"Name of the Wind" - NerdCon Oct10 No Date for Book 3 Yet

Matt, just power through. You are through the worst parts, you might as well put paid to it. It does get back to the Maer levels (ever thought that would be a compliment? ) of goodness and gets better from there. And the ending is interesting and makes me want to find out what happens next.

Overall, though, I am disappointed. I do think a good part of that is relative to my high hopes for this book. The first book was one of my favorite fantasy novels in the past decade. This book is decent overall, with some really uninteresting and downright dopey sections that last far too long. I am interested in finishing the trilogy (assuming he actually is able to squeeze the rest of the story into one book) but not nearly as excited about it as I was before I read this.

Nightmare wrote:

Matt, just power through. You are through the worst parts, you might as well put paid to it. It does get back to the Maer levels (ever thought that would be a compliment? ) of goodness and gets better from there. And the ending is interesting and makes me want to find out what happens next.

Overall, though, I am disappointed. I do think a good part of that is relative to my high hopes for this book. The first book was one of my favorite fantasy novels in the past decade. This book is decent overall, with some really uninteresting and downright dopey sections that last far too long. I am interested in finishing the trilogy (assuming he actually is able to squeeze the rest of the story into one book) but not nearly as excited about it as I was before I read this.

This is about where I'm at, but I'm currently fenceposting on re-reading Name and Wise Man vs finishing off Stirling's Nantucket trilogy, as I thoroughly enjoyed both of Rothfuss' books.

I read leisurely, maybe for two hours once or twice a week, so I'm only on page 400 or so. I'm liking most of it so far, except all the business with the Amyr studies. It's just not immediate enough to be interesting, or tied to the characters.

I may be in the minority, but I really don't like the female lead. She's charming and pretty of course, but I feel like Kvothe is the best kind of protagonist, as I've come to genuinely care for his well-being. I don't think she's good for him. Every stupid move he makes is usually inspired by her in some way. I'm at the part where she shows up in Vintas, and I closed the book for fear of her messing his game up again.

I was of the mind that he should have pursued Fela in the first book, and book two is only cementing that belief.

That's not to say any of this is bad writing, of course. Most of my bad decisions in life were the result of a particular woman, too.

Add me to the chorus of too-much

Spoiler:

Felurian

. I liked the rest of the book, but that part definitely dragged.

I'm starting to think he just needs a better editor. I like his writing, but the second book was much more aimless than the first.

Thanks for the book recommendation, Hypatian

20 more pages in my re-read of The Name of the Wind and then I get to start in. Damn but I love the first book.

Nightmare wrote:

Matt, just power through. You are through the worst parts, you might as well put paid to it.

Funny thing is, last night I decided to just "man up" and read the rest of the book. Even though I'd started Dark Tower VII, I went back to WISE MAN'S FEAR and planned to get through the offending section as best I could.

I made it through one paragraph.

I have an extremely hard time thinking of WHO would read this section and find themselves digging the whole thing-- it reads like an extremely poor "fantasy" letter to Penthouse ("I know you won't believe this, but I was tromping through the forest one day when all of a sudden..."). AND it just goes on and on.

Sigh.

I feel like I've whinged on enough about this subject, so I guess I'll just bow out for now. Hopefully, if I can ever manage to finish the book, I'll return to post some thoughts.

Unfortunately, you can't just skip that section, because shortly before it ends, an absolutely crucial plot point occurs, one that apparently will become a major driving force either in the third book or in the next series.

You could probably skim it, but stop skimming as soon as Kvothe starts talking to anyone but Felurian.

I had no problem with the section being discussed.

Spoiler:

I thought it was well written. The thing that clinched it for me was precisely because it was not short - by the end, I had a very clear sense of what it was like to be living in the Fae realm all that time. The little differences were just enough that the distinction between realms was very palpable to me, and jarring when it ended. I also don't see what the problem is with the sex - it's not about Kvothe, it's about who and what Felurian is. She'd do the same thing to Tron Man if he happened upon her. I can grant that the whole "I'm special, because I'm the first mortal to ever walk away unscathed!" angle might be distasteful to some, but it doesn't bother me. I mean, you've already swallowed all the same sense of specialness that defined his year at the University - youngest this, youngest that, 3 days, called the wind, bloodless whippings, got his pipes for the Eolian so easily, etc etc - you can't imagine that someone that special, quick witted, versed and inherently gifted in the arcane arts could do that? I mean, that's what the entirety of the series is about. He's a Special Guy (tm).

Anyway, I am continuing to enjoy the book immensely, despite the naysayers. I think the writing style, craft, and story are top-notch. I love the mythology and history scattered throughout both books. The one fault I find so far (still about 200 pages to go to finish) is that Cinder was the head of the bandits. Not sure I get that. Millenia-old demon dude is spending his time leading a couple of crappy outlaws to rob the king's taxes? I'm hopeful something later will uncover some hidden aspect of that, because otherwise... not so sure I get that.

Khoram wrote:
Spoiler:

He's a Special Guy (tm).

I love you.

Woohoo! 40 pages in and soooooo glad to be back in this world. Come on, Kvothe, nail Denna, Fela and Auri already! You're a fire crotch, this is what you're born for!

Spoiler:

As some have pointed out. I think Denna is going to meet her end in the next book. I bet it'll have something to do with the song she wrote.

Kvothe makes comments about how popular the song got, and that it mentions one of the Chandrian.

I think there's some major foreshadowing there.

Totally agreed.

It does get better after all the bits I was complaining about. I'm glad I kept reading at this point

Spoiler:

Even if Kvothe's sexuality keeps annoying me.

El-Taco-the-Rogue wrote:

Totally agreed.

It does get better after all the bits I was complaining about. I'm glad I kept reading at this point

Spoiler:

Even if Kvothe's sexuality keeps annoying me.

Spoiler:

Think about everything he learned spending time with the Ademre. Then couple that with everything Felurian taught him. The man has completely segregated sex from love in his mind; logically, his escapades are completely normal from his point of view. Plus, don't forget that he's 17. Boys at 17 think with their dicks in exactly the same manner. Trust me, I was 17 once, about 13 years ago.

AnimeJ wrote:
El-Taco-the-Rogue wrote:

Totally agreed.

It does get better after all the bits I was complaining about. I'm glad I kept reading at this point

Spoiler:

Even if Kvothe's sexuality keeps annoying me.

Spoiler:

Think about everything he learned spending time with the Ademre. Then couple that with everything Felurian taught him. The man has completely segregated sex from love in his mind; logically, his escapades are completely normal from his point of view. Plus, don't forget that he's 17. Boys at 17 think with their dicks in exactly the same manner. Trust me, I was 17 once, about 13 years ago.

Spoiler:

TBH I was fine with it during-and-after his time in Ademre. It was prior to that that it buggged me. I meant to go for 'really annoyed' rather than 'keeps annoying', I suppose.

Long day.

Blind_Evil wrote:

I may be in the minority, but I really don't like the female lead. She's charming and pretty of course, but I feel like Kvothe is the best kind of protagonist, as I've come to genuinely care for his well-being. I don't think she's good for him. Every stupid move he makes is usually inspired by her in some way. I'm at the part where she shows up in Vintas, and I closed the book for fear of her messing his game up again.

I was of the mind that he should have pursued Fela in the first book, and book two is only cementing that belief.

That's not to say any of this is bad writing, of course. Most of my bad decisions in life were the result of a particular woman, too.

I don't know how many people actually think he should be with Denna--I think most folks just don't really comment on the "goodness" of their relationship that much.

For my part: I can understand his fixation, but she's *totally* poison.

Hypatian wrote:
Blind_Evil wrote:

I may be in the minority, but I really don't like the female lead. She's charming and pretty of course, but I feel like Kvothe is the best kind of protagonist, as I've come to genuinely care for his well-being. I don't think she's good for him. Every stupid move he makes is usually inspired by her in some way. I'm at the part where she shows up in Vintas, and I closed the book for fear of her messing his game up again.

I was of the mind that he should have pursued Fela in the first book, and book two is only cementing that belief.

That's not to say any of this is bad writing, of course. Most of my bad decisions in life were the result of a particular woman, too.

I don't know how many people actually think he should be with Denna--I think most folks just don't really comment on the "goodness" of their relationship that much.

For my part: I can understand his fixation, but she's *totally* poison.

And as a boy about his age, I remember my fixation with a similar girl. I even remember my dad warning me against her (not in a "I forbid you" kind of way but more a "When I was your age, I knew this girl..." kind of way (Side, side note, much later I realized that when my dad was my age, he was already dating my mom, so he must have had this fixation on the side... stay classy, dad)). I did all kinds of stupid things for/with that girl that I would never have done otherwise. There's just that certain age where a beautiful girl in need of just the right amount of saving is going to lead young white knights astray.

Yup they are a dime a dozen. Once you hit about 35, they stick out like a sore thumb. They are almost comical with their inability to stay out of the spotlight. And in some ways pathetic in their attempts to grab attention at all costs.

Just finished it - to be honest, I thought that

Spoiler:

the ellided bits - the court case and the sea voyage - were actually quite clever fourth wall breaking, and a reminder that this is Kvothe's story, as he's telling it to Chronicler.

I enjoyed the hell out of it, but I tend to be easy to please.

I'm stuck waiting for the next book with the rest of everyone now. Maybe I'll finally finish off the Wheel of Time.

Finally finished it.

The odd thing is that I am not aching for the next one. I am certainly going to read it. But this one was so full of events, it really could fill 2-4 books. I don't want to call it fatigue but I am sated. Rothfuss gave me what I was asking for and then some.

There were a few pages that got a little Harlequin Romance for me but I don't feel it was out of place. I was okay with the section that most people had issues with, but I just chalk that up to me buying wholesale into the world Rothfuss created.

I don't understand how people who have now completed the book are comparing Kvothe to a Gary Stu. It is quite obvious to me that things are not always perfectly easy for him and he admits his failings pretty regularly, especially in the second half of the book. There is some stuff he doesn't get, he gets moderately, and gets solely on a remedial level.

Spoiler:

I have no problem with the guard fight. It is plainly obvious that his will/passion or what the Adem call his "anger" has left him. He shows a spark but is beaten down again before he can build on it. Bast is trying to rekindle that spark but failing miserably.

failures:

Spoiler:

He is no good with arithmetic. He struggles with Yllish. He wants to like either alchemy or chemistry but is at odds with the learning structure of his teacher so he drops the class. He also says he liked to listen to the rumors surrounding him as they wildly get out of control. And he admits to contributing to their embellishment. He stands up for himself and loses his temper in front of the Maer and his wife and it ends up costing him. I am sure that issue will come back to haunt him or at least add considerable intrigue in book 3. He is going to have to find out what is in the Lockless box.

Spoiler:

I would have much preferred the sex in the book to be handled like the first time he has sex with Vashet and the time with Penthe. The Felurian heaving breast stuff I could have done without but I don't see any inconsistency in that Felurian is supposed to be sex personified so I don't mind the sexual manner in which it was written. Also, I thought he had sex with Fela once he rescued her from the fire accident in the Fishery.

fangblackbone wrote:
Spoiler:

Also, I thought he had sex with Fela once he rescued her from the fire accident in the Fishery.

Spoiler:

Oh no. He went into (HAHA PUN INTENDED) Felurian a complete virgin. In fact, (first book) when he showed up at Fela's place to call in the favor he got for saving her, she answered the door in her quite so revealing nightie, but being preoccupied he totally glossed over it. I think. I might be remembering that wrong.

fangblackbone wrote:

I don't understand how people who have now completed the book are comparing Kvothe to a Gary Stu. It is quite obvious to me that things are not always perfectly easy for him and he admits his failings pretty regularly, especially in the second half of the book. There is some stuff he doesn't get, he gets moderately, and gets solely on a remedial level.

failures:

Spoiler:

He is no good with arithmetic. He struggles with Yllish. He wants to like either alchemy or chemistry but is at odds with the learning structure of his teacher so he drops the class. He also says he liked to listen to the rumors surrounding him as they wildly get out of control. And he admits to contributing to their embellishment. He stands up for himself and loses his temper in front of the Maer and his wife and it ends up costing him. I am sure that issue will come back to haunt him or at least add considerable intrigue in book 3. He is going to have to find out what is in the Lockless box.

Ahhhh... you're right. Being "teh best evar" at everything that matters is TOTALLY balanced out by being bad at learning a language!

I'm glad people are enjoying it. Me? I put it into the "abandoned" pile. Just couldn't get past the parts I mentioned above. Maybe I'll come back to it someday. For now, I have DARK TOWER VII and Lev Grossman's THE MAGICIANS to get through.

Holy crap, this series is awesome! My wife and I have both finished book one; I'm about 65% of the way through book two. Gonna be a crappy wait for book three, I suspect. =/

Hyetal wrote:
fangblackbone wrote:
Spoiler:

Also, I thought he had sex with Fela once he rescued her from the fire accident in the Fishery.

Spoiler:

Oh no. He went into (HAHA PUN INTENDED) Felurian a complete virgin. In fact, (first book) when he showed up at Fela's place to call in the favor he got for saving her, she answered the door in her quite so revealing nightie, but being preoccupied he totally glossed over it. I think. I might be remembering that wrong.

Spoiler:

She was wrapped in a sheet, as I recall. A very, very, thin white sheet.

@Matt: I am really, really sorry you can't get passed that stuff. I've been nothing but thrilled with them so far, and am very serious when I say that this is probably the best series I've read in 20 years.

Fedaykin98 wrote:

Holy crap, this series is awesome! My wife and I have both finished book one; I'm about 65% of the way through book two. Gonna be a crappy wait for book three, I suspect. =/

It most definitely will be quite the wait; I'll probably be buying it right about the time I reenlist in a couple years if I'm lucky

Wait, in hindsight.. What was with the name?

I don't recall any experienced, intelligent men with specific worries!

Well, there were the several times different people told us what wise men ought to fear.

I always figured Kvothe was the gentle man to be feared. His awesome potential for power once roused, and all.
(book 1 spoiler):

Spoiler:

He didn't break Ambrose's arm by calling the name of the wind because he was comatose.

Even after the first book it's pretty clear what wise men fear: being 16 again.

Or, if you want, here's the literal interpretation:

Spoiler:

#1. The sea in storm (a.k.a. Devi's Alar) #2. A night with no moon. (a.k.a. the battle between the Fae and Man). #3. The anger of a gentle man, which is open to interpretation as far as I can tell, but maybe Kvothe going psycho on the fake Ruh.

Khoram wrote:

I had no problem with the section being discussed.

Spoiler:

I thought it was well written. The thing that clinched it for me was precisely because it was not short - by the end, I had a very clear sense of what it was like to be living in the Fae realm all that time. The little differences were just enough that the distinction between realms was very palpable to me, and jarring when it ended. I also don't see what the problem is with the sex - it's not about Kvothe, it's about who and what Felurian is. She'd do the same thing to Tron Man if he happened upon her. I can grant that the whole "I'm special, because I'm the first mortal to ever walk away unscathed!" angle might be distasteful to some, but it doesn't bother me. I mean, you've already swallowed all the same sense of specialness that defined his year at the University - youngest this, youngest that, 3 days, called the wind, bloodless whippings, got his pipes for the Eolian so easily, etc etc - you can't imagine that someone that special, quick witted, versed and inherently gifted in the arcane arts could do that? I mean, that's what the entirety of the series is about. He's a Special Guy (tm).

Anyway, I am continuing to enjoy the book immensely, despite the naysayers. I think the writing style, craft, and story are top-notch. I love the mythology and history scattered throughout both books. The one fault I find so far (still about 200 pages to go to finish) is that Cinder was the head of the bandits. Not sure I get that. Millenia-old demon dude is spending his time leading a couple of crappy outlaws to rob the king's taxes? I'm hopeful something later will uncover some hidden aspect of that, because otherwise... not so sure I get that.

+1 on just about every point. The negativity on the thread here surprised me. Everything I read in the book seemed well foreshadowed, and appropriate/necessary to telling the story of the man Kvothe is/becomes. It didn't necessarily happen in the way or in the order in which I assumed it would occur, but the surprises were good ones. I was happy to learn more about the Fae in the way we did, the glossed over trip was explained in an entertaining way, and as for the guards

Spoiler:

It was important to demonstrate Kvothe's current capabilities. I was surprised that he got beat, but several potential explanations are available - in addition to the theories already written about in this thread, my favorite one is that Kvothe knew Bast was trying to manipulate him, and backlashed in the way he knew would be most painful to Bast (by letting himself get beaten). His warning to Bast earlier in the day not to try to manipulate him lends some credence to this. I think it's well understood that we'll find out what really happened in Book 3, so until we find the real reason I'm not going to get bent out of shape.

Me: Enabled.
Book: Ordered.
Vacation in 3 weeks: Readin' time!
Thread: Marked for later.