I have no idea what to even say about this book. I suppose that means it left me feeling a little dazed and speechless. Since all my thoughts about this book (which I literally finished about 10 minutes ago) are completely incoherent, I'll tell you a little about the author instead. Rothfuss began this book in college where he spent nine years trying to decide on a major. He finally settled on English, which I have to say I approve of because his command of our language is both terrifying and heart breakingly poetic. I don't even know if breakingly is a word - but I'm sure he does. According to the bio on his website, Rothfuss plays video games, holds symposia in his home, and is the advisor for the fencing club at the University where he teaches. Also, this is what he looks like:
Yes, his shirt totally says "Joss Whedon is my master now." Oh, and he blogs (and posts pictures) about emo gingerbread men that he decorated.
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My words seem completely inadequate to describe this epic fantasy and the wonderful world that Rothfuss has created so I'll let his character tell you instead:
"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."
Now that I've had a few minutes to sit and think about this book there is one thing I'd like to say. One of the biggest critiques this book gets is that Rothfuss makes Kvothe (pronounced "quothe") out to be superhuman and godlike - an incredibly talented man with no flaws whatsoever. Whoever these critics are, they must have been reading a different book. As far as I can tell, it is the rumors and wild tales that surround him that make him godlike. The man himself seems to have some serious issues - but that's just my opinion.
The Kingkiller Chronicle
The Name of the Wind
The Wise Man's Fear (TBR March 2011)
I wonder if he's embarrassed by that Whedon shirt now that the rest of the world knows what many of us suspected at the time.
ReplyDeleteAs for the book: Mary Sue in a melodrama. I quit two thirds of the way through.