Step into the enchanting world of Fitz and the Fool, where loyalty, sacrifice, and a touch of magic weave an unforgettable fantasy saga! The Fitz and the Fool trilogy, the culminating chapter of Robin Hobb’s sprawling Realm of the Elderlings series, follows FitzChivalry Farseer, a royal bastard turned assassin, and his enigmatic companion, the Fool. Set in the richly crafted Six Duchies, this trilogy wraps up decades of storytelling with emotional depth and intricate plotting that keeps readers hooked.
With its blend of heart-wrenching character arcs and a world brimming with dragons, magic, and political intrigue, this series is a must-read for fantasy fans. Let’s dive into the origins, themes, and lasting impact of Fitz and the Fool, a testament to Hobb’s mastery in epic fantasy.
How Fitz and the Fool Began
Robin Hobb, the pen name of Margaret Astrid Lindholm Ogden, launched the Realm of the Elderlings in 1995 with Assassin’s Apprentice, introducing Fitz and the Fool. The Fitz and the Fool trilogy, published between 2014 and 2017, was conceived as the grand finale to Fitz’s story, picking up decades after the earlier trilogies. Hobb’s inspiration stemmed from a core question: What if magic were addictive and destructive? This idea shaped the series’ unique magic systems, the Skill and the Wit, and fueled Fitz’s complex journey.
Hobb’s love for character-driven narratives and her Alaskan upbringing, steeped in wilderness and isolation, influenced the trilogy’s intimate yet epic tone. The Fitz and the Fool trilogy was crafted to tie together threads from the Farseer, Tawny Man, Liveship Traders, and Rain Wild Chronicles, creating a cohesive end to a 16-book saga.
The Heart of Fitz and the Fool
The trilogy comprises three novels: Fool’s Assassin, Fool’s Quest, and Assassin’s Fate. In Fool’s Assassin, Fitz, now middle-aged and living quietly as Tom Badgerlock, faces new crises when a mysterious messenger vanishes and his daughter Bee emerges as a key figure. Fool’s Quest escalates the stakes as Fitz reunites with the Fool, embarking on a perilous journey to save Bee. Assassin’s Fate delivers a breathtaking conclusion, weaving together characters and lore from across the Elderlings world.
Themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and identity permeate the trilogy. Fitz’s bond with the Fool, described as “two halves of a whole,” explores queer themes and gender fluidity, challenging traditional fantasy norms. The Wit, a magic tied to animals, questions humanity’s place in the world, while the Skill’s addictive nature mirrors real-world struggles. Hobb’s lyrical prose and the Six Duchies’ vivid setting—castles, forests, and dragon-filled skies—immerse readers in a world both fantastical and deeply human.
The trilogy’s slow-burn pacing, especially in Fool’s Assassin, builds to a thrilling crescendo, rewarding patient readers with emotional payoffs. Critics praise Hobb’s portrayal of aging, as Fitz grapples with past traumas and new responsibilities, making the series resonate with readers of all ages.
Why Fitz and the Fool Resonates
The Fitz and the Fool trilogy has left a profound mark on epic fantasy, lauded for its character depth and thematic richness. The Los Angeles Review of Books hailed Hobb’s portrayal of aging, while The Guardian praised Assassin’s Fate for tying up the Elderlings’ sprawling plotlines. Fans on platforms like Goodreads celebrate the trilogy’s emotional weight, often citing Fitz and the Fool’s bond as a highlight.
Hobb’s work has influenced modern fantasy authors, paving the way for character-driven epics. The trilogy’s exploration of queer themes and non-traditional relationships has cemented its place in the genre’s evolving landscape, earning scholarly attention for undermining heterosexual norms. Its lasting appeal lies in its universal themes—love, loss, and the search for purpose—making it a timeless addition to fantasy literature.
About Fitz and the Fool
- Publication Years: 2014–2017
- Number of Books: 3 (Fool’s Assassin, Fool’s Quest, Assassin’s Fate)
- Series Context: Final trilogy in the 16-book Realm of the Elderlings
- Awards: Nominated for the Locus Award for Best Fantasy Novel (Assassin’s Fate, 2018)
Ready to embark on an epic adventure? Grab Fool’s Assassin and dive into the spellbinding world of Fitz and the Fool—where magic, loyalty, and heart await!