From Publishers Weekly
Blindness comes in many forms. For angst-ridden FitzChivalry Farseer, the blindness isn't physical but rather an inability to gauge character. Fitz, the hero of this second volume in the trilogy that began with Fool's Errand (2002), reluctantly returns, disguised as a servant, to Buckkeep town in the Six Duchies to be skill-master to Prince Dutiful, the king-in-waiting. Fitz is mourning the loss of his wolf bondmate Nighteyes, hating his disguise, worrying about his foster son's behavior in Buckkeep and frantically trying to learn enough about the Skill to stay ahead of the prince during their training sessions. Fitz jumps from crisis to crisis like a bowling ball tossed onto a trampoline-his failure to look deeply at others' motivations plunges him into a morass of poorly thought-out actions and badly managed confrontations. The harder Fitz tries, the worse his situation gets. The author juggles all the balls with aplomb, besides providing spot-on characterizations. The intrigue and double-dealing of the Farseer royal court are spider webs of interconnections, while the plot itself keeps the reader bouncing from one theory to another, right up to the somewhat abrupt ending. The writing may not be quite as fine as that in Hobb's Assassins series (Assassin's Apprentice, etc.), but this latest nonetheless shows why she ranks near the top of the high fantasy field. Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From Booklist
A stout and good if not independently readable continuation of Hobb's Tawny Man trilogy, Golden Fool follows Fool's Errand [BKL D 15 01] closely in the real world as well as its predecessor's fictional realm. FitzChivalry Farseer is back at work as apprentice to master assassin Chade, but the master is nearing the end of his life. Nor is that the young assassin's only problem. The rescued Prince Dutiful isn't living up to his name and in his dereliction threatens to disclose his secret and scandalous possession of beast magic. Moreover, Farseer's wolf bondmate, Nighteyes, is dead, and the valuable companionship of the Fool (formerly known as the Tawny Man) is threatened not only by the Fool's own quirks of character but also by a number of deadly secrets he holds. Altogether, there is enough intrigue of both the martial and magical variety to keep the characters up to their tailbones in alligators and readers turning pages--effects Hobb has yet to fail at producing. Fantasy readers know this, and librarians should react accordingly. Roland Green
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

FROM OUR EDITORS

With Prince Dutiful returned safely to the Farseer fold, FitzChivalry returns to spying and magic. In this land of secrets, intrigue abounds; but success draws Fitz only deeper into danger and isolation. Even his friendship with the Fool is severed. This continuation of Hobb's Tawny Man series maintains the standards of her Farseer trilogy.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

"Prince Dutiful has been rescued from his Piebald kidnappers and the court has resumed its normal rhythms. But for FitzChivalry Farseer, a return to isolation is impossible. Though gutted by the loss of his wolf bondmate, Nighteyes, Fitz must take up residence at Buckkeep and resume his tasks as Chade's apprentice assassin. Posing as Tom Badgerlock, bodyguard to Lord Golden, FitzChivalry becomes the eyes and ears behind the walls. And with his old mentor failing visibly, Fitz is forced to take on more burdens as he attempts to guide a kingdom straying closer to civil strife each day." "The problems are legion. Prince Dutiful's betrothal to the Narcheska Elliania of the Out Islands is fraught with tension, and the Narcheska herself appears to be hiding an array of secrets. Then, amid Piebald threats and the increasing persecution of the Witted, FitzChivalry must ensure that no one betrays the Prince's secret - a secret that could topple the Farseer throne: that he, like Fitz, possesses the dread "beast magic."" Meanwhile, FitzChivalry must impart to the Prince his limited knowledge of the Skill: the hereditary and addictive magic of the Farseers. In the process, they discover within Buckkeep one who has a wild and powerful talent for it, and whose enmity for Fitz may have disastrous consequences for all.

SYNOPSIS

The acclaimed Farseer and Liveship Traders trilogies established Robin Hobb as one of the most splendidly imaginative practitioners of world-class fantasy.

Now, in Book 2 of her most stunning trilogy yet, Hobb continues the soul-shattering tale of FitzChivalry Farseer.

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly

Blindness comes in many forms. For angst-ridden FitzChivalry Farseer, the blindness isn't physical but rather an inability to gauge character. Fitz, the hero of this second volume in the trilogy that began with Fool's Errand (2002), reluctantly returns, disguised as a servant, to Buckkeep town in the Six Duchies to be skill-master to Prince Dutiful, the king-in-waiting. Fitz is mourning the loss of his wolf bondmate Nighteyes, hating his disguise, worrying about his foster son's behavior in Buckkeep and frantically trying to learn enough about the Skill to stay ahead of the prince during their training sessions. Fitz jumps from crisis to crisis like a bowling ball tossed onto a trampoline-his failure to look deeply at others' motivations plunges him into a morass of poorly thought-out actions and badly managed confrontations. The harder Fitz tries, the worse his situation gets. The author juggles all the balls with aplomb, besides providing spot-on characterizations. The intrigue and double-dealing of the Farseer royal court are spider webs of interconnections, while the plot itself keeps the reader bouncing from one theory to another, right up to the somewhat abrupt ending. The writing may not be quite as fine as that in Hobb's Assassins series (Assassin's Apprentice, etc.), but this latest nonetheless shows why she ranks near the top of the high fantasy field. (Jan. 7) FYI: Robin Hobb is the pseudonym of Megan Lindholm. Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.

VOYA - Caitlin Augusta

Book two in The Tawny Man series, this novel continues the story of FitzChivalry Farseer, illegitimate cousin in the ruling Farseer dynasty. Possessed of the rare combination of Wit, or animal magic, and the more orthodox Skill magic, FitzChivalry is the trusted spy-confidant of Queen Kettricken, her son Prince Dutiful, and their councilor, Chade. Under the alias Tom Badgerlock, FitzChivalry must navigate numerous court intrigues. The prince's betrothal to a haughty foreigner, delegations from a dragon, and Witted assassins in the palace are but a few of the forces Tom must balance as he endeavors to serve the queen and his own interests. Tom's fight with assassins and his preparations to join Prince Dutiful on a quest for a frozen dragon bring the book to a satisfactory close with the promise of further adventures. Hobb's second installment is a great improvement over the first book in the series, Fool's Errand (Bantam, 2002/VOYA February 2002). He maintains excellent control over a complex plot, while managing to create memorable characters with believable emotions and motivation. Readers will not forget the servant Thick, with his constant refrain of "Dogstink!" or the aged Chade's delusions of grandeur. FitzChivalry comes into his own in this book, successfully balancing his doubts and recriminations with the immediacy of his present agenda. Although lengthy, the book delivers a satisfying fantasy with greater dramatic tension and emotion than the first book. For libraries with older fantasy fans, both books are solid choices with teen appeal. VOYA Codes: 4Q 3P S A/YA (Better than most, marred only by occasional lapses; Will appeal with pushing; Senior High, defined as grades 10 to12; Adult and Young Adult). 2003, Bantam Spectra, 528p,

Library Journal

After the death of his wolf bondmate, FitzChivalry Farseer seeks to hide himself from the world and mourn his loss. His responsibilities as Prince Dutiful's skill master (assassin), however, require him to remain at Buckkeep Castle to keep an eye out for trouble brewing in the kingdom. The sequel to Fool's Errand continues the tale of an unlikely hero trying to serve his kingdom in a land wracked by internal and external strife. The author of the "Farseer" and "Liveship Traders" series once again demonstrates her storytelling expertise as well as her knack for creating genuinely believable characters. A good choice for most fantasy collections. Copyright 2003 Cahners Business Information.

Kirkus Reviews