Premise

A gritty political fantasy with unforgettable characters - but a slow start - Assassin’s Apprentice follows Fitz, a young boy training to become a royal assassin in the Six Duchies. 

FitzChivalry, the illegitimate son of a prince, is raised in the royal court and trained in the art of assassination while navigating court politics, loyalty, and identity.

The highlights of what really work and come together in this novel are:
  • Deep, immersive worldbuilding 
  • Simple but compelling magic system (the Skill & the Wit) 
  • Exceptionally authentic characters

The Standout: Fitz as a Protagonist
Fitz might be one of the most believable teenage protagonists I’ve read. He’s intelligent, but still makes dumb decisions. He learns quickly in some areas and fails hard in others. He connects dots in clever ways - while completely missing obvious cues. It makes him feel real in a way most coming-of-age characters don’t.

A Small Criticism
  • Very slow pacing, especially early on.
That said, it never feels boring. The character work and underlying mysteries keep the pages turning.

Final Thoughts
The slow build ultimately pays off with a strong, cohesive ending that hits harder because of the buildup.

If you enjoyed A Song of Ice and Fire, this is an easy recommendation - though it’s more focused, single-POV, and arguably more character-driven.