Title: The Wise Man’s Fear

Author: Patrick Rothfuss

Page Count: 994

Series: The Kingkiller Chronicle, Book 2

Publishing Date/Publisher: March 1, 2011 by DAW Books

Format: eBook

Review: When it comes to epic fantasy, it really does not get more epic than Patrick Rothfuss’ Kingkiller Chronicle.  Rothfuss’ worldbuilding is unparalleled, and his character development is on point.  My greatest criticism for this installment of the series is that it had too much whimsy at certain points.  Although this is a book about a magic wielder, the more magical aspects regarding faeries and the Chandrian always strike me as secondary to the rest of the plot.  Similarly, the “interludes” leave me with more far more confusion than clarity.  It is difficult to understand how that narrative and portrayal of an older Kvothe plays into the larger story.  I imagine that if Rothfuss ever decides to grace his readers with the long awaited final book, most of my questions will be answered.

As with the first book, I found Kvothe’s relationship with Denna to be exceptionally annoying.  I am, however, interested in seeing what the significance of that relationship will be in the final book.  Her mysterious and abusive benefactor will undoubtedly be important to the storyline, and I am anxious for that big reveal.

This was a very lengthy book and a big investment of time, but I am glad that I read it.  Some segments seemed to drag on, but overall, I found Kvothe’s adventures to be very interesting and engaging.  It was nice to take a step away from the university setting and see new lands and cultures.  I am excited to see where Kvothe goes next, but I am not holding my breath.  It has, after all, been almost ten years since this book’s publication, and still no release date for the final book is in sight.

Reader: Bekah

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