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bethanydane's review
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
cadmanreads's review against another edition
5.0
The Lightning Tree (The Kingkiller Chronicle #0.5)
by Patrick Rothfuss
Part of my read of the Kingkiller Chronicle is The Lightning Tree. This is a companion short story that was first published in 2014 in the anthology Rogues.
The story centres around Bast and gives more depth into how he lives his life. It is best read after 'The name of the wind' and 'The wise man's fear' as readers will have a better introduction to the character by doing so.
I enjoyed this story and I feel it gives Bast much more depth. It feels like a 'grim' fairy tale with Bast's actions and intentions not always for good. He trades secrets, manipulates the villagers and generally acts in moral shades of grey.
I believe it is left to the reader to make up their mind on Bast's character.
As with all good short stories, I wanted more.
by Patrick Rothfuss
Part of my read of the Kingkiller Chronicle is The Lightning Tree. This is a companion short story that was first published in 2014 in the anthology Rogues.
The story centres around Bast and gives more depth into how he lives his life. It is best read after 'The name of the wind' and 'The wise man's fear' as readers will have a better introduction to the character by doing so.
I enjoyed this story and I feel it gives Bast much more depth. It feels like a 'grim' fairy tale with Bast's actions and intentions not always for good. He trades secrets, manipulates the villagers and generally acts in moral shades of grey.
I believe it is left to the reader to make up their mind on Bast's character.
As with all good short stories, I wanted more.
roadtripreader's review
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
In another timeline and dimension - I can see Bast in a 3 piece suit, driving a classic Ole American in Los Angeles, owning a club and asking: What is it you desire? - man the opening scene made me wish I was a kid with a petty grievance in need of a plan only Bast can craft.
Cozy yet with this undercurrent of wild magic. I love the themes of knowledge-seeking, sharing, truth, half-truths, omissions and colorful renditions. The depiction of The Bluff and The Lightning Tree where kids go to ask of Bast feels like a solid ancient thing. I wish I lived in the pages of this novella.
Characters:A Scene or Summary
The keeper and retriever of secrets.
I am totally and completely inlove with Bast. Martin whyyyy would you throw rocks and my dude like that? There, that's better. Now thats out the way, Bast is a curious creature. He is all knowing and shares his knowing. He has a code and rules and he is one who contemplates.
Favorite/Curious/Unique Scene:
😉No idea why, but Bast washing his shirt at the river was really captivating (besides the birthday suit swim).
😍Bast chopping firewood at the William's farm for 6 carrots ...and ... ahem, well yes.
Favorite/Curious/Unique Quotes:
🖤 “Oh come now, a little sweetness is all any of us have sometimes. It’s always worth it. Even if it takes some work.” (Bast could convince me to do anything)
🖤 “You pay with gifts and favors. You pay in secrets …” (The master of quid pro quo)
🖤 “It was baffling. These creatures. They were fraught and frayed in their desire. A snake would never poison itself, but these folk made an art of it. They wrapped themselves in fears and wept at being blind.” (Bast on the Human Condition)
Favorite/Curious/Unique Concepts:
■Waystone Inn, Celum Tinture
■ Fae: Felurian, Kvothe’s shadow cloak, glammourie, grammerie
■The three rules of Basts' Blacktree/Lightning Tree
■ Bast's Antler knife
GR Rating: 4⭐
CAWPILE: 8.5
StoryGraph Challenge: 1800 Books by 2025
Challenge Prompt: 150 Fantasy Books by 2025
Cozy yet with this undercurrent of wild magic. I love the themes of knowledge-seeking, sharing, truth, half-truths, omissions and colorful renditions. The depiction of The Bluff and The Lightning Tree where kids go to ask of Bast feels like a solid ancient thing. I wish I lived in the pages of this novella.
Characters:A Scene or Summary
The keeper and retriever of secrets.
I am totally and completely inlove with Bast. Martin whyyyy would you throw rocks and my dude like that? There, that's better. Now thats out the way, Bast is a curious creature. He is all knowing and shares his knowing. He has a code and rules and he is one who contemplates.
Favorite/Curious/Unique Scene:
😉No idea why, but Bast washing his shirt at the river was really captivating (besides the birthday suit swim).
😍Bast chopping firewood at the William's farm for 6 carrots ...and ... ahem, well yes.
Favorite/Curious/Unique Quotes:
🖤 “Oh come now, a little sweetness is all any of us have sometimes. It’s always worth it. Even if it takes some work.” (Bast could convince me to do anything)
🖤 “You pay with gifts and favors. You pay in secrets …” (The master of quid pro quo)
🖤 “It was baffling. These creatures. They were fraught and frayed in their desire. A snake would never poison itself, but these folk made an art of it. They wrapped themselves in fears and wept at being blind.” (Bast on the Human Condition)
Favorite/Curious/Unique Concepts:
■Waystone Inn, Celum Tinture
■ Fae: Felurian, Kvothe’s shadow cloak, glammourie, grammerie
■The three rules of Basts' Blacktree/Lightning Tree
■ Bast's Antler knife
GR Rating: 4⭐
CAWPILE: 8.5
StoryGraph Challenge: 1800 Books by 2025
Challenge Prompt: 150 Fantasy Books by 2025
mathiasaurous's review
dark
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
taniafirme's review
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
theshaggyshepherd's review
4.0
As always, I love Rothfuss’ writing style and I love Bast but man is there once again a focus on fae… sexuality. Let me put it that way. Hehe Other than that though, I love the little details and connections in the story that come together in the end. Fun little story.
sarahkomas's review
2.0
It’s been so long since I read the first two books, I forgot any links. It also seemed to be super misogynistic.
eyleen's review
2.0
I don't see who would be interested in this :(
Patrick Rothfuss should rather finish up his editing on Doors of Stone instead of writing such a dull story :/
Patrick Rothfuss should rather finish up his editing on Doors of Stone instead of writing such a dull story :/
mapboy's review
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0