Killers & Kings

Compelling, Eloquent, and Lyrical

The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss

Genre: Fantasy

Book information: Paperback, 722 pages, published by DAW Books, Inc., Copyright 2007.

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            ISBN 13: 9780756404741

Trilogy Information: Book #1 of the Kingkiller Chronicles.

Book #2 is titled The Wise Man’s Fear.

Book #3 is reportedly titled Doors of Stone. A release date has not been confirmed.

Setting: The Four Corners of Civilization. Mostly taking place in Tarbean (Tar-be-in), Imre (em-ray), Trebon (Tray-ben) and at the University.

Summary: Kvothe is a name in many stories, both positive and negative, for being one of the most legendary wizards of all time. Kvothe, known as Kote to some, has been hiding as an inn keeper in a small town that doesn’t get many travelers. Many do not know the true tale of Kvothe, only the rumors that have been spread from his adventurous life. One day, when familiar trouble reaches the small town he resides in, Kote saves a traveler, later known as Chronicler, whom recognizes his true identity. Chronicler, a well-known autobiographer, begs Kvothe to tell him his story, so he can reveal the truth behind the legends bound to his name. Kvothe agrees on two conditions. One, Chronicler must write the story as he tells it, with no alterations, and two, it will take three days to tell the whole story. The Name of the Wind is day one of that story.

Elements of Fantasy

Pace: Intensifying. The book starts out slow, as many fantasy novels do because they are setting up the world the book will take place in. The Name of the Wind is no different, but after the scene is set, action takes over. By the end of the novel you will be so engrossed into the story that it will be hard to put down. It will be even harder to refrain from picking up the second one and keep going.

Frame: The book is very detailed, but in an effortless sort of way. From the setting to the characters, everything just flows with a sort of grace only experienced fantasy authors can achieve. Magic is also a heavy part of the story, typical of the genre, but it’s not overwhelming or too complex that is becomes distracting to the story.

Storyline: One of the things that I find unique about this book is that it is a story of a story. Kvothe is telling his story to a writer (Chronicler) so he can expand on the rumors that have been spread about him over the years. So, as you are reading it, you are reading it as Kvothe in the first person as if he is living his experiences first hand, but he is really reflecting on his past as he tells it to Chronicler. Therefore, there are small parts where the book jumps from past to present, but for most of the story it is told from Kvothe’s childhood point of view.  

Characterization: Kvothe is the courageous, complex hero of the story, even though he is known by many other names and some of them not so glorious. Also, in The Name of the Wind, there is a large cast of characters that help Kvothe overcome the childhood struggles he faced.

Tone: The tone of this book varies by situation, which is common in most fantasy novels. It ranges from bleak and depressing to joyous and hopeful, even though there is this unknown mysterious overtone that blankets the whole story.

Style: Lyrical has a double meaning for this book. One being that the book is written so elegantly, that it could be perceived as an ode or sonnet. Two being that Kvothe’s father was a bard, therefore Kvothe has some musical talents that layer into the story and his character.

Appeal: The Name of the Wind is not quite like any other fantasy novel I have read before. There are all the elements typical of the fantasy genre, like world building, other languages, magic, and adventure, but there is also something more. The biggest appeal is the effortless writing. Some fantasy authors get too focused on the details that you miss the main points of a story, and some can tend to get bored with it. Details are necessary, but there is a fine line between too much and not enough. Rothfuss hits that sweet spot that gives you enough to get the desired idea of the story, but not too much that you get lost in the details about a rock that will trip someone 30 chapters later.  

4 Read-a-likes

1.) Fool’s Assassin by Robin Hobb (Trilogy)

2.) The Hobbit or There and Back Again by J.R.R. Tolkien (Also adapted into a film titled “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey”)

3.) Uprooted by Naomi Novik
4.) The Ruin of Kings by Jenn Lyons