Is Fitz Happy? – Details, episodes & analysis

Welcome to Is Fitz Happy?, a chapter by chapter reread of Robin Hobb's Realm of the Elderlings. We'll be diving into the plot, characters, theories and connections to the other books, and general spoilers. New readers beware! Join us on an in-depth look into one of our favorite series.

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.

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.

Emma and Luke have made it to episode 100! Meanwhile Fitz and company are adjusting to seeing Verity, once again. The Fool gets Silver on his fingers, Kettle is grumpy about everything, and Kettricken needs comfort. Verity is as present as he can be, but it isn't what anyone needs. His dragon calls to him. Fitz provides what companionship he can to both Kettricken and the Fool, who has a fascination with a certain half-finished statue. 

We're reading Assassin's Quest by Robin Hobb, book 3 of the Farseer Trilogy in The Realm of the Elderlings.

Fitz and the Fool head to Girl-on-a-Dragon to investigate, Kettle rebukes them, and Fitz shames her for withholding knowledge. This leads to Kettle pledging her service to King Verity with FitzChivalry having to attempt to unblock Kettle. A revealed betrayal later, the Fool and Nighteyes give Fitz strength to set Gull and Kestrel free.  We're reading Assassin's Quest by Robin Hobb, book 3 of the Farseer Trilogy in The Realm of the Elderlings.

Rebuffed by Verity, FitzChivalry falls asleep after trying to offer help to fill the dragon. He Skill dreams to Burrich, Molly, and Nettle when Regal's soldiers try to kidnap the baby. He talks to the Fool, mopes about not being able to help, and tries to resist his Skill addiction. He is finally given a task by Verity to awaken the dragon statues. And so, Fitz walks once more through the pillar.  We're reading Assassin's Quest by Robin Hobb, book 3 of the Farseer Trilogy in The Realm of the Elderlings.

Fitz returns through the Skill pillar and warns the company of Regal's army. Meanwhile, Verity is feeling a renewed sense of hope for his dragon with Kettle's help. Fitz feels left out and eventually drifts to Verity's dragon, where Kettle confronts him with some harsh truths. The end of this chapter steals the early hope away and leaves the company with a lifeless, but complete, statue and the dread of Regal's soldiers.  We're reading Assassin's Quest by Robin Hobb, book 3 of the Farseer Trilogy in The Realm of the Elderlings.

Verity offers FitzChivalry a way to help out and Fitz accepts with the caveat of seeing Molly, Nettle, and Burrich one more time. As all with all bargains Fitz makes, this turns out poorly and he sees the start of Molly and Burrich's relationship and tells Verity to get on with his plan. Fitz hobbles to Girl-on-a-Dragon to meet the Fool, give memories, and block out his pain.  We're reading Assassin's Quest by Robin Hobb, book 3 of the Farseer Trilogy in The Realm of the Elderlings.

Verity-as-Dragon rises. The Six Duchies savior flies off with goodbyes and Regal's soldiers come to claim the quarry. Part one of the finale fight is full of melancholy, coteries, magic, and dragons.  We're reading Assassin's Quest by Robin Hobb, book 3 of the Farseer Trilogy in The Realm of the Elderlings.

Fitz and Nighteyes are in a fight for their life after chasing Will through the Skill Pillar to the Stone Dragon garden. Confronted with Regal's soldiers, Fitz has no hope until the Dragons start to stir. The 'Elderlings' finally rise to Six Duchies defense.  We're reading Assassin's Quest by Robin Hobb, book 3 of the Farseer Trilogy in The Realm of the Elderlings.