‘Fantasy as it ought to be written’ George R.R. Martin
The kingdom of the Six Duchies is on the brink of civil war when the news that the prince has a bastard son brings about his disgrace and withdrawal from the throne. The child's name is Fitz and he is despised.
Raised in the castle stables, his only companions are the king's jester, the sullen children of the lower town, and his unusual ability to communicate with animals. To be useful to the throne, Fitz is trained as an assassin and learns the traditional magic of the Farseer family. However, his teacher, who is connected to another political faction, is determined to discredit him, even to kill him. Fitz must survive: as he may be destined to save the kingdom.