The Name of Wind: The Kingkiller Chonicle: Book 1

 

Written by: Patrick Rothfuss

 This is one of those books that is greatly improved by being listened to. Not since the Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy have I enjoyed an audio book this much. Make sure you get the version narrated by Rupert Degas, his voicing of the characters is superb. 

This is a fantasy at its best, the world is well built and intriguing with the detail. The story begins in a small town where we discover that the innkeeper Kote is actually the renown Kvothe and he begins telling the story of his adventures to a visiting storyteller called Chronicler. He is not enthusiastic about telling his story but as the story unfolds we begin to understand why he has been reluctant. One thing we do know about Kvothe is one of his names is 'Kingkiller' which is the name of the series, The Kingkiller Chronicles. Kvothe tells Chronicler that the tale will last three days, one day for each of books in the series. On this first day of the story we hear of his early life, how he came to the magical university and comes to be tutored by the master namer.

I think I would have given this story 5 star if I had just read the book, but with the added wonder of Rupert Degas narration I want to give it 6 out of 5. Truely a classic.

This is the introduction to the Name of the Wind:

“My name is Kvothe, pronounced nearly the same as “quothe.” Names are important as they tell you a great deal about a person. I’ve had more names than anyone has a right to. The Adem call me Maedre. Which, depending on how it’s spoken, can mean The Flame, The Thunder, or The Broken Tree.

”The Flame” is obvious if you’ve ever seen me. I have red hair, bright. If I had been born a couple of hundred years ago I would probably have been burned as a demon. I keep it short but it’s unruly. When left to its own devices, it sticks up and makes me look as if I have been set afire.

”The Thunder” I attribute to a strong baritone and a great deal of stage training at an early age.

I’ve never thought of “The Broken Tree” as very significant. Although in retrospect, I suppose it could be considered at least partially prophetic.

My first mentor called me E’lir because I was clever and I knew it. My first real lover called me Dulator because she liked the sound of it. I have been called Shadicar, Lightfinger, and Six-String. I have been called Kvothe the Bloodless, Kvothe the Arcane, and Kvothe Kingkiller. I have earned those names. Bought and paid for them.

But I was brought up as Kvothe. My father once told me it meant “to know.”

I have, of course, been called many other things. Most of them uncouth, although very few were unearned.

I have stolen princesses back from sleeping barrow kings. I burned down the town of Trebon. I have spent the night with Felurian and left with both my sanity and my life. I was expelled from the University at a younger age than most people are allowed in. I tread paths by moonlight that others fear to speak of during day. I have talked to Gods, loved women, and written songs that make the minstrels weep.

You may have heard of me. ”

Such begins the tale of Kvothe, who narrates the tale of his life.