Assassin's Apprentice by Robin Hobb {Goodreads}
Published by Voyager in 2013
Assassin’s
Apprentice introduces us to the fantasy world Hobb has created called the Six
Duchies. We follow Fitz, the bastard son of the king’s heir Chivalry, and how
his whole world changes when his grandfather handles him over to Court.
However, Fitz is raised by a stable-master called Burrich, very loyal to
Chivalry and although most of the time he is outcasted by the royal save the
King Shrewd who secretly trains him as an assassin, using a tutor of course.
Why? Well, through Fitz’s blood runs the Skill, an ancient magic. The thing is,
although many people don’t want him around he may be the only thing that will save
them all.