13. THE NAME OF THE WIND

BY PATRICK ROTHFUSS

Book One of THE KINGKILLER CHRONICLES

MY THOUGHTS:

…is Jeff.

This might be the most conflicted I’ve ever been with a book. Lookit, I think this novel is beautifully written. The prose is excellent. I’m particularly impressed that Mr. Rothfuss could write a book that seamlessly switches from a third-person narration to a first-person narration. Very nicely done. It reminds me of Interview with the Vampire.

I think the worldbuilding is interesting, the magic system is mysterious and cool, and, for the most part, the characters are pretty great.

But when I ask myself if I enjoyed it… I’m honestly not sure. This was an epic novel. It took me quite a while to read it all. I’m all about these epic fantasy stories. I love them. And in many ways, I loved this one… but also not.

My emotions are completely confused by it. On the one hand, I’m very glad I finally read it. On the other hand, I had zero stand-up and cheer moments. Zero big shocking reveals. No real twists that I can think of. Even the suspense is undercut by the fact the bulk of the tale happens in flashbacks, so our hero is never in any real danger.

He’s also got a bit of a Mary Sue thing going on. Usually, I hate that expression, but everything came so easily to this kid. Even his most significant challenges were not challenging at all. He sort of cruises through everything. Even when things don’t go his way and he’s whipped publicly, he does so without crying out and walks it off like it’s no big deal. Yeah, that’s cool, but is it realistic? I don’t care how righteous you are in whatever circumstances led to you getting whipped—You’re going to cry!

Again, I’m conflicted. It’s well written. But I don’t see myself ever reading it again, and I’m fairly certain I won’t be reading the sequel, either. Folks are upset Mr. Rothfuss is taking so long with the third novel in the series, but at this point in time, I honestly couldn’t care any less. I think this one is it for me.

Then again, I can see how some folks would LOVE this book. The main character is chivalrous and honorable but with an edge when necessary. Dude can play the lute and carry a tune to boot. He’s a well-rounded character. Just a bit… boring.

I don’t know. I’m sure I’m in the minority on this one.

Three out of Five fire-breathing, tree-eating, giant lizards.