I cannot believe I read the whole book. I don't like Kvothe.

This series is a little like a modernized Beowulf. Not only is it epic, but its hero has the same indefatigable resources and strength, and the same list of doubtful if prerequisite accomplishments. Luckily the writing is more compelling. The first five hundred pages of this book I read while suffering from a nasty bronchitis in a campy Muscovite hotel. I was so glad for it. But, as was the case with the The Name of the Wind, I find Kvothe- perfect -pants and his predictable triumphs irritating. When he is put in charge of an experience fighting team comprised of season warriors I cringed, and sympathized with the older characters who must accept his teenage authority as he is so much more competent and useful than his experienced counterparts. (Enough of the YA!) Yet whether he is a musician, linguist, fighter, diplomat, he has all the qualities I like in Jean Luc Piccard but none of the personal appeal, wisdom or genuine weakness. He is just too perfect, and not believable. When he has hot sex with the most beautiful fairy in the world, I just shook my head and prayed she would eat him. But of course.....

The best part of the book was toward the end when Kvothe gets his ass kicked by a couple of tax collecting soldiers. I read a 1,000 pages just to get to that part. I wish there was more development of other characters, because the writing is excellent and the storytelling superb. I hope in the next book he gets his ass kicked more and we learn more about his demon apprentice. And Denna finds a better boyfriend and rubs it in his face.