The Assassin's Apprentice by Robin Hobb
Read this classic for the first time recently. Warning: Review contains (very) mild spoilers!
Rating: ★★★★★
This book was truly such a treat to read. It had everything I want from a fantasy novel: a full cast of well developed characters, unique and interesting magic system, and solid character driven plot. The worldbuilding was the perfect balance of well-thought-out and simplistic; it felt real and tangible, and yet at no point was I bogged down by an overly complicated hard magic system.
The story was strong from the beginning, but the end sequence was what really blew me away. The way Hobbs weaved together so many different plot lines and character arcs was seriously masterful. And yet she left just enough unresolved that I can't wait to read the sequel.
My personal favorite aspect of the book was the relationship between Burrich and Fitz. It was both so sweet and so heartbreaking; my friends kept asking me why I was crying while reading and I couldn't even begin to explain the complexity of it (I'm an easy crier, but still). The line in the epilogue about Burrich and Hands actually broke me.
Overall, I give this book a five stars because it was everything I wanted from a fantasy novel, and more: so, so many dogs! This book is so good, in fact, that it definitely deserves a better title and cover. Though, I'm not sure I'd be willing to sacrifice that amazing 90s of it all...
Recommendations:
Homeland by R.A. Salvatore: This is this first installation in the Legend of Drizzt (which is 39 books now, wow! I need to catch up...), and it follows Drizzt through his adolescent years. Drizzt, a youth growing up in a rigid society with strict rules and predefined rolls, struggles against his family's brutal expectations and is embroiled in political intrigue as well as frequent fighting. Also, in every way that Assassin's Apprentice is delightfully 90s, Homeland takes it to the next level. Definitely campier than Assassin's Apprentice, but still very fun and at times heartfelt (I cried at this one too, but that might be personal bias).
Leviathan by Scott Westerfield: While this novel doesn't take place in a typical high fantasy setting, the steampunk reimagining of World War One feels just as whimsical and exciting as any castle full of magic could. I recommend this to enjoyers of the Assassin's Apprentice as it is also a coming-of-age story, and follows two protagonists, one of whom shares Fitz struggle of being burdened with royal blood without the benefits, and the other who works in a (stable-adjacent?) environment taking care of animals. While this novel is technically YA, the tropes of the genre don't overpower it and the characters and setting still shine.