Is Fitz Happy?

We 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.

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.

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 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.