I'm not really too sure what to say.

Assassin's Apprentice is an investment of sorts. It takes a good 50-60% of setup, and it's not always an easy one to endure. Overall, our main character doesn't live an easy life. In a way, you always feel like he's metaphorically treading water and half the time, he's suffocating under the surface only to have the occasional breather.

Around that 60% mark, things start to move quicker and it's when the story shines. It makes me wonder if the rest of the series will follow pace, or if they will follow this pattern of slow beginnings. I hope not, because I really want to know more.

Another note - the author does such a good job making compelling side characters. My personal favorite is The Fool. It's just unfortunate that they all don't really have as much on page time as I hoped.