The Wise Man's Fear (The Kingkiller Chronicle, #2)

by Patrick Rothfuss

Books are a poor substitute for female companionship, but they are easier to find.

Cyphus bears the blue flame. Stercus is in thrall of iron. Ferule chill and dark of eye. Usnea lives in nothing but decay. Grey Dalcenti never speaks. Pale Alenta brings the blight. Last there is the lord of seven: Hated. Hopeless. Sleepless. Sane. Alaxel bears the shadow’s hame.”