The Wise Man’s Fear – Patrick Rothfuss
This is a review of the second book in the "The Kingkiller Chronicle", so there will be a few spoilers for those that have not read the first book. I will try to keep the spoilers to a minimum, but some spoilers will always slink through. So go ahead and read the first book, and then come back here and continue reading.
There are few fantasy authors, or authors in general, that write as well as Patrick Rothfuss. The language is easy to follow, but sprinkled with sentences created with such skill that you want to use extra time reading the book to make sure you experience every nuance of it. And maybe read parts of it a few times extra just to marvel at the language used.
The story picks up where the first one left off. The young Kvothe is causing problems at the University in a world that feels mystical and full of promise, while the older Kote lives as an old innkeeper in a world that feels like it is about to collapse into total chaos. As he learns new skills throughout the book the difference between his former and current self becomes even more evident, and even more questions arise as to what caused the change in him.
Most characters from the first book are further developed and given much more depth now. Sam, Wil and Devi are the prime examples of this. Their background story is developed and as the book goes on you really start to like them. Denna is given more character throughout the book as well, but very little is revealed as to her feelings or motives. She is still a big enigma, both to Kvothe and to those of us who hear the story. I have a feeling that everything about her will be explained in the next book, when her secret life and her mysterious patron are woven into the story. To much have been hinted at to not give them an important piece to play in the rest of the story.
At times plot elements fall a bit too perfectly into the hands of Kvothe. Never enough to cause any real annoyance, but enough that you notice it. But then again, it is Kote retelling his life story so he might be forgiven for changing history a little bit to create a more enjoyable tale.
The story feels a bit drawn out in a few places. Nothing is really happening, and Kvothe isn't really doing anything special. The period between Kvothe leaving the fearie realm and starting his training with the Adem is one such occasion. Most of it is well written and engaging, but something felt a bit off during those parts. Luckily those parts never last long, and before I know it I am loving every word yet again.
Published here on 29th of April 2011, but dated to 31st of March to keep some kind of synchronization with my Goodreads list going.