Chapters 31 - 45

[leynes]

Discussion exclusively for chapters 31 to 45. No spoilers for any chapters beyond that. :)

[leynes]

I'm amazed at how addicting this book is, I'm flying through this and enjoying the ride. Pat Rothfuss is just that brilliant. I love how frequently he pulls us (as readers) out of the story (almost breaking the fourth wall) - I loved how he talked about generic heroic stories where the protagonist gets a sidekick and takes down the villain - and that "real life" is not that easy (even though his story is NOT real life but a story after all - ahhh I love these layers)!

Okaaay, so first of all, Kvothe's farewell to Trapis was heartbreaking. I loved it so much. Especially how proud/ happy Trapis was, that Kvothe made it out of the slums and would try to lead a better life, even if it meant a parting of their ways. I also loved how he reassured him that he would always be welcome in Tarbean. AWWW

Then, I really loved the bit about Kvothe and Denna. I'm not a huge fan of romance, and so I liked its innocence and that Pat was just trying to show that Kvothe is hitting puberty (I mean he's 15 at that point), and so he is aware of the women around him. I really liked that level of authenticity. Also his jealousy regarding Josn was quite funny to read about, especially if you consider how tough grown up Kvothe is. :D

Just like I predicted Kvothe has arrived at the University and I'm all here for it. The University is giving me serious Hogwarts vibes. I loved the admission process and how cheeky Kvothe was. The masters are so intimidating (I'm a huge fan of Lorren and Elodin!), Hemme is the total Severus Snape! I can't wait for him and Kvothe to clash more and more!!!

I was also really happy to see that Kvothe managed to find friends, it's quite the mixed group, and I love that Manet is like 50 years old :D, Sovoy is a rich brat (but nice at heart), and Simmon is just the piece that holds them all together. I love how much Pat discusses money and status, and that Kvothe has to overcome his low birth and poverty.

Ambrose is such an ass, he's giving me the creeps. Like his rapey-demeanour is just so disgusting. I really liked how Kvothe was able to detect how uncomfortable Fela was in his presence, and that he managed to help her get out of that situation. Overall, Kvothe has very good morals, and I support him in his actions, even though his means are somewhat questionable/reckless at times.

Also, this University is intense as fuck. I did not expect them to whip students (Filch would've propably loved it there), but well, I can't wait to learn more about the classes and traditions there. I am sooooo frustrated that Kvothe got banned from the Archives. UGH

I cannot wait for Kvothe to approach Elodin, because, honestly, I think the latter is quite the badass. I don't believe that he is mad, I think he is fooling everyone. Master of Names, I mean come on, he will teach Kvothe the Name of the Wind and he will probably become a second Lyra or something. :D I really want him to get more "magical" skills.

My favorite quote from these chapters:

There are three things all wise men fear: the sea in storm, a night with no moon, and the anger of a gentle man.

It's quite foreshadowing for the second book in the series, but very epic either way. :D

AND two things I forgot to mention in my earlier posts:
1) Being a linguist myself, I am in love with the variety of languages that are presented here. I am especially curious about the phonetic system that The Chronicler uses! I mean, it doesn't seem that efficient to me, but I'm trying to picture how his written sentences look like with the vowels being horizontal lines, and the consonants being vertical. It's a clever idea, I'm just not sure if it's practicle.

2) The use of the word "folly". I think this will become important later on. So often, characters talk about "fools", "foolishness" and "folly" - and Kvothe carved it in his holder for his sword. I can't wait to see what's behind that.