Fitz, also known as Boy, is Prince Chivalry's bastard son. Ignored and ostracized by most, King Shrewd takes notice of the boy and vows to turn him into the perfect King's man. However, Fitz soon learns that his lessons are more than just the typical education of a noblemen, as he is awoken at night to learn the art of poisoning and assassination. 

Assassin's Apprentice is a fantasy novel that is strongly evocative of A Game Of Thrones, which is important to note that it was actually released one year before George R. R. Martin's unfinished masterpiece. A fantasy novel that is light on magic, mysticism, and swordplay, Assassin's Apprentice is a tale full of political ploy. Fans of rich and full world-building epic fantasy should beware, as this story is a character driven narrative, often times reading as a memoir.

At no point does Assassin's Apprentice read as a flowery, overly-descriptive piece of prose, but instead stays true to a coming-of-age story of a young boy. Fitz is a reliable narrator, and it is fun to see his growth as a character over the course of his childhood. It is important to dispel your pre-conceived notion of what an assassin is before starting this book; this is not Assassin's Creed, nor is Fitz a mighty warrior. 

I did not like the naming convention in this book; it is hard to take characters such as King Shrewd, Queen Desire, Prince Chivalry, and Prince Regal serious. And while the story feels safe at times, the strong Third Act serves as a promise of what is to come as the trilogy continues on.