u003cbu003eIn hardcover for the first time ever! A gorgeously illustrated anniversary edition of the book that launched the epic Farseer Trilogy, praised by George R. R. Martin as "fantasy as it ought to be written" and Lin-Manuel Miranda as "an incredible series," featuring a new foreword by Robin Hobb and ten full-color illustrations.u003c/bu003eu003cbru003e u003cbru003e Twenty-five years ago, Robin Hobb's first novel featuring FitzChivalry Farseer and his mysterious, often maddening friend the Fool struck like a bolt of brilliant lightning. Thus began a beloved saga spanning multiple series, full of adventure, magic, and sinister plots. To celebrate a quarter-century of wonder, this special edition of u003ciu003eAssassin's Apprenticeu003c/iu003e presents a modern classic as it's never been seen before: in hardcover, with ten beautiful full-color illustrations by Magali Villeneuve.u003cbru003e u003cbru003e Young Fitz is the bastard son of the noble Prince Chivalry, raised in the shadow of the royal court by his father's gruff stableman. He is treated as an outcast by all the royalty except the devious King Shrewd, who has him secretly tutored in the arts of the assassin. For in Fitz's blood runs the magic Skill--and the darker knowledge of a child raised with the stable hounds and rejected by his family.u003cbru003e u003cbru003e As barbarous raiders ravage the coasts, Fitz is growing to manhood. Soon he will face his first dangerous, soul-shattering mission. And though some regard him as a threat to the throne, he may just be the key to the survival of the kingdom.u003cbru003e u003cbru003e u003cbu003ePraise for Robin Hobb and u003ciu003eAssassin's Apprenticeu003c/iu003eu003c/bu003eu003cbru003e u003cbru003e "Fantasy as it ought to be written . . . Robin Hobb's books are diamonds in a sea of zircons."u003cbu003e--George R. R. Martin u003c/bu003eu003cbru003e u003cbru003e "A gleaming debut in the crowded field of epic fantasies . . . a delightful take on the powers and politics behind the throne."u003cbu003e--u003ciu003ePublishers Weeklyu003c/iu003eu003c/bu003eu003cbru003e u003cbru003e "This is the kind of book you fall into, and start reading slower as you get to the end, because you don't want it to be over."u003cbu003e--Steven Brustu003c/bu003e