Unfinished Masterpiece — A Fantasy Book Review of The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss

Art by Adam J. Marin

The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss might be one of my most re-read books of all time. I'm not sure if this is because I've gotten bored waiting for the much-anticipated (and ever illusive) third book or just sheer enjoyment... it is likely a mix of both.

Before I delve into the review, I just want to reiterate this is an unfinished series and it is unclear if that will ever change. Rothfuss published The Name of the Wind in 2007, its sequel The Wise Man's Fear four years later, and now it's been 14 years since then. He has published two novellas since, but one was super odd and the other was an expansion of a short story he'd published years ago. Rothfuss has been transparent about struggling with mental health—which is more than fair and understandable. However, that being said, in all this time there has been no clear release date for the third book, The Doors of Stone. There has been a lot of online discourse surrounding this (everything from the author's editor saying she hasn't seen a word of book #3 to the author raising funds for a charity, promising to share a chapter of the book, and not delivering for years as of the writing of this review). You can find the numerous sagas elsewhere, but I just feel that it's worth noting if you are a completionist, you might want to wait and see if Rothfuss ever finishes the Kingkiller Chronicle before picking up the first book.

Even with everything surrounding the publication of this series, it's still one of my favorites of all time. From the first page, I was enthralled. If you are familiar with this book in any way, you've likely heard of Rothfuss' prose. He writes BEAUTIFULLY. Even if there is nothing happening in a given scene, the words he writes command your attention and sparks the imagination.

If I could describe The Name of the Wind in one word, it would be magical. The world is wondrous and vibrant, the characters whimsical and fascinating, and the story is engaging and enchanting.

In terms of plot, it is hard to quantify. This is, ultimately, a fantasy biography. The story is told from the framework of a writer listening to the protagonist, Kvothe, tell his life story. Therefore, I cannot decide if it is more serialized or episodic. The book just kind of carries on. It starts from when he is a young boy, and covers his adventures, hardships and triumphs.

The book itself offers so many different flavors. It could be an epic story of loss and vengeance, an intriguing mystery, a humerus romp, or a sweeping adventure. There is a little something for everyone.

However, even with that being said, I think it is important to note that this book isn't for everyone's taste. It is long, indulgent, and the protagonist can be frustrating at times. If a slow burn, prose heavy book about a overpowered character (who can be a turd) isn't for you? That's okay! While this book has something for everyone, it doesn't mean this a book everyone will enjoy.

There is a reason, however, that I have gone back to this book; I love to read it. That sounds so basic, and simple, but I'm not just saying "I like this book," I am saying the experience of reading this book is amazing.

The Name of the Wind is nothing short of a masterpiece. The prose is lovely, the setting breathtaking, and the pacing is cozy without sacrificing a great plot. It is one of my favorite books of all time, and I cannot recommend it enough.

-H.