It took over 200 pages to meet a female character with a name who wasn’t a prostitute. All the characters are white (at least as far as I got before becoming so annoyed I gave up). It’s too bad that the author could imagine anything for his fantasy world, and he came up with a world filled with white men. The wizard coming-of-age story has been told much better by LeGuin or even the unfortunate J K Rowling. I could see loving this book if you’re a teen boy, but otherwise the arrogance of the main character coupled with the retrograde world of the author make this one I suggest skipping.

I’m not sure why I never read this before since it has been out for 12 years, but I am glad I picked it up. I am a big high fantasy fan and this story is one of the best of the genre. 700 pages filled with a coming of age story, magic, demon, music and mystery. The premise is interesting, a hero tells his life story to a Chronicler and we get to hear about what he thinks made him the man he has become. It isn’t all light and flowers and the world that has been created is revealed in a long and winding story. Well written, lots of questions that still have no answers, and you know that you have to read Book 2 of the series. I thoroughly enjoyed this read.

The worst reading experience for the last 4 years. This is a story in a story. How can we feel any tension if we know that the main character telling his story is well and safe? I stopped at 1/3 of the book when it became a story in a story in a story! The writing style is nothing special. Moreover, the author has not even finished the third book of the Kingkiller Chronicle.

This is a most interesting book about the power of words. The detail of the world Rothfuss has created is remarkable. I have read it several times and am, once again, in line to get it and read it again.

I found myself leafing through the pages, hoping for the story to begin. There are a few moments that you think it will finally pick up and then it just doesn't go very far. The ending leaves room for a more interesting story (sequel), but since I didn't enjoy this one as much, I will not be picking part 2 up.

Some strange things happen at the beginning and then we find ourselves listening to a tale about someone's childhood. Yes, I know how it sounds, but it's a bit like a wannabe Harry Potter with a school for special kids, secrets are hidden underground, and masters who might be not what they seem.

Recommended by the librarians because I liked The starless sea

I’m a voracious reader. In my long life, I’ve read over 10,000 novels. The Name of the Wind is one of the best, ever. It offers a compelling and satisfying narrative in a richly imagined world. If you like fantasy at all, this should be on your must read list.

A unique story told in the first person, this is the history of Kvothe (Kah-VOHTH), an adventurer who has traveled his fantasy world and endured immense suffering and pain in his attempt to learn and love. Considered a new classic of High Fantasy, this is the first book in an incomplete trilogy.

Emma's rec. "Big complicated fantasy world"

This first volume in a planned trilogy is a richly-detailed, epic fantasy story with a likeable, intelligent hero and plenty of dramatic scenes to keep the plot going. Readers will be left wanting more of Kvothe's story and can continue the series in The Wise Man's Fear. The third book is not yet published. Readers may enjoy the detailed hierarchy of The University setting and Kvothe's quest for knowledge.