The Name of the Wind, also called The Kingkiller Chronicle: Day One, is a heroic fantasy novel written by American author Patrick Rothfuss. It is the first book in the ongoing fantasy trilogy The Kingkiller Chronicle, followed by The Wise Man's Fear. It was published on March 27, 2007, by DAW Books.
In-Genre Rating: 7 Global Rating: 6 Reading Fun: 6.5
While I certainly see why this generated the hype it generated, it still has a lot of the typical shortcomings of YA fantasy. Or maybe that is the point, to be an archetype of that genre. It does that well certainly: There is a lot of unexpected facets and positively crazy ideas. Sadly, there are also quite a few paper thin characters or scenes where people fall out of there character in the name of humor or tension. The worldbuilding cannot handle too much thinking about it, and literary fanciness is a bit intrusive at times.Apart from a few exceptions, it will however captivate you and thus remain a worthy read of the genre.
This book isn’t bad. It also isn’t very good (pace Rothfuss fans). I came away from it feeling ambivalent: I didn’t hate it! I even liked some parts! But I also don’t care if I ever read the sequel or if the third book in the series is ever actually published. But I might read them?
It’s all very confusing.
Part of the problem is the blatant cribbing from Harry Potter. Fantasy writers are notorious and obvious borrowers: Jordan borrowed from Tolkien; Terry Brooks borrowed from Tolkien; Islington borrowed from both Tolkien and Jordan. It’s not unheard of. But to write a book in 2007 about a boy who discovers he is “special” and who is packed of to wizard school is...I mean....come on now.
(I say this as someone who has never and probably won’t ever read the Potter books.)
(I fully admit that a second part of …
This book isn’t bad. It also isn’t very good (pace Rothfuss fans). I came away from it feeling ambivalent: I didn’t hate it! I even liked some parts! But I also don’t care if I ever read the sequel or if the third book in the series is ever actually published. But I might read them?
It’s all very confusing.
Part of the problem is the blatant cribbing from Harry Potter. Fantasy writers are notorious and obvious borrowers: Jordan borrowed from Tolkien; Terry Brooks borrowed from Tolkien; Islington borrowed from both Tolkien and Jordan. It’s not unheard of. But to write a book in 2007 about a boy who discovers he is “special” and who is packed of to wizard school is...I mean....come on now.
(I say this as someone who has never and probably won’t ever read the Potter books.)
(I fully admit that a second part of the problem might be me: I went into this not realizing it was YA, which isn’t really my bag.)
Nevertheless, Rothfuss has an amazingly rabid fan base (check out the more than 3000 reviews—mostly 5 star—for Doors of Stone, the third volume in this series that, as of 2019, has gone unfinished and unpublished for nearly a decade) and you might be one of them, so don’t just take my word for it.
OK, so, really enjoyed this book; a detailed, imaginative fantasy framed as the autobiography of a hero as told by himself to a chronicler who has sought him out. This book covers his childhood - early happy days, difficult struggle period, and eventual entry into the Academy to study alchemy/magic and try to learn more about the enemies who attacked his parents' caravan when he was young. The magic system seems detailed and well-thought out, the world is deep and absorbing, and the hero is likeable - although portrayed as rather close to perfect, it is after all the hero himself telling the story, so this is at least understandable. In the sweeping scope and attention to detail, this book reminded me of some of the best of Guy Gavriel Kay.
That said ... I hate cliffhangers, and generally avoid reading books in a series until I know the last …
OK, so, really enjoyed this book; a detailed, imaginative fantasy framed as the autobiography of a hero as told by himself to a chronicler who has sought him out. This book covers his childhood - early happy days, difficult struggle period, and eventual entry into the Academy to study alchemy/magic and try to learn more about the enemies who attacked his parents' caravan when he was young. The magic system seems detailed and well-thought out, the world is deep and absorbing, and the hero is likeable - although portrayed as rather close to perfect, it is after all the hero himself telling the story, so this is at least understandable. In the sweeping scope and attention to detail, this book reminded me of some of the best of Guy Gavriel Kay.
That said ... I hate cliffhangers, and generally avoid reading books in a series until I know the last one has been published. I made an exception for this book, but am now rather annoyed, since it definitely ends in a cliffhanger and the series is far from finished. Although the next book is also published, it's been 7 years and the third book still isn't out yet. Soooo.... debating whether to just stop here and wait for him to finish, or pick up the second book. I don't mind continuing series when the authors end each book satisfactorily (see: Vorkosigan saga by Bujold) but I do mind when you're left with completely unfinished business and a partial story (I'm looking at you, David Eddings). So, if you're reading this review before the series has been concluded, take this under advisement and make up your own mind depending on your preferences. But, if the series has been completed by the time you read this, I highly recommend this book and enjoyed the writing very much.
I trouped, traveled, loved, lost, trusted and was betrayed.
When you look in to recommended fantasy stories The Kingkiller Chronicle is usually at the top. I knew I was going to like the series but held off on starting because I didn't want to start another series and wait for years for it to complete. That argument loses steam when applied to ASOIAF or Stormlight Archives so I have thrown caution to the wind and am reading what will probably be an instant favorite of mine.
Things we understand we an try to control.
From the beginning the story flowed casually and the prose wasn't a challenge. The way Kvothe laid the groundwork and foundation for his story was masterfully down. I knew Kvothe survived in any situation he faced in his youth but I was still captivated. I was eager to return to Name of the Wind and read …
I trouped, traveled, loved, lost, trusted and was betrayed.
When you look in to recommended fantasy stories The Kingkiller Chronicle is usually at the top. I knew I was going to like the series but held off on starting because I didn't want to start another series and wait for years for it to complete. That argument loses steam when applied to ASOIAF or Stormlight Archives so I have thrown caution to the wind and am reading what will probably be an instant favorite of mine.
Things we understand we an try to control.
From the beginning the story flowed casually and the prose wasn't a challenge. The way Kvothe laid the groundwork and foundation for his story was masterfully down. I knew Kvothe survived in any situation he faced in his youth but I was still captivated. I was eager to return to Name of the Wind and read more. Not every chapter was thrilling or full of suspense, but there was a simple pleasure in him commuting between University and Eolian.
The boy grows upward, but the girl grows up.
Kvothe had a youthful naivety but had experienced traumatic experiences with the Chandrian attack and life on Tarbean. He is knowledgeable and wise in many areas and his faults with women led to some amusing interactions.
Do not misunderstand. She was not loud, or vain. We stare at a fire because it flickers, because it glows. The light is what catches our eyes, but what makes a man lean close to a fire has nothing to with its bright shape. What draws you to a fire is the warmth you feel when you come near. The same was true of Denna.
Denna is Kvothe's Kryptonite but I found her frustrating. When she felt she wasn't wanted she disappeared. She couldn't tolerate to be alone and describing her as cruel is entirely accurate. Yet Kvothe couldn't stay away and Denna wouldn't stay. As a reader her motives were counterproductive but I suspect in the remaining books the mystery of Denna will unfold and her present day actions will make sense...I hope. This is one thread I want concluded because she's just too flaky of a character without some background.
Bones mend. Regret stays with you forever.
The magic system was nicely explained and even Kvothe questioned how you name the wind even doing it. As a reader it was nice to be as uninformed as Kvothe in some areas. The magic and fantasy were excellent but I enjoyed the character interactions. Wilem, Simmon and the characters at Eolian were like a comfortable pair of shoes. You could slip in for a quick chat or join them for a long afternoon and it's the characters that made me want to return to the book so readily.
Anger can keep you warm at night, and wounded pride can spur a man to wondrous things.
The Wise Man's Fear is a bit more divisive of a story with fans so I'll see where I land as I continue on with the series, but I know I'm heading straight for disappointment and joining millions of others as we wait for details about Kingkiller #3 to emerge.
It's been a long time since I've read a book like this. When I was in high school I read quite a bit of [a:David Eddings|8732|David Eddings|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1223870462p2/8732.jpg] work. While I can't compare works, there was a feeling--something of magic, of growth, exploration, education. A mystery to be solved and great works to be had. This took me to that feeling, that place and I really had a good time there. I am a sucker for magic, theory crafted worlds, and secrets.
A world with old stories. Old magic. New magics. Names that control. Sleeping minds that know. Petty arguments and dramas to unfold. All narrated from the present to the past with a host of characters to keep you busy. It's not too heavy in the GMRR fashion but it's not bubble gum either.
Lastly, I must add I had a real love for the way language was used. It …
It's been a long time since I've read a book like this. When I was in high school I read quite a bit of [a:David Eddings|8732|David Eddings|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1223870462p2/8732.jpg] work. While I can't compare works, there was a feeling--something of magic, of growth, exploration, education. A mystery to be solved and great works to be had. This took me to that feeling, that place and I really had a good time there. I am a sucker for magic, theory crafted worlds, and secrets.
A world with old stories. Old magic. New magics. Names that control. Sleeping minds that know. Petty arguments and dramas to unfold. All narrated from the present to the past with a host of characters to keep you busy. It's not too heavy in the GMRR fashion but it's not bubble gum either.
Lastly, I must add I had a real love for the way language was used. It was deeply descriptive, emotional, evocative. It brought me in and held me to a moment. I wouldn't call it poetic but it had poetic license.
Dear Mr Rothfuss, can you please make them publish your Bast-story separately? And also can you please get part three published soon? I fear I can't read on until I know the end is available in print, and other than with certain other popular Fantasy series, the end of yours matters to me. [prtf]
4 1/2* I think my experience with this book suffered a little from high hopes. Everything I heard made me think this was going to be epic, and it was! It just wasn't the most epic. It is a fantastic story that kept me reading until I'd be tired the next day. It's we'll written and enthralling. It was just missing a little something. Something I think I might find as the story progresses. I'm starting the sequel tonight to keep up the story line. I only occasionally do that. I'm even putting off Iron Gold for it. Gasp!!
Not my cup of tea, at all, though I realize that I am pretty alone with this opinion. "The worst of Harry Potter meets the worst of Fitz & Fool" is how I'd describe this one in conversation. Now, the introductory chapters - until the actual start of the story - seemed pretty engaging, and Rothfuss definitely uses language well; but the actual action of the book left me almost completely unfazed.
As we all know, the most talented and the greatest heroes and deities of legend are – and with good reason – redheads. It is thus easy to take in stride the fantastic feats and tales of the fiery-maned hero, Kvothe, in this masterwork from Patrick Rothfuss. Though the general tenor of these tales is no surprise, the notes combine to enchant and delight. Having burnt through the first two novels with rapacious glee, I patiently await the third!
I read this book a few years ago and loved it! Recently, I got the second book as a gift and decided to reread this to fresh up my memory. I was surprised... It does not hold up well.
Kvothe is the biggest Mary Sue (Gary Stu?) character I've ever read! He has no flaws (or his "flaws" are, like, caring TOO MUCH, being TOO trusting). He is always naturally good at everything to a point of being unbelievable even in a book full of magic. The story is not as exciting as I remembered, it's very predictable.
Still, for all its flaws, the book is quite good and super easy to read. Patrick Rothfuss uses language that is simple to understand while still providing depth to the narrative.
Overall, I would recommend this book if you are new to the fantasy genre. For more experienced readers, it can still …
I read this book a few years ago and loved it! Recently, I got the second book as a gift and decided to reread this to fresh up my memory. I was surprised... It does not hold up well.
Kvothe is the biggest Mary Sue (Gary Stu?) character I've ever read! He has no flaws (or his "flaws" are, like, caring TOO MUCH, being TOO trusting). He is always naturally good at everything to a point of being unbelievable even in a book full of magic. The story is not as exciting as I remembered, it's very predictable.
Still, for all its flaws, the book is quite good and super easy to read. Patrick Rothfuss uses language that is simple to understand while still providing depth to the narrative.
Overall, I would recommend this book if you are new to the fantasy genre. For more experienced readers, it can still be an entertaining, albeit light, read.
