Prince Dutiful has been rescued from his Piebald kidnappers and the
court has resumed its normal rhythms. There FitzChivalry Farseer, gutted
by the loss of his wolf bondmate, must take up residence at Buckkeep as
a journeyman assassin.
Posing as a bodyguard, Fitz becomes the eyes and ears behind the walls,
guiding a kingdom straying closer to civil strife each day. Amid a
multitude of problems, Fitz must ensure that no one betrays the Prince's
secret--one that could topple the throne: that he, like Fitz, possesses
the dread "beast magic." Only Fitz's friendship with the Fool brings him
solace. But even that is shattered when devastating revelations from the
Fool's past are exposed. Bereft of support and adrift in intrigue, Fitz
finds that his biggest challenge may be simply to survive.
Praise for Robin Hobb and Golden Fool
"Fantasy as it ought to be written.... Robin Hobb's books are diamonds
in a sea of zircons." --George R. R. Martin
"[Robin Hobb] ranks near the top of the high fantasy field.... [She]
juggles all the balls with aplomb, besides providing spot-on
characterizations." --Publishers Weekly
"Solid storytelling with warmth and heart." --The Kansas City Star