The Name of the Wind: A Novel
Written by Patrick Rothfuss
Narrated by Nick Podehl
Editor's Note
A silence in three parts…
Rothfuss’ masterpiece has taken the fantasy world by storm with its lyrical prose, the seeming boundlessness of the world, and the endearing faults and follies, compassion and cunning of the legendary Kvothe.
Description
My name is Kvothe.
I have stolen princesses back from sleeping barrow kings. I burned down the town of Trebon. I have spent the night with Felurian and left with both my sanity and my life. I was expelled from the University at a younger age than most people are allowed in. I tread paths by moonlight that others fear to speak of during day. I have talked to Gods, loved women, and written songs that make the minstrels weep.
You may have heard of me.
So begins a tale unequaled in fantasy literature-the story of a hero told in his own voice. It is a tale of sorrow, a tale of survival, a tale of one man's search for meaning in his universe, and how that search, and the indomitable will that drove it, gave birth to a legend.
"It is a rare and great pleasure to find a fantasist writing…with true music in the words…. Wherever Pat Rothfuss goes…he'll carry us with him as a good singer carries us through a song." -Ursula K. Le Guin, bestselling author and winner of the National Book Award
About the author
Reviews
What people think about The Name of the Wind
4.2Reader reviews
- (5/5)Wow, what can you say about this book, other than it is amazing. It seems like such a chore when looking at it, but it is beautifully written and very very easy to devour! Can't wait to find out what happens in the next book. I would most definitely recommend this book!
- (5/5)My problem with serial fantasy is that they always leave you hanging! Now I need to read the next one right away, and if I finish that the 3rd one isn't finish yet! Haha I love Kvothe, this beat GOT by about 3 points for me. Not too much death! Haha But still a lonely book and I love sad books. Gonna read the next one soooon!!
- (5/5)This book was highly recommended, but lived up to every expectation.
It took a while to get rolling (like more fantasy novels that have to build the worlds they live in), but once it did, it really took off. Cannot wait to pick up the next book. - (5/5)Other than The Lord of the Rings, Narnia Chronicles and Harry Potter books, I'm not normally a fantasy fiction reader. I read a blurb about this book on Twitter and went to take a look at Amazon.com. I noticed that it was rated quite high by a large number of readers...even more so here at goodreads. I have a new kindle and decided to go ahead and give the e-version a try. I had a hard time putting the book down! Can't wait for the second book in the trilogy.
- (5/5)Quite simply one of the finest written books I have had the honor of reading. It actually tries hard (and succeeds magnificently) in not following any sort of formulaic plot. You are truly reading a life chronicle.Only disappointing aspect is there is not even an attempt to close any aspect of the story. One 'something' finalized was needed -- one did not feel in any way satisfied in reaching the end.
- (4/5)This was an epic story set in an alternate universe. Kvothe is now a simple innkeeper trying to keep his colorful past to himself, but agrees to tell the story of his life to the visiting Chronicler. The story will take three days to tell, and this first book covers the first day telling of his story. As a child, Kvothe was one of the Edema Ruh (travelling performers). When his parents along with the entire troup of performers are killed by mystical beings called the Chandrian, Kvothe ends up a beggar child on the streets of the large city of Tarbean. Once grown into a teenager, Kvothe becomes determined to learn more about the Chandrian and become an arcanist. He makes his way to University, where his quick aptitude and cleverness win him both friends and powerful enemies. He also falls for a young woman named Denna, a girl with a mysterious past who seems to come and go without warning. Kvothe is a fascinating and sympathetic character. Luckily the author avoided the mistake of making him perfect -- Kvothe acts rashly at times without thought for the consequences, is given to self-pity and suffers from a bit too much pride. The secondary characters are competently rendered if not too finely drawn; I'd be happier if Kvothe's two University friends featured larger in the story. I don't entirely trust Denna, but I'm willing to see where that storyline will end up. The story itself is imaginative and engrossing, and it says a lot about this tale that it managed to retain my interest after 700 pages. I'll look forward to the next book.