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tiegongji's review against another edition
4.0
This book was excellent but not as good as the first.
jcoryv's review against another edition
5.0
(Listened to this on Audible) Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Audio probably made for a more enjoyable experience than reading would have.
Though this book is slow in advancing the story (two books, 1,800 pages (77 hours on Audible!) and Kvothe is still a teenager), it’s my favorite kind of story. Kvothe in new settings, experiencing new cultures, and learning new languages... lots to think about, very well done, fascinating!
Though this book is slow in advancing the story (two books, 1,800 pages (77 hours on Audible!) and Kvothe is still a teenager), it’s my favorite kind of story. Kvothe in new settings, experiencing new cultures, and learning new languages... lots to think about, very well done, fascinating!
unthank's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Blood, Death of parent, and Murder
Moderate: Sexism, Violence, and Xenophobia
Minor: Suicidal thoughts
archiegitdog's review against another edition
3.0
This book was ok - the time at the University was great but the longgggggggggggg side story with the Fey lover was not required. Could have been reduced by 75 pages at least. Looking forward to book 3 when it comes out. (First book was great - get it!)
katjerrr's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
not my favorite of the unfinished series but still one of my all-time favorite books that each reread I pick up on something new that I love or newly understand as I grow in life.
cljohnson8's review against another edition
5.0
The amazingness continues!
Rothfuss' saga is not without burrs (pacing for one), but taken as a whole, this truly is a literary masterpiece.
Rothfuss' saga is not without burrs (pacing for one), but taken as a whole, this truly is a literary masterpiece.
marsius's review against another edition
5.0
First the good: the prose! Oh the prose. There's no denying Rothfuss has a talent for words, and it is truly wonderful to discover that The Name of the Wind was no fluke—his writing is simply that compelling. There's an inventiveness in the storytelling as well that survived the transition to sophomore novel, and that is wonderful as well.
That said, the bad: Rothfuss could really use a heavy-handed editor sometimes. Diversions which, while interesting, often run far too long (I was flat-out bored throughout much of the Felurian chapters). Worse, a writer who, in his first book, had a seemingly innate understanding of the precepts of storytelling like Chekhov's Gun here sometimes abandons them not just within the same book bury within the same chapter. We spend paragraphs reading about preparations or reasons for something only to have everything fall by the wayside without rhyme or reason except that they never should have been there in the first place. There are abrupt jumps in the story as well, the sorts of things that make a reader flip back a few pages and then a few chapters certain that he has missed some transition or segue to get him to this point in the story. A protagonist who is supposedly telling you his life story has a habit of introducing people, concepts, or events he met or discovered along the way only weeks or months after they were introduced. In short, an editor would be appreciated indeed.
The ugly: The Name of the Wind felt like it was only a part of a story and not much of a standalone novel. This takes that to a whole new level. The Wise Man's fear cannot stand on its own. There's a bit of a hero's journey arc, but it's a diversion in the already-existing hero's journey arc. The net result is that, really, you should avoid reading this (and The Name of the Wind) until the final book finally comes out.
This comes across like a negative review, and it is in many ways. It's still a five-star book, though. The prose is just so good. The story, while often pointless, is at least fun. And, while you should probably wait for the third book to finally come out, when it does, you should take a few days off of work and burn through them all in as close to one sitting as possible, because, at least in the first two, they simply are that good.
That said, the bad: Rothfuss could really use a heavy-handed editor sometimes. Diversions which, while interesting, often run far too long (I was flat-out bored throughout much of the Felurian chapters). Worse, a writer who, in his first book, had a seemingly innate understanding of the precepts of storytelling like Chekhov's Gun here sometimes abandons them not just within the same book bury within the same chapter. We spend paragraphs reading about preparations or reasons for something only to have everything fall by the wayside without rhyme or reason except that they never should have been there in the first place. There are abrupt jumps in the story as well, the sorts of things that make a reader flip back a few pages and then a few chapters certain that he has missed some transition or segue to get him to this point in the story. A protagonist who is supposedly telling you his life story has a habit of introducing people, concepts, or events he met or discovered along the way only weeks or months after they were introduced. In short, an editor would be appreciated indeed.
The ugly: The Name of the Wind felt like it was only a part of a story and not much of a standalone novel. This takes that to a whole new level. The Wise Man's fear cannot stand on its own. There's a bit of a hero's journey arc, but it's a diversion in the already-existing hero's journey arc. The net result is that, really, you should avoid reading this (and The Name of the Wind) until the final book finally comes out.
This comes across like a negative review, and it is in many ways. It's still a five-star book, though. The prose is just so good. The story, while often pointless, is at least fun. And, while you should probably wait for the third book to finally come out, when it does, you should take a few days off of work and burn through them all in as close to one sitting as possible, because, at least in the first two, they simply are that good.
rajs's review against another edition
4.0
While I still have problems with some of Rothfuss' characters, I still really enjoy his writing. I'm not heartbroken as I was told that I would be, but I am a little sad that it's "over" (who knows when #3 will ever be announced, much less published).
riorda15's review against another edition
5.0
Liked it more than the first. I know it's been said millions of times but I can't wait for Doors of Stone.