The Name of the Wind

This is one of the finest works of modern epic fantasy available. Although the pace is not swift, Rothfuss styles the whole thing with beautiful, carefully crafted prose that makes this novel an enjoyable read. The main character, Kvothe, provides plenty of wit and grit. It’s worth reading despite being part of an infamously unfinished series.

I’ve tried to style some of my own prose and wit off of Rothfuss from time to time.

I was pleasantly surprised that this book became one of my favorite reads. As a psychologist, a particular quote from the book resonated deeply with me: “It’s like everyone tells a story about themselves inside their own head. Always. All the time. That story makes you what you are. We build ourselves out of that story.”

This fantasy novel immerses you in the journey of Kvothe, a gifted young man with a tragic past and extraordinary talents. Rothfuss masterfully weaves a tale of magic, music, and mystery that captivated me for hours.

Unlike the fleeting distractions of social media, this… show more.

The Name of the Wind is a beautifully told tale of Kvothe and his conflict with the Chandrian (mystical beings of suspect nature existing in a parallel plane).

After the murder of his parents and troupe, Kvothe goes claw his way through the city streets and then on to scheme through the ranks of the Magical Academy, looking for evidence of and information about his parents' killers. There is love, music, magic, and mystery with a dash of wit and violence.

I’m strongly recommending this fantasy in spite of the fact that Book 3 is still not available.

As in my previous pick, we have a contrast, or more of a gulf, between the main character as we first meet him and the boy and man he used to be – but all these versions are compelling. The worldbuilding is rich and original, revealed gradually and masterfully.

I would bet that I’m among many readers who long for Kvothe to somehow, against all the somewhat mysterious odds, regain what he’s losing and has lost.

The Name of the Wind is a must-read for fans of fantasy and mystery. The story of Kvothe, an orphan turned legendarily talented musician and magician, is rich in character development and world-building. The book is filled with layers of clues and mysteries that will keep the reader guessing and engaged. Rothfuss's writing style is captivating, making it hard to put the book down. The balance of fantasy, mystery, and adventure makes it a perfect fit for readers who enjoy multiple genres. It leaves you feeling like there is more going on than meets the eye, making it a true… show more.

I return to The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss again and again. It is a masterful account of magic, music, and memories. The prose is stunning and full of wonder. I catch new things in Rothfuss’ writing on every reread, from the recurring seven words of true love to the hidden rhymes within the prose. It is a book full of hidden mysteries and the subtle art of naming. I recommended it to friends and coworkers to scratch that magic school itch. It is a meditation on the nature of stories and magic itself. The music and legends… show more.

In The Kingkiller Chronicles, Patrick Rothfuss takes us on a journey through the life of its main character, (Kvothe) in parallel timelines each hinting at events in the other, and the craftsmanship is truly masterful. It’s a well-written epic that is both character and plot-driven, existing in a rich world of culture, history, and, of course, magic. 

As we follow Kvothe, we are exposed to a system of magics wielded by human society known as Archanists, the disciplines of which are divided into several branches and are pursued with an almost scientific methodology. We also gain a glimpse into… show more.

Rothfuss is a brilliant writer—perhaps the only current one whose prose is on a level with Lois McMaster Bujold. From the first page, his words slid into my mind like warm butter on lobster. I loved it. And his magic system is wonderful. Rothfuss is not a scientist, but he does a good job balancing scientific concepts of thermodynamics with purely magical notions involving will and a fabricated nature of reality and mind. His idea that knowing the ‘Name’ of a thing, understanding its true epistemic essence, will convey power over it was lovely. This is a book that is… show more.

I normally love fast reads. I prefer to write with limited details on most aspects, focusing in only on the things I want readers to pay attention to. Every now and then, I encounter a writer who brings completely immersive, vivid detail, without losing my attention.

Rothfuss does an amazing job with the language in this novel. It is simply a work of art.

I was going to choose book 3 of this series, The Doors of Stone, as I'm sure I will love that book when it comes out, but at the time you're reading this, it has almost certainly not been released, unless Hell hath indeed frozen over, in which case we've got bigger fish to fry... I kid, of course. This is my little tongue-in-cheek dig at an author whom I greatly respect. The Kingkiller Chronicles—the trilogy that The Doors of Stone will conclude, should it ever come out—is a phenomenal series by a gifted storyteller. At the very least, you… show more.