The Name of the Wind / Chapters 6-12 discussion

[John]

Hi Everyone!

Chapters 6-12 roughly constitute the first "Flashback" section (Chapter 13 seems to be an "interlude" back in present time) so I thought it would make a good section for discussion?

So we got our first introduction to "magic" in this section...I really like how the author is going about it. Very sciencey... The description of Sympathy kind of reminds me of what I've read about quantum entanglement. I hope he keeps running with that "scienciness", it would make for some interesting takes on monsters and demons and such.

Also in this section I'm starting to wonder to what extent we should consider Kvothe to be an unreliable narrator? Some parts of his story were basically like, "Yeah so everyone couldn't stop talking about how great I am! They all love me!"...and in my head I was like Really Kvothe? Really? ...I think it would be fantastic if later, we had some events in the present day where we meet a character who flat-out contradicts Kvothe's story and reveals his "exaggerations" :D

[Nick]

I agree the Sympathy magic is interesting because it has a scientific explanation but would seem like magic to the average person in this world.

I am really interested by Kvothe's father researching and writing his song about the mysterious Chandrian, it seems almost forbidden (like no one talks about it) and even scientific men like Abenthy refuse to say their names. I'm sure this is foreshadowing something coming soon.

[Rinn, (Retired mod) Captain of the SSV Normandy]

I was enjoying the book before the story proper started, but now I am REALLY enjoying it!

I've read a bit further than Chapter 12, so I'll try to avoid spoilers. But I love Kvothe's way of life with the troupe, it's painted so vividly and sounds like a great community to grow up in.

Ben is a fascinating character and I agree with how well the magic/sympathy works in this world. In many fantasy stories, magic seems so simple and undemanding, but Kvothe really has to work at it in so many ways to do the simplest of things. Really good system.

[Wayland, Ernest Scribbler]

The world building here is well done. I like the magic, demons, and other kinds of beings.

With the cold iron, three mentioned so often, and such, I really feel a strong hint of Celtic influence here.

Very much enjoying.

I like this world, these characters, this writing. Good choice on the book, folks.