Fool's Assassin

This is one of those books you didn't know you needed until you actually start reading it. Kind of like that old friend you don't realize how much you really missed and liked until you have a reunion. Fool's Fate showcases Hobb's master of the character-driven fantasy. This is one of her better books. Of course, there is no point to start reading Fool's Assassin until you've taken down her two previous trilogies about the characters, but if you have, Fool's Assassin is a welcome return to her world. I still love her original The Farseer trilogy as her best with the strong coming of age themes present and wonderful new world that Hobb deliciously explores the boundaries of during those first three books. Fool's Fate is a different sort of book, the character is now a middle-aged man, wealthy, successful and retired. His unexpected return to his former role brings a new perspective with it this time -- one of patience and wisdom, not the untamed passions of youth.Don't expect a book of action though. This is a very slow paced novel with Hobb slowly revealing the edges of the plot and delightfully lingering about the day-to-day events. It's clear she's writing this one for the fans. And to that, she succeeds. If you loved her previous works and how she tells her stories, then you'll enjoy this one immensely. If you didn't, then you won't. Simple enough.