I'm told it's the 'best book ever written' by a friend - better read it then. It is a pretty amazing debut for Rothfuss, I just hope he doesn't leave us hanging for years for the sequel.
The story and characters have some very strong Potter overtones - the whole section of the book at the University where Kvothe, the improverished student, struggles to learn as much as possible despite the interference from his enemies Ambrose (Malfoy) and Master Hemme (Snape), is vintage Rowling.
Kvothe is also a just a tad too awesome for my liking: not only is he a faster learner than everyone else at University and an artificing genius, he is also a musical prodigy, has a photographic memory, is an accomplished actor, is fluent in most languages, and attracts the most beautiful women in the city. The only things that save his character are his arrogance (how could someone like that not be arrogant!), his occasional bad decisions and child-like pettiness, and his complete lack of a clue when it comes to women.
I think Elodin is the coolest character in the book, and I loved it when he gets Kvothe to jump off a roof and watches him splat on the ground.
The explanation of magic (sympathy) is a particularly cool idea, much better than the vague latin bastardisation for spells dreamt up by Rowling.
Not the best book ever written, but pretty good.
4.5 stars.
Best book ever written is a big call. But I would say one of the best fantasy debuts in the past ten years. I worry that the sequel won't be as good - seems like when authors are struggling to get the next book out they are sometimes not as good but who knows? Maybe it will be epic.
ReplyDeleteI prefer a hero who has awesome powers to an ordinary person though. Kvothe might as well be a prodigy at everything - Harry practically was anyway - he just looked super nerdy. My only issue with the book is the name of the hero - c'mon - Kvothe? Names like these are the reason why fantasy gets such a bad rap. Ridiculous.
I saw an interview with Rothfuss where he claimed it took him 7 years to write the story (3 books worth), and another 7 years to polish it. This was before Name of the Wind was even published. Lets hope there is not too much more polishing that needs to be done....
ReplyDeleteHarry wasn't anywhere near Kvothe's level of awesome! Harry mainly succeeds due to the help of his friends, a big serving of luck, and a bit of magic ability. The only thing he is actually good at is Quidditch. Hermione is much smarter and more talented.
Kvothe is a terrible name.