The Name of the Wind

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Average customer rating 5 (28 comments)

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The beginnings of a fantastic epic tale, the likes of which I haven't found in a while. Characters that you fall in love with, cheer for, ache for, others you despise and want to see fail. A world that you can see and smell, the descriptions are that good. If you like a good story, that will captivate you, this is it. It will keep you up late reading.....

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You need this book in your life. Really. Even if you don't read fantasy, this is a book that will change your mind. It's adventure, humor, music, love, friendship. And even though its a humongous book, it's actually written with economy. It's good. Really good. Buy it used if you don't want to take that much of a plunge. And get sucked in.

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I am slightly embarrassed to admit how much I love this series. When choosing a book in the Fantasy genre, one often comes across two types of books. Some are humorous and move along at a decent pace but are often so....dorky...that I spend more time wincing than absorbing; and if one finds something with a bit more substance, there is usually the burden of memorizing several pages of genealogy and a couple of maps, to say nothing of the Wagnerian quality. This series is just the right combination of cleverness and humor, of intrigue and coming of age, both accessible and epic.

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This book is a must read for any one who appreciates or would like to explore Fantasy/Adventure books. It is an enjoyable well written piece of art.

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What a great story. Even though this is only the "first third" of the tale, and one that is already a large tome all on its own, it reads like a thriller and you just keep turning the pages to find out what happens next. This is a "story within a story" and written as if you actually have knowledge of all the laws of physics for a nonexistant land...that is familiar but different and more ancient than our own. I can only hope the next book(s) live up to the first.

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I can't say enough about how amazing this book is; epic fiction at its finest. If you're done with Game of Thrones and looking for something to fill the void, this will become your new obsession.

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It has been a long time since I have found a fantasy book I so thoroughly enjoyed that I found myself feeling the same emotions as the characters. Rothfuss' story-telling is compelling and exciting. The development of Kvothe's character is at times sad, deep and joyous. The structure of stories-within-stories of the novel is never dull or confusing. Rothfuss paints a world of dangers and wonders that is definitely worth the read. I look forward to picking up the second and third of this series!

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I have three regrets with this book: 1. I didn't find it earlier. 2. I couldn't put it down and flew through the pages and 3. Ive already read it so I cant read it for the first time again. With the Tolkien books made into movies and the popularity of The Game of Thrones there seems to be a abundance of new fantasy titles out there. Despite the volume, few possess the richness of content or caliber of writing needed to really create an alternate world that isn't a rehashing of one that has come before, nor create characters with enough complexity to be plausible - this book does. Patrick Rothfuss introduces us to a world rich with its own folklore and traditions as seen through the eyes and actions of a character, who( albeit can be a bit too good at everything sometimes lol) possesses enough humanity to be believable. The second book in the series, the Wise Man's Fear, was a touch long but so good I am awaiting the third in this series rather impatiently. If you like the genre yet haven't time but to read a few books, I suggest you make time for these.

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Epic fantasy at its finest: hundreds of pages, and each one feels more exciting than the last. This is the story of Kvothe, killer of kings- but not yet. First he must struggle through childhood, the streets, and the Arcanum: the mysterious academy where magicians are trained. The characters are vitally real, the prose rich, and the plot action-packed.

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The Name of the Wind is a phenomenal book full of depth and character. Rothfuss weaves a captivating story about how heroism can go wrong which makes this book hard to put down.

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I read a lot. A *lot* - I have owned thousands of books in my life, mostly science fiction/fantasy. Tolkien is my guiding light. With that said: Patrick Rothfuss is an astounding talent, and this book is one of the finest fantasy novels I've ever had the delight to read. The world he has created is *alive* - full of the little details and casual observances that you'd expect in a factual biography of a real person. I highly, HIGHLY recommend this to everyone who reads fiction.

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Fabulous fantasy novel. Refreshingly original and interesting. Highly recommended.

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So engrossing I played hooky from work to finish it. Characters, backstory, story line, landscape, supernatural aspects all blended perfectly. And protagonist is very likable.

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Patrick Rothfuss submerges the reader in a time of mystery and magic. His characters are so three dimensional you almost hear them breathe and smell their presence. This is the tale of a journey of a boy with much to learn and discover of his world. His world and people are so well crafted in precise imagery the reader all but has a part in the story. Now with the next part out, this is a must read as you won't have to wait for what comes next. Buy them both and turn off the phone, stock up on snacks for a great undisturbed read.

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To my understanding, this is Patrick Rothfuss's first novel. It took him several years to complete and it was worth the wait. What many authors today seem to forget when writing their novels is that writing is a craft, not only of story-telling, but of making the words suit their purpose. Rothfuss manages to weave his tale with the skill of a master wordsmith and the heart of a storyteller. Yes, it is a genre fiction piece. It is probably more accepted as fantasy literature than main stream, but the quality of the writing makes it accessible and entrancing to even the most main stream of readers.

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Awesome! Way better than George RR Martin

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i thought i had read enough wizarding books but this one proved me wrong. The story is well written and will leave you anxious for the next book to be released. My only disappointment is that i have to wait until March of 2011 to read it!

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This is the most well-written story I've had the pleasure of reading in quite some time. This book was recommended to me by a staff member and I was delighted to become captivated by the hypnotic tale. I am very much looking forward to reading the rest of the trilogy! I highly recommend this novel - you will love it, even if you are not a regular reader of fantasy fiction. The Name of the Wind is a story you won't want to put down, yet won't want to end.

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This is one of my favorite books ever; the world created by Mr. Rothfuss is rich and full of little details that make it a pleasure to read. While the names and places are interesting and fantastical it doesn't feel like a retread of Tolkien or as if the author decided to create all the names using scrabble tiles. The themes of music and magic as well as science and learning that are woven through the book made it something special and I can't wait until the next installment shows up!

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I really enjoyed this book. It was full of memorable characters, had lots of depth and kept my interest from the first page to the last. I have been reading fantasy and sci-fi for over 40 years and I'd place this book in my top 10, ever! I can't wait for the next book!

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Overwhelmingly the best fantasy book of the decade with striking moments of love and loss. Though beware it will leave you breathlessly waiting for the next book.

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One of the best books I have read in the past few years. The story is well constructed, and adds a new voice to Sci-Fi. This is great even if not a sci-fi reader.

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This is the most compelling fantasy novel I have read in many years. Rothfuss is a great storyteller and he has created a fascinating character in Kvothe. I can't wait to find out what happens next.

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This is one of those books that keeps you up all night, and in the morning you only regret that you're finished reading it.

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I've heard this book called the best fantasy book of the decade. I think that's selling it short. It's the best book of the decade. Period.

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Hmmm. Where should I begin? Reading Rothfuss' book is a bit like being very hungry while waiting for a slow, slow cooked meal or thick stew. It smells delicious and tempting while cooking . . . you really really want to take a bite. However, despite your rabid hunger, you wait. Patiently stewing. Oh sure there is some excitement thrown in, maybe a sauce boils up and you nearly burn yourself. But for the most part it is the making of the meal that is important - you can wait to eat. The reward of a well prepared meal will be worth it in the end. Or at least that is what I'm hoping. I feel like this book, while I truly enjoyed it, was a bit like preparing a meal. You get all the things you need and start painstakingly putting them together. This book is everything we need to enjoy the next one. You begin to understand the heart and soul of main characters, though very little has actually happened. It's a slow burning story that I absolutely sped through without as much as skipping an "and" or "the." I actually would have given it 4.75 stars if that was available. If only because of Rothfuss' constant reminders of the following: Kvothe is poor, Kvothe is a trouper, and Kvothe had spent a time in his life being hungry. These things within the context of the story are obvious to even the dullest reader. The other reason, and perhaps this accounts for the former, is Rathfuss teeters on over explaining the minutia of exactly how things are done. The magic stuff is explained with a kind of scientific or technical writing drone. However, I'd like to point out these little things were not enough to ruin the story for me. This book has been placed on the YA shelves of some book lists. Though the character (in most parts) is aged anywhere between a young boy and a teen of 15, I can't imagine very many tweens and teens would have the patience to read this one. However, if the reader is heavy into fantasy, I could definitely see them loving this above all other YA fantasy. It just seemed more of an adult read, not for content, just in pacing and style. I will be in line first thing to get the next installment. The ending was a bit abrupt. Despite being 720 pages in, I wanted more. As I said, it's like waiting for a slow cooked meal - I was ready to start eating. In fact I'm hungry for the beef of the meal (if I ate meat, of course). Or should I say the heavy vegetables? No, I think wanting the meat of the story is what I mean.

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Entertaining and fast paced. The characters develop in understandable ways and so you begin to care about what happens to them next. I hate having to wait for the next book.

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Reader beware, The Name of the Wind will make you cry when you reach the end. Not for any reason I can point to within the story, but simply because we have to wait until next year to find out what happens next. This story is massive, but moves quickly and manages to bring a fresh perspective to the epic fantasy genre. An aspiring author myself, I am in awe of Patrick Rothfuss' art. This is definitely worth reading, but remember; you were warned. ;)