Project Realms Reads discussion

I'm planning to start this book this weekend, looking forward to it! It's pretty big so I bought it on Kindle so I don't have to carry around a physical copy. Has anyone started it yet?

Raechel wrote: "... I bought it on Kindle so I don't have to carry around a physical copy. Has anyone started it yet?"

I got it on Kindle, too. It certainly is a bit of a beast. I'll be right behind you as far as getting into it - I am finishing up a Star Wars anthology, then I'll delve into The Name of the Wind.

So I'm about 25% through this so far, I don't want to post any spoilers but I will say I'm not enjoying this book as much as I thought I would. It has over 750k reviews with a 4.5 star rating. That is phenomenal! So I feel weird that I don't like it.

My two biggest issues are: I don't like the framing device in how we're told this story, it takes all the tension out. Also, perfect protagonists are boring (and when Kvothe is amazing at everything, it makes him boring).

Raechel wrote: "My two biggest issues are: I don't like the framing device in how we're told this story, it takes all the tension out. Also, perfect protagonists are boring (and when Kvothe is amazing at everything, it makes him boring)."

I am only sixty pages in, so I do not have the perspective yet to say much about the characters. However, I do see "The Witcher" style world building, which I like. And, it is well-written so far. Clear, crisp prose, so far.

My favorite chapter so far was the introduction of The Chronicler on the road. Clever man and well developed in one chapter's worth of space.

I have found this book to be very fascinating and engrossing. I am only 250-ish pages in, and Kvothe has entered the University. I like the story-telling so much that I re-read many passages, or whole chapters, two or three time. I am really taking my time with this one, making sure I do not miss anything.

I see a lot of influences here. The writing style makes me think of Brandon Sanderson. The telling of histories is undoubtedly Tolkien-esque with touches of Hermetic Qabalah themes. The peripheral, contemporary world-building is very Andrzej Sapkowski.

I like it, though I can see how it could be boring for some folks. The Name of the Wind does not exactly capture the reader with RPGLit-type language and tone. I feel like I am reading a cross between The Silmarillion and The Belgariad series. That works for me.

I finished reading it last night, and I didn't want to do anything but read it. When I wasn't reading it, I was thinking about it. It is beautifully written and emotional. Definitely a new favorite.

Carrie wrote: "I finished reading it last night, and I didn't want to do anything but read it. When I wasn't reading it, I was thinking about it. It is beautifully written and emotional. Definitely a new favorite."

So glad to hear that , Carrie. Thanks for sharing.

I am with you on this. I am only halfway through, but this book sticks in my mind. Kvothe just borrowed money from Devi, which has me worried. I am also worried about the lingering issues with Ambrose. I think abut these things while driving or while I work. Somehow, Rothuss has managed to write in such an engaging way that I carry the events of the book along with me in my day-to-day.

The writing is conversational, but not perfunctory. I really like it.

I'm still thinking about it. It is now 4 days later and I haven been able to properly get lost in any of the other books I'm reading. My audio selection didn't count as it was a reread for me.

I haven't a "book hangover" in such a long time. The power that a book can have is amazing and scary really when one thinks about it.

Yes, I am still plodding through The Name of the Wind, in a good way. I do not usually spend this much time on a book, but I am still reading some chapters two or three times. Rothfuss wrote this book densely and their is much to take in. I think I have said this all before.

I have about a hundred pages to go. I am in the dragon chapters, which is the only section of the book that to me, has dragged on and on.

As of now, I am looking at giving this book four stars. I should finish this week. I am sad it is almost over.

What a fantastic book! I am well pleased with this effort by Rothfuss. The writing is clear, perfectly descriptive, and it tells the story. The Name of the Wind has the cadence and level of complexity that a Brandon Sanderson book has.

I personally love Kvothe as a character. While he is a prodigy, he still has weaknesses. He makes bad decisions once in a while (he was whipped, twice) and seems cursed to be eternally destitute. It is not all roses for the young man and he struggled in Tarbean and at the University.

I detest Denna and I do not understand her purpose in the book. The chapters wherein she and Kvothe wander the countryside were the only span of the story when I grew bored. Denna's personality did not help.

I am leaning to a four star rating because of those wayward dragon chapters and Denna's confusing purpose. The bulk of this novel is very well done, has a unique voice and brings its characters to life so well.

Most people don't seem to like Denna. I keep hoping there is more to her.

I know I'm way behind everyone else and firmly in the minority, but I did not enjoy this book and blame it for putting me in a months-long reading slump.

Rothfuss' writing style is wonderful, and I have nothing bad to say about the technicality of his writing. He's clearly quite skilled with that. What I did not like was, as mentioned before, the framing style (95% of this book is told in flashback so we know nothing truly bad happens to Kvothe), and many of the characters themselves.

Kvothe is perfect at everything, and nearly every single time he does get in trouble for one thing, he manages to still get something turned in his favor and he ends up in a better state than when he started (yes he gets whipped, but he also rises in rank at the University). He's only really stupid when the plot calls for it.

Denna is Kvothe's Manic Pixie Dream Girl who's got some menacing abusive patron that Kvothe must save her from. Also, Denna is what, 14? 15?, in this book? And Deoch the 30+ year old dated her a couple years ago? But it's okay because Denna's Not Like Other Girls, she's mature for her age. Gross.

Every girl we meet harbors a crush on Kvothe. I heard this is worse in the second book.

I thought the Tarbean chapters dragged because it was just a lot of suffering. Kvothe doesn't really learn anything during this time and once he's at the University that part of his life is rarely mentioned again. So what was the point?

The demons and spider-demons are happening in present day in the book... so why isn't the story about them? They're this huge threat but barely mentioned because the book is really about The Kvothe Show, so why not make the series only about Kvothe's life and get rid of the framing device?

I honestly don't get the appeal of this book/series. I'm glad other people find entertainment in it, and if Rothfuss has a different book with different characters perhaps I'd pick it up, but I can't see myself continuing with the series unless I'm feeling particularly masochistic.