The short version
Fitz returns to Buckkeep under a concealed role as unrest and dangerous secrets gather around Prince Dutiful.
Quick answers
What to know before you start
- Where does it fit?
- Book 2 in Tawny Man Trilogy.
- Can I start here?
- This is book 2. Check the series reading order first.
- Is the series complete?
- Yes — the indexed series is complete.
- When was it first published?
- 2003. Edition publication dates may differ.
- How long is it?
- 688 pages in the Del Rey US trade paperback (2024).
- Is an audiobook indexed?
- Audiobook edition details are still pending.
What it's about
A spoiler-light premise
Back at Buckkeep, Fitz serves the crown in secret while helping prepare Prince Dutiful for his future. Tensions involving the Wit, the royal court, and the Fool place several of Fitz's loyalties under strain.
You'll probably like it if
Pending.
Maybe skip it if
Pending.
Ways to read
Formats & editions
Print edition
Del Rey US trade paperback (2024)
- Publisher
- Del Rey
- Length
- 688 pages
- Edition date
- Apr 16, 2024
- ISBN-13
- 9780593725405
Edition details verified Oct 5, 2026. Page count and cover can differ between editions.
Audiobook
Edition details pending
Narrator, runtime, and regional availability have not been verified yet.
Sources & verification
Where the edition facts come from
Publisher, format, ISBN, page-count, narrator, and runtime details are kept at edition level because they can vary between versions and markets.
- Penguin Random House / Del Rey Del Rey US trade paperback (2024) · checked Oct 5, 2026
At a glance
Fantasy Index scorecard
Continue in order
Tawny Man Trilogy
The full series is available.