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Cover of Royal Assassin

Fantasy · Mystery · Thriller

Royal Assassin

by Robin Hobb

4.3 out of 5, from 1,425 ratings from Hardcover readers

Second Farseer book. Fitz, a royal bastard trained as a secret assassin, is drawn deeper into a court of rival schemers while raiders strike the coast and the kingdom's rulers grow weaker.

Facts last checked 2026-10-16

First published
1992
Pace
Slow
Length
Long
Pages
675
Format
Book 2 of 3 in The Farseer Trilogy
Borrow free with Libby Compare prices Save to my shelf

Read this if you like slow, emotional fantasy told from inside one troubled, loyal narrator.

Skip this if you want fast pacing or a happy outcome, as this book is long and often painful.

The feel

Content warnings

  • Violence
  • Death
  • Torture
  • Grief

Also reported by Hardcover readers:

  • Physical abuse
  • Terminal illness
  • Drug use
  • Emotional abuse
  • Panic attacks/disorders
  • Toxic relationship
  • Injury/Injury detail
  • Pregnancy

Quick answers about Royal Assassin

What is Royal Assassin about?
Second Farseer book. Fitz, a royal bastard trained as a secret assassin, is drawn deeper into a court of rival schemers while raiders strike the coast and the kingdom's rulers grow weaker.
Who should read Royal Assassin?
Read it if you like slow, emotional fantasy told from inside one troubled, loyal narrator. Skip it if you want fast pacing or a happy outcome, as this book is long and often painful.
How long and how fast is Royal Assassin?
It is a slow-paced, long read of about 675 pages, first published in 1992.
Does Royal Assassin have content warnings?
Content we flag: Violence, Death, Torture, Grief.
Can I borrow Royal Assassin for free?
Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends Royal Assassin; the borrow button above searches it for you.
What should I read after Royal Assassin?
Readers who liked it often move on to Assassin's Apprentice, A Game of Thrones, Tigana.

Where to get it

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