The Golden Fool

The Golden Fool

by
Robin Hobb

Synopsis of The Golden Fool

Golden Fool

Prince Dutiful has been rescued from his Piebald kidnappers and the court has resumed its normal rhythms. But for FitzChivalry Farseer, a return to isolation is impossible. Though gutted by the loss of his wolf bondmate, Nighteyes, Fitz must take up residence at Buckkeep and resume his tasks as Chade's apprentice assassin. Posing as Tom Badgerlock, bodyguard to Lord Golden, FitzChivalry becomes the eyes and ears behind the walls. And with his old mentor failing visibly, Fitz is forced to take on more burdens as he attempts to guide a kingdom straying closer to civil strife each day.

The problems are legion. Prince Dutiful's betrothal to the Narcheska Elliania of the Out Islands is fraught with tension, and the Narcheska herself appears to be hiding an array of secrets. Then, amid Piebald threats and the increasing persecution of the Witted, FitzChivalry must ensure that no one betrays the Prince's secret-a secret that could topple the Farseer throne: that he, like Fitz, possesses the dread ...beast magic....

Meanwhile, FitzChivalry must impart to the Prince his limited knowledge of the Skill: the hereditary and addictive magic of the Farseers. In the process, they discover within Buckkeep one who has a wild and powerful talent for it, and whose enmity for Fitz may have disastrous consequences for all.

Only Fitz's enduring friendship with the Fool brings him any solace. But even that is shattered when unexpected visitors from Bingtown reveal devastating secrets from the Fool's past. Now, bereft of support and adrift in intrigue, Fitz's biggest challenge may be simply to survive the inescapable and violent path that fate has laid out for him.

Reviews of The Golden Fool

50%

I kept waiting for something exciting to happen, but it never came. -- Alleandra, Fantasy Freaks Forum

Not Hobb's best, but still very good indeed. -- Simeon Shoul, Infinity Plus

Golden Fool, like its lead character, is further evidence of an Author maturing in her skills, as well as perhaps becoming increasingly comfortable and sure of her audience. -- William Thompson, SF Site

The hero of GOLDEN FOOL is one of the most likable protagonists to grace a fantasy novel. -- Harriet Klausner, AllScifi.com

The story in this Book remains small-scale for the most part, more a court intrigue than an epic saga, and yet it enthralls throughout its length and as it opens out toward the end of the volume, the epic adventure is clearly about to begin. -- Mike McKeown, The Alien Online