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The Name of the Wind

Book 1 in the series:The Kingkiller Chronicle

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"The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss is a fantasy novel that follows the story of Kvothe, a young prodigy who becomes a famous minstrel, wizard, swordsman, and hero. The book features a dual narrative structure, with Kvothe recounting his past while living as an older man. The world-building is extensive and immersive, drawing readers into a vast and fantastical universe filled with mysterious spirits and powerful characters. The writing style is engaging and descriptive, capturing the reader's attention with lyrical prose and intricate details.

The plot of the book revolves around Kvothe's quest to uncover the truth behind his parents' murder and his journey to master the power of naming. As the story unfolds, readers are taken on a journey through Kvothe's life, filled with challenges, adventures, and moments of self-discovery. The book seamlessly weaves together elements of magic, travel, death, and storytelling, creating a compelling and intricate narrative that keeps readers captivated from beginning to end.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed and complex, especially Kvothe, whose growth and flaws drive much of the emotional core of the story.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by poetic prose and metaphor, contributing to the rich storytelling and immersive atmosphere.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot centers around Kvothe narrating his life story, filled with adventures, magic, and the consequences of his choices, while drawing contrasts with his present, quieter life.

Setting:

The setting is a richly crafted fantasy world that incorporates elements of magic and various cultures, contributing significantly to the narrative.

Pacing:

The pacing starts slowly to build character and world but becomes faster and more engaging as the story progresses, despite some drawn-out segments.
Old Cob was filling his role as storyteller and advice dispensary. The men at the bar sipped their drinks and listened. In the back room a young innkeeper stood out of sight behind the door, smiling a...

Notes:

The protagonist, Kvothe, is a complex character perceived as both a hero and a villain based on various stories.
The narrative is structured as a story within a story, where Kvothe recounts his life to a chronicler over three days.
Rothfuss's writing style is noted for its lyrical and poetic quality, making the reading experience immersive.
The book explores themes of storytelling, memory, and how legends can overshadow the truth of a person's life.
The magic system in the novel is called 'sympathy,' which blends elements of science and magic, requiring knowledge and focus to use effectively.
The world-building is extensive, featuring unique customs, cultures, and a history tied to Kvothe's upbringing as part of a traveling troupe.
There is a significant focus on music and its importance to Kvothe's identity and character development throughout the story.
The book has received widespread acclaim, being listed among the best fantasy novels and winning several literary awards.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of violence, death, abandonment, and some references to sexual situations.

Has Romance?

While Kvothe's relationships are significant, particularly with Denna, the romance is interwoven with the broader themes and character development.

From The Publisher:

DAY ONE: THE NAME OF THE WIND

My name is Kvothe.

I have stolen princesses back from sleeping barrow kings. I burned down the town of Trebon. I have spent the night with Felurian and left with both my sanity and my life. I was expelled from the University at a younger age than most people are allowed in. I tread paths by moonlight that others fear to speak of during day. I have talked to Gods, loved women, and written songs that make the minstrels weep.

You may have heard of me.

So begins a tale unequaled in fantasy literature-the story of a hero told in his own voice. It is a tale of sorrow, a tale of survival, a tale of one man's search for meaning in his universe, and how that search, and the indomitable will that drove it, gave birth to a legend.

Praise for The Kingkiller Chronicle:

Discover #1 New York Times-bestselling Patrick Rothfuss' epic fantasy series, The Kingkiller Chronicle.

"I just love the world of Patrick Rothfuss." -Lin-Manuel Miranda

"He's bloody good, this Rothfuss guy." -George R. R. Martin

"Rothfuss has real talent." -Terry Brooks

OVER 1 MILLION COPIES SOLD!

"The best epic fantasy I read last year…. He's bloody good, this Rothfuss guy."

-George R. R. Martin, New York Times-bestselling author of A Song of Ice and Fire

"Rothfuss has real talent, and his tale of Kvothe is deep and intricate and wondrous."

-Terry Brooks, New York Times-bestselling author of Shannara

"It is a rare and great pleasure to find a fantasist writing…with true music in the words."

-Ursula K. Le Guin, award-winning author of Earthsea

"The characters are real and the magic is true."

-Robin Hobb, New York Times-bestselling author of Assassin's Apprentice

"Masterful…. There is a beauty to Pat's writing that defies description."

-Brandon Sanderson, New York Times-bestselling author of Mistborn

Ratings (685)

Incredible (285)
Loved It (239)
Liked It (95)
It Was OK (30)
Did Not Like (19)
Hated It (17)

Reader Stats (1083):

Read It (685)
Currently Reading (12)
Want To Read (271)
Did Not Finish (21)
Not Interested (94)

18 comment(s)

Incredible
1 day

It took me three tries to start reading this book, but after I got a couple chapters in I couldn't put it down. The framework of the story, Kvothe telling his story as a scribe transcribes it, allows Rothfuss to do a lot of foreshadowing which along with engaging characters and events made me eager to keep reading and figure out the mysteries alluded to. It's so engaging that I didn't even notice till after I finished that the entire premise of the story is just a combination of two of the biggest fantasy cliches; the orphan and the student.

 
Incredible
1 week

I've been wanting to read this for years and haven't found it until I looked it up at my local library system. It was well worth the long wait. Such a good story and so well written. Made me realize why I enjoy fantasy!

 
Liked It
4 weeks

Everything else aside, some of the smoothest, most fluid prose I have had the pleasure of reading.


Beautiful work Patrick, I’m jealous of your ability to write buttery smooth goodness.

 
Loved It
1 month

Book 3 will never come out...

 
Incredible
1 month

The incredible art of storytelling found in the pages of this book allows nearly all readers to get past how the author portrays the main character as just to good at everything. It truly is amazing to realize that the author keeps you turning the pages even though you become immune to the idea that anything could be a problem for the main character. Instead the side/background characters become the flesh and blood of the story.

 
Loved It
1 month

World building; magic system

 
Incredible
1 month

This is a great and wonderful read for a debut fantasy novel or even a seasoned veteran -

I had read somewhere that people did not like that the story changes from 3rd person to 1st or that the timeline goes back and forth - let me quell this issue here and now

First, it starts in the story's present and gets you into the world and the main character before it begins the 1st person and second, when it does the 1st person it explains why, and there is no confusion - I had more trouble following the multiple points of view that had no warning in the Malazan books than in this one, which clearly outlines the present and the past

To me, this was like the movie Forrest Gump in the style of story telling - Gump sits on a bench in the current time telling his story of how he got to where he is - this is the same thing - though instead of having a mentally challenged man with a modicum of luck, it follows a musician and a magician through his growth from childhood to manhood, because he is a thing of legend -

Also, to say that this is not done, then people need to re-read the fourth Dark Tower novel, Wizard and Glass - that is the same style in that Roland tells his childhood and life story while in the present

Kudos to Mr Rothfuss for a well told story with interesting characters, intense action and drama, and magic philosophy that does more than say this is magic and it works - the reasons why are just as important and the proof is in the writing - 5 out of 5 stars.

 
Loved It
1 month

I was looking to branch out into fantasy for a while, as my usual romp in sci-fi was becoming a bit stale. I’m not into dragons and hard magic and fairies, thus complicating my foray into the fantasy genre as a whole (I’m still learning which sub-genres to dabble in that fit the bill).

This was a very good read. Not perfect by any means, at times slow and uneventful to be sure, but it was the perfect palate cleanser and first dive into fantasy.

Above all, Name of the Wind is just a good story and had elements I gravitate towards. The writing was illustrative, the scenes and their depiction were efficient—imaginative, whole, but not so overly described as a lot of authors tend to do (ironic though as the novel is lengthy at 720 pages). Kvothe’s performance at the Eolian remains one of my favorite scenes.

Do I have questions and are there subplots and mysteries unresolved/left alone? Absolutely. Did I skip over some passages where Kvothe and Denna spend time on nothing together? 100%. In fact, this is my primary qualm with the book—like all male writers, Rothfuss struggles to write women characters well, as whole humans with depth. He also struggles in some instances to write about love and affection beyond the pull of “mystery” or “who knows what women want, am I right?” As a sci-fi reader, this is hardly new. Disappointing, but not surprising.

Tl;dr: a great story that meanders and takes the scenic route but pushes forward at a good pace, you’ll be left with unresolved questions. You’ll want to read over candle light while eating barley bread and butter with your stew and a side of dark ale while reading. A great Fall read.

 
Incredible
2 months

I think that it was a good book in respect that it was clean and kept you reading. It can be a little long for those that haven't read the thick kind of paperbacks before but worth the effort.

 
Incredible
2 months

After starting this book off I wasn't sure I was going to like it, but I ended up falling head-over-heels for it.

 
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About the Author:

Patrick Rothfuss is the bestselling author of The Kingkiller Chronicle. His first novel, The Name of the Wind, won the Quill Award and was a Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year. Its sequel, The Wise Man's Fear, debuted at #1 on The New York Times bestseller

 
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