Is Fitz Happy?
Is Fitz Happy? is a reread podcast devoted to Robin Hobb's Realm of the Elderlings series. Hosts Luke Button and Emma Ferron work through the books one chapter at a time, sharing their reactions and analysis along the way. Because it's a reread rather than a first-time read, the discussion openly covers the entire saga and includes spoilers. Episodes blend chapter-by-chapter commentary with broader talk about characters, themes, and where the story is heading.
Episodes
Is Fitz Happy? - Trailer
Welcome to Is Fitz Happy?, a chapter by chapter reread of Robin Hobb's Realm of the Elderlings. We'll be diving into the plot, characters, theories and connections to the other books, and general spoilers. New readers beware! Join us on an in-depth look into one of our favorite series.
Ep. 001 - Ch. 1 Assassin's Apprentice - The Earliest History
We dive into Chapter 1, The Earliest History and discuss the introduction of our main character, FitzChivalry. Along with the introduction of some of the most influential characters to him, we talk about the defining early moments of Fitz's life.
Ep. 002 - Ch. 2 Assassin's Apprentice - Newboy
We're taking a look at Burrich's pain and actions in this week's episode along with Fitz's introduction to Buckkeep. Wit, bloodlines, and loss are brought into our young protagonist's life while he makes new friends and loses another in chapter 2 of Robin Hobb's Assassin's Apprentice.
Ep. 003 - Ch. 3 Assassin's Apprentice - Covenant
Finally, the introduction to the Fool and King Shrewd. Fitz unknowingly breaks his routine with Burrich and is put into prince training 101: How to be a soldier. New rooms, a new teacher, a new promise, and no new friends. Join us for Chapter 3 of Robin Hobb's Assassin's Apprentice!
"Don't do what you can't undo, until you've considered what you can't do once you've done it."
Ep. 004 - Ch. 4 Assassin's Apprentice - Apprenticeship
We're beginning to get a glimpse of who Fitz becomes and where his path starts in this week's episode of Is Fitz Happy. Fitz gets sucked into the world between the walls of Buckkeep's Master Assassin, Chade. Join us in discussing chapter 4 of Assassin's Apprentice by Robin Hobb!
Ep. 005 - Ch. 5 Assassin's Apprentice - Loyalties
Fitz trains, pulls pranks, learns how to make a weasel dance, and has an ultimate test put before him. Chade and Shrewd conspire to see where Fitz's loyalties truly lie and it pushes him close to the edge. Chapter 5 of Assassin's Apprentice brings us the harsh reality being a king's tool and how wonderful (and misguided) Burrich's parenting can be.
Ep. 006 - Ch. 6 Assassin's Apprentice - Chivalry's Shadow
Fitz has an up and down, emotional day. Good news, two reunions, and a huge, emotional blow. Chapter 6 of Assassin's Apprentice introduces more heartbreak and also more love into Fitz's life.
In regards to the elaborations and corrections from episode 5, answer's straight from the source herself.
The whole thread is very interesting and Robin Hobb has a few more responses besides the one I linke
Ep. 007 - Ch. 7 Assassin's Apprentice - An Assignment
Chapter 7 of Assassin's Apprentice starts on a sad note with the aftermath of last week's episode. We get to digest some of Fitz's feelings towards Chivalry and how that affects his father figures. Also, a "chance" meeting and discussion with the Fool, horse manners, and a real task is laid before Fitz.
Ep. 008 - Ch. 8 Assassin's Apprentice - Lady Thyme
A new game is afoot, and Fitz gets his wish to travel. Ch. 8 of Assassin's Apprentice brings us crotchety Lady Thyme and Fitz's first real mission. He gets a taste of the high table, fashion, and fine dining. Also, he has to face the fact that Verity isn't all that diplomatic. Join us in the conversation!
Ep. 009 - Ch. 9 Assassin's Apprentice - Fat Suffices
Fitz finally eats, saves a dog, and becomes a dream seer all in the space of an hour. Along with some discussion on the Fool's origin and about Chade's drug use, Fitz sets off on an unforgettable trek to Forge.
Ep. 010 - Ch. 10 Assassin's Apprentice - Revelations
Fitz's whirlwind journey continues where we left off, with both him and Chade on the way to Forge aboard a boat. Fitz doggedly follows Chade with the horses and blindly wanders into our first encounter with Raider-Forged people. Fitz has to grapple with a newly discovered sense and the beginning of consequences that will impact the Six Duchies for the years to come.
Ep. 011 - Ch. 11 Assassin's Apprentice - Forgings
The origin of the Pocked Man as well as Eda and El are discussed before we dive into the aftermath of Forge. Unrest is growing in the Six Duchies with the increase of raids. Fitz is clueless with Molly, Verity is clueless about ruling (with King Shrewd ignoring his duties), and again Fitz is clueless as to who this mysterious noblewoman in the kitchens is... All that and more, discussing Chapter 1
Ep. 012 - Ch. 12 Assassin's Apprentice - Patience
This episode we have a long discussion of Lady Patience, Burrich, Chade, the royal family, bastards, and Fitz's feelings. Chapter 12 has Fitz realize he has met his father's wife 3 times before knowing who she was and get a surprise (only to him) revelation about Chade. Galen comes into view with Skill training appearing on the horizon and we leave on a fitting, ominous note from Chade.
Ep. 013 - Ch. 13 Assassin's Apprentice - Smithy
More on Lady Patience's thoughts, potential feelings, and actions. Fitz starts to learn new things, gets introduced to a new friend, Smithy, and has a talk with the Fool. Angsty teen Fitz loosens the hold on his heart and lets sincerity shine through in this discussion of Assassin's Apprentice.
After the chapter discussion, Luke and Emma talk about their favorite POVs among other small topics.
Ep. 014 - Ch. 14 Assassin's Apprentice - Galen
Fitz settles into another rhythm, only to be disrupted once again.
Enter Galen.
After an emotional release and a somewhat happy beginning with Patience, Galen ruins everything like he always does. With a dire warning from Burrich, Fitz starts his lessons in the royal Farseer magic, the Skill, and they definitely don't go well. We discuss Galen's methods, his character, and debate about his voi
Ep. 015 - Ch. 15 Assassin's Apprentice - The Witness Stones
We discuss more of Galen being a garbage person (go figure) and Fitz's surprising aptitude for the Skill in this episode of Is Fitz Happy? The Farseer ability runs strongly in Fitz and his prior training has made him a great student with a determination to learn his magical inheritance. Galen attacks Fitz and leaves him at a very dark and low place, thinking he will never see his hated student ali
Ep. 016 - Ch. 16 Assassin's Apprentice - Lessons
Fitz is determined to prove his worth and learn the Skill despite Galen's interference. He also advocates for women's individuality but misses an opportunity with Molly. He gains new perspective on Galen, his relationship with Molly, and what he wants for the future.
Content Warning: This week includes discussion about mental health, depression, suicide, and implications of inappropriately aged,
Ep. 017 - Ch. 17 Assassin's Apprentice - The Trial
Fitz is depressed about the upcoming Skill test that he is convinced he can't pass. He says goodbye to Burrich and Smithy before heading out, only to be dropped off in an extremely dangerous area. We discuss the implications Fitz's dreams, his relationship with Burrich, and his over-reliance on the Wit. Skill, Wit, stealth, fighting, Raiders, Forged Ones, and one brave dog all appear in this actio
Ep. 018 - Ch. 18 Assassin's Apprentice - Assassinations
In this episode, we discuss Forged Ones, Fitz's moping, and his first assigned kills. We're introduced to Verity's tower and the sheer power Verity is wielding to try and save the Six Duchies. Fitz gives his strength inadvertently but also learns a lot about the last few months and his own memories. Realizations about Galen's full intentions are revealed and familial relationships are put on the b
Ep. 019 - Ch. 19 Assassin's Apprentice - Journey
Trying to reconcile what Galen had done to his mind, FitzChivalry remains lonely before the trip to the Mountain Kingdom. He has a few conversations before leaving with Chade, Patience, and The Fool where Fitz receives advice and two gifts. Traveling across the Six Duchies, the young assassin contemplates how to complete his task and why he was chosen to do so.
In this episode, we discuss Mountain
Ep. 020 - Ch. 20 Assassin's Apprentice - Jhaampe
FitzChivalry gets an introduction to the Mountain Kingdom from the gardens, statues, colorful buildings, and all the way to the tree-grown palace. Fitz is waited upon and gets his first glimpse of the royal family of King Eyod, Rurisk and Kettricken. Fitz tries to navigate and regain his footing when his secret is revealed. He stumbles his way back his tent to reflect on the next steps of his miss
Ep. 021 - Ch. 21 Assassin's Apprentice - Princes
After Fitz spent a miserable night recovering, Rurisk speaks frankly to him. Diplomacy wins out in FitzChivalry's mind and they spend the next day with the wedding festivities. Feasts, gifts, and an unexpected reunion brings joy and wonder to Fitz along with an understanding of another culture. However, Regal only wants to further his own goals and orders Fitz to complete the mission before the we
Ep. 022 - Ch. 22 Assassin's Apprentice - Dilemmas
The plots and schemes of being an assassin have caught up to FitzChivalry in the Mountain Kingdom. He doesn't seem to have all the information he needs, and yet he is still ordered to complete his mission with Prince Rurisk. Fitz is without his mentors and must puzzle this out for himself. This episode contains more of Regal and Galen being hate-able, tragedy for Fitz, a reluctant reunion with Bur
Ep. 023 - Ch. 23 Assassin's Apprentice - The Wedding
Embroiled in a plot to take the throne, FitzChivalry and Burrich desperately try to think of a plan to warn the Royal family before confronting Regal. Fitz is at the end of his strength, struggling to stay above water, and reaches out with all of his power to try and change the future for the better. This episode we discuss character motivations, the Skill (and our lack of knowledge about it), and
Ep. 024 - Ch. 24 Assassin’s Apprentice - The Aftermath
Following a tumultuous wedding, Fitz and Burrich spend a long time recovering in the Mountain Kingdom. Crimes are forgiven, amends are promised, and loyalties are questioned. We discuss FitzChivalry's shifting thoughts, how much Regal gets away with, and the meaning of an earring.
Ep. 025 - Assassin's Apprentice Epilogue and Discussion
We wrap up Assassin's Apprentice by talking about Robin Hobb's writing, characters, and plot. "Old" FitzChivalry makes a reappearance while accepting help from his adopted son, Hap, and a mysterious voice in his head, who we know as Nighteyes. We talk about Chade's habits, favorite parts of this book, and the Fool's interior designer. Royal Assassin is right around the corner!
Ep. 026 - Prologue Royal Assassin - Dreams and Awakenings
The start of a new book, Royal Assassin, and a recap of the last one, all in one chapter. We get a bit more detail on the decisions FitzChivalry had to make after his ordeal in the Mountain Kingdom. He opens up a bit to Burrich and reflects on what it means to start a new life for himself and whether or not he should.
Ep. 027 - Ch. 1 Royal Assassin - Siltbay
We dive into King Shrewd's mind, his relationship with the Fool, and the troubles of the Six Duchies. FitzChivalry once again Skills erratically to witness a night raid and the discussion that Shrewd and Fool have about it. He finds himself trapped in the sickly body of his grandfather. Does Fitz gain some perspective? Does he learn what it's like to not be able to heal?
Ep. 028 - Ch. 2 Royal Assassin - The Homecoming
FitzChivalry comes home to a new Buckkeep. Decorations, clean walls and stairs, warmth, and an occupied Verity mystify but comfort him. However, he also needs a reminder to regain his caution amongst the court, once more.
Ep. 029 - Ch. 3 Royal Assassin - Renewing Ties
FitzChivalry wakes up with a renewed hope to find Molly, but before he can really start his day, he finds himself in front of Verity. A day-long, exhausting conversation ensues whereupon he is corralled by Lacey to talk to Patience. He started off ambitious about his strength and ability, but Fitz is shaky and can barely make it up the steps to his room without the help of a familiar servant at th
Ep. 030 - Ch. 4 Part 1 Royal Assassin - Dilemmas
FitzChivalry is still slowly recovering from his poisoning in the Mountain Kingdom, wakes up still weak, and immediately passes out to sleep through the day. A brief reunion with the Fool is the highlight of Fitz’s day before he gets lectured about the proper courting behavior expected of royals. Patience and Lacey take over his room and his health while also steering Fitz straight about his relat
Ep. 031 - Ch. 4 Part 2 Royal Assassin - Dilemmas
Continuing his talk with Chade, FitzChivalry is handed the task of keeping Kettricken company. Chade knows that misery loves company and offers the fact that a Queen-in-Waiting can be a powerful ally. However, Fitz also hears the same bad news about Molly from the old assassin as he did from Lady Patience. Discouraged from those talks and angered by the realization that his life isn’t his own to c
Ep. 032 - Ch. 5 Royal Assassin - Gambit
Our beloved, if somewhat dense, main character is in a big depressed funk thinking about his inability to see Molly. He can’t keep his mind on any tasks and ends up creeping on Molly’s world, but maintains his word to Patience and Chade. After Burrich snaps him out of it with a night of drinking and conversation, Fitz becomes a better companion and advisor to Queen-in-Waiting Kettricken, regains s
Ep. 033 - Ch. 6 Royal Assassin - Forged Ones
With great relief, FitzChivalry makes his way back to Buckkeep from his task in the northern duchy of Bearns only to see Kettricken and Regal happily riding together through the countryside. He's drawn to Verity with that disturbing image in his mind and reports on his mission. Verity also sets out a new task to protect the countryside and dismisses Fitz, but not before they have a bit of a heart
Ep. 034 - Ch. 7 Royal Assassin - Encounters
This week's discussion of Royal Assassin is about a lot of conversations. Nighteyes, Patience, King Shrewd, the Fool, Kettricken, and Verity all demand and need time from FitzChivalry. Our favorite assassin is busy with Verity's task, convincing Nighteyes they aren't pack, and his longing (and dreaming) of Molly. His need for companionship wars with promises made to those he loves, and the ever-lo
Ep. 035 - Ch. 8 Royal Assassin - The Queen Awakes
Kettricken responds to the situation with the Forged Ones by giving something back to the people. She embodies a true leader and shows Buck what she is and what she can be. Tragedy and grieving begets optimism for the future, and in talking with Fitz, Chade revels in that feeling of joy. Finally, Fitz confronts his feelings for Molly and we have some brief but important relationship advice for the
Ep. 036 - Ch.9 Royal Assassin - Guards and Bonds
Concerned with his loved ones’ safety, FitzChivalry heads to Patience and Lacey’s room to try and safeguard them from potential attacks. They talk about protection and Fitz embarrasses himself, as usual, before he moves on to find Kettricken. What comes next is a wild goose chase around the keep to find his Queen-in-Waiting. An awkward conversation, a mule ride in a snow storm, a jealous look, and
Ep. 037 - Ch. 10 Royal Assassin - Fool's Errand
In this week of Robin Hobb's Realm of the Elderlings, Fitz is handed the responsibility for a new Queen's Guard and with the mounting frustration of so many relationships pulling him in different directions, it's only a matter of time before he snaps. Pining after Molly and stressing over cheering Kettricken up, he is beset upon by the Fool. We learn the future and get some foreshadowing in a ball
Ep. 038 - Ch. 11 Royal Assassin - Lone Wolves
This week we discuss two important scenes. The first is a moment we've been waiting for, FitzChivalry has a confrontation with Nighteyes that ultimately brings them closer together. They go through a harrowing attack and Fitz is once again injured. Meanwhile, Verity has been feeding his Skill addiction in his tower while also tracking enemy movements across the land. They talk about another task f
Ep. 039 - Ch. 12 Royal Assassin - Tasks
A Queen gets her garden and Fitz gets his love. Kettricken is elated at Verity's gift and can't wait to get started. FitzChivalry, on the other hand, spirals downward into loneliness until he can't take it anymore. A confrontation at Patience and Lacey's room leads to a night he won't forget. Happy Holidays everyone!
Ep. 040 - Ch. 13 Royal Assassin - Hunting
Ringing in the New Year, we discuss the eventful day after Fitz's eventful night with Molly. Our intrepid assassin is determined to hunt Forged Ones, convince Verity to let him quit his night job, and ask the King to be able to marry Molly. However, this plan is delayed by a terrible encounter in the woods. This week we talk more about the Skill, the Farseers desire to help their people, and the h
Ep. 041 - Ch. 14 Royal Assassin - Winterfest
Fitz has a list of tasks to accomplish this episode but he is interrupted in the night by Molly, in the morning by Burrich, and finally by the Fool. The last visitor uses all of his wiles to convince Fitz to help him out and let him read Verity's scrolls about the Elderlings and the missing Skill users. After Fitz leaves him, he completes his first axe lesson with Verity riding in his head. Fitz a
Ep. 042 - Ch. 15 Royal Assassin - Secrets
This episode is our first insight into the Fool's origins, even if they're a watered-down version of events. Fitz, of course, is confused and doesn't believe him even when spoken to plainly. He succumbs to his rash decisions from last chapter, and we also see the consequences of messing with drugs. Exhausted, Fitz finally clicks with Verity and gets the war put into a different perspective.
Ep. 043 - Ch. 16 Part 1 Royal Assassin - Verity's Ships
This is part one of our discussion of this chapter. By taking on a lot of new responsibilities, FitzChivalry has to deal with a very busy schedule. He tries to balance all of his tasks and obligations to his loved ones while learning more of the Skill, the ax, his bond with Nighteyes, and eventually how to row. At Verity's behest, Fitz joins the crew of one of the warships and gets even busier, bu
Ep. 044 - Ch. 16 Part 2 Royal Assassin - Verity’s Ships
We pick up with the crew of the Rurisk sailing to Antler Island. After a bloody victory, Fitz has to deal with the reality of war and his future on the seas. The summer is ultimately fruitless for the Six Duchies and their warships. They have a few more encounters with the Red Ship Raiders, and Fitz comes face to face with Kebel Rawbread and the White Ship. A summer apart also leads to some fricti
Ep. 045 - Ch. 17 Royal Assassin - Interludes
This week we talk about how the choices FitzChivalry makes has impact on the world and his refusal to acknowledge it. He writes a vulnerable letter to someone he doesn't love, surprises Molly with a picnic (and finally talks to her), internalizes anger at the King for his marriage situation, and mopes about the consequences of his own procrastination. After a few important conversations, Fitz is l
Ep. 046 - Ch. 18 Royal Assassin - Elderlings
Kettricken's interests have been directed towards the Elderlings by the Fool. She compares knowledge with Fitz and, with prompting from Verity, approach the King-in-Waiting with the plan to go beseach them for help. Verity learns the depth of Kettricken's feelings for him, Fitz learns more about sacrifices Molly makes for their relationship, and both Regal and the Fool end up very happy.
We're r
Ep. 047 - Ch. 19 Royal Assassin - Messages
Verity prepares for and undertakes a quest to beseech the Elderlings for aid giving Fitz a mental break from a renewed ardor between the King-in-Waiting and Queen-in-Waiting Kettricken. All the while, Regal seems to be gathering power. FitzChivalry passively observes a worsening situation at Buckkeep with an increase in rumors badmouthing Verity, parties wasting money, and a breakdown of the coast
Ep. 048 - Ch. 20 Royal Assassin - Mishaps
Suffering letdown after letdown, Fitz learns of the King slowly losing his faculties to drugs, that the kingdom is being slowly taken over by Regal, and that no one can do anything to fix it. We discuss Fitz's failing relationships, his lack of communication, and finally dig into his and Molly's fling. They look to the future and don't like what's in store.
We're reading Royal Assassin by Robin H
Ep. 049 - Ch. 21 Royal Assassin - Dark Days
Duke Brawndy arrives looking for answers that the King cannot provide. Queen-in-Waiting Kettricken seeks to assuage his anger and worry and tries her best to make Brawndy feel heard. She seems to gain an ally, but Brawndy still leaves angry at the crown. When Fitz visits King Shrewd, we learn how bad his disease and awareness really is. Through a haze of pain, and with a Skill connection, Shrewd c
Ep. 050 - Ch. 22 Royal Assassin - Burrich
After waking up from his injury and a confusing conversation with Molly, Fitz talks to Chade about the state of the Kingdom. After some time, Fitz gets an urgent call to go to the stables where Burrich has returned with severe injuries. Burrich passes along the trials of Verity's journey to the King and then collapses in Fitz's room. Fitz gathers Patience and Lacey to help look after Burrich when
Ep. 051 - Ch. 23 Royal Assassin - Threats
The injured Burrich and Fitz discuss the state of the stables, the Royal family, and Molly. Burrich decides to guard Kettricken at night to protect the baby and Fitz lets her know. We talk about Fitz's harrowing meeting with Justin and Serene and follow Fitz as he heads down to Buck town. After getting stopped at the gate, a distraught Molly speaks with Fitz.
Next week is our 1 year anniversary
Ep. 052 - Ch. 24 Royal Assassin - Neatbay
Fitz uneasily settles into a routine around Buckkeep, avoiding most everyone and falling deeper into paranoia. An unsettling wake-up call has Fitz running to the King’s chambers to warn him of an attack on Neatbay. Although Shrewd is in pain, he grasps the situation and, despite Regal’s insistence otherwise, deploys aid to the attacked Duchy. Kettricken, Burrich, and Fitz ride and pin the OutIslan
Ep. 053 - Ch. 25 Royal Assassin - Buckkeep
The return to Buckkeep isn’t the triumph that Fitz and company were expecting. They get the false news that Verity is dead, and Burrich and Fitz plan on using King Shrewd’s Skill to prove that wrong. A farce of a feast ensues with Regal not so subtly berating Kettricken while his sycophants pile accolades on his shoulders that belong to other people. The announcement of the abandonment of Buckkeep
Ep. 054 - Ch. 26 Royal Assassin - Skilling
Warning: Brief discussion of miscarriage in the latter half of the episode (mostly after 1:30:00).
Burrich and Fitz head up to King Shrewd’s room to contact Verity. The Fool tries to persuade them against it in the face of Kettricken’s growing hope. Even with Verity being contacted, there is no proof to show the kingdom and only a weakened King. Fitz experiences the bleak aftermath of some drugs
Ep. 055 - Ch. 27 Royal Assassin - Conspiracy
Warning: Discussion of miscarriage in the middle of the episode (around 40 min).
A final confrontation leads to the full separation of Molly and Fitz. A few toasts later with Burrich and the Fool lead them to separate for now and to trust to Fitz for a plan. Fitz takes solace with Nighteyes and talks strategy with Chade. They end the night with a tentative plan and short time to do it.
We're rea
Ep. 056 - Ch. 28 Royal Assassin - Treasons and Traitors
Fitz is restless, trying to plan out the King's and Queen's escape. He talks to Burrich and reveals his secrets as well as wanders to Verity's map room. He connects with his King-in-Waiting via the Skill but Verity has no answers and finds Justin trying to listen in. Meanwhile, the castle has more bad omens appearing and Duke Brawndy makes a proposition to Fitz.
We're reading Royal Assassin by Ro
Ep. 057 - Ch. 29 Royal Assassin - Escapes and Captures
The plan comes to head. Regal is crowned, Kettricken and Shrewd head back to their rooms, and Fitz is approached a bit too much by the Coastal Duchies minor nobility. Fitz tries to prep the King to leave, but he wishes to say goodbye to Verity via the Skill. During that excursion, Fitz discovers treachery and hunts down some of the coterie and is subsequently detained.
We're reading Royal Assassi
Ep. 058 - Ch. 30 Royal Assassin - Dungeons
FitzChivalry wakes up in the dungeons, disoriented and weak. He learns the state of Buckkeep through Patience, a brief synopsis of what happened from Nighteye's perspective, and a visit from the Dukes. Regal brings the Dukes to prove Fitz is still alive and they offer a proposal. Fitz doesn't die if Regal can't prove his guilt. Meanwhile, Regal gets all the time he wants to get a confession from F
Ep. 059 - Ch. 31 Royal Assassin - Torture
CW: There is general discussion of violence both physical and mental, as well as suicidal thoughts.
Rejoining Fitz in the dungeons, we discuss his situation and he laments the potential options he has for the future. Then, Will and Fitz take him to a room to get a confession. Assaulted on mulitple fronts, Fitz realizes he will have to die in the cells. Burrich comes to talk and maybe pass along a
Ep. 060 - Ch. 32 Royal Assassin - Execution
The darkest days for Fitz continue. After a shared dream with Nighteyes and despite his urging, Fitz wakes up in the cells with guards coming. Through his pain, Fitz taunts Regal closer and makes a final bid against the pretender King and is beaten for his effort. Fitz fades in and out of consciousness and wakes once again to Nighteye's insistence to join him. Fitz lets go.
We're reading Royal A
Ep. 061 - Ch. 33 Royal Assassin - Wolf Days
The final chapter of Royal Assassin gives us the Wolf, Nighteyes and FitzChivalry. Burrich and Chade's plan has worked so far. Fitz is 'alive' and is soon called back by Heart of the Pack to his body.
We're reading Royal Assassin by Robin Hobb, book 2 of the Farseer Trilogy in the Realm of the Elderlings.
Ep. 062 - Royal Assassin Epilogue and Discussion
This is our final discussion and book 2 wrap up for Royal Assassin. We talk about Hobb's masterful characters, our favorite theories, and scenes. Looking forward to reading more adventures of Fitz, the Fool, and Nighteyes in Assassin's Quest!
We're reading Royal Assassin by Robin Hobb, book 2 of the Farseer Trilogy in the Realm of the Elderlings.
Ep. 063 - Prologue Assassin's Quest - The Unremembered
We're coming back at you with the intro to Assassin's Quest. Robin Hobb starts us off with an introspective Fitz who is lamenting the fact that he has grown old before his time and lost a multitude of years of his life. FitzChivalry is in pain from his traumatic past and can never go back to his previous life, friends, or other loved ones. We start the last book in a dark, low place with only up t
Ep. 064 - Ch. 1 Assassin's Quest - Gravebirth
FitzChivalry is gradually reintegrating back into life as a human. Wolfish tendencies still peak through and it's a slow process to regain his memories. Fitz's mind has locked away it's trauma and Burrich is hard at work to rehabilitate him.
We're reading Assassin's Quest by Robin Hobb, book 3 of the Farseer Trilogy in The Realm of the Elderlings
Ep. 065 - Ch. 2 Assassin’s Quest - The Parting
Fitz breaks out of his wolfish behavior but is a long shot from better. A discussion with Chade sends him running for the safety of Nighteyes. Eventually, when he makes his way back to the cabin, he confronts Burrich and Chade, saying things he regrets later. A walking self-fulfilling prophecy, FitzChivalry pushes away his family and those he loves while bemoaning that nobody could ever love him.
Ep. 066 - Ch. 3 Assassin's Quest - The Quest
Burrich leaves in the morning. Both he and Fitz refrain from saying anything and Fitz is left on his own. He makes excuses not to leave to pursue his goal of killing Regal and eventually regresses back to being a wolf. Startled out of it, Fitz makes a final determination to reenter the world as a human.
We're reading Assassin's Quest by Robin Hobb, book 3 of the Farseer Trilogy in The Realm of th
Ep. 067 - Ch. 4 Assassin's Quest - The River Road
Fitz's demons appear in this episode as he navigates towards the self-appointed destiny of Regal's demise. FitzChivalry is dead and just Fitz wakes up hungover to gather his possessions to walk to Tradeford. He's attacked on his way out and is lost for a while in his own memories. We discuss PTSD, trauma, and Fitz's (lack of) coping mechanisms. Along the way, Fitz learns about the poor state of th
Ep. 068 - Ch. 5 Assassin's Quest - Confrontations
FitzChivalry tries to reenter the human world but is woefully unprepared. His social skills, his lying, and his general attitude is rusty while trying to fit in and escort a group of minstrels. Fitz has to fit into civilian life while grappling with his fear and dark memories. Along the journey Fitz is harassed by his own companions, Skills out, attacked from multiple fronts, and meets enemies fro
Ep. 069 - Ch. 6 Assassin's Quest - The Wit and the Skill
Nighteyes and FitzChivalry journey alone for about 15 minutes until Fitz meets Black Rolf. Another of the Old Blood asked for aid and the wolves end up at a house with Rolf and Holly. This chapter contains reflections on the Wit and on the Skill, more discussions of Forged ones and what attracts them, and further conviction to chase after Regal alone.
We're reading Assassin's Quest by Robin Hobb,
Ep. 070 - Ch. 7 Assassin's Quest - Farrow
Our protagonist and his sidekick, Fitz, deepen their friendship and bond during their journey. Along the way, they encounter a wild pack of wolves which prompts Nighteyes to run off at the chance to see what he was missing. A return to the melancholic dramatics, FitzChivalry faces a journey alone, upriver. He has determined to kill Regal with or without Nighteyes’ help. This episode we talk about
Ep. 071 - Ch. 8 Assassin's Quest - Tradeford
Coping with his loneliness without Nighteyes, Fitz Skills to the downfall of Duke Bearns. He determinedly walks through Tradeford and contemplates how Regal grew up. Learning more about Regal's depravity, Fitz steels his mind and starts planning.
We're reading Assassin's Quest by Robin Hobb, book 3 of the Farseer Trilogy in The Realm of the Elderlings
Ep. 072 - Ch. 9 Assassin's Quest - Assassin
Content warning for talk of suicide and suicidal thoughts.
The culmination of Fitz's planned revenge comes to fruition with his infiltration of Tradeford Hall. He stalks around the inside contemplating his fear and is confronted by living memories from his past. FitzChivalry starts to get some revenge but realizes he feels no relief. He is assaulted on all sides by Regal's Coterie and barely mana
Ep. 073 - Ch. 10 Assassin‘s Quest - Hiring Fair
Fitz flees further north to find new supplies and a way to the mountains. With Verity always in the back of his mind urging him forward, and without Nighteyes, Fitz must lay low as someone looking for work. He learns the true value of Burrich’s earring and the value of having support around you.
We're reading Assassin's Quest by Robin Hobb, book 3 of the Farseer Trilogy in The Realm of the Elderl
Ep. 074 - Ch. 11 Assassin‘s Quest - Shepherd
While Fitz watches the sheep flock, the rest of the caravan members gather. We meet Starling the minstrel for the first time as they travel towards Blue Lake and the Mountain Kingdom. We also feel the echoes of FitzChivalry's intense loneliness and feel the surge of hope for the future when he learns of Molly giving birth to their daughter.
We're reading Assassin's Quest by Robin Hobb, book 3 of
Ep. 075 - Ch. 12 Assassin‘s Quest - Suspicions
King Regal's guards are constantly on the hunt for the Pocked Man and for Fitz. Starling warns Fitz that they're looking for him but also sings about his exploits to the caravan members, which prompts Tassin to suspect who he is. When they meet some of the King's guards along the way, it only takes a midnight conversation for Tassin to tell the guards her suspicions. Fitz is captured by them, but
Ep. 076 - Ch. 13 Assassin‘s Quest - Blue Lake
FitzChivalry finds his way into Blue Lake to discover that the way across is virtually impossible with the funds he has and the winter storms approaching. He learns that Burrich truly believes that Fitz is dead now and the coterie is hot on his trail. Two unlooked for allies find him to offer advice, warnings, and a way forward. Loneliness abounds in this chapter as we discuss Fitz's prospects on
Ep. 077 - Ch. 14 Assassin‘s Quest - Smugglers
FitzChivalry takes time in Blue Lake to wash up and come to a decision about his travel options to the Mountain Kingdom and Verity. He decides to trust Starling, so they both head towards the smugglers and talk their way in. Fitz grows more comfortable with Starling and yet his eternal loneliness brings another Skill dream of Burrich, Molly, and Nettle.
We're reading Assassin's Quest by Robin Hob
Ep. 078 - Ch. 15 Assassin‘s Quest - Kettle
Woken up by Nik, the smuggler, Fitz and Starling prepare for a trek into a winter storm. We get to meet Kettle for the first time as FitzChivalry drives her cart. Stopping to rest at a hideout, Fitz is reunited with his "dog", Nighteyes. Once again, the two are together and looking towards the future in the mountains. However, Fitz does happen to listen in on a Skill conversation between Regal and
Ep. 079 - Ch. 16 Assassin‘s Quest - Bolthole
Nighteyes and FitzChivalry have both grown up, and yet, Fitz is still unrealistic about his relationship with Molly. He has a frank talk with Starling, gets to know Kettle slightly more, and also passes off Nighteyes as his dog not so convincingly. They continue heading to the the river crossing in the blistering cold while Fitz is forced to confront his relationships.
We're reading Assassin's Qu
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