Amber Herbert reviewed The Wise Man's Fear by Patrick Rothfuss
The Kingkiller Chronicle's Sagging Middle
4 stars
Patrick Rothfuss has a knack for creating and filling out a world through character development and discovery. His prose is a delight to read, and his descriptions are lush without being flowery. But if you're seeking a plot-driven fantasy, you've come to the wrong place.
Kvothe is an intriguing and nuanced character. Despite being gifted in sympathy, sygaldry, and music, he fucks up or finds himself in less-than-stellar situations on the regular. But his development and journey is more honest and realistic because of his numerous faults. His only being fifteen in The Name of the Wind certainly helps that believability along. The Wise Man's Fear, however, takes Kvothe's methodical musings and stretches them to the point of tedium. I loved everything about the University, his search for the Chandrian, and the mysteries of the Amyr. Everything else was a slog, especially after his encounter with Felurian.
Despite The Wise …
Patrick Rothfuss has a knack for creating and filling out a world through character development and discovery. His prose is a delight to read, and his descriptions are lush without being flowery. But if you're seeking a plot-driven fantasy, you've come to the wrong place.
Kvothe is an intriguing and nuanced character. Despite being gifted in sympathy, sygaldry, and music, he fucks up or finds himself in less-than-stellar situations on the regular. But his development and journey is more honest and realistic because of his numerous faults. His only being fifteen in The Name of the Wind certainly helps that believability along. The Wise Man's Fear, however, takes Kvothe's methodical musings and stretches them to the point of tedium. I loved everything about the University, his search for the Chandrian, and the mysteries of the Amyr. Everything else was a slog, especially after his encounter with Felurian.
Despite The Wise Man Fear's shortcomings, I love how magic is a natural part of the world instead of the focus. Though magical elements are there, and add quite a bit to the story, Kvothe's growth as a person is at the forefront of the tale.
For those seeking a long trek through another world, with little care for character arcs or overarching plot threads, The Wise Man's Fear might be just what you're after.
