Continuous Vivid Dream

The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss is a refreshing return to quality fantasy.  Unfortunately, it’s the first of a trilogy, the second two books have not been released.  This fact certainly leaves the drama on hold until March, according to this post.

The title and the cover of the book have much to be desired. When I picked up a hardback copy from the library, I had doubts it would have much to offer.

I consider The Name of the Wind as a more adult equivalent of Harry Potter (I’ve read the first two H.P. novels and feel the target audience is middle to high school students).  The first of the trilogy begins in an inn, when a Chronicler (storyteller who records history) comes across an innkeeper, Kvothe, who appears to be “laying low.” The Chronicler wishes to record the story of Kvothe and his rise as an artificer, since apparently his exploits were legendary.  It details Kvothe’s early life–his childhood, loss of family, friendship with a wiser artificer, and his eventual admission to the University, the school of magic.  The majority of the novel revolves around his time at the University and his growing relationship with female drifter named Denna.

What’s different about the fantasy character, Kvothe, is his talents lie more than just magic. He’s a talented musician as well, and he must overcome many obstacles, cruel professors, financial hardship, and a mean bully, to achieve his goals.  The storytelling is compelling and filled with original action. Ultimately, Kvothe is interested in learning more about the blue-eyed Chandrian, who murdered his family, and appear to be the ultimate drive of everything he does.

The Name of the Wind is considered Day One, in a three day account.  There is a past and a present in the story, and it appears that we will learn more about the past in Day Two, before the present comes into focus. Though my predictions have been incorrect in the past.  The novel ends with Kvothe’s assistant at the inn, demanding that the Chronicler “wake up” Kvothe and help him remember who he is — a magician of consequence, not a meaningless innkeeper.

Overall, if you enjoy fantasy to any degree, The Name of the Wind is a must-read.  I can’t say there is much here that is completely unique (apart from tree-eating dragons) from fantasies that have preceded it. But it’s certainly nice to see a return to the roots of good fantasy, with an edge. Let’s hope that what follows is just as true.