Tag: Arya Stark

Reliving Seven Epic Moments From Our Favourite Fantasy Assassins

Immerse yourself in seven thrilling moments from assassin fantasy novels that kept us riveted, showcasing the cunning and audacity of our favourite killers

Knocking on death’s door has never been as fun as when assassins are at the helm, manipulating the strings of life and death like puppeteers.

As we dive into the sable sea of assassin fantasy, let’s recount seven indelibly carved moments that have made us gasp, laugh, and perhaps spurred us to take up lock-picking (just as a hobby, mind you).

A Dance with the Hound (A Game of Thrones, George R.R. Martin)

Arya Stark’s transformation from a wide-eyed, wild girl of Winterfell to a Faceless Man’s apprentice has been quite the bloody journey. But it was her jovial dance with the Hound, their offbeat banter mixed with a potpourri of mortal threats, that made us all fall in love with her deadly charm. Who knew sibling revenge could be this amusing?

The King’s Folly (The Lies of Locke Lamora, Scott Lynch)

When Locke decided to masquerade as an obscure foreign nobility and swindle the rich of Camorr, we knew it was going to be entertaining. But who thought it would end up being a cross between Ocean’s Eleven and the Grand Guignol? A truly classic “Ah, bollocks” moment if ever there was one.

The Assassin’s Wager (The Way of Shadows, Brent Weeks)

Watching Azoth’s transformation into Durzo Blint’s apprentice Kylar Stern was like observing a caterpillar morph into a butterfly, but with added knives, shadows and the occasional poisoning. It’s not a proper education unless someone almost dies, right?

The Royal Assassination (The Farseer Trilogy, Robin Hobb)

Oh, FitzChivalry, you put the ‘fun’ in dysfunctional. From assassinating regicide-plotters to becoming the kingdom’s most beloved traitor, his journey is as fun as it is tragic. Remember that time when he almost assassinated his own uncle? Classic family reunion.

The Banter of Bastards (The Blade Itself, Joe Abercrombie)

 Watching Logen Ninefingers and Sand dan Glokta quip about life, death, and the art of creative cursing was like watching a grimdark Morecambe and Wise. A bit darker than your average comedy duo, but that’s the price of admission when dealing with assassins and berserkers.

The Hidden Blade (Nevernight, Jay Kristoff)

When Mia Covere pulled off her first solo assassination and then neatly framed it as an accident, it was the happiest day of her life. Ours, too, for we were gleefully riding shotgun on her vengeance-fuelled rollercoaster. Makes your first driving test pass seem a tad dull, doesn’t it?

The One-Woman Revolution (Throne of Glass, Sarah J. Maas)

When Celaena Sardothien decided she’d had enough of being a pawn and instigated a coup, it was an act of supreme sass. And let’s face it, in the world of assassination, audacity is queen. Always.

So, there you have it. The moments that made us chuckle, grimace, and question our own morality as we cheered for killers.

Let’s raise a glass to our beloved assassins – let’s just make sure to smell for poison first, eh?

If you enjoy stories about thieves and assassins, download your free copy of Birth of Assassins as part your free Ravenglass Universe starter library.

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Top Ten Assassins in Fantasy Literature You Need to Know About

Dive into the deadly realms of fantasy literature’s top assassins. From Arya Stark to FitzChivalry Farseer, explore their intriguing worlds.

I’d hazard a guess and say we’ve all thought about hiring an assassin from time to time, especially when someone nicks the last digestive biscuit.

But alas, they don’t often pop up in the Yellow Pages, and frankly, they don’t come cheap.

If you, like me, have a morbid fascination with these masters of shadow and intrigue, you’ll likely find these ten fantasy literature assassins a delightful bunch of homicidal maniacs.

FitzChivalry Farseer from Robin Hobb’s Farseer Trilogy

Fitz is the illegitimate son of a prince who gets handed the delightful job of royal assassin. It’s all fun and games until you have to murder for a living. Even with a name that sounds like a medieval dating service, Fitz is the bloke you’d want on your side. He does have a terrible knack for getting nearly killed, but who doesn’t love a trier?

Arya Stark from George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire

Arya has a hit list and she’s not afraid to use it. Who knew ‘Stick ‘em with the pointy end’ could be such profound life advice? Atta girl, Arya. Not all heroes wear capes. Some wear the faces of other people.

Vin from Brandon Sanderson‘s Mistborn Trilogy

Vin knows her way around a knife and a secret identity. A street urchin turned assassin, she’s proof that life can turn on a penny, or in her case, a coin. If you thought your teen years were tough, try adding ‘assassin-in-training’ to the mix.

Azoth/Kylar Stern from Brent Weeks’ Night Angel Trilogy

Azoth masters the deadly art of assassination under the mentorship of Durzo Blint. Durzo, by the way, is a lad who’s seen it all, done it all, and has the emotional capacity of a rock. Azoth’s rise from gutters to greatness is a tale to behold, especially for those who love a good ol’ rag-to-riches… or perhaps rag-to-homicidal-maniac story.

Jorg Ancrath from Mark Lawrence’s Broken Empire Trilogy

Jorg, the poster boy for troubled youth, is what happens when you mix a prince, a traumatic childhood and a lawless band of outlaws. He may not be a traditional assassin, but with his moral compass lodged somewhere south of ‘chaotic evil’, he certainly gets the job done.

Celaena Sardothien from Sarah J. Maas’s Throne of Glass Series

A badass with a taste for fashion, Celaena proves that one can indeed kill and look great doing it. Her speciality? Delivering death with a side of fabulous.

Severian from Gene Wolfe’s Book of the New Sun

 Not an assassin in the traditional sense, but as an executioner, Severian definitely has an intimate relationship with death. He’s got the melancholic brooding down to a fine art and a memory that’s sharper than his blade (or, so he would lead us to believe).

Jerek Mace from Michael Moorcock’s The Eternal Champion series

More of a warrior than a straight-up assassin, Jerek’s blighted life will have you laughing, crying, and questioning your own existential dread. Nothing like a bit of light-hearted anguish over a cuppa, right?

Locke Lamora from Scott Lynch’s Gentleman Bastard Series

He’s the cheeky chappy who could swipe the skin off a rice pudding and make it look like an accident. Less of an assassin, more of a con man, but let’s not split hairs. If there’s one thing to learn from Locke, it’s ‘why murder when you can manipulate?’

The Lady from Glen Cook’s The Black Company Series

She’s the epitome of ‘Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.’ The Lady is a formidable sorceress with a casual side gig in ruling empires and killing dissidents. It’s multi-tasking at its finest.

So, there you have it. A smorgasbord of fantasy assassins who’ve spiced up our literary lives with their unique takes on professional homicide.

Just remember, the next time you get the urge to toss a blade at your annoying flatmate, maybe just settle for a strongly worded Post-It note.

Murder, as these characters have shown us, is rather a messy business.

If you enjoy reading about thieves and assassins, download my novel Birth of Assassins as part of your free Ravenglass Universe starter library!

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Friends in Fantasy: Unveiling the 10 Best Fictional Friendships

Explore the top friendships in fantasy literature! Uncover the bonds that define characters in Middle Earth, Hogwarts, and beyond.

Who doesn’t love friendship? Today we’re going to delve into the top-flight friendships in fantastical literature.

So, grab a cuppa, make yourself cosy (preferably with a dragon-sized pile of biscuits) and let’s explore ten of the best mates in fantasy books.

Frodo Baggins & Samwise Gamgee – The Lord of The Rings

Are you really surprised? It’s the fellowship that defines the word itself.

 Here we have Frodo, a hobbit with the weight of the world (or a rather heavy ring) on his shoulders, and Samwise, the gardener turned warrior, who probably didn’t even know what he was signing up for when he eavesdropped on Gandalf that fateful night.

Their friendship is the epitome of loyalty, the kind that lasts through a long, wearisome journey to Mount Doom.

Quite frankly, if your mate isn’t willing to carry you up a volcanic mountain while being hunted by a creepy, ring-obsessed creature, are they really your friend?

Harry Potter & Hermione Granger & Ronald Weasley – Harry Potter Series

It’s the magical trio that faced down You-Know-Who and lived to tell the tale.

Harry, Hermione, and Ron showed us the power of friendship, courage, and the importance of a well-placed “Expelliarmus!”

Sure, there were squabbles, moments of jealousy, and that one time Ron left in a huff (we’re still not over that, Ronald), but in the end, they always stuck together.

They faced trolls, death eaters, and even the occasional murderous teacher, proving that the power of friendship truly can conquer all – even an angst-ridden, snake-loving dark wizard.

 Lyra Belacqua & Pantalaimon – His Dark Materials

A girl and her daemon—Lyra and Pan are not just friends, they’re literally part of each other.

If that’s not a deep bond, I don’t know what is.

Pantalaimon, the shape-shifting animal embodiment of Lyra’s soul, is with her through thick and thin.

Their friendship shows us that sometimes, our best mate is our own true self (or our talking ermine, pine marten, moth, bird, whatever Pan fancies at the moment).

Locke Lamora & Jean Tannen – The Gentleman Bastard Series

A pair of thieves who would willingly die for each other, Locke and Jean are the definition of a bromance.

They lie, cheat, and steal, but they do it with such flair, you can’t help but find yourself cheering them on.

Their bond is as sturdy as Jean’s beloved hatchets and as intricate as one of Locke’s grand schemes.

If your idea of friendship involves elaborate heists, constant banter, and the occasional life-saving, this pair is for you.

Arya Stark & Sandor Clegane – A Song of Ice and Fire

An unconventional friendship, to say the least.

Arya, the fierce Stark girl, and Sandor, the gruff, scarred knight known as ‘The Hound.’

They teach each other lessons of survival and humanity.

Sure, they’re not popping over for tea and scones every Sunday, but they’ve got each other’s backs when it counts.

And really, isn’t that what friendship is all about?

FitzChivalry Farseer & The Fool – The Farseer Trilogy

This is a friendship that transcends the usual boundaries of camaraderie and ventures into the realm of the spiritual.

Fitz, the royal bastard, and The Fool, the court jester with a mysterious past, are as different as night and day, yet their bond is unbreakable.

They journey together through heartbreak, prophecy, and the occasional assassination attempt.

This is a friendship that shows us the power of understanding and acceptance, proving that our differences can often be our greatest strengths.

Vin & Elend Venture – Mistborn Trilogy

Initially, an alliance of convenience between a street thief and a nobleman, Vin and Elend’s relationship soon develops into a deep friendship and later a romantic relationship.

They challenge each other, learn from each other, and ultimately change each other in profound ways.

Their relationship is a testament to the power of trust and mutual respect.

It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most unexpected friendships are the ones that shape us the most.

Kvothe & Auri – The Kingkiller Chronicle

In a world full of magic, mystery, and music, the friendship between Kvothe, the gifted bard, and Auri, the enigmatic girl living beneath the University, stands out.

Their bond is gentle, respectful, and deeply touching.

Kvothe shows kindness and patience towards Auri’s peculiar ways, while Auri provides Kvothe a safe haven from his troubles.

Their friendship serves as a beacon of kindness in a world that often seems dark and unforgiving.

Geralt of Rivia & Dandelion – The Witcher Series

A witcher and a bard—an unlikely, yet captivating pair.

Geralt, the stoic monster-hunter, and Dandelion, the flamboyant troubadour, couldn’t be more different, yet their friendship endures through countless adventures and dangers.

While Geralt saves Dandelion from various physical threats, Dandelion often saves Geralt from his own cynicism, reminding him of the beauty and joy in the world.

Their friendship is a testament to the balance that opposites can bring to each other’s lives.

Sabriel & Mogget – The Old Kingdom Series

Last, but certainly not least, is the curious partnership between Sabriel, the Abhorsen-in-waiting, and Mogget, the mysterious cat-like being.

Their relationship is one of mutual respect and necessity more than affection, but it’s their banter and shared determination that really cement their friendship.

Mogget’s cryptic advice and quick wit often aid Sabriel in her dangerous quest, and while Mogget might not admit it, Sabriel’s steadfast courage and compassion likely save him just as often.

It’s a friendship that shows us sometimes, the best partnerships come from the most unexpected places.

So, whether it’s sharing an adventure, a laugh, or just a really good book, these friendships remind us that even in the midst of dragons, dark lords, or dystopias, having a mate by your side makes it all a bit more bearable.

Remember, a good friend will always pass you the next book in the series. But a best friend will buy you your own copy.

What are your favourite friendships in fantasy? Share yours in the comments.