Robin Hobb is simply great at what she does. In Assassin's Apprentice, she takes a classic coming of age tale (nothing new in the fantasy genre) and turns it into a story that's a step above. Her mastery of characterization shines in the subtleties of a first person narrative, tied to a young boy who doesn't quite know what he thinks yet. We get to watch Fitz grow and parse out his place in the world, while exploring themes of family and loyalty which Hobb weaves in with a delicate touch. 

I'd recommend this book as a great entry point into Hobb's Realm of the Elderings for anyone interested in character-focused fantasy.