"Tremendous fantasy"

Fifteen years ago, FitzChivalry Farseer used all his unwanted powers including telepathy and the dirty magic of Wit that allowed mental ties with beasts to save the Six Duchies (see the fantastic Farseer Assassins trilogy). A reluctant hero, FitzChivalry handled his abilities and his success by fleeing into the countryside in a self-imposed exiled retirement even though he was only twenty at the time. Most of his friends and associates thought FitzChivalry died during THE ASSASSIN'S QUEST.

However, top assassin Chade Fallstar visits FitzChivalry to enlist his help in finding the missing Prince Dutiful, heir to the Farseer throne. Dutiful is to shortly marry and if he fails to appear at the ceremony, the damage between the Six Duchies could lead to war. Chade believes only his former student FitzChivalry has any chance of finding the vanished royal. Though disinclined to do so, FitzChivalry begins a new quest.

If you are a fan of fantasy and have not read Robin Hobb, you are missing one of the greats, as the Farseer Assassins trilogy that is as good as the genre provides. Ms. Hobb's latest tremendous tale brilliantly combines an epic adventure with day to day living so that the audience believes that the hero is performing magical and daring deeds. FitzChivalry remains a wonderful character who has matured from the youthful optimist into a middle age recluse. Several other players return, but the audience does not need to go back to the previous series as this novel is a stand alone book. As the returning Fool would believe that only a fool would miss FOOL'S ERRAND and any subsequent adventures.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted December 1, 2001