An old coworker of mine recommended this ages ago. I started it as an ebook but the length (and how slowly I read ebooks) meant I kept losing the hold and would often forget what was happening. Eventually I swtiched to a physical copy from the library which finally allowed me to finish it. I apologize for taking almost a month to get this review up! What a month it’s been.
Cover image via Amazon
The Name of the Wind (The Kingkiller Chronicles #1) by Patrick Rothfuss
Summary from Amazon:
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.
I was really enjoying this book when I had time to dedicate to it. The world was very rich and Kvothe was a really interesting character. His adventures were varied and I loved how his stories always connected. What kept this from being a top book for me was the ending. I read a lot of series and a big thing for me is each having a clean ending. I feel that there should be clean stopping points between books. This seemed like a decision that “Well, this one is too long so I’ll just stop here and pickup with the next one.” Not having a sense of conclusion or ending was really difficult as a reader. While it makes me want to pick up the second book, it also makes me hesitant to do so if I know the second one is much the same and there’s no third book on the horizon yet.
I loved Rothfuss’ characters in this story. Denna is an elusive lover, which is a fun role to complicate young Kvothe’s life. I love all of the things he gets involved with and I felt like we got just the right amount of detail about the folks who are critical to his life. I know there’s a lot more to come, but this beginning is so rich that I’m excited to see what else is in store.
Ben was a really great character and I loved the influence he had on Kvothe’s life. He didn’t limit his learning because of his age and was a very strong teacher for a curious mind. I wonder if he’ll ever know the impact he had on Kvothe’s life. Teachers can be some of the strongest influences we have when we’re young.
It was interesting to see all of the different folks who came to the University and how each was at such a different stage of life. I related to those who were much older than Kvothe but couldn’t seem to figure out what they wanted to do or find what they were good at. I feel like this is a better approach to higher education than having everyone make a decision when they’re around 18.
Patrick Rothfuss Image via Wikipedia
I loved when Kvothe talked about and played music. It takes a lot of talent for a writer to convey music well in writing and Rothfuss did an amazing job. The music scene and the ways that Kvothe utilized his talents added a lot to the setting of the book and I really enjoyed reading those scenes.
The ending was such a disappointment to me. I was left with so many questions. Since I’m not a person to disregard what I planned to read just so I can pick up a sequel, I’ll probably sit on the next book for a while. Unfortunately, that probably means I won’t remember well where I was in the story when it’s time for me to pick up the plot again. I wish it had been tied up a bit more nicely so that the next book could have a chance to lead me into the plot again.
Kvothe was dealt a rough hand in life. He had a lot stripped away from him young and fought hard to get everything he has. And he has to continue fighting while folks try to take it away from him. He’s very determined and we know from the frame narrative that this is just the beginning of his story and heroism. The orphaned savior is a bit of a trope, but I still think it’s done well in this story and I enjoyed Kvothe’s story so far.
Writer’s Takeaway: I don’t see myself ever writing a series, but you never know. I appreciate a series where each book has it’s own ending. Think of Harry Potter (or the Medicus series or the Shades of Magic). Each book is a complete story, but the ones that come after finish the overall arc. I didn’t feel that this series had that closure that I think is very important and the final impression of the book I was left with was less than ideal because of it.
Overall really enjoyable, but a bit of a disappointment in the ending. Four out of Five Stars.
Until next time, write on.
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Tags: Book Review, Patrick Rothfuss, The Kingkiller Chronicles, The Name of the Wind
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