Although I’ve always loved fantasy novels, it’s sometimes daunting starting one – something about the stocky thickness of the physical novels is physically intimidating. (Also, on a sidenote, if someone could explain this trend, please let me know).
Luckily, the story of Kvothe, woven by author Patrick Rothfuss, over the first two books in THE KINGKILLER CHRONICLE trilogy is engaging enough to keep anyone interested.
Kote is described as “young for an innkeeper. Young for a man with so many tired lines remaining on his face.” He is recounting his days as Kvothe, a legendary arcanist (magician) and warrior, to The Chronicler. He tells The Chronicler that he needs 3 days to tell his story. Each book of the trilogy corresponds to a day of real-time storytelling in the life of Kvothe – THE NAME OF THE WIND as the first day, and THE WISE MAN’S FEAR as the next.
There’s a lot to love about the world Rothfuss builds. The magic in KKC is grounded – there are rules, restrictions, and explanations to almost anything. The world is clearly thought out, as a whole, and is evidently a different universe than our own. It inspires so much imagination and the author peppers so many hints and clues to the reader. Reading this reminded me of how I felt reading HARRY POTTER or THE LORD OF THE RINGS for the first time, captivated by a magical world and putting myself inside of it.
One problem with this trilogy is that, well, it’s not done yet. A lá A SONG OF ICE AND FIRE, Rothfuss hasn’t finished the story of Kvothe yet. But that’s okay – I’m patiently waiting.
THE NAME OF THE WIND and THE WISE MAN’S FEAR are available wherever books are sold or borrowed.
