Review: The Name of the Wind

The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Name of the Wind is the first book in the epic fantasy Kingkiller Chronicles, and is also the first novel written by wordsmith Patrick Rothfuss. In this tale, Rothfuss introduces us to the enigmatic character Kvothe, who appears to be but a humble, stoic innkeeper in an unnamed world and in some unknown time. After a few rounds of ale with his guests—and a demonic spider attack—Kvothe is coaxed into sharing his mysterious past; its telling takes up the bulk of this book.

Kvothe’s story reveals a world full of theatre, music, family, and magic… as well as poverty, fear, loneliness, and vengeance. Early on we get superbly detailed descriptions of lute playing, which Kvothe uses as therapy to deal with a tragic loss. These pages of the book are by far the best written description of music I have ever read. The author also builds Kvothe’s world with an intricate money system, unusual trade skills and academics, and a functional, well-explained system of sympathetic magic that relies on discovering the true names of all things.

The Name of the Wind is a richly worded, leisurely paced tome full of a good amount of teaching and learning. If you’re looking for a quick page-turner, this book is not for you. The second book in the trilogy (The Wise Man’s Fear) and a supplemental novella (The Slow Regard of Silent Things) have already been published, but fans are still eagerly awaiting the third and final volume—and the end to Kvothe’s epic tale.


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