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acasiamae's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Violence
Minor: Rape, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence
jennalve's review against another edition
3.75
Moderate: Murder
Minor: Physical abuse and Rape
artemisg's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Originally, I preferred this to the first novel in the series, I loved to see the characters at the University become more fleshed out and I am now a Wil and Sim stan. I genuinely really enjoyed the majority of the University chapters, mainly due to the dynamics between characters. But as the novel wore on, I became less invested, this 900 page book covers about a year of Kvothe's life (something like that I'm not 100% sure), and as exciting as that year was, I would have loved to hear about more. This is not to say I didn't thoroughly enjoy the book, this book is great. The first novel covered birth to age 16 - with particular ages having more detail, obviously - and I just have no idea how Rothfuss can write another book covering ages 16 to the ambiguous age Kvothe is now.
When the story picked up, I was absolutely taken, as much as I would have loved to hear about the dangerous trip to Vintas, I appreciated the humour in skipping it. And once we got to Vintas the political intrigue was so great, and I loved how morally grey the Maer was. I loved seeing Kvothe somehow both in his element and out of his depth.
Overall, a great book, and as much as I want the next one right now, it was satisfying enough that I can live with a long wait - thank god I didn't read it when it came out I wouldn't have had that patience (also I was 9).
P.S. Kvothe selling his arrowcatch for like 8 talents when it should've gone for 25 - socialist king <33
Minor: Rape
katiequack's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Moderate: Rape and Sexual assault
downtownhal's review against another edition
- 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
Minor: Rape
maggieereads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Murder
Moderate: Rape
mikki_9's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I enjoyed this book a lot, although a couple parts of Kvothe’s adventures seemed a bit out-of-the-blue and poorly built? Idk how to explain it, but they seemed unrealistic, which is silly to say for a fantasy novel lol I suppose there are plenty of people in the book who also thought some of Kvothe’s adventures were unrealistic as well, so I’m in good company
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexism, Violence, Medical content, Kidnapping, and Murder
Moderate: Child abuse, Physical abuse, Sexual content, and Alcohol
Minor: Rape, Sexual violence, and Trafficking
alegna's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Rape and Sexual assault
Moderate: Sexual content
onceuponabookcase's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I adore this world, the characters - especially, of course, Kvothe. I love reading about his life and his experiences, mundane and incredible. This series is very much storytelling at it's best. Kvothe is dictating the story of his life to the Chronicler, but he himself is a skilled storyteller. I become completely engrossed in this story, and it's just such an enjoyable reading experience, even when it seems like not an awful lot is happening.
The Wise Man's Fear sees Kvothe properly stepping out into the world and experiencing the things that are at the heart of some of his stories. I personally really love Kvothe's time at the University, so when I discovered he would be leaving for a time, I can't say I wasn't disappointed. I really like all the people he knows - Sim, Wil, Fela, Devi, Auri, Deena and even some of the Masters - and wasn't too keen on leaving them behind. But a legend has to live before he becomes a legend, and I soon started enjoying his adventures abroad, and the new characters we met. There's a lot that happens in this book, but I can't really talk too much about it without spoiling it. Kvothe's story takes some wild twists and turns - ingratiating himself with the nobility, hunting bandits, time in the arms of a Femme Fatale fae queen, and learning from the highly skilled and respected Adem mercenaries, among others. It was so satisfying, after being in danger so many times, seeing where he finds himself at the end of the book, and the position he's in.
I loved how incredibly sex positive this book is, too! Because of the time period most high fantasies seem to be inspired by, there's propriety to think about, and behaving in a way that is appropriate and honourable - especially for women. The Kingkiller Chronicles has this aspect to it, as well, but when Kvothe finds himself in another part of the world, Rothfuss takes that idea and turns it on his head. There, sex is just sex, and is to be enjoyed. It's not improper to have sex outside of wedlock, it's not improper for a woman to have sex with multiple men, there is no scandal surrounding sex at all. It was so refreshing, and I loved the conversations had around it, and how those people thought it was completely ridiculous for others to think any differently. It just felt so feminist and wonderful, and I loved it. That being said, while Kvothe does have a fair number of sexual encounters, they're never really on page; they're brushed over and barely described.
Despite loving this series a huge amount myself, I think The Kingkiller Chronicles could definitely be a marmite series, and it should be pointed out. At 994 pages long, I can see people thinking the book is far too long, that a lot of it could be cut and made tighter, etc. But for me, just being immersed in this world, in Kvothe's voice, is enough. It's just absolutely my bag. Rothfuss definitely has a knack of telling a story where the mundane seems interesting. But I'd also say that nothing is mundane. Kvothe is telling this story, and no-one knows his story better. There are times in his past that he summarieses quickly instead of describing in much detail, much to the annoyance of the Chronicler and Bast, but Kvothe is telling us only that which is important to his story. He has become a legend, a hero stories are told over and over. He is telling us the truth behind those stories, and though I don't know where exactly the story will go, I believe everything we read matters, is important, even if it doesn't seem so.
When I started this book, I believed the whole trilogy had been finished and published, considering The Wise Man's Fear was originally published in 2011, and that I could just order the final book as I got close to the end and contune to revel in this world. I found out before finishing the book that, actually, the final book hasn't been published yet, and isn't coming out until next year. I was frustrated at first, but I've waited for books before, and it's not like I would have had to wait 11 years like some readers would have. But then I read the final line of the book and despaired. I actually shouted, "No! NO!" at the book and slammed my hand down on the cover. Oh my god, it's such a cruel ending! It's just one line, it's kind of vague, and only really implies a possibility that I had a feeling might be coming becuase of things read earlier in the book. But that possibility is more possible now that Rothfuss wrote it himself! And I have just over a year and a half to wait for The Doors of Stone! And I am chomping at the bit to read it, I desperately need to know what happens! It's going to be an agonising wait, but I'm pretty damn sure it's going to be worth it. Though I do think the final book may possibly break my heart, and I don't know if I'll ever be prepared. In the meantime, I have ordered The Slow Regard of Silent Things, a novella from Auri's point of view, who I completely adore, and that will have to tide me over.
I am so, so in love with this series, and really loved seeing where Kvothe's story took him in The Wise Man's Fear. I honestly can't recommend this series enough!
Graphic: Murder
Moderate: Rape, Sexual violence, and Violence
Minor: Vomit
flik's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Blood
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Violence, Xenophobia, Trafficking, and Murder
Minor: Misogyny, Medical content, Grief, and Death of parent