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The premise of this novella sounded great but ultimately fell flat. I got through six chapters before putting it down, just shy of halfway through. The pacing was slow even for a fantasy gothic. Phee's emotions and thoughts were conveyed so often that the book might have been more engaging if written in first person. As is, it's repetitive and lacking real depth, only taking up precious space in a novella-length story. I'm all for slow burns, but they require atmosphere, an emotional bond to the character, or intriguing glimpses of the fantastic.

In this instance, the movie was better. While Oliver's narrative is often compelling and humorous, the novel lacks a proper plot and feels more like the disparate events of adolescence than a well-considered story.

If you enjoy slashers, The Autumn Springs Retirement Home Massacre should scratch your murderous itch. While Fracassi does nothing outside the genre's tropes, he populates this story with lovable characters you can't help but root for. Death scenes are brutal, the killer probably won't be who you expect, and the narrative plays with varying viewpoints that only add to the tension.

I recommend this to fans of slashers and mysteries alike.

Thank you to Tor Nightfire and NetGalley for the review.

Patrick Rothfuss has a knack for creating and filling out a world through character development and discovery. His prose is a delight to read, and his descriptions are lush without being flowery. But if you're seeking a plot-driven fantasy, you've come to the wrong place.

Kvothe is an intriguing and nuanced character. Despite being gifted in sympathy, sygaldry, and music, he fucks up or finds himself in less-than-stellar situations on the regular. But his development and journey is more honest and realistic because of his numerous faults. His only being fifteen in The Name of the Wind certainly helps that believability along. The Wise Man's Fear, however, takes Kvothe's methodical musings and stretches them to the point of tedium. I loved everything about the University, his search for the Chandrian, and the mysteries of the Amyr. Everything else was a slog, especially after his encounter with Felurian.

Despite The Wise Man Fear's shortcomings, I love how magic is a natural part of the world instead of the focus. Though magical elements are there, and add quite a bit to the story, Kvothe's growth as a person is at the forefront of the tale.

For those seeking a long trek through another world, with little care for character arcs or overarching plot threads, The Wise Man's Fear might be just what you're after.