son of King Shrewd, is King-in-Waiting for the Farseer royal line. However, unrest ensues when he is found to have an illegitimate child (not very chivalrous, indeed).

The three books follow his son, FitzChivalry, and his troubles navigating the increasingly confusing political court within the Six Duchies Kingdom on the background of an impending war and Prince Chivalry's sudden death following his abdication of the throne. Using the word 'troubles', though, is perhaps massively underplaying (almost disrespectfully) how much his childhood is stripped away from him, the consequences of which bleed into his adolescence and adulthood, and the irreparable damage it deals on his sense of self and his relationships with those he holds dearest.

Much of this is due to the fact that Fitz grows up as an outcast by day, and secret assassin by night. He must keep his assignments a secret to everybody save the King and his mentor, Chade: another royal assassin who kills for the crown. He finds comfort and companionship through his magical ability to bond and communicate telepathically with animals, a skill known as the Wit. Slight problem: its use is abhorred and punishable by death.

On the contrary, the use of the Skill (another telepathy-based magic) is revered; those within the Farseer family have a natural talent for it. It grants the user the power to influence a person's thoughts, actions, and feelings, but with increased use comes increased risk to succumbing to its addictive nature.

The magic systems in this world are realistic enough, although I am under the impression the succeeding books within this universe will give more context as to the origin of them.

For me, I'd say the most prominent themes I resonated with in this series were identity vs. purpose, the price of loyalty, and the pitfalls of pursuing power (Macbeth who?). There were many quotes that I flagged that I would like to reflect on more, so I might compile them into another post based on what theme I think they align with best.

While I always enjoy the typical adventure/political/magical aspects that are present in most fantasy books, I found myself very drawn to the interrelationships of the characters as well as the actual main plot of the book (although one could argue that some relationships do technically highly influence the plot as well). There is something I find comforting reading about the mundane activities of Fitz's life within the keep, whether it be his interactions getting new clothes fitted with Mistress Hasty, or talking with the Cook in the kitchen. These brief interludes in the story, to me, further emphasise Fitz's own desires to live a 'normal' life, but this has (and never will be) an option for him.

From being brought to the keep at 6 years old, he has been told what to do, where to go, and ultimately who he has to be. As you progress through the books, he increasingly becomes resistant to this lack of choice, and the themes of loyalty, personal sacrifice, and duty become larger plot points as he ages. I think the fact that his real name is never revealed (the one given to him before he is brought to be part of the royal family) is another allusion to how he has no real identity other than the one crafted/enforced upon him by the King. This is further emphasised by the name they give him: 'fitz' was commonly used to mean 'son of' (e.g. FitzRoy = son of Roy).

His own name is proof that his existence isn't his own.

On a less depressing note, my favourite character by far is the Fool. I want to write a whole separate analysis on his character and the role he plays as a catalyst (ifykyk) for the progression of the plot.

This is my introduction to Hobb's writing and I am impressed with how well she establishes characters and their relationships with one another. Every description, interaction, and piece of dialogue is significant and consistently well done in all three books, and upon a quick reread of the first book, the development and writing of the plot is coherent and circular. Overall, I think this is a very strong introduction - I am unbelievably excited to start reading the next series once I get my hands on it!