Is Fitz Happy?

Ep. 010 - Ch. 10 Assassin's Apprentice - Revelations

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.

Ep. 011 - Ch. 11 Assassin's Apprentice - Forgings

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!

Ep. 012 - Ch. 12 Assassin's Apprentice - Patience

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.

Ep. 013 - Ch. 13 Assassin's Apprentice - Smithy

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.

Ep. 014 - Ch. 14 Assassin's Apprentice - Galen

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! 

Ep. 015 - Ch. 15 Assassin's Apprentice - The Witness Stones

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. 

Ep. 016 - Ch. 16 Assassin's Apprentice - Lessons

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.

Ep. 017 - Ch. 17 Assassin's Apprentice - The Trial

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.

Ep. 018 - Ch. 18 Assassin's Apprentice - Assassinations

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.

Ep. 019 - Ch. 19 Assassin's Apprentice - Journey

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!