Rothfus, Patrick ; The Name of the Wind the Kingkiller Chronicle #1); Informal Buddy Read ; Start Date TBC Jan 2015

[Snowtulip]

Michelle wrote: "I am through chapter 9.
[spoilers removed]"

I agree Michelle (view spoiler)[his background would be so useful for setting up the life he's been leading, it also makes me even more curious about him the more that we find out about his past. (hide spoiler)]

[~Melissa~]

Snowtulip wrote: "~Melissa~ (~Cainis~ the Elf) wrote: "*waves* hi Snowtulip : )

I'm finishing up two other book and then I'm going to start this one along with another buddy read I was supposed to start at the end ..."

I know right - I got a little over zealous thinking I could do BR's and finish all those SH books lol

[Kristie]

Michelle wrote: "I am through chapter 9.
[spoilers removed]"

I agree. (view spoiler)[ His history will help him in the future. I think even pretending to be just an innkeeper, being a performer has probably been very helpful. (hide spoiler)]

About 24% in now (I don't remember what chapter, exactly, but it's past chapter 20. (view spoiler)[ I feel so terrible for Kvothe. He went through the horror of having his entire troupe murdered and hasn't really caught a break yet. I can't believe the policeman in the rich part of town beat him almost to death! That was horrifying. Thank goodness for the nice man that takes care of all the children. (hide spoiler)]

[Debbie (Doc)]

I'm through chapter 6 and am a little confused. There are so many characters to keep up with.

[Kristie]

I had that problem in the beginning. I'm almost 25% through right now and no one in the initial inn scene is really important yet except the innkeeper. I don't think you need to keep everyone from the beginning sorted out.

[Alex]

I'm only three chapters in, and so far the main thing I'm struggling with is that we haven't been given much information about the world the story is set in. I know a lot of details will come out but I like a nice scene setter so I know where I am.

On the plus side though, I'm enjoying the writing and there is just enough intrigue in the narrative that I really want to know more.

[Shilpa]

I'm joininG! :)

Have started the book! only 2 chapters in and it feels like I'm totally gonna love this book! :)
The writing is awesome and the story is building well.. :)

[✿~Danielle~✿]

Just finished chapter 2

(view spoiler)[scrael are big spiders....hate spiders

I wonder what is in the chest...must be something important to have three types of locks (hide spoiler)]

[Snowtulip]

Danielle (view spoiler)[I'm with you on the spiders, I'm currently reading another book that also had creepy supernatural spiders...a little too much for me to have both books! *shudder* (hide spoiler)]

[Alex]

Using the DQs from the previous BOM thread. I find that with chunky books, particularly fantasy ones with lots going on, answering DQs helps me sort out my thoughts and gain more of an understanding of the events.

Discussion Questions for Prologue - Chapter 6

(view spoiler)[1. What did you think of the story Cob told about Taborlin the Great? Do you think we'll hear more about the Chandrian later on?

I think the story was mainly just giving a sense of the world and the kind of legends it has. Maybe we'll hear more later, maybe not.

2. So, the scraeling was pretty freaky. What did you think of the way Kote handled the situation?

Scraelings, gross! Interesting about the reaction to the iron though. Kote was very calm, I think it's the first clue that there's a lot more to him.

3. First impressions of Kote the mysterious innkeeper? And Bast? Why are they hiding out in the middle of nowhere?

I'm sure we'll find out! Something big has happened to make Kote move and change his name. They clearly have a student/teacher relationship - what's not clear is what is being taught/studied.

4. What do you think is in Kote's chest?

I don't know enough yet to speculate!

5. What did you make of the encounter - or "civil robbery" - between Chronicler and the soldiers?

An interesting bit of world building - clearly the world is fairly lawless at the moment.

6. So someone's recognized Kote, and he called him "Kvothe the Bloodless." Thoughts? What do you make of his quick thinking?

The quick thinking implies he was sort of expecting to be recognised at some point, and really doesn't want people to know who he is. There's a good back story coming here.

7. How did Kote manage to kill five of the scrael? And what did he do with the bonfire and the chanting?

There's more to him than meets the eye. I kind of wish I hadn't re-read the blurb just now because it points in the direction of wizardry.

8. What do you make of Chronicler's idea for Kvothe - that's what I'm going to call him from now on - to tell his story? Do you think Chronicler is motivated by anything other than wanting to know the truth?

I think his job (for want of a better word) is collecting people's life stories - chronicling them. Kvothe the Bloodless is probably quite a catch in that respect.

9. What would you do, if you were Kvothe? Would you want to escape your dark past and hide, or set the record straight?

Depends what he's done! It sounds like there's a lot of rumours surrounding him though so setting the record straight is probably a good idea.

10. What did you think of the first section overall? Do you like the writing?

I really like the writing. It's taking me longer than usual to read each chapter as I want to make sure I'm understanding it, but I think a bit further and I'll be totally engrossed. (hide spoiler)]

[Erin]

Just started so I'm only like 15 pages in but I'm enjoying it so far. (view spoiler)[The scrael spider things are really freaking me out though (hide spoiler)]

[Melike]

I am on Ch 22, %23 in. Scrael freaked me out too!!!. I am still enjoying the book and finding out more about Kvothe's past.

[Snowtulip]

Ch. 23 (view spoiler)[my heart keeps breaking, first the massacre of Kvothe's troupe, then when his fathers lute was destroyed, and now getting beaten by that officer when he was begging in the streets...he is so alone. I'm hoping something good happens to him soon!! (hide spoiler)]

[Kristie]

Snowtulip wrote: "Ch. 23 [spoilers removed]"

That was an awful part!!

[Kristie]

I just met Skarpi. I find him to be an interesting character. I hope to hear more of his story. Possibly, (view spoiler)[ finally a friend for Kvothe?? (hide spoiler)]

[Shilpa]

Read till Chap 7. This book is getting more and more intersting. The way the story is unfolding is amazing..

(view spoiler)[ There are so many myths around Kvothe..and now he is here separating truth from fiction telling his own story! I'm so excited. I have so many questions..who he is? Why is he hiding out? And many more.. Can't wait to get to the answers! :

(hide spoiler)]

[Becca]

Shilpa wrote: "Read till Chap 7. This book is getting more and more intersting. The way the story is unfolding is amazing..

(view spoiler)[I agree! This is my favorite thing about this series. How these "everyday" events get twisted around through word of mouth until it ends up that Kvothe has all these super powers. I love finding out what is behind the tall tales! (hide spoiler)]

[Kristie]

Chapter 32ish (view spoiler)[ Kvothe just made a comment about not knowing what sorrow is yet. I was stunned. What do you mean you don't know sorrow?! Your entire troupe, including both of your parents, was murdered, you've been beaten nearly to death, robbed, starved, frozen, alone...How could you not know sorrow? I'm really concerned with the "yet". That means there are even more sorrowful things to come. So sad! This has been a bit darker than I expected and I have been enjoying the recent lighter shift, but I think even darker things are to come. (hide spoiler)]

[Kristie]

Shilpa wrote: "Read till Chap 7. This book is getting more and more intersting. The way the story is unfolding is amazing..

[spoilers removed]"

I agree! (view spoiler)[ I can't wait to find out why he is hiding too. I'm not sure we'll find out in this book though. The way I understand it, this is day 1 of his tale. I wonder if the reason for his hiding occurs at the end of his tale (day 3/book 3)? Either way, I'm really enjoying his story. (hide spoiler)]

[Debbie (Doc)]

I just finished this. I enjoyed it but not sure when I will read the second book.

Do you think that (view spoiler)[ Kvothe tends to exaggerate on his elaborate stories and tales? I felt so bad for him throughout the book losing his parents, getting beaten up and left to starve and fend for himself was just the beginning of his woes. (hide spoiler)].

[Erin]

In the middle of chapter 16 and (view spoiler)[I can't believe what happened to his troupe. He just came back to the bodies. I couldn't believe it when I had read it. Props to Rothfuss for good plot twist though (hide spoiler)]

[Snowtulip]

Erin wrote: "In the middle of chapter 16 and [spoilers removed]"

That was such a rough one!

[Becca]

Erin wrote: "In the middle of chapter 16 and [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[I found that section so heart wrenching :( I really loved his parents. I feel like they really kept Kvothe grounded. (hide spoiler)]

[Michelle]

Becca wrote: "Erin wrote: "In the middle of chapter 16 and [spoilers removed]"
Agreed. (view spoiler)[I was so surprised when he came back and the entire troupe was dead. Losing his parents was a big blow--I really wasn't expecting that! (hide spoiler)]

[Alex]

Erin wrote: "In the middle of chapter 16 and [spoilers removed]"

See, I kind of expected it. (view spoiler)[I was so surprised when Kvothe started telling his story and he had a happy childhood. I just didn't get how he would go from that to the legend that we started to get a sense of just before he started to tell his story. I was still gutted when it happened though. :-( (hide spoiler)]

[Alex]

I'm 48 chapters (47%) in, and I'm enjoying it even more than I thought I would. I thought it would be more like Game of Thrones with a large cast of characters and a lot of background history to get to grips with, and instead I am getting lost in the story of one amazing character. Normally I'm desperate to get to the climax of a book and find out what happens but I'm genuinely really enjoying the ride with this one.

I'm particularly enjoying finding out the stories behind the rumours and legends. (view spoiler)[He's named Kvothe the Bloodless because he didn't bleed when he was whipped? Epic. And the stories about that class he lectured to! The latest one was about Elodin supposedly pushing him off the roof - this one makes me curious because surely he's going to learn the naming thing at some point.

I think it's all going to kick off with Ambrose in a nasty way now so I'm back off to keep reading! (hide spoiler)]

[Snowtulip]

You capture it perfectly Zee, it's not often we get so much time and depth with one character, I love that!

[Kristie]

I'm on chapter 58 and there has been (view spoiler)[ some heavy foreshadowing that indicates Kvothe's life is going to take a serious turn for the worse. I'm so worried for him and it is so sad to see something bad happen to him when he worked so hard to build up the life he has. (hide spoiler)]

[Alex]

I've finished! Loved loved loved it. (view spoiler)[I really hope we find out what was going on with that mercenary, and about Bast!

Looking forward to things progressing with Denna too, she's such a mysterious character for a love interest and I'm guessing Kvothe needs to grow up a little bit in the story before there can be much of a romance. (hide spoiler)]

I've picked up The Wise Man's Fear from the library if anyone would be interested in a BR in a few weeks?

[Snowtulip]

Go Zee!!

I'm almost to Ch. 58, so I'll be able to read Kristie's spoiler soon ;)

[Kristie]

Yay! Come on Snowtulip. :) I am also enjoying finding out the stories behind the rumors and legends.

[Kristie]

Chapter 72 (view spoiler)[ I thought it was interesting to get a little more information on Denna. I can see how she and Kvothe would be drawn to each other, both having no family left and being on their own.

So scary that the Chandrian are getting fairly close to the university. I knew something like that would happen, since Kvothe was going to find them somehow. I was surprised that Denna was there though. I'm really curious what connection her patron has to the Chandrian?? I feel like he knew they were going to be there for some reason. (hide spoiler)]

[kat (wanderfulbooks)]

Just started! I agree with the the popular sentiment- (view spoiler)[ I HATE SPIDERS. Ugh the description for the scrael did not make it better. They're a scary creature.

I love Kote's seemingly cool facade! (hide spoiler)]

[Snowtulip]

Kristie wrote: "Chapter 72 .

S..."

(view spoiler)[I've been intrigued how Denna fits into Kvothes story, but this chapter with her at the wedding really sends off my alarm bells!

Each new chapter has me slightly uncertain whats going to happen, I'm a mess ;) (hide spoiler)]

[kat (wanderfulbooks)]

Snowtulip wrote: "I'm also liking Kote. [spoilers removed]"

I'm dying to know what's in the chest! (view spoiler)[ I'm starting the chapter where Kote is starting to narrate his story. I'm so excited! I really want to know soon why he is hiding in the middle of some unknown town. Also how come Bast seems to know his story? Was he with him the whole duration of his pre-innkeeper life? (hide spoiler)]

[Snowtulip]

Kathleen wrote: "Snowtulip wrote: "I'm also liking Kote. [spoilers removed]"

I'm dying to know what's in the chest! [spoilers removed]"

So many things we need to find out!

[Michelle]

I'm up to chapter 32.
(view spoiler)[The story has gotten so much sadder. Poor Kvothe, trying to find a way to survive. Dead parents, dead troupe, all alone in the world. I get cold and hungry just reading it.

I assume he will make it to University, but I'm dying to find out what happens on his journey next. Really glad I started this one now. (hide spoiler)]

[Shilpa]

Michelle wrote: "I'm up to chapter 32.
"

Hey Michelle! ^_^

i just finished chapter 34!

(view spoiler)[ It is sad..And I was amazed at the way he found a way to reach the university..pretending to be the noble's son and stuff! :D
I was happy to see Kvothe playing the lute again. As if he got a part of himself back while doing so.. :) (hide spoiler)]

[Hayley]

Just finished chapter 3! Very mysterious so far! Thought I best make a start while I've got a week off so I don't get behind once the start date goes up!

[Greta]

I'm through Ch. 14 now.

(view spoiler)[I just feel so terrible for Kvothe...losing everyone he knows like that...really, the only person left is Ben and he is not with him either. The killers were extremely scary and Kvothe got so lucky not to have been killed! (hide spoiler)]

[Erin]

Okay so I had to put a hold on this for like a week because I needed to finish another long book that I was reading but now I'm back and in the middle of Chapter 26 and I'm really loving it. (view spoiler)[I'm in the middle of Lanre's story right now and I can't decide if I like these mythology stories better or the stories of Kvothe's childhood better. I just love everything about this book. (hide spoiler)]

[Michelle]

Up to chapter 43
(view spoiler)[Kvothe at the academy! I love it. He has some life lessons to learn there. His immaturity shows itself in interesting ways. Challenging a professor in front of a class will always lead to consequences. But he's so clever that you have to love him.

(hide spoiler)]

[Hayley]

Just through chapter 8 loving the story telling so far!

[Michelle]

It took me a few chapters to really get into the writing style and story, but I am loving it now. Halfway through!

[Lauren]

I started this yesterday and see now that there are two threads for the book (got a little confused there). Anyhow, I'll be answering the DQs from the other thread:

Prologue to chapter 6

(view spoiler)[

1. At first, I thought that it was Taborlin's story that would be the focus of the book but then Carter came in with the spider/Scrael (*shudder*) and I realized that it wasn't.

2. Kote's taking charge of the situation was the first indication that there is more to him than meets the eye and that the book is about him.

3. Kote and Bast are an intriguing pair. They obviously care about one another and I like their banter. The hints that they drop about being in hiding really build up the tension in the story.

4. I'm dying to know what's in the chest. No idea right now but I'm sure it has something to do with Kote's past and his real identity.

5. On the one hand, the soldiers were very civilized robbers and they could have hurt Chronicler, but on the other hand, the took things that he needed and left him stranded. They couldn't have know that he had more money stashed away.

There presence seems to suggest that there is some sort of war going on. On the other hand, the world seems to be a dangerous place so perhaps the soldiers are just there to keep the peace (doesn't say much about them if they need to rob people).

6. Yes, very quick thinking and he obviously has experience keeping is identity secret. Makes me want to know the details.

7. Whoever Kote really is, he's someone with skill at killing Scrael and knowledge of how to dispose of them completely. Yes, it does appear that he knows magic.

So far, the world appears to be a simple medieval one but there are hints at something supernatural going on.

8. I was surprised that Chronicler was coming to see Kvothe all along. Until this point, I thought that their meeting was random. It is a bit of a cheek that he just assumes Kvothe will tell his story and that it should be according to his timetable. There is a bit of a mismatch between this cheek and his obvious awe and perhaps fear of Kvothe.

9. Kote/Kvothe seems disturbed by his past and perhaps he needs to get his story off his chest - arm chair psychology :0)

10. Enjoying it so far. The writing is very detailed and poetic but in a good way and Rothfuss is building the story well. (hide spoiler)]

[Shilpa]

I just finished chapter 45.. I'm so engrossed now..
so many questions in my mind.. (view spoiler)[ What was Elodin's history? whom does he ultimately study under? What was in the Archives? Will Ambrose seek revenge? How will Kvothe reach the truth of the Chandrian? What is the name of the wind? Well.. I'm exploding with questions! :P

Kvothe's life is so sad and they just mentioned that he hadn't known sadness yet? How much more? :'( (hide spoiler)]

And I loved the book from the first chapter itself.. It is one of the books I knew I would love! ^_^

[Kristie]

Shilpa - You sound just like Kvothe in the first part of your spoiler! (view spoiler)[ Full of questions! lol :D

I thought the same thing when I read the part about not knowing sadness yet. How could he not know sadness with all he had been through?! I was so worried for him right then. (hide spoiler)]

[Shilpa]

Kristie wrote: "Shilpa - You sound just like Kvothe in the first part of your spoiler!
"

LoL.. :D Too many..I know! But it is all bcoz of the author! Blame him! :P

[Hayley]

Prologue -chapter 6

(view spoiler)[ 1. What did you think of the story Cob told about Taborlin the Great? Do you think we'll hear more about the Chandrian later on?
I think that it is a story that has likely gained a few extra details in the telling (given how Kote is amused when discreetly listening). I feel it sets the scene of events still to come and sets the story in a world of fantasy and adventure.

2. So, the scraeling was pretty freaky. What did you think of the way Kote handled the situation?
Kote clearly has prior knowledge and experience of these creatures; although it is clear that no one else present knows of this. Kote carefully disguises his knowledge as tails he has heard and downplays this whilst also guiding the villagers in regards to what to do with the Scraeling.

3. First impressions of Kote the mysterious innkeeper? And Bast? Why are they hiding out in the middle of nowhere?
There is clearly more to Kote than meets the eye, there is a feel that he has been either forced into hiding or chosen to retire in secret for a quiet life.... But from what? I sense a much bigger story is about to unfold! As for Bast he is clearly aware of Kote's previous life and is his student. Again it is unclear exactly what he is learning from Kote; he is clearly devoted to his teacher and cares about him.

4. What do you think is in Kote's chest?
I honestly have no idea. I would hazard a guess at a form of magical talisman?? Who knows ?
5. What did you make of the encounter - or "civil robbery" - between Chronicler and the soldiers?
Chronicler was obviously quite prepared to be 'robbed' of his attire but was not expecting the chivalry he encountered. There is a war of some form either on going or unfolding and perhaps soldiers taking from Chronicler out of need rather than choice.

6. So someone's recognized Kote, and he called him "Kvothe the Bloodless." Thoughts? What do you make of his quick thinking?
Kote is obviously knowledgable and quick witted to act so swiftly when he is recognised. He is clearly skilled with making various concoctions to ensure his disguise is not unveiled and we learnt earlier that he is skilled with suturing both alluding to a previous life (but as what or who it is not clear). As for 'Kvothe the Bloodless' this could be suggestive of being ethereal or immortal in someway; more myth than man.

7. How did Kote manage to kill five of the scrael? And what did he do with the bonfire and the chanting?
Kote appears to be very strong, to have prior knowledge of how to kill Scraeling and can clearly withstand a physical attack. He knew how to attract them with the fire and perhaps and enchantment (along with whatever was boiling in the pot). It appears that he was lucky to survive the onslaught but willing took on the risk

8. What do you make of Chronicler's idea for Kvothe - that's what I'm going to call him from now on - to tell his story? Do you think Chronicler is motivated by anything other than wanting to know the truth?

I get the impression that Chronicler is motivated by his own wealth and power; although he may be curious to know the truth. Kvothe wants people to form their own opinions about based upon his truth.

9. What would you do, if you were Kvothe? Would you want to escape your dark past and hide, or set the record straight?

Probably to set the record straight, but maybe it depends what you're escaping from?

10. What did you think of the first section overall? Do you like the writing?

I feel the style of writing flows well and is easy and enjoyable to read with a comfortable pace.

(hide spoiler)]

[Michelle]

Kristie wrote: "Shilpa - You sound just like Kvothe in the first part of your spoiler! Full of questions! lol :D

I thought the same thing when I read the part about not knowing sadness yet. How could he not kno..."

Shilpa and Kristie,
(view spoiler)[I know, right? How much more sadness can one person take? His entire family/troupe was killed, he lost his mentor, he starved on the streets, had no one to support him, and has been all alone. Yet he doesn't know sadness? Poor Kvothe! (hide spoiler)]