The Name of the Wind (Kingkiller Chronicles, Day 1) (urspr publ 2007; utgåvan 2009)

It is rare that I find myself drawn into an epic fantasy story so quickly, but once I started reading this novel it became almost impossible to put down. Rothfuss references just enough of the classics of the fantasy genre (bards, magical semi-human beings, dark forces, mythologies, magical academics) to get old school fans in the door, yet still adds his own flair with a well-thought out magical system to get some new fans as well. The driving force, though, is clearly his characters. He balances some we are barely introduced to (such as Bast, a human-passing fey) with others who quickly become main characters (like the mysterious and alluring Denna), and ties them all together with the protagonist, Kvothe, who tells the story of his life as the vehicle for the novel. Being the first novel in the proposed trilogy, we aren't given much of the present storyline besides the bare minimum, but by the end of the book it is clear that Rothfuss has placed Kvothe's telling at this specific time for some reason that has to do with the Chandrian or possibly the resurgence of magic in the world. I'm quite looking forward to the next two novels, which are sure to be even more fantastic as the young Kvothe continues his magical training at the Arcanum and the elder reestablishes his past while tackling present-day magical dilemmas. ( )

Initially, Patrick Rothfuss’s fantasy novel The Name of the Wind drifts along at the pace of a gentle breeze. But it races like a tempest by the end.

The story starts slowly because Rothfuss sets it up as a tale within a tale. The first few chapters are in third person, hinting at larger events while introducing us to Kote (an innkeeper in a small town), Bast (Kote’s assistant), and Chronicler (a traveling scribe). Chronicler identifies Kote as Kvothe, a legendary magician, and offers to transcribe his life’s story. Kvothe accepts, and the narration switches to first person for the rest of the book, except for occasional interludes back at his inn.

It took me a while to appreciate this structure. At first, I thought Rothfuss would have been better off jumping straight to Kvothe’s point of view and his retelling of how he came to be a clever orphan who self-finances his education at a more adult-version of Hogwarts. Because that story has lots to recommend it: a distinctive, self-reliant protagonist; a convincing magic system; a larger mystery to unravel (concerning why Kvothe lost his parents)—good stuff all around.

For much of the book, though, the scenes in the inn didn’t seem particularly necessary. But as the main narrative proceeds, the interludes allow Rothfuss to drop clues about what’s in store and interject a joke or two. More importantly, the presence of these scenes makes the novel’s inconclusive ending more palatable: when Kvothe agreed to share his story, he warned Chronicler it would take three days to tell in full, and the first day’s recording amounts to the 600+ pages in The Name of the Wind. Days two and three (presumably) require separate books.

A lesser author wouldn’t get away with this. But Rothfuss’s writing is strong (aside from some occasional comma abuse), Kvothe is a hero worth rooting for, and the final sequences are exhilarating. So, like Bast and Chronicler, I’m eager for another day’s tale—I’ve already started reading The Wise Man’s Fear, the sequel to The Name of the Wind.

(For more reviews like this one, see www.nickwisseman.com) ( )

Rollicking great fun - another magic-school story, yes, but as rich and satisfying as everything that has come before in the genre. A big blockbuster book that actually made me laugh, cry, and cheer (well, not loudly, but you get the idea). ( )

I am all kinds of intrigued, amazed and terrified by this cover.

This is Kvothe's story as told by Kvothe. This first book is dictated to the Chronicler and covers the first sixteen years of his life, so it alternates to the present time where Kvothe is an innkeeper telling the story and the events of his youth. Kvothe is a Ruh, a gypsy-like tribe, and he travels with his parents and their troupe of entertainers. Along the way, Abenthy or Ben, a traveling arcanist joins the group and becomes young Kvothe's mentor and teacher. The group is slaughtered by mysterious men known as the Chandrians, but Kvothe escapes. For the next few years, he wanders, struggling to keep himself alive until he's admitted to University based on the arcanist skills he learned from Ben. His University years are filled with study, work, adventures, danger, and first love.
It took me a while to get through this book; it's very long and I didn't want to miss any details. It's a rich story, filled with multiple fascinating items on each page. I've already purchased the next book, intent on discovering where Kvothe's life goes next. The story does tend to wander a bit though I suspect there are reasons for this that will be revealed in the next book. ( )