at its core, assassin's apprentice is a book about loneliness. when we are introduced to its protagonist, he doesn't even have a name, immediately pitiful and estranged, never loved enough even for that. the only thing he understands about his life is that he is a bastard, unwanted, constantly reminded of it too. he sleeps with the dogs. every single connection he manages to build is severed, times and times again. he's a tool. nothing else. he's abused, verbally and physically, for years. surrounded by so many people, his loneliness in their midst a web that connects it all better than any secrets. he is the one narrating his own life story, no one else with him even at the end? but no, the story says - a friend. and it is so damn lonely, but also what a lovely balm: a friend.