For previous posts and future FFF topics check out my Friday Favorite Five page here.
Favorite Five Books Featuring Assassins
And we’re back with Friday Favorite Fives, huzzah! With another topic that I’m not sure why I picked! Hahaha…. O.o
One of the reoccurring character types in fantasy novels is the assassin. Not sure what it is about this type that keeps it going strong, but there must be a strong appeal or it would have died out (no pun intended….or was it?)
- Assassin’s Apprentice by Robin Hobb
Farseer is a trilogy that I came to appreciate over time. I didn’t love the first book (except for that ending, oh man!) but the last book in the trilogy finally convinced me. I get why everyone loves Hobb now!
- Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
Hahaha, this is another series where I didn’t love the first book, but the series grew on me. I still haven’t read the last book yet, I don’t want it to end!
- Nevernight by Jay Kristoff
This should be my first pick! Gods I loved this book so freaking much. I can’t wait for the third book to come out!
- Across the Nightingale Floor by Lian Hearn
This one might be borderline, I can’t remember if Takeo actually becomes an assassin as it’s been a while since I read it. I still need to finish the fourth book in this series too!
- Graceling by Kristin Cashore
This is another that may be borderline. Katsa is definitely a killer in service to the king, but I can’t remember if she’s an assassin per se. But either way, I really enjoyed this book!
Thoughts on these? What books would make your list? Leave a note in the comments, I’d love to hear from you!
Way Too Fantasy 
The Nevernight series is the first thing I think of when I think about assassin stories for sure. That third book seems so far away!
Right? I’m so excited for it, especially given the end of book 2.
I just read Age of Assassins. Very good!
Haven’t read that one, but definitely sounds assassin-y! Glad you enjoyed!
I will admit, I’ve read Assassin’s Apprentice and was slightly underwhelmed, though I know there is a TON of love for Hobb in the fantasy world. But this is encouraging me to stick with it!
It really did take me til book three before I fell in love. 🙂
That’s some patience!
Well I read them over like….5 years 🤣🤣
Love Nevernight, can’t wait for that third book either! I’ve also yet to read the last Throne of Glass book yet, but my copy keeps staring threateningly at me so I think it’ll be soon! It’s so weird that it’s finally over. I really need to check out Assassin’s Apprentice again–I’ve put it down midway twice, but I’m still really intrigued by it. Great choices!
Thanks! Yeah, it’s definitely weird feeling that the Throne of Glass series is over!
I loved Nevernight ❤ ❤ Also It has been so long since I read it but I didn't remember Graceling being about assassins haha but I think it counts!
Nevernight is my jam!
Yeah, to be honest I was a bit fuzzy on Graceling too haha. 🙂
Also I loved this prompt! So I decided to participate 😀
https://perfectlytolerable.com/2018/12/07/friday-favorite-five-books-featuring-assassins/
Yay!
Assassins are one of those fantasy tropes I keep coming back to, just can’t get enough! BTW I can’t recall, have you ever read Age of Assassins by RJ Barker?
I haven’t!
It’s so good! I highly recommend it if you like assassin stories! 🙂
Ok, I will add it to my list! 🙂
I enjoyed the Robin Hobb series but man is she tough on Fitz! Haha she doesn’t pull any punches!
Yes! She really likes to torture him for some reason. Poor guy.
Really great list!! Glad you ended up enjoying Hobb! I definitely had the same experience with TOG- the first one didn’t wow me, but I ended up obsessed! Really want to read nevernight and across the nightingale floor. I really like graceling as well 😀
Nevernight is really great! Hope you get a chance to read it.
Regarding Assassin’s Apprentice, I agree that the first book wasn’t very strong. It starts out very slow, which almost turned me off, but became more interesting to me as it progressed.
Yes, exactly. The series was hard for me to get into but the third book really made me love Hobb’s writing. I want to start Liveship next year.
Well the first book of the Liveship trilogy might be trying (it sure tried me and i almost gave up), but it’s worth reading. The story is good and the characters and world are rich and interesting.
Thanks! I think I’ve learned from my first experience with Hobb that it pays off in the long run so I won’t judge the series by the first book. 🙂
I second the vote for Age of Assassins. I read the first and second in short order and intend to pick up the third soon.
Lynn 😀
Good to know!