Tough Traveling is back! Nathan over at Fantasy Review Barn is the original mastermind of Tough Traveling. And Laura is reviving it as a monthly feature over at Fantasy Faction. What’s Tough Traveling? Pretty much, on the first of the month where we dig around to come up with examples of that month’s chosen trope in fantasy. We are using Diana Wynne Jones’ The Tough Guide to Fantasyland as our inspiration and guide. There will be link ups available over at Fantasy Faction, so join in and link up.
So let the fun begin …
This month’s theme? ASSASSINS
Assassins are ubiquitous throughout fantasyland. Sharp-eyed readers (or even dull-eyed ones) will notice that their hooded forms often adorn book covers, and that they frequently appear – rather improbably – not to mind being the sole focus of our attention. Whether they’re spotlight hogs or camera-shy and brooding, most assassins will have trained for years and are very, VERY good at their job (i.e. killing people for money).
Pyrre from Skullsworn by Brian Staveley
The entire Skullsworn book is about Pyrre going through her trial to become a priestess for the God of Death. They see assassination as merely a way of passing someone over to their god, it is almost like a service they do for them. The book is dark, but also funny (in a wonderfully dark sort of way). And the largest obstacle for Pyrre is not so much the killing, as finding the ability to love.
Fitz from The Realm of the Elderlings by Robin Hobb
Oh, Fitz. Nothing every comes easy or without some sort of pain for the royal bastard that was relegated to living in the stable. That is until he was offered the chance to train as a royal assassin. So, should he live on hay with the animals? Or take live in the castle and secretly learn how to kill people? Such a decision for a kid to make. I will say that most of the assassin tasks are more off screen/off page, but never the less, you see how it impacts Fitz, particularly in the later books.
Mia from Nevernight by Jay Kristoff
Mia, driven by vengeance, achieves her goal as she trains with The Red Church, the deadliest known assassins. Just to gain entry as an initiate requires deadly ability, and once you join, well. There’s a reason they call it The “Red” Church.
Faceless Men from A Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin
I do have a character in mind for this one. Those that have read the books or watched the show know exactly who I am talking about. To join the faceless men, you must shed all aspects of your personal identity and just become an arm of … well, death. I love the ability to wear faces and become other people.
Azoth from The Night Angel Trilogy by Brent Weeks
Ah, to be a street rat and to somehow fall into an apprenticeship with the best know, most feared assassin. That is what happens for Azoth when Durzo Blint. Again, nothing says fun quite like introducing kids to the harsh and bloody work as an assassin. In this trilogy, the best assassasins are known as “wet boys”, doing their “wet work”. Yeah, even that gives a graphic, bloody little picture.
Faceless Men – *bbbrrrrr* *shivers*.
I loved Skullsworn – I think it could end up on a few lists this week – it’s definitely on mine.
Lynn 😀
Yeah, Skullsworn is perfect for this list 🙂
Lisa (@TenaciousReader) recently posted…Review: Winter of the Gods by Jordanna Max Brodsky
Skullsworn FTW!!
Can’t believe the Faceless Men didn’t even cross my mind . . . and WOW I completely forgot Kylar’s original name was Azoth. :O
Heh … Faceless Men. Isn’t that they way assassin’s work? Show up when you least expect them (on lists, or IRL, or whatever) 🙂
Lisa (@TenaciousReader) recently posted…Review: Winter of the Gods by Jordanna Max Brodsky
I have read Fitz and GRRM. And one book of Night Angel but I will just ignore that. The faceless men were pretty cool in the books. Someday I hope to watch the show again, i made it through two seasons.
Nathan (@reviewbarn) recently posted…Tough Traveling- Assassins
I love the show! (and the books)
Lisa (@TenaciousReader) recently posted…Review: Winter of the Gods by Jordanna Max Brodsky
Great list!
Wendell recently posted…FUNDAY MONDAY, OR THE BOOKS THAT WILL HELP ME SURVIVE THE WEEK AHEAD (MAY 1, 2017)
Thanks!
Lisa (@TenaciousReader) recently posted…Review: Winter of the Gods by Jordanna Max Brodsky
Whoa, I can’t believe the Faceless totally slipped my mind! And valar morghulis and all that!
Mogsy @ BiblioSanctum recently posted…Tough Traveling: Assassins
Valar Morghulis. Valar Dohaeris.
Lisa (@TenaciousReader) recently posted…Review: Winter of the Gods by Jordanna Max Brodsky
I was also thinking Robin Hobb 🙂 me and Bf are still reading the first Assasin book.
Evelina recently posted…My Reading April (Book haul #3 & Sunday post #4)
Oh, so many books for you to look forward to! I just finished the newest one, and it is amazing!
Lisa (@TenaciousReader) recently posted…Review: Winter of the Gods by Jordanna Max Brodsky
Yes, the Faceless Men are indeed the ultimate assassins: I’ve often thought that their ability to wear and shed faces and personalities is a form of removal from their bloody deeds – and it’s a fascinating angle to explore…
Maddalena@spaceandsorcery recently posted…GRR Martin interviews John Scalzi
Well, if there is one thing they excel at, it is feeling detached. So, you may be on to something.
Lisa (@TenaciousReader) recently posted…Review: Winter of the Gods by Jordanna Max Brodsky
I’m reading Shadow’s Edge right now 😀 Great picks!
Thanks! (and enjoy!)
Lisa (@TenaciousReader) recently posted…Review: Winter of the Gods by Jordanna Max Brodsky
Mia’s going to be on a lot of lists, I think! 🙂
Danya @ Fine Print recently posted…Review: Borrowed Souls by Chelsea Mueller
yup. that’s because she kicks some serious assassin ass.
Lisa (@TenaciousReader) recently posted…Review: Winter of the Gods by Jordanna Max Brodsky
Yes, I know exactly who you mean, regarding the faceless men, and that person will be a total badass.
Zezee @ Zezee with Books recently posted…Book Haul #34: A month has passed…