Book Review: The Wise Man's Fear

The Wise Man's Fear is the second installment of the breakout series by Patrick Rothfuss. The Kingkiller Chronicles began with The Name of The Wind. This fantastic book quickly rated as one of the best fantasy books in a long time. People almost immediately began comparing Rothfuss with greats such as RR Martin and Tolkien. The main character in this series is a man named Kvothe. The first book begins with Kvothe as an older man who begins to retell his story to a travelling chronicler. He doesn't particularly want to share the story, but knows that if he doesn't put it down in his own words--it will be told wrong. This series quickly sets itself apart from your average fantasy book that hits the shelves. After a series of events leads Kvothe to the University where he has always wanted to study the art of the Arcanist--he quickly lands himself in a variety of tough situations--some of his own making and some that he just happens into.

After a variety of complications, the first book ends. The second book, The Wise Man's Fear, begins where the first left off. With Kvothe in his inn where he is telling the story of his life to the Chronicler. This story moves more quickly than the first--possibly because we are already familiar with many of the characters that inhabit Rothfuss' world and so he doesn't spend so much time introducing new characters. To be sure, there are some new characters that are introduced in the second story, but not at the same pace as in the first installment. This book takes Kvothe on a trip across the world he lives in and up into several previously unexplored areas of the world--at least for him. He continues to use his able mind to extricate himself from many bad situations. The vast majority of which he probably could have avoided had he been less impetuous and slightly arrogant. But that is what I have come to love about the character Kvothe--his is quite like many people I know and so is believable in that he creates many of the problems he ends up having to solve

Absolutely. Without reservation. In fact, I have recommended it to several of my friends and family already. If you haven't read the first book--it is a definite must that you read it first. If you have read the first--get yourself out and read The Wise Man's Fear. I rate it a 9.5 out of 10. Good solid pacing, exciting exploits, interesting characters, and a whole lot of fun. This series is truly some of the best fantasy fiction released in years.  Could be even better than Lord of the Rings--let me know if you think the same.

Get it on your Kindle today or get it from Amazon and have it shipped to your house. It is a definite treat.