The Name of the Wind

[Lisa]

I am well over the halfway point now, having just reached Chapter 62 (page 418).

Chapter 48 - (view spoiler)[It was interesting to find out that Bast is not really afraid of anything except the deep silence that sometimes envelopes Kvothe. He really does seem to care about him which is nice to see. I hope we continue to learn more about him as an individual character and about his relationship with Kvothe as the series continues as I am really curious as to how they met and when and how they ended up running a quiet bar together. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 50 - (view spoiler)[I was as surprised as Kvothe when the money lender Devi turned out to be a woman! I think she is a pretty interesting character but why exactly does she take a few drops of blood from her customers? I know she said it's to help her track people down if they don't pay up but is that the only reason? It also sounds like she might have a bit of a crush on Kvothe! She did say to him 'don't be a stranger' after all ;) Unless she is just teasing him. He didn't seem to notice anyway. It would appear that he is not very good at reading or understanding women. In many ways he is very mature, to the point where I have to occasionally remind myself that he is only 15, yet he is still very childlike in others. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 52 - (view spoiler)[The dangers of sympathy were really laid bare in this chapter. Fenton ended up in pretty bad shape and Kvothe wasn't a lot better. Hopefully he learned a valuable lesson there. I liked how he tried to hide how he was feeling from Dal, yet Dal still knew that he had been affected by the chills.

I really like Kvothe's friendship with Wilem and Simmon. It's nice for him to finally have some people who he can truly call his friends and who seem to care about him and his wellbeing. Yes they may have increased his money troubles slightly by getting him banned from his work in Kilvin's shop but at least they had his best interests at heart. (hide spoiler)]

Chapters 53-62 - (view spoiler)[I hope we see more of Auri. She seems like quite a sweet little character. I like how Kvothe looks out for her and brings her food and it's nice that she appears to feel comfortable enough around him to actually talk, which is something she doesn't appear to do very often.

I really loved the scenes at the Eolian. I think I was more nervous than Kvothe when he took to the stage to try and win his pipes! My heart sank when it was revealed that Ambrose was there, you just knew that he was going to do something to try and cause trouble for Kvothe. And try he did. It didn't work very well though! Hehe! I was actually really proud of Kvothe when he managed to continue playing the song through to the end, despite the broken string on the lute. It was a truly great scene. I just hope Ambrose didn't see Kvothe break down in tears after finishing the performance. I think he may have already left by then but if he did see him crying, he has now got something to hold over him, something that he can twist to make it look like a sign of weakness.

It was amazing when 'Aloine' joined in the song and even better when it was revealed to be Denna! She obviously is going to be Kvothe's love interest after all! I was surprised to discover that she is in a relationship with Sovoy, I reckon that will end up causing problems later on! Did she really not recognise Kvothe? She made it sound like she didn't but I have a feeling that she might be playing him a little bit. Also, where has she disappeared to now?

Kvothe's 'Jackass' song about Ambrose was hilarious! He reacted in typical Ambrose fashion didn't he? I am glad the masters dismissed his complaint against Kvothe and took the mickey out of him a little bit. He deserved it, he really is a horrible, spoilt brat! I was cringing though when Kvothe wrote that sarcastic letter of apology and plastered copies of it everywhere! No good is going to come of it as there is no way that Ambrose will take another humiliation from anyone, let alone Kvothe. The ending of Chapter 61 certainly seems to suggest that his actions will come back to haunt him in a terrible way. I just wish he would think sometimes before he acts! (hide spoiler)]

I agree with you Suzanne, this book is seriously addictive! I am thinking about it even when I am not reading it. I just can't get enough of it! *starts fangirling*

[Cherie]

Lisa wrote: "I agree with you Suzanne, this book is seriously addictive! I am thinking about it even when I am not reading it. I just can't get enough of it! *starts fangirling..."

LOL! I agree too, but I am reading too many really good, interesting books all at the same time! Between this one and Voyager - the characters and action are fantastic. I started Hollow City because it has to go back to the Library in two more days and it is great! The Harlan Corben book just reached out and grabbed me by the throat (reading at work - need to go home) and I am dying to get to the end of American Gods. aghhhh

[Sarah]

Lisa wrote: "I agree with you Suzanne, this book is seriously addictive! I am thinking about it even when I am not reading it. I just can't get enough of it! *starts fangirling* "

Yep I was like that too!

[Sarah]

You mentioned Auri in one of your posts Lisa and the new novella that's just come out by PR is all about Auri! I'm desperately waiting for my copy to come in at the library. But you'll needs to read the second book before reading the novella.

[Suzanne]

I'm up to Chapter 53 now.

Chapters 38-39 (view spoiler)[This book is reminding me of Harry Potter now. Kid whose parents were murdered by something/someone evil goes to school to learn magic. I admit I didn't read the Harry Potter books, though. I tend to stay away from young adult books, but I may end up reading the series someday. Anyway, I love how Kvothe takes on the mean professor Hemme and earns the respect of his classmates. Hemme was a jerk and deserved it. (hide spoiler)]

Chapters 40-42 (view spoiler)[Kvothe gets punished, but through ingenuity escapes the worst of it. Now we know why Kvothe earned the nickname "bloodless." These were great chapters with our hero still coming out on top (although a little worse for wear). I was pleased that he was accepted into the Arcanum. And like Harry Potter, he seemed to make allies of some of the professors. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 43 (view spoiler)[Now that Kvothe has earned himself another enemy in Ambrose, I wonder just how bad Ambrose is and how this conflict will play out in Kvothe's future. (hide spoiler)]

Chapters 44-46 (view spoiler)[These chapters introduce some of the professors more closely. Who will end up being the most helpful to Kvothe? So Elodin knows the name of the wind. But he seems to be a little crazy. Will Kvothe learn the secret of naming from him? And now we are introduced to the Asylum, thinking that lots of students wash out and end up there. Is there a connection with these "inmates" and the hidden rooms in the school? (hide spoiler)]

Chapters 45-50 (view spoiler)[I hadn't thought they would raise his tuition. What were those professors thinking? It made me mad that they knew he didn't have any money. Or was this a test of his resourcefulness. So the loan shark Devi turns out to be a girl who makes him leave blood as collateral. Creepy. Part of me does want to find out what she will do if he doesn't pay, and part of me does not. At least Kvothe finally has a lute. I'm betting he plans to earn money from singing and playing the lute. (hide spoiler)]

Chapters 51-52 (view spoiler)[Gambling? What is Kvothe thinking? I'm still waiting for Kvothe to perform... (hide spoiler)]

[Suzanne]

Lisa: (view spoiler)[You said "What is behind that hidden door named 'Valaritas' in the stacks? It seems to be pretty much a secret so there is obviously something in there that someone wants to keep out of sight."

I know!!! And what about that creepy grate where Kvothe found the apple. (hide spoiler)] I like how PR keeps us guessing about these mysteries.

[Suzanne]

Cherie wrote: "Lisa wrote: "I agree with you Suzanne, this book is seriously addictive! I am thinking about it even when I am not reading it. I just can't get enough of it! *starts fangirling..."

LOL! I agree t..."

I know what you mean about juggling books! I decided to squeeze in a quick book for another challenge, but I need to start reading Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln (which is nearly 1,000 pages of non-fiction!) for my book club. I don't have to read it quickly, but that means I'm trying to read three books at once! And it's hard to pry myself away from The Name of the Wind...

[Lisa]

I am now up to Chapter 73 (page 526).

Chapters 62-68 - (view spoiler)[It was a relief to discover that Denna is not in a relationship with Sovoy after all. He seems to be trying to impress her but it doesn't appear to be working which makes life easier for Kvothe. I liked the banter she had with him about flowers and how she always seems to catch him out in some way. Kvothe is completely besotted with her but you can tell that he doesn't really know how to handle her at all. I am also really glad that their relationship appears to be progressing at a realistic pace and that they didn't just fall straight into bed as soon as they met up again. I loved the last few lines of Chapter 62 when Kvothe was thinking that he should have kissed Denna, 'I should have been bolder and kissed her at the end. I should have been more cautious. I had talked too much. I had said too little'. I think this really demonstrates the conflicting feelings that Denna creates in Kvothe.

Phew! That was a close call with the bone-tar! Now we know where the 'Kvothe the hero' stories began, what with him saving Fela from the resulting fire. Why did Kilvin refuse to tell him how he had brought the fire under control? My guess would be that he was doing so for Kvothe's own protection but you can never be too sure. I thought it was sweet that Fela brought Kvothe a cloak as a way of thanking him for her rescue and that she had a made a point of asking Wilem and Simmon about what he would like or find useful.

I was very relieved that Auri was ok and I think it's great how Kvothe looks out for her. I just hope Mola keeps her whereabouts a secret! (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 69 - (view spoiler)[I enjoyed getting a bit of insight into Denna's background, even if it was only a glimpse. She appears to have had quite a difficult life so far and mysterious doesn't even begin to describe her. She seems to move wherever the wind takes her. I would love to know what she gets up to on her travels. Deoch seems to be trying to warn Kvothe about her but so far his warnings are falling on deaf ears. I wonder what it is that he knows about her?

Kvothe certainly put his powers to good use when those two guys set upon him in the alley! It was a bit worrying when they revealed that they had tried to kill him before! It makes me wonder if they really were working for Ambrose.

Do you think Elodin knew about what had happened to Kvothe when he joined him on the rooftop? I reckon he did. I think he knows a lot more about things than he cares to let on. (hide spoiler)]

Chapters 70-73 - (view spoiler)[Kvothe has now gone to Trebon after that mysterious fire on the farm. I had to laugh when it turned out that the beautiful black horse he had bought was actually grey and had been dyed! I think he got well and truly swindled there, seeing as he paid extra for the colour! It was interesting how the name he gave the horse, Keth-Selhan (One Sock), actually fit him really well yet Kvothe had no idea about any of that when he chose the name!

I was a little surprised that the sole survivor of the wedding massacre and fire turned out to be Denna. I can't help but think that her presence there is a bit suspicious. What exactly was she doing in Trebon, apart from playing at the wedding? Why was she the only one left alive? And how exactly did she get those bruises, which she claims were caused by her running into a tree whilst fleeing the fire?

It's looking like the Chandrian were responsible for the attack on the farm. It's like the murder of Kvothe's family and troupe all over again! Why were these people killed? Did they also sing the wrong songs?

I am really curious about this Master Ash, Denna's would-be patron. Did he have something do with the attack on the farm? I think there is a fairly good chance that he was involved in some capacity as he was there not long before the attack happened and now he has conveniently disappeared. Is he Chandrian? (hide spoiler)]

[Lisa]

Suzanne wrote: "Lisa: You said "What is behind that hidden door named 'Valaritas' in the stacks? It seems to be pretty much a secret so there is obviously something in there that someone wants to keep out of sigh..."

I really like all the mysteries too! I wonder if any of them will actually be solved in this book or if we will have wait until later in the series to get all the answers? My money is on the latter.

[Rusalka, Moderator]

Sarah wrote: "You mentioned Auri in one of your posts Lisa and the new novella that's just come out by PR is all about Auri! I'm desperately waiting for my copy to come in at the library. But you'll needs to rea..."

ah! Thank you. I was wondering where it fitted in.

[Canadian Dragon]

I am going to start this book today and by your comments I think I am going to like it :)

[Suzanne]

Tasha wrote: "I am going to start this book today and by your comments I think I am going to like it :)"

I just know you will, Tasha! Can't wait to hear your thoughts on the book!

[Canadian Dragon]

I am a couple pages in and wow can this guy write. I was nervous to start another series but this captured my interest right away :)

[Lisa]

I am up to Chapter 84 (page 600) now so I have about 60 pages left. I should finish it tomorrow if all goes to plan.

Chapters 73-84 - (view spoiler)[I do love a dragon in a fantasy novel! The draccus was great! I actually felt a bit sorry for it in the end as it wasn't meaning to be dangerous, it was just addicted to the drug and it was acting crazy because of that. I understand why it had to be killed though as it would only have continued to hurt people (albeit accidentally) if it was kept alive. I loved how Kvothe went about dealing with the draccus! His training at the university is really starting to come in handy now. His fall from the collapsing roof put a bit of a dampener on things though! I don't think he will want to be doing that too often!

I was very concerned when Denna accidentally ate some of the poison thinking it was maple syrup! It seemed to affect her slightly differently to other people, I wonder why that was? I know she has bad lungs due to her childhood pneumonia which probably had a bearing on things but why did it make her feel so cold for instance? Kvothe couldn't even explain that.

I loved the scene in Chapter 79 when Denna asked Kvothe to hold her on the rocks to keep her warm and he said that it was the best moment of his life. Their relationship has been quite surprising so far in that things are not moving as fast as you would necessarily expect them to. That is another thing that I love about this book, Patrick Rothuss doesn't always do what you think he will when it comes to the characters and the plotlines. You think you have something figured out and then the complete opposite happens! It's great!

Where has Denna disappeared to now? Why did she not go back to Trebon? All this disappearing is starting to make me a little uneasy. I mean, what is she doing when she goes off alone?

It appears that the pot that Mauthen found depicting possible Chandrian symbols could be the reason for the attack on the farm. There must be something depicted in it that they want to be kept a secret. It is almost like they don't want their history and folklore to be talked about. Also, were Kvothe's parents the main targets when the Chandrian attacked their troupe or were they innocent bystanders who were killed because of something someone else in the troupe knew or had said? The further we go through the story, the more I am starting to think that it might be the latter. It appears that Kvothe has had the same though cross his mind too. (hide spoiler)]

[Canadian Dragon]

Lisa wrote: "Cherie, I am thinking that the sword Folly that Kvothe and Bast hung in the bar must have some kind of significance in Kvothe's life. Also, he is pretty pale in terms of his skin colour which would..."

up to chap 13
(view spoiler)[I like the idea of the nicknames Kvothe the Bloodless. I instantly thought he was a warrior a barbarian- the name coming from he fights so well he doesn't bleed in battle almost as he has no blood.

Also the relationship with Kvothe and Bast I think it is more then teacher and pupil I think Bast thinks of Kvothe as a father or brother. I think there is love. When he sang and pushed the hair back, it seems very nurturing.

(hide spoiler)]

[Lisa]

Tasha, (view spoiler)[I agree, Bast definitely seems nurturing towards Kvothe. He is almost like the brother Kvothe never had. (hide spoiler)]

[Lisa]

I have finished! I absolutely loved it! It is one of my favourite books of all time.

Chapters 84- Epilogue - (view spoiler)[I was like "Oh no, not again!" when Ambrose broke Kvothe's lute! It was amazing when Kvothe called the name of the wind in retaliation though! It's a pity that he had no real idea of how he actually did it but it sounds like deep rooted pain and/or anger may have been what triggered it. I liked how Elodin helped him afterwards and how he took him under his wing when he got promoted to Re'lar. I am hoping that he will learn a lot from him, although Elodin seems to be keeping everything close to his chest at the moment!

I was really worried that Kvothe was going to get expelled after the above incident but luckily he survived that this time. I felt bad that he got another whipping though! Once again he did not bleed, did he take the drug again to numb his senses or did he do something else? He said afterwards that he went to Imre and spent Ambrose's money on several things including a bottle of his own blood. Did that have something to do with why he didn't bleed? Sadly, it appears that his reprieve from being expelled is only a temporary one and Ambrose will be the one responsible for getting him kicked out.

The Underthing where Auri lives is pretty fascinating! I wonder if it is the remains of the previous university that has been alluded to a couple of times? I like how Kvothe used the Underthing as a way of sneaking into the Archives. He is so determined to find out the truth behind the murder of his parents that nothing will stand in his way, not even a ban! Good for him I say!

Another day, another man with Denna! I am starting to wonder if she works as a prostitute? It could be an explanation as to why she has so many different men around her and why she seems a bit reluctant to get properly involved with Kvothe. It may also explain what Deoch was trying to warn Kvothe about.

It all kicked off in the Waystone inn at the end! Was that mercenary really possessed by a demon? It was creepy whatever it was! I was intrigued when Kvothe said that everything that was now happening was his fault, including the scrael and the war. How on earth can one man be responsible for all that? Also he appears unable, or unwilling, to perform sympathy any more and I am wondering why? All these questions and events certainly set things up very nicely for the rest of the trilogy.

Blimey, isn't Bast fierce when he wants to be?! It sounds like Kvothe is in a pretty bad place emotionally and physically and Bast is trying to do whatever he can to get him back to the way he was and set up the whole thing with Chronicler as a way of trying to help him It's almost like a form of talking therapy. I found it quite touching when Chronicler asked him what he wanted out of the process and Bast replied 'I just want my Reshi back. I want him back the way he was'. He really does appear to be devoted to Kvothe and I hope talking about his life in this way helps Kvothe to purge the inner demons which are eating away at him.

I love how the epilogue is virtually the same as the prologue apart from the odd word change here and there. It is really ominous in tone and certainly whets your appetite for Book 2! (hide spoiler)]

I can't wait to read The Wise Man's Fear and find out where the story goes from here! :)

[Cherie]

You two have left me behind in the dust!

We had an Internet connection problem at work yesterday and I could get no work done but answer email and tell everyone that the tools were down. The good part was that I got to read quite a bit at work, but I only managed to put Sixth Hour in my purse befor I left home. I finished it last night. Hollow City had to go back to the library, so I am down to TNotW on my Nook and Voyager on audio, and I can catch up with the spoilers.

I am just starting chapter 44 because I could not sleep last night. It is going to be a long day at work - but they got the problems fixed.

[Lisa]

I hope you have a better day at work today Cherie.

[Suzanne]

Sorry, Cherie! I hate when days go like that. I had some work done (by others) in my house today, so I basically sat and read all day since I couldn't really doing anything else. I'm on Chapter 84, but I'm not ready to put it down. It's a cold and windy night and I can't think of anything better than to wrap myself up in a blanket and read some more. Who knows? I may even finish it tonight!

[Suzanne]

Yup - Although I was tired, when I would have normally gone to bed, I still had two chapters to go and I just couldn't wait until morning. I finished it.

Chapters 53-70 - (view spoiler)[The things that jump to me most about these chapters is why on earth Ambrose has such a huge grudge against Kvothe. I mean he practically killed him numerous times. Ambrose is just plain evil and maybe there's more to him than meets the eye? And what about Denna? Deoch said women hated Denna and he also looked on Kvothe with pity about his interest in Denna. I can't help but feel that we've been warned that her true nature has yet to be revealed. (hide spoiler)]

Chapters 71-83 - (view spoiler)[This is the part where Kvothe seeks out the Chandrian and ends up facing and killing the dragon. I kept being reminded of Abenthy's warning to not chase folly. Looking for the Chandrian is surely that! He was lucky all he found when he saw the blue fire was the dragon. And despite how close he and Denna became on this adventure, he seemed to have let her slip through his fingers, again. (hide spoiler)]

Chapters 84-87 - (view spoiler)[I'm always amazed that Kvothe can find himself facing such serious charges when the professors supposedly like him. In spite of getting "saved" at the last minute, he still ends up being whipped. Which, since he didn't advocate whipping for Ambrose, surprised me.

I loved Auri's tour of her "underthings" and hated that PR left us hanging about the abandoned machines under there. I wasn't surprised about him finding the archives, though. I knew he'd figure out a way to get in. (hide spoiler)]

Chapters 88-Epilogue (view spoiler)[Back at the Waystone Inn. This is the part of the book that convinced me I HAVE TO READ THE NEXT BOOK! Who is Bast? The change that came over him, how he got pale and his eyes changed color. He told the Chronicler that Bast called him there and that he owned him. He even referred to him as "manling" - as if Bast himself weren't one of that kind. Who is Bast? Is he Chandrian? Is he some other kind of creature? Is he bad or good? Since he seems protective of Kvothe, I want to believe he is good. Oh, so many questions... (hide spoiler)]

[Lisa]

Suzanne, (view spoiler)[I think Bast might be some kind of fae creature. Wasn't it revealed in one of the earlier chapters that he has hooves? I really hope that he is not Chandrian but if he is, he had better be a nice one! I think he is one of the good guys, at least as far as Kvothe goes anyway, but I suppose Patrick Rothfuss could throw a spanner in the works later on and make him a baddie. I really hope that doesn't happen as I love the relationship between him and Kvothe! (hide spoiler)]

[Suzanne]

I know what you mean, Lisa. I really like Bast, too! It will be interesting to find out how Kvothe meets him (hopefully in a future book)!

[Cherie]

I read, and read, and read all day Sunday and finished the last 30 pages this morning. I have not been on-line to read or answer or post spoilers. I really like Bast too and hope we get to know more about him in the next book. Give me a day or two to catch up on your spoilers, ladies and I will post some questions that I have. Whew!

My day on Friday went pretty well, but I was still behind this morning when I got to my desk. Then, I had to do some training for a few hours. I am still playing catch up, but the work is not hard. On top of all of that, I had a dentist appointment this afternoon. My fingers are going to be tired tonight, but I had to get on and update you both that I finished.

[Suzanne]

Way to go, Cherie! Glad you were finally able to finish it. Looking forward to reading your comments:)

[Lisa]

Yay Cherie! Can't wait to hear your thoughts!

[Canadian Dragon]

Up to Chapter 43 p 318 (view spoiler)[ It was interesting that Kvothe finally made it to the university and I like how your fee is contingent on you intellect, that was interesting I was wondering how he was going to pay.

I also like that they show Kvothe as an adolescent and human and makes many mistakes. I find him really rude and cruel to his professor and I am glad he got punished. He is a gifted individual and needs to learn magic can be harmful, I hope he learns from this and learns to take care of others, he has been shown lots of kindness and I am waiting to see if he learns compassion soon.
Also I am glad he is being punished for being in the stacks with a candle, he isn't invisible and he needs to learn there are consequences for his actions. (hide spoiler)]

[Margy]

Read both books in August and loved them, can't wait for the next one. Just finished his newest novella about Auri this week. For those that are interested, it is completely different in style from The Name of the Wind and Wise Man's Fear. It is short and a little strange but guess Rothfuss has me hooked on this fantasy world!

[Erica]

I'm sorry I've not joined you in your thoughts about the book earlier. I've had lots to do this month so am only at chapter 24. I'm really enjoying this book so far and agree with most of your thoughts about Kvothe. Btw how do you include the "view spoilers" in the text?

[Lisa]

Really glad you are enjoying it too Erica.

To insert a spoiler, type the following without the asterisks *

<*spoiler*>write the text you want to be hidden in here<*/spoiler*>.

That should work. Try checking the preview button before posting to make sure. Just remember not to include the asterisks *. I included them to prevent the whole thing being hidden :)

[Cherie]

Hey Lisa and Suzsane - you two free to read the 2nd book? I just bought it and was going to use the buddy read thread from March/May (I cannot remember what month it was) to continue the conversation - as soon as I catch up here.

Hi Erica - I am going to be updating although I finished.

To add spoilers in the conversation check out the (some html is okay) that is just above and to the upper right of the comment box. Scroll down, and it will show you how to add the <"spoiler"> information into the text.<"/spoiler">. Hey - that worked, just take the quotes out.

If you are using a mobile app, you can still type them, but not read what is in them. And you cannot see the add book/author (some html is ok) thingies.

[Lisa]

Cherie, I am currently working my way through a 900 page book and I have about 570 pages left to go. I reckon I should get it finished within a week and then I will be free to read The Wise Man's Fear. I can't wait to catch up with Kvothe!

[Cherie]

Lisa - ha ha! I didn't see your response to Erica before I posted mine. To funny that we both figured how to show the spoiler formats, but with different symbols. I had to edit mine several times to get it right. I'm typing on my tablet in the mobile app from Google. The tablet is very responsive but not like typing on a real keyboard. I need to get online.

[Cherie]

Whew, I finally made it through all of the spoilers from everyone. I am not sure I can go through all of the chapters, although I really am re-reading through most of it. I ended on Chapter 69 (view spoiler)[after he left Deoch at the Eolain after talking to him about Denna and he is being followed. (hide spoiler)]

Some thoughts that struck me as I was going back through. His friendship with Simmon and Wilem. I loved what Denna said about them "Wilem is a stone in deep water. Simmon is like a boy splashing in a brook". Like the older brothers he never had and each has a personality to play off of Kvothe's youth and inexperience and sometimes his recklenesses. They watch out for him and interfear if they feel he really needs it (view spoiler)[which they did, when they talked to Master Kilvin when he was working himself into the ground. I am not sure they really understand just how poor Kvothe is and do not understand why he is so driven to make money. They seem oblivious to it (hide spoiler)]

re: Denna (view spoiler)[I like her and I don't. I cannot figure her out, and even Deoch's inside information did not really help with comming to any understanding about why she keeps disappearing. I am sure that there is much more to her than we know and are going to find out. I loved the remark from Deoch regarding her "'she'...is like a waterfall of spark pouring off a sharp iron edge that God is holding to the grindstone. You can't help but look, can't help but want it. you might even put your hand to it for a second. But you can't hold it." He said "She'll break your heart..." I am sure Kvothe will get burned, but how and why is to be seen. The information that Deoch passed on about her poverty and what choices she had as a young woman alone, with no family or anyone to support her was very informative. That he would help her if he could, was very "fatherly" of him, although it seems like he is half in love with her too. Did you like the toast they made to her? I love the moments of poetry that PR injects into the story. (hide spoiler)]

re: Auri in Ch 66-69 (view spoiler)[I was worried about her after the fire in the Fishery, but she seemed to have taken it all in stride. It worried me that Mola would upset her too, but it looks like it went well. At least someone else knows about her now, and may be available to look out for her, if anything happened to Kvothe. (hide spoiler)]

re: Fela(view spoiler)[I like her. Is she too old for Kvothe? I was interested in her studying with Elodin, but she did not seem to be able to shed any light on him for Kvothe. Wonder what she sculpted for him and why he made her wear the shoes with clay in them? All I could think of was that it would be slipery. LOL! (hide spoiler)]

I need to wrap here for tonight, although I did want to comment on something that Tasha said about Kvothe deserving to be whipped, but I cannot find it now.

[Canadian Dragon]

I was wondering if someone was going to comment on that Cherie, I remember I was trying to convey my feelings of action and consequences. In the book it is by physical force. In our world we have grown past this which is great. Although I still agree there needs to be a consequence for people's actions.

[Cherie]

Darn, there is nothing I hate worse than trying to go back to previous chapters on my old Nook, or loosing what I already typed in the comment box looking for a previous comment! It is both today.

RE:Tasha's remark in ch 40. (view spoiler)[about Kvothe being rude to his teacher and being punished.
On re-reading the events leading up to the "hot foot" incident and Master Hemme. I do think Kvothe was pretty brash and rude, but I also think the Master kind of deserved it. "Conduct unbecomming a Master and all." Unfortunately for Kvothe, his youth does not serve him well in these circumstances, no mater how bright he is, and he was reckless, because he really did intend to hurt Master Hemme, even if it was only a hot foot. Unfortunately, the hot foot resulted in more hurt than Kvothe intended. He was wrong, but two wrongs don't make a right and I believe he deserved to be whipped, since that was the punishment for doing what he did. Kvothe is in a very difficult situation, not only for his being so poor, but his need to prove himself and his intellect. He should know better, but he has not lived long enough to be completely aware of his consequences, especially in the Acadamy atmosphere, where he is the youngest. Maybe it wasn't in his best intrest to admit him, but what else could they do with him, after he passed the testing? (hide spoiler)]

[Cherie]

Ch.69-71 (view spoiler)[ Again, Kvothe has use sympathy to hurt someone although, it was NOT intentional, nor did he intend to do anything more than cause a flash of light, albeit blinding. Wreckless use even if it was in self-defense? I find it justified. Okay - Kvothe borrowed money (lots of it) from Deni after she patched him up. (I wonder why she had to leave the Accadamy?) He bought the horse, rode 60 miles, traded the horse for the lodestone, shirt, etc and has re-discovered Denna. That is where I stopped.
I understand why he wanted to go investigate the blue light and see what happened at the wedding, but I don't understand why he is so willing to risk everything behind at the accadamy. He knows he will have to pay more tuition for being absent and he knows he cannot possibly make enough to pay Deni back, but he does it anyway. This part makes the story a little unbelievable for me. How can he fight against the Chandrain until he gets more schooling, even if he does find more evidence of them? It really, really bothered me that Denna was there too! (hide spoiler)]

[Lisa]

Cherie, (view spoiler)[I felt the same as you with regards to Kvothe's schooling and why he risked it by heading off to investigate what happened at the wedding. How will he afford the tuition fees? Being Kvothe I imagine that he will manage to come up with something eventually, although I can't begin to imagine what exactly. He is incredibly frustrating at times but I think you can really see just how much influence the Chandrian have over his life by the way he acts. Virtually everything he does is linked in some way to them. He goes to the University to learn magic which could help him fight them, yet he risks it all by trying to get into the Archives (during a ban) in order to try and find out more about them and he takes off without permission as soon as something happens that could have been caused by them, thus risking his studies even further. It's like he is going around in one big, vicious circle with the Chandrian sitting there in the centre. It is an obsession and a perfectly understandable one at that. Will he get what he desires in the end? Let's hope so! (hide spoiler)]

[Cherie]

Ch 70-76 (view spoiler)[I thought these were very good chapters and there were some nice moments, good scenery, and exciting. If Denna hadn't lied to him about how she got hurt, it would have been one their best scenes in the book. I think the discovery of the Chandrain, and the evidence that they were real for Kvothe was well written. I thought the pig herder was fun. I was interested in Denna's reaction to Kvothe's show of "protecting" her. It was really clear that she had been fending for herself for a long, long time. I cannot get a clear picture of her age. How much older does she seem than Kvothe? I love the huge Draccus. Isn't it interesting that it breathes blue fire? I don't see how either of them slept on top of that stone! Way too cold. I almost expected Denna to be gone when Kvothe woke up, but she is shaking him awake now. (hide spoiler)]

[Canadian Dragon]

Lisa wrote: "I am now up to Chapter 73 (page 526).


Chapter 70-73
Lisa, (view spoiler)[I never thought that Master Ash may be Chandrian, But it makes me start to question Denna as well, is she a spy, getting close to Kvothe and blending into society. No one would suspect her and Kvothe would defend her at all costs. (hide spoiler)]

[Cherie]

Tasha wrote: "Lisa wrote: "I am now up to Chapter 73 (page 526).


Chapter 70-73
Lisa, [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ I can't figure out Mr. ASH either, and then to find out that he beat Denna up like that. I definately think he is using her, but I don't think she knows why. I hope she breaks it off with him, if she can. It is apparent that she likes Kvothe, and may want to be closer to him, but she has some past history that is preventing her from opening up to him, just like he does. Too bad they cannot work together to earn money. (hide spoiler)]

[Cherie]

Ch 77-81 (view spoiler)[ it seems to me that Denna's reactions to the drug were pretty normal. She was kind of funny. That stuff must have been pretty strong, especially given the amount of charcole she ate. I wonder why she didn't throw up? Maybe it doesn't work that way though. Seems wierd that the first dose of the drug didn't kill the draccus too, but then Kvothe could not leave Denna, save the town, and use up the rest of the drug then either. (hide spoiler)]

[Cherie]

Ch 82. "It felt exactly like someone hit me in the head with a church." I love it!

[Cherie]

Ch 81-88. (view spoiler)[ I stopped where Kvothe is telling about going down into the Underthing with Auri. Wasn't that the sweetest thing when Auri told Kvothe that she was joking with him for asking to look at a girl's uñderthing? Rereading about the giant room with all of the old machinery made me even more curious about it all. I wonder if we will ever find out more?
back to the town, the day after the fire, etc. If all of Kvothe's things were left at the stones on the hill, where did he get the money to pay for the food? Did he have his cloak on while he was running along the rooftops? If he left all of his things there, why would Denna not think he was not comming back for her and disappear? Was she wandering around looking for him or off trying to find Mr. Ash? Interesting that the pot that the girl described had a picture of a white haired man with black eyes. Mr. Ash? Is he one of the Chandrain? Back at school. Too bad Kvothe didn't ask for any lashes for Ambrose! The name vs. name conversation hurt my head too, but I was happy that Master Eoldin spoke up for Kvothe and is mentoring him. Cannot wait to learn more of that. Denna seems to have left off with Mr. Ash, and has a new guy. Hope that one will work out. Time will tell. (hide spoiler)]
RE:Ambrose (view spoiler)[getting suspended from the Arcanum does not mean that he is suspended from the University, does it? Does it mean that he is only out until they let him back in? (hide spoiler)]

[Lisa]

Cherie, (view spoiler)[I also thought that Ambrose was only suspended from the Arcanum, not the University as a whole. Also, I think they will let him back into the Arcanum at some point. If they don't, I imagine he will find a way to get back in. He is nothing if not sneaky and cunning. Plus he has a lot of money doesn't he so that could well come into use if needs be. He could buy/bribe his way back in. (hide spoiler)]

[Cherie]

Lisa wrote: "Cherie, [spoilers removed]"

Yes, I think his money talks and he will be back.

[Cherie]

Ch 88- Epilog. (view spoiler)[I did not realize it until I reread the fight in the bar that I must have skipped a couple of pages. I missed the demon guy coming in and leaning against the bar. All I remembered was Bast jumping on him and him being thrown across the room. I thought it was the iron bar, but I decided it was the guy doing it. It was like the Terminator when the guy wouldn't die.
Back at the University - I was sure Kvothe would find a way into the library. The whole book "shelving system" was interesting. What a nightmare!
Denna seemed to have recovered and basically is still the same although she is not as absent as much. I am looking forward to more of her story in the next book.
Epilog: I loved Bast's visit to the writer's room after all he had done to assure himself that noone could get in the door. Bast's story of the messages in the bottles was very interesting. He definately has some vested interest in getting Kvothe out of the Inn and back to who he used to be. I wonder why he can not do magic any more? I was impressed at how Bast could demonstrate his power over the iron when he gripped it in his hand, but it certainly took every ounce of his being to do it. I am sure that is why his eyes changed. (hide spoiler)]