Is Fitz Happy?
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We read and discuss the Realm of the Elderlings by Robin Hobb, one chapter at a time. This is a reread and so we talk about the whole story and spoilers!
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Welcome to Is Fitz Happy?, a chapter by chapter reread of Robin Hobb's Realm of the Elderlings. We'll be diving into the plot, characters, theories and connections to the other books, and general spoilers. New readers beware! Join us on an in-depth look into one of our favorite series.
1We dive into Chapter 1, The Earliest History and discuss the introduction of our main character, FitzChivalry. Along with the introduction of some of the most influential characters to him, we talk about the defining early moments of Fitz's life.
We're taking a look at Burrich's pain and actions in this week's episode along with Fitz's introduction to Buckkeep. Wit, bloodlines, and loss are brought into our young protagonist's life while he makes new friends and loses another in chapter 2 of Robin Hobb's Assassin's Apprentice.
Finally, the introduction to the Fool and King Shrewd. Fitz unknowingly breaks his routine with Burrich and is put into prince training 101: How to be a soldier. New rooms, a new teacher, a new promise, and no new friends. Join us for Chapter 3 of Robin Hobb's Assassin's Apprentice!
"Don't do what you can't undo, until you've considered what you can't do once you've done it."
We're beginning to get a glimpse of who Fitz becomes and where his path starts in this week's episode of Is Fitz Happy. Fitz gets sucked into the world between the walls of Buckkeep's Master Assassin, Chade. Join us in discussing chapter 4 of Assassin's Apprentice by Robin Hobb!
Fitz trains, pulls pranks, learns how to make a weasel dance, and has an ultimate test put before him. Chade and Shrewd conspire to see where Fitz's loyalties truly lie and it pushes him close to the edge. Chapter 5 of Assassin's Apprentice brings us the harsh reality being a king's tool and how wonderful (and misguided) Burrich's parenting can be.
Fitz has an up and down, emotional day. Good news, two reunions, and a huge, emotional blow. Chapter 6 of Assassin's Apprentice introduces more heartbreak and also more love into Fitz's life.
In regards to the elaborations and corrections from episode 5, answer's straight from the source herself.
The whole thread is very interesting and Robin Hobb has a few more responses besides the one I linked. Explore and tell us what you think!
Chapter 7 of Assassin's Apprentice starts on a sad note with the aftermath of last week's episode. We get to digest some of Fitz's feelings towards Chivalry and how that affects his father figures. Also, a "chance" meeting and discussion with the Fool, horse manners, and a real task is laid before Fitz.
A new game is afoot, and Fitz gets his wish to travel. Ch. 8 of Assassin's Apprentice brings us crotchety Lady Thyme and Fitz's first real mission. He gets a taste of the high table, fashion, and fine dining. Also, he has to face the fact that Verity isn't all that diplomatic. Join us in the conversation!
Fitz finally eats, saves a dog, and becomes a dream seer all in the space of an hour. Along with some discussion on the Fool's origin and about Chade's drug use, Fitz sets off on an unforgettable trek to Forge.
Fitz's whirlwind journey continues where we left off, with both him and Chade on the way to Forge aboard a boat. Fitz doggedly follows Chade with the horses and blindly wanders into our first encounter with Raider-Forged people. Fitz has to grapple with a newly discovered sense and the beginning of consequences that will impact the Six Duchies for the years to come.
The origin of the Pocked Man as well as Eda and El are discussed before we dive into the aftermath of Forge. Unrest is growing in the Six Duchies with the increase of raids. Fitz is clueless with Molly, Verity is clueless about ruling (with King Shrewd ignoring his duties), and again Fitz is clueless as to who this mysterious noblewoman in the kitchens is... All that and more, discussing Chapter 11 of Assassin's Apprentice by Robin Hobb!
This episode we have a long discussion of Lady Patience, Burrich, Chade, the royal family, bastards, and Fitz's feelings. Chapter 12 has Fitz realize he has met his father's wife 3 times before knowing who she was and get a surprise (only to him) revelation about Chade. Galen comes into view with Skill training appearing on the horizon and we leave on a fitting, ominous note from Chade.
More on Lady Patience's thoughts, potential feelings, and actions. Fitz starts to learn new things, gets introduced to a new friend, Smithy, and has a talk with the Fool. Angsty teen Fitz loosens the hold on his heart and lets sincerity shine through in this discussion of Assassin's Apprentice.
After the chapter discussion, Luke and Emma talk about their favorite POVs among other small topics.
Fitz settles into another rhythm, only to be disrupted once again.
Enter Galen.
After an emotional release and a somewhat happy beginning with Patience, Galen ruins everything like he always does. With a dire warning from Burrich, Fitz starts his lessons in the royal Farseer magic, the Skill, and they definitely don't go well. We discuss Galen's methods, his character, and debate about his voice!
*Apologies to anyone for our pronunciation of your names for the podcast discussions at the end!
We discuss more of Galen being a garbage person (go figure) and Fitz's surprising aptitude for the Skill in this episode of Is Fitz Happy? The Farseer ability runs strongly in Fitz and his prior training has made him a great student with a determination to learn his magical inheritance. Galen attacks Fitz and leaves him at a very dark and low place, thinking he will never see his hated student alive again. A brave pup enters the story and along with The Fool and Burrich, Fitz is on his way to continue learning.
Fitz is determined to prove his worth and learn the Skill despite Galen's interference. He also advocates for women's individuality but misses an opportunity with Molly. He gains new perspective on Galen, his relationship with Molly, and what he wants for the future.
Content Warning: This week includes discussion about mental health, depression, suicide, and implications of inappropriately aged, abusive, relationships. If these topics bring up these feelings for you or describe what you're going through, reach out for support by visiting this website listing out various suicide hotlines and calling the appropriate phone number.
Fitz is depressed about the upcoming Skill test that he is convinced he can't pass. He says goodbye to Burrich and Smithy before heading out, only to be dropped off in an extremely dangerous area. We discuss the implications Fitz's dreams, his relationship with Burrich, and his over-reliance on the Wit. Skill, Wit, stealth, fighting, Raiders, Forged Ones, and one brave dog all appear in this action-packed, but sad, chapter.
In this episode, we discuss Forged Ones, Fitz's moping, and his first assigned kills. We're introduced to Verity's tower and the sheer power Verity is wielding to try and save the Six Duchies. Fitz gives his strength inadvertently but also learns a lot about the last few months and his own memories. Realizations about Galen's full intentions are revealed and familial relationships are put on the back burner while the defense of the kingdom, and marriages, are argued about.
Trying to reconcile what Galen had done to his mind, FitzChivalry remains lonely before the trip to the Mountain Kingdom. He has a few conversations before leaving with Chade, Patience, and The Fool where Fitz receives advice and two gifts. Traveling across the Six Duchies, the young assassin contemplates how to complete his task and why he was chosen to do so.
In this episode, we discuss Mountain Kingdom values, political intrigue, loneliness, art, and friendship!
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