Discover #1 New York Times-bestselling Patrick Rothfuss’ epic fantasy series, The Kingkiller Chronicle. “I just love the world of Patrick Rothfuss.” —Lin-Manuel Miranda • “He’s bloody good, this Rothfuss guy.” —George R. R. Martin • “Rothfuss has real talent.” —Terry Brooks DAY TWO: THE WISE MAN’S FEAR “There are three things all wise men fear: the sea in storm, a night with no moon, and … wise men fear: the sea in storm, a night with no moon, and the anger of a gentle man.”
My name is Kvothe. You may have heard of me.
So begins a tale told from his own point of view—a story unequaled in fantasy literature. Now in The Wise Man’s Fear, Day Two of The Kingkiller Chronicle, Kvothe takes his first steps on the path of the hero and learns how difficult life can be when a man becomes a legend in his own time.
Praise for The Kingkiller Chronicle:
“The best epic fantasy I read last year…. He’s bloody good, this Rothfuss guy.”
—George R. R. Martin, New York Times-bestselling author of A Song of Ice and Fire
“Rothfuss has real talent, and his tale of Kvothe is deep and intricate and wondrous.”
—Terry Brooks, New York Times-bestselling author of Shannara
“It is a rare and great pleasure to find a fantasist writing…with true music in the words.”
—Ursula K. Le Guin, award-winning author of Earthsea
“The characters are real and the magic is true.”
—Robin Hobb, New York Times-bestselling author of Assassin’s Apprentice
“Masterful…. There is a beauty to Pat’s writing that defies description.”
—Brandon Sanderson, New York Times-bestselling author of Mistborn
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Okay, wow. I gave 4 stars to the first installment of the Kingkiller chronicles, not because the story was flawed or the writing was bad. Far from it. It was a gripping tale. I gave it 4 stars because it had all the makings of another never-ending fantasy story that I’d have to wait twenty years to finish.
The Wise Man’s Fear compounds that feeling. I swear this epic is going to be twelve volumes long before it’s done, and with a book coming out every five years… Well, you do the math. But by all the gods dark and light, it’s worth it! (damn it!)
The Wise Man’s Fear gets 5 stars from me. ‘sigh’ So either I’m a sucker, or Rothfuss is just that good. I’m so invested in Kvothe’s development now. His early adventures and romantic interludes are like a never-ending plate of chocolate chip cookies for this sugar-fiend. Somehow, I just don’t care how long it takes to get there… I’ve got cookies!
This volume highlights Kvothe’s departure from the university as he “chases the wind”, which is the world’s euphamism for a young person going on a journey of self-discovery. Kvothe meets high nobles. He chases down bandits. He dallies with faeries. He learns the way of the warrior. Every single misadventure is utterly gripping, and the world deepens page by page. I witnessed the building of a hero, brick by brick, and while my action-oriented mind wanted Rothfuss to GET TO THE POINT—bring on the world-destroying nasties, already!—, Kvothe’s tension-filled remembrance held me in thrall. I actually stopped reading five pages from the end through sheer petulance that it was GOING to end; I just wanted to stay in the world so badly. I wanted to find out what happens to Kvothe next.
This series is a slow movement toward a distant (so very distant) crescendo, and Rothfuss continues to build it with a thousand little symphonies that keep my head tilted forward, waiting for the big moment. With seductive storytelling, he whispers that the wait will be worth the reward.
And I believe him. For now.
Excellent sequel to Name of the Wind. It left me wanting sequels!
Plot – The plot multilayered and complex. There is a primary story, which takes place in the past, and a secondary story, which takes place in the present. After finishing the second book you begin to get the sense that the “secondary” story, or present, is going to become the primary story. I can’t wait until that happens because it’s going to be exciting. Although it’s a fun read, it’s long and at times. I found myself getting a little bored with how slow some parts developed. The lengthy plot does develop the characters well, but I’d prefer it to be more streamlined.
Characters – Kvothe is one of the most well developed interesting characters I’ve ever read about. He’s ingeniously clever, a quick study, and amazingly talented. I can’t think of anyone else I’d rather be like. Denna, also known as many other names, is the main love interest. She is musically talented, willful, spontaneous, wily and a wanderer. She makes a great character that many females might admire. Bast is Kvothe’s student and assistant in the present storyline. He’s involved enough in the novels for the reader to learn his personality and to discover that he has an agenda. It seems like he cares greatly for Kvothe and admires his past deeds, but he has a plan of his own.
Romance – Romance is a major theme in the novel. It doesn’t take up a huge percentage of it, but it is paramount to the story. At times, I liked how the romance was developing and at other times, I was less interested in it. I’m hoping that the romance in the third novel sparks my interest again, but I’m worried that things will be tragic.
Creativity –The “Magic” system in this series is both original and clever. The system is comprised of two unique types of power that are based on similar principles— in short, dominance over matter and energy. Like in most fantasy novels, some characters are more powerful than others. The main character, Kvothe has an aptitude for magic, like he does for many other things. The novels are also rich with detailed history, interesting fairy-tales, and well-written songs.
Writing Style –the writing style is strong. It’s not flowery, but it describes scenes well and moves the plot along excellently. The dialogue is stellar. Kvothe shows that he’s clever with his words countless times. I never felt bogged down with the writing.
Overall – I strongly recommend the novel for anyone who likes fantasy with an amazing primary character. Also, if you are a musician or an actor it will probably be even more interesting. As a former traveling musician, Kvothe is an amazing lute player and is excellent at acting. I wish the romance worked better for me, but some people might like it more. The storyline is amazing, and I have a feeling that the third novel is going to be great as well. I’m excited for its release and can’t wait to learn what happens to Kvothe.
Makes fun of certain fantasy conventions while also celebrating the genre. Really enjoyed this one.
World building on a par with Robert Jordan and Terry Goodkind. A pure pleasure to read.
Even better than the first book!
brilliant writing
Book 2 in the series takes one happily further down the path of the story being ‘written down’. Book 2 makes the current time in the book a bit more interesting and makes you wonder about the 2 side characters. They are fleshed out some but still have a whole lot of mystery left to be explained for in Book 3. I will say I think I understand why the fae story was gone into in much detail but in my personal opinion it got old and really ‘out there’. Original view on the weaving of the coat – cool!…but it was all a strange side adventure that I thought belonged in another book all its own. I still am not liking the main character but I SO want to know how it all comes together!!! GOOD, GOOD read but the bizarre twist into the fairy land (200 pages or more!) left me not giving the last star. I’m not happy to give it only a ‘good’…must be a story in there to chronicle….?
Wonderful book, can’t wait for another from Rothfuss
I just wish he’d get off his ass and finish the third one.
Loved it! It is one of the greatest stories I have ever read! The only downfall of this book is that it is the middle of a trilogy, the first one being The Name of the WInd, and you really DO have to read them in order… and the Third one has not been released for YEARS.
Just like the first book in this series, “The Wise Man’s Fear” is immensely appealing and entertaining. Great characters and imaginative writing. A good-time read! I can’t wait for Patrick’s next book.
If you liked Harry Potter, and have since reached adulthood, it’s time to graduate to The Kingkiller Chronicle.
Poor boy is orphaned by GREAT EVIL. He goes to magic school where he has a classmate adversary, a professor that seems not to like him, smart friends of both genders, ends up doing some shady deeds for good reasons, likes a girl, has a renowned reputation, has an interesting past time that he excels at, and ends up trekking off on a huge adventure.
Even people who don’t normally read fantasy will be sucked in by this story. And this amazing author, in the dedication, thanks his clever beta readers for their “invaluable help and toleration of my paranoid secrecy,” which made me love him all the more.
This book is less conservative than the first one, as Kvothe grows to adulthood. But he knows who he is, and he doesn’t forget that. He’s the most realistic hero I’ve encountered in a long time. Everything about him, about his world, about all of this– it’s written so well that it doesn’t feel like fiction, much less like fantasy. And yet, there’s enough actual fantasy (including a whole fae realm) to keep fantasy lovers salivating for more. Pure genius.
It’s more than that though. This whole story line is ridiculously easy to draw parallels to real world issues. You probably know someone who’s lived a life like Kvothe, and now you’ll realize why you never noticed it before.
“The vast majority of students were nobility or members of wealthy merchant families. For them, a high tuition was an inconvenience, leaving them less pocket money to spend on horses and whores.
The stakes were higher for me. Once the masters set a tuition, it couldn’t be changed. So if my tuition was set too high, I’d be barred from the University until I could pay.” (This should impact your life in two ways. One, it speaks to how higher education is restricted in America– even though this book does not take place in America or even on Earth, near as I can tell– and how that feels. Two, it’s the opening hint to the idea of charging for tuition based on how much educating the student is going to need. With exception to those with special needs and disabilities, it’s an idea worth exploring. Students who are eager to learn, who will put effort into classes and studies, perhaps shouldn’t be charged the same high price as students who are attending out of obligation or other non-educational desires. It’s also the basis for academic scholarships, though there are only so many of those to go around. If you’ve ever been stuck in a class with someone who didn’t want to be there, and you worked your tail off and sacrificed TO be there, you’ll understand why this hits home for me.)
With the exception of his conversation with Penthe on where babies come from (my brain is still questioning that one), the Adem remind me of my Lenni-Lenape people. Perhaps better warriors though. But it’s the culture, the way of being, the sword history knowledge and the test below the tree– these things remind me of my tribe. “If you managed to catch hold of even just a piece of my name, you’d have all manner of power over me.” THAT. Right there.
May be one of the best first novels in a trilogy ever. Rothfus can flat out write.
This is my favorite. Book. Of all time. I recommend this book to anyone and everyone who ever mentions that they enjoy reading. Many people comment on Patrick Rothfuss’s way with words and world-building — they are correct; this is a very entrancing universe full of possibilities. But what sets this book and this author apart, for me at least, is his thoughtfulness and introspection when it comes to the world around us, both in the book and after you’ve turned the last page. I have re-read this book at least a dozen times, I have a paperback copy full of dog-ears and highlighted passages. I find something new out of it each time. Please read it.