Fool's Quest
Library Journal
★ 07/01/2015
Fitz has rushed his old friend, the Fool, back to Buckkeep for healing (immediately following the events of Fool's Assassin), leaving his home at Withywoods undefended. The unthinkable happens, with Servants of the White Prophet attacking Withywoods and kidnapping Fitz's small daughter, Bee. The Servants believe Bee is capable of prophecy, just like the Fool, and are determined to keep her under control at their distant school in Clerres. Fitz gets the news of the attack on the eve of what should have been his greatest happiness—he's been acknowledged by the court and can finally step out of the shadows he's dwelt in so long. Now all Fitz can think about is getting Bee back and helping the Fool get revenge on the White Servants. VERDICT Hobb finds a way to always show us more details of the universe she's been building over the course of the four previous series set in the same world, going all the way back to the first book, Assassin's Apprentice. The friendship of Fitz and the Fool brings danger to them both, but it's one of the most touching in fantasy fiction. [See Prepub Alert, 2/9/15.]—MM