jennygogo101's review against another edition
3.0
The writing was beautiful, and I enjoyed the unique way the story is being told. One aspect of the novel I particularly liked were the parts involving Koethe playing music. Especially towards the beginning of the book where he honed his skill to be able to depict more specific, descriptive emotions and experiences. (“Grinding leaves when outside,” “Mother smiling”).
The book could have been condensed. I am also undecided on how I feel about Koethe. I had to roll my eyes sometimes at how full of himself he was. Still, I found myself laughing at humorous things he’d say.
The book could have been condensed. I am also undecided on how I feel about Koethe. I had to roll my eyes sometimes at how full of himself he was. Still, I found myself laughing at humorous things he’d say.
bookwife's review against another edition
3.0
I am new to adult fantasy. Besides Brandon Sanderson (because I’ve read most of his books) this book was recommended to me the most. So I gave it a chance... and it was good... it wasn’t at all what I thought it was going to be. There wasn’t a whole lot of magic or fighting or anything I tend to associate with fantasy. It’s basic a life story.. well not his whole life but the life story of a brilliant kid who is able to use the weird magic with his mind.
I was entertained the whole time. I was invested in his story.. it just wasn’t what I was wanting in an epic fantasy. It was a little bit boring.. oh and his obsession with the girl was annoying.
I was entertained the whole time. I was invested in his story.. it just wasn’t what I was wanting in an epic fantasy. It was a little bit boring.. oh and his obsession with the girl was annoying.
trails's review against another edition
2.0
Rothfuss is a talented writer telling a middling story.
His ability to write in a consistent voice that feels real, not just an affect, is worthy of all the praise it has been given. That is what makes it such a terrible shame the story it is used for is such a tired one. Excuses have been made for the protagonists gross hyper-competence, but nothing in the text lends weight to assertions that our narrator is of an unreliable sort. There are times when this books misogyny does land as the effective portrayal of the teenaged male gaze, sadly this does not constitute the majority of it, let alone occur often enough to leave me anything other than irritated by the book's treatment of women. I do not think Rothfuss is a misogynist, but fantasy for a long time has been, and in a story so enamored with all of fantasy's old reliables, it was perhaps unavoidable that this would be along for the ride as well.
To put it simply the singular strength of this book is the skill of the writer. Rothfuss' prose is poetic, at times captivatingly so. This truly does read as a bard telling their own legend. Indeed the technical joy is all that kept me going for sections of at times as many as 30 chapters long as I waited for the story the writing was in service of to reach its level. It never does.
His ability to write in a consistent voice that feels real, not just an affect, is worthy of all the praise it has been given. That is what makes it such a terrible shame the story it is used for is such a tired one. Excuses have been made for the protagonists gross hyper-competence, but nothing in the text lends weight to assertions that our narrator is of an unreliable sort. There are times when this books misogyny does land as the effective portrayal of the teenaged male gaze, sadly this does not constitute the majority of it, let alone occur often enough to leave me anything other than irritated by the book's treatment of women. I do not think Rothfuss is a misogynist, but fantasy for a long time has been, and in a story so enamored with all of fantasy's old reliables, it was perhaps unavoidable that this would be along for the ride as well.
To put it simply the singular strength of this book is the skill of the writer. Rothfuss' prose is poetic, at times captivatingly so. This truly does read as a bard telling their own legend. Indeed the technical joy is all that kept me going for sections of at times as many as 30 chapters long as I waited for the story the writing was in service of to reach its level. It never does.
haemogoblyn's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.0
pandora_22's review against another edition
5.0
Quite an interesting book that gets you to wander into its world.
It has been far long since I read a book that took such efforts in building and exploring on different phases of the main character’s life and slow unraveling of the plot. It was definitely a bit difficult to get hooked to it in the beginning owing to the slow pace but the plotline is impressive. It has this whole mystical backstory and gives us good stories embedded in songs.
The book has a definite feel to it, and I definitely enjoyed it.
It has been far long since I read a book that took such efforts in building and exploring on different phases of the main character’s life and slow unraveling of the plot. It was definitely a bit difficult to get hooked to it in the beginning owing to the slow pace but the plotline is impressive. It has this whole mystical backstory and gives us good stories embedded in songs.
The book has a definite feel to it, and I definitely enjoyed it.
hoosgracie's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book. It is told in a style that made me fell like I was sitting around a fire listening to a storyteller (I did listen to it on audio). I also couldn't wait to get back to the story. Highly recommended. This the the first part of Kvoth's story - of how he grew up as part of a traveling family, then lived on the streets, and how he ended up being admitted to the university. I have just begun listening to book two.
kakovac's review against another edition
3.0
I've heard ravings about this forever, but it really just never stuck with me. I found myself wanting something, anything to happen multiple times throughout. There were bits and scenes I enjoyed (the university, Kvothe's audition to get his pipes), but he was always going to come out unscathed so there were no true stakes. And, with its length, this is a real commitment I just don't intend to pick up the second.
liamoh25's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
This is a great and easy book to read. It's adventurous and fits the fantasy genre perfectly, and Patrick Rothfuss' world-building is enchanting. Definitely would recommend.
holley_cornetto's review against another edition
5.0
Me while reading this book:
Okay, this is pretty good. I like it.
Oh wow, this is getting really good.
I love this book.
Wait, what? No.
I hate this book.
I love this book, but I hate this book, but I love this book.
This book stresses me out because I know bad things are going to happen and I care. I CARE, DARN IT!
This book has taken over my life.
That is it. It isn't a review of the book really as much as an insight to my emotional process of reading this book. Maybe it will convince you to read it, too.
Okay, this is pretty good. I like it.
Oh wow, this is getting really good.
I love this book.
Wait, what? No.
I hate this book.
I love this book, but I hate this book, but I love this book.
This book stresses me out because I know bad things are going to happen and I care. I CARE, DARN IT!
This book has taken over my life.
That is it. It isn't a review of the book really as much as an insight to my emotional process of reading this book. Maybe it will convince you to read it, too.
kateheth's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0