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A review by monetp
The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
4.0
4.5 stars
"It was one of those perfect autumn days so common in stories and so rare in the real world." ~ [b:The Name of the Wind|186074|The Name of the Wind (The Kingkiller Chronicle, #1)|Patrick Rothfuss|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1515589515l/186074._SX50_.jpg|2502879]
Okay this was the quote that let me know I was in for a wild ride: "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." As soon as I read this quote, I was hooked! I fell in love with Kvothe's character immediately. I love everything about him from his name to his friends, to his magical talent, to his epic storytelling. What really endears Kvothe as a character is his humanity, his good nature. I love his almost sibling-like relationship with Auri and how he looks after her like an older brother. He always protects and respects the women in his life and I LOVE THAT.
This is the perfect read for teens and adults who are fans of [b:Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows|136251|Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Harry Potter, #7)|J.K. Rowling|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1474171184l/136251._SY75_.jpg|2963218] and the [b:Outlander|10964|Outlander (Outlander, #1)|Diana Gabaldon|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1529065012l/10964._SY75_.jpg|2489796] series. These are two of my favorite series and "The Name of the Wind" feels like a combination of the two. I also got a strong [b:Blood of Elves|6043781|Blood of Elves (The Witcher, #1)|Andrzej Sapkowski|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1589998653l/6043781._SX50_.jpg|1877722] (the Witcher series) vibe from Kvothe, especially when the reader gets to see what he's like in the future as an innkeeper. And, no spoilers, but in chapter 88 Kvothe really pulls a Geralt move! I loved being absorbed in the University's politics and drama. It was awesome to read about Kvothe's adventures at school while I was studying at college. It almost felt like I was studying with a fictional character by my side! This is the sort of book that, as soon as I finished it, I wanted to go back and reread it. My favorite moment, no question, was when Kvothe said the name of the wind for the first time. HOW EPIC! I was screaming internally and loving every second of how that moment was written on the page.
The only aspect of the novel that I didn't enjoy was the chapter interludes. I completely understand that since this story is being told orally that Kvothe has to stop speaking every once in a while, but the interludes really drew me out of the story. Sometimes this was a good thing because I wanted to stay awake all night and read. However, when I was reading and focused, the interludes broke my concentration completely. Also, I wish the dracus/dragon creature has played a more important role in the story. I loved the author's description of a dragonlike creature, but since it was hunted so quickly, I didn't get a chance to savor its description. I desperately hope that this creature will play a more significant role in the following books. Overall I can't wait to read the rest of the series and see what happens to all my favorite characters: Fela (she is so smart and loving!), Kvothe, and Auri (I need to know her backstory)!
Some of my favorite quotes:
"Only the old oaks seemed reluctant to give up the summer, and their leaves remained an even mingling of gold and green."
"It was not a large road, nor well traveled. It didn't seem to lead anywhere, as some roads do. The innkeeper drew a deep breath of autumn air and looked around restlessly, as if waiting for something to happen."
"Words are pale shadows of forgotten names."
"We understand how dangerous a mask can be."
"Bones mend. Regret stays with you forever."
"The boy grows upward, but the girl grows up."
"You lack the requisite spine and testicular fortitude to study under me."
"It was one of those perfect autumn days so common in stories and so rare in the real world." ~ [b:The Name of the Wind|186074|The Name of the Wind (The Kingkiller Chronicle, #1)|Patrick Rothfuss|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1515589515l/186074._SX50_.jpg|2502879]
Okay this was the quote that let me know I was in for a wild ride: "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." As soon as I read this quote, I was hooked! I fell in love with Kvothe's character immediately. I love everything about him from his name to his friends, to his magical talent, to his epic storytelling. What really endears Kvothe as a character is his humanity, his good nature. I love his almost sibling-like relationship with Auri and how he looks after her like an older brother. He always protects and respects the women in his life and I LOVE THAT.
This is the perfect read for teens and adults who are fans of [b:Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows|136251|Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Harry Potter, #7)|J.K. Rowling|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1474171184l/136251._SY75_.jpg|2963218] and the [b:Outlander|10964|Outlander (Outlander, #1)|Diana Gabaldon|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1529065012l/10964._SY75_.jpg|2489796] series. These are two of my favorite series and "The Name of the Wind" feels like a combination of the two. I also got a strong [b:Blood of Elves|6043781|Blood of Elves (The Witcher, #1)|Andrzej Sapkowski|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1589998653l/6043781._SX50_.jpg|1877722] (the Witcher series) vibe from Kvothe, especially when the reader gets to see what he's like in the future as an innkeeper. And, no spoilers, but in chapter 88 Kvothe really pulls a Geralt move! I loved being absorbed in the University's politics and drama. It was awesome to read about Kvothe's adventures at school while I was studying at college. It almost felt like I was studying with a fictional character by my side! This is the sort of book that, as soon as I finished it, I wanted to go back and reread it. My favorite moment, no question, was when Kvothe said the name of the wind for the first time. HOW EPIC! I was screaming internally and loving every second of how that moment was written on the page.
The only aspect of the novel that I didn't enjoy was the chapter interludes. I completely understand that since this story is being told orally that Kvothe has to stop speaking every once in a while, but the interludes really drew me out of the story. Sometimes this was a good thing because I wanted to stay awake all night and read. However, when I was reading and focused, the interludes broke my concentration completely. Also, I wish the dracus/dragon creature has played a more important role in the story. I loved the author's description of a dragonlike creature, but since it was hunted so quickly, I didn't get a chance to savor its description. I desperately hope that this creature will play a more significant role in the following books. Overall I can't wait to read the rest of the series and see what happens to all my favorite characters: Fela (she is so smart and loving!), Kvothe, and Auri (I need to know her backstory)!
Some of my favorite quotes:
"Only the old oaks seemed reluctant to give up the summer, and their leaves remained an even mingling of gold and green."
"It was not a large road, nor well traveled. It didn't seem to lead anywhere, as some roads do. The innkeeper drew a deep breath of autumn air and looked around restlessly, as if waiting for something to happen."
"Words are pale shadows of forgotten names."
"We understand how dangerous a mask can be."
"Bones mend. Regret stays with you forever."
"The boy grows upward, but the girl grows up."
"You lack the requisite spine and testicular fortitude to study under me."