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will love Sign up for LibraryThing to find out whether you'll like this book.  SaintBrevity | Feb 4, 2010 |  I don't quite know what to say about this book or how to describe it. That I liked it, that i thought it was awesome, even amazing. Such thoughts seems like such a generic review and I want my reviews to have a bit more... well character. On that note the depth of this books characters and story is amazing and every bit of depth helps. Even passing characters are given a bit more of a depth, that is often lacking in most authors books. Whether its a kind old cobbler giving away a pair of shoes to the main character Kvothe or a pawn broker the Kvothe sells one of his most prized possessions to, the characters are given depth. The depth given to them helps to submerse the reader and add sense of realism into the world and life of Kvothe. The other thing I found very unique and enjoyable in this book is the story within the story aspect. We have the story of the current time Kvothe, an inn keeper who is a mix between a mysterious retired hero, depressed and at others times upbeat and charming. And then there is the story of the Kvothe of his youth that he and the reader relive as the innkeeper recounts his past to a scribe. Its almost two stories in one with two very different main characters that are the same person. Confusing? Though it may sound a bit confusing its not. It should be noted that this book does start a bit slow, the good part doesn't start until the start of chapter 8. However I believe this is necessary for the two different time period aspect of the story I mentioned above. In the sequels to this book I can only hope the lead in is much faster paced. I highly recommend this book to anyone and also recommend that you not judge this book based on any synopsis you my find on it. Instead I would recommend you judge it on the ratings and then the next time you have time to spare, go to the book store, find this book, buy it, go home, sit down and read. Can't wait for the next two, keep them coming Pat.... -Alex (  ) AlexDiaz727 | Jan 20, 2010 | This is a pretty extensive fantasy book of wizards and feuds and music. I'm looking forward to more from this author :) i (  ) fran0210 | Jan 17, 2010 | I truely loved this book. It is tremendously rare for a fantasy book to focus on a single person, and yet so rewarding when one finally does. The development of every charecter is done very well, even with the sometimes limited interactions. The story has many happy scenes along with tremendous lows that must be overcome. This is a must read book for any fantasy lover. I expect many great things from this series in the future. ( ) whigparty | Dec 28, 2009 | Kvothe is a legend, his name strikes both fear and awe into the hearts of men. These days, however, he prefers his anonymity in the inconspicuous role of an innkeeper. When a talented scribe crosses his threshold, he reluctantly agrees to tell his tale. It is a saga, one that can be told in no fewer than three days. This is Day One... Growing up among a troupe of actors, Kvothe is unusually bright, a student at heart. After witnessing an arcanist call the wind in self defense, young Kvothe vows to learn the same skills. Forced into destitution by tragedy, his dream is pushed aside in the name of survival. When Kvothe finally gains entry to the famed arcanists' University, he learns that nothing is straightforward, that he must use his street smarts to survive even among scholars. Making friends and enemies is one small aspect to the journey that will lead him to knowledge of his family's murderers. Just forget about Harry Potter and Twilight this is waaay better. Rothfuss' novel can easily compete with books as Lord of the Rings and this is about as good as high fantasy gets. An imaginative, powerful and compelling story that is exceptionally well told. Just buy it, read it and spread the word if you haven't done so yet. ( ) MorgenRotsLicht | Dec 26, 2009 |  no reviews | add a review
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| Book description |
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10 Second Interview: A Few Words with Patrick Rothfuss
Q: Were you always a fan of fantasy novels?
A: Always. My first non-picture books were the Narnia Chronicles. After that my mom gave me Ihe Hobbit and Dragonriders. I grew up reading about every fantasy and sci-fi book I could find. I used to go to the local bookstore and look at the paperbacks on the shelf. I read non-fantasy stuff too, of course. But fantasy is where my heart lies. Wait... Should that be "where my heart lays?" I always screw that up.
Q: Who are some of your favorite authors? Favorite books?
A: Hmmm.... How about I post that up as a list?
Q: What are you reading now?
A: Right now I'm reading Capacity, by Tony Balantyne. He was nominated for the Philip K Dick award this last year. I heard him read a piece of the first novel, Recursion, out at Norwescon. I picked it up and got pulled right in. Capacity is the second book in the series. Good writing and cool ideas. Everything I've like best.
Q: How did Kvothe's story come to you? Did you always plan on a trilogy?
A: This story started with Kvothe's character. I knew it was going to be about him from the very beginning. In some ways it's the simplest story possible: it's the story of a man's life. It's the myth of the Hero seen from backstage. It's about the exploration and revelation of a world, but it's also about Kvothe's desire to uncover the truth hidden underneath the stories in his world. The story is a lot of things, I guess. As you can tell, I'm not very good at describing it. I always tell people, "If I could sum it up in 50 words, I wouldn't have needed to write a whole novel about it." I didn't plan it as a trilogy though. I just wrote it and it got to be so long that it had to be broken up into pieces. There were three natural breaking points in the story.... Hence the Trilogy.
Q: What is next for our hero?
A: Hmm..... I don't really believe in spoilers. But I think it's safe to say that Kvothe grows up a little in the second book. He learns more about magic. He learns how to fight, gets tangled up in some court politics, and starts to figure unravel some of the mysteries of romance and relationships, which is really just magic of a different kind, in a way.
Patrick Rothfuss's Books You Should Read 
The Last Unicorn 
Neverwhere 
Declare 
Beatrice's Goat 
Blankets
See more recommendations (with comments) from Patrick Rothfuss
(retrieved from Amazon Tue, 05 Jan 2010 12:56:18 -0500)
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The most noticeable element of the book is the pacing; the chapters are of a good length and rhythm, making stopping a real exercise in willpower (that I failed more often than not). The characters are engaging, the environment is realistic with a couple of quirks that I swear are thrown in just to appease me*, and the plot moves nicely.
I found it highly enjoyable.
*: there's a rigorous study and scholarship of magic, which is something I feel too many books just gloss over; it seems against human nature to pretend that not only is there magic in the world that follows rules but that no one has ever performed careful study of these rules. (