Paperback Perils: The Name of the Wind

Title: The Name of the Wind

Author: Patrick Rothfuss

Publication Date: 2007

Publishing House: Daw Books, INC.

I did not expect to have the review done by today but I loved this book so much that I blazed through it after Thanksgiving. I had heard about this book for a couple years and had contemplated buying it several times but didn’t until two weeks ago. As soon as I opened it I couldn’t put it down.

The Name of the Wind is the story of Kvothe. He is a hero to some, a legend to others, and possibly a villain to a few. But he is in hiding. To find out the truth behind the stories the Chronicler follows rumors to find the man. Kvothe tells his story in his own way, starting in early childhood. The Name of the Wind is only the first day of Kvothe’s story telling. The rest of his tale is told in the next two books of the series.

I particularly loved this book because this is the story of a child as he turns into a young man but told by that same person as an adult. His adult self can see the fool that his younger self was, the good and the bad decisions that he made. This first chapter into Kvothe’s world, through his own eyes and words illustrates how he helped to create the legend that he became.

The Name of the Wind is fantasy with magic, monsters, and fire breathing lizards. Rothfuss brings this world to life with the smallest details in setting the scene and creating depth in both Kvothe and the supporting characters. Parts of this book are funny and parts are heartbreaking, tugging on your heartstrings. The pages are filled with music and beauty and fire and death.

Before I give to much away I’m going to stop. The point is, if you enjoy fantasy, go get a copy of this book. I am going to go track down a copy of the second and third books in the series: The Wise Man’s Fear and pray that Rothfuss finishes the last book in the series soon.. If you have read this book I would love to know what you think, if you have not read it yet, please comment once you have. Also, if you are interested in reading books outside of your normal genre check out Book of the Month. Happy reading.