Patrick Rothfuss has a great storytelling style well suited to this epic fantasy story. This first book in the series details the rise and fall of the legend Kvothe as told by himself. However, it soon becomes apparent that his story is not yet finished as current day events begin to interrupt and give colour to the historical events of Kvothe’s story. These narrative switches between the tale of Kvothe’s life and present day events provide great pacing to the story and Rothfuss is an expert at foreshadowing events throughout the story such that I was constantly intrigued just enough to keep me wanting to read just one more chapter before bed. “The Name of the Wind” draws on plenty of familiar fantasy tropes but does so in a way that avoids being derivative. This is the most refreshing fantasy series I’ve read in quite some time and with the second book in the series, “The Wise Man’s Fear,” just released, I know what I’ll be reading this Easter.
- Michael L.
