The Wise Man’s Fear

Do you know what I love about Patrick Rothfuss’ books? He writes to the very last page. His writing is pure magic. Pat’s ability to project Kvothe’s world into my brain is unlike anything I’ve experienced before. This is the best 994 pages I’ve ever read. Pat’s ability to build a world is astounding. This second book in the story of Kvothe was nothing short of brilliant. I enjoyed getting to know more about Kvothe and how he came to be the Inn keeper Kote. I am left with so many unanswered questions and fully expect another 200+ page increase in book 3!

You need to read Name of the Wind before this book, but it is very good, and different. It may be a little hard to follow at times.

First two books amazingly exciting and pulls you into the story. But he has never completed the last volume which has made me and many of my friends
pretty angry. So, the story is amazing but such a let down not knowing the end of the adventure.

A great epic fantasy continues.

This tale and the telling of it are remarkable. Rothfuss is a phenomenal writer. The book is fun and compelling, contains intricate storytelling, gripping plot, and a sense of humor. As in Book 1, Kvothe relates his past to a scribe. A good portion of Book 2 takes place outside the University, which gives you a view of the rest of the world, even though I mostly enjoyed the parts of the story when he was at the school. Like any good fantasy, not everything goes the way you expect, and there are plenty of hints dropped about what might come.

I look forward to the next book in the series. If you love fantasy, you will love this series.

Now to the not-so-good stuff. While I adored The Name of the Wind, this book didn’t live up to the first. The plot was interesting, and the characters well-developed with excellent writing… everything you want in a good story. But nothing of major importance happened in Book 2. The story seemed to drift aimlessly in many places, and I became frustrated with the love relationship between Kvothe and Denna. The time Kvothe spent with the fae Felurian seemed to go on forever. And we learn little more about the Chandrian than we learned in the first book.

Overall, A Wise Man’s Fear was better than most fantasy books I’ve read. Read it. I’m sure you will agree.

This is a genuinely intriguing and undeniably entertaining page-turner. Luckily the King Killer Chronicle has lots of pages to turn because so much story is being told in this multilayered masterpiece. The series has all the hallmarks of a legitimate fantasy classic. Not trying to compare it to anything just yet. However, if the rest of the story is presented in a manner consistent with what has been done so far, the completed work will simply find its way onto the list of all-time fantasy classics of its own accord.

One if the best novels ever in its fantasy genre. Still waiting on the much anticipated third (and final?) installment of this trilogy Intriguing storyline, characters you believe in and care about. And entertaining to actually read. Love the way language is used

Where do I even start? This book was a fantastic continuation to The Name of the Wind! Did I think part-way through that it was too long? Yes. Did I think that Rothfuss should, perhaps, have split this into two books? Yes – and I still do. Did I get to the last ten pages wanting more and not ready to finish? Gawd, yes! You’d think after 994 pages I’d be happy to be done and move on – and half-way through I thought that I was, too – but once I was in the last few chapters I knew that I wasn’t ready to be done with this. If that’s not the sign of a brilliant book, I don’t know what is.

I was intimidated by its size. Even though I wished (desperately) for more at the end I do think that it might have been better off as two books – and then they would still have been too long for some people. I’ve read several reviews saying that it doesn’t read as smoothly, and that it suffers from Middle Book Syndrome, but it is 994 pages long. I’m not convinced that any book that size can be read quickly, or feel like a fast read. You will be in for a long journey, but a very worthwhile one.

Having said that, it just didn’t feel right giving this four stars out of five. It deserves all five, and then some!

I loved all those new places Kvothe went to. I love a book with strong world-building, and this world has everything.

Just like in the first book, I loved Elodin, and I loved all the roundabout ways in which he tried to teach his rather unwilling class – that’s right, Elodin teaches in this one! Are you ever in for a treat! 😀

I love, love the time Kvothe spent in the Fae. It really showed off the magic in the book and the knack Rothfuss has for making me believe anything. The entire book has magic, but the Fae oozes it and it was fascinating to read about it.

Kvothe also spent a fair amount of time in Ademre. His time there as well as with Tempi has made me miss karate a lot. I enjoyed his time there a lot, but somebody *please* explain to me where the Adem think babies come from? I need answers!

This is a book that has stayed with me since I finished it two weeks ago, and which preoccupied my mind while I was still reading it. I’m still thinking about the world and its characters. It has taught me a lot and made me want to create the most magical of places. What more could you possibly want from a book?

Because Kvothe spent so much time at the university in the first book, I missed it in this one and it felt like a homecoming when he returned.

I enjoyed this a lot, and can’t wait for the final book to come out. I am a bit worried about how long it will be, because there seem to be a lot of unresolved things waiting to be addressed, but if this book has taught me anything is that he can write as much as he wants, and I’ll read it.

I totally regret buying this book I felt tricked by it I will not read it or anything else by this author zero stars no recommendatio

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.

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.