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

[Erin]

Through chapter 65 (view spoiler)[ I don't trust Denna at all. I have a very bad feeling about how this storyline is going to end/(view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

[Michelle]

Erin, I should catch up to you today. I'm almost there so I can read your spoiler!

[Kristie]

Erin wrote: "Through chapter 65 [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ It is definitely hard to get a feel for her. She gives off the feeling that she has an ulterior motive. (hide spoiler)]

[Lauren]

Chapters 7-13

(view spoiler)[

11. It reminds me of other fantasy novels like Ursula K. Le Guin's Wizard of Earths where knowing the names of things gives you power over them. This is a common idea in many mythologies.

12. Kvothe's parents are good people and they are raising him to know right from wrong. The Edema Ruh sound like the Rom or gypsies, especially when considering the prejudice and discrimination they are subject to.

13. Also a common trope in epic fantasy - the teacher archetype - Gandalf, Dumbledore, Obi-Wan :0)

14. To be honest this whole section has made my brain hurt. Too many obscure and vague notions - nothing concrete. I'm hoping the action starts up again soon.

15. Definitely otherwise there wouldn't be a story.

16. The Chandrian are interesting although it seems that very little is known about them. I suppose that it also a common theme - evil is the unknown and it only enhances the fear of them.

17. So is Bast one of the fae? His reaction to the iron seems to suggest that. I guess Chronicler has issues with them.

18. The story is OK so far. I did, however, find this section a bit boring. It needs more action. (hide spoiler)]

[Erin]

Okay after a marathon reading session yesterday I finished it and I loved it!

[Shilpa]

Chapter 58: It was so awesome! ^_^
(view spoiler)[ He finally met Denna..but when she didn't acknowledge that she knew him..it made me sad..
Maybe she was expecting him to take the initiative.. (hide spoiler)]

[Hayley]

Discussion Questions for Chapters 7 - 13
(view spoiler)[
11. What do you think of the importance placed on names in this book? Book quote: "And names are strange things. Dangerous things." - Ben
It appears that names allow people to exercise an element if control over objects, elements and possible people too. In the question of the Chandrian it is as if their names will invoke these evil beings.

12. Impressions of Kvothe's parents? And the Edema Ruh? What do you think of Kvothe's life on the road?
He parents appear truly happy and in love and love and adore their son. It may be that they feel he is intelligent due to his varied background and upbringing: or it may be that they don't want to admit that their is something unusual about him.

13. What are your thoughts of Abenthy (Ben) the arcanist? Book quote: "I ask that you not hold it against him. He meant well." Will Kvothe learn more than is good for him?
I think that Kvothe has a lot of guilt and perhaps feels that he didn't use his teachings as he should have. He likely did learn more than wAs good for him.

14. What do you think of the magic system, sympathy? Do you find it creative? The mind games Ben taught Kvothe - Heart of Stone and Seek the Stone - make my brain hurt.
I can't even begin to think about trying to practice these mind games! The sympathy appears to be the beginning of something more complex but by relating objects in this way could provide powerful opportunities yet to come.

15. Do you think Kvothe's thirst for knowledge - combined with his aptitude for learning - will get him into trouble?
I do think that it will get him into trouble on many occasions. You know what they say about curiosity!

16. What did you make of the conversation about the Chandrian?
There seems to be a genuine truth about the Chandrian in some way shape or form. They sound fearsome and dangerous and gives a sense of foreboding for what is still to come,

17. Did you expect that Bast was more than he seemed? Why did Chronicler react so violently?
I did not expect what happened! I knew there was more to Bast's story but not in such an ethereal sense!

18. What did you think of the first part of Kvothe's story? Hooked yet? Any thoughts not covered in the DQ
I definitely want to read on! If has the feel of an epic fantasy adventure!
(hide spoiler)]

[Tawallah]

I was only able to start this week.Too many books I want to read in the next few days. Ah well.

Currently I'm about 21% in the book. So far we are pretty much in the dark. The world outside the inn is vague but yet has an impact via the ongoing war. But yet it seems peripheral. But it is billed as Kvothe's story. So far it is slow paced but I am enjoying the crafting of this plot.

I have read the childhood part so far and I'm heartbroken for Kvothe. That scene in the woods after he told what happened to his parents. I had to put it down. Hopefully will restart today. Hope I can finish by month end. But work is getting in the way of reading.

[Shilpa]

Finished Chap 71..

(view spoiler)[ Will the mystery of the Chandrian finally uncover? And What was Denna doing there!? How will Kvothe pay his debt to Devi now? And when will he finally get to enter the archives?

So many questions again! :P (hide spoiler)]

[kat (wanderfulbooks)]

Questions 11-18 Chapter 7-13
(view spoiler)[
11. What do you think of the importance placed on names in this book? Book quote: "And names are strange things. Dangerous things." - Ben
It seems that knowing names makes a magic incantation of sorts stronger or binding. It would mean greater damage for the victim if one's true name is used.

12. Impressions of Kvothe's parents? And the Edema Ruh? What do you think of Kvothe's life on the road?
I love how Kvothe describes his parents. They seem so happy and in love thus making Kvothe's life on the road pleasant. His parents' happy outlook and their love for him is a good influence for his curious mind.

13. What are your thoughts of Abenthy (Ben) the arcanist? Book quote: "I ask that you not hold it against him. He meant well." Will Kvothe learn more than is good for him?
Well, Kvothe is a smart boy who's hungry for knowledge that it blinds him a little to the consequences. I think Ben is a good man to teach him discipline over the knowledge that Kvothe garners.

14. What do you think of the magic system, sympathy? Do you find it creative?
I had to read the page twice where sympathy was explained. The concept was hard to grasp at first but once I got the hang of it, it was okay.

15. Do you think Kvothe's thirst for knowledge - combined with his aptitude for learning - will get him into trouble?
Oh yes! But I think it will also be his saving grace :)

16. What did you make of the conversation about the Chandrian?
Something to be wary of.

17. Did you expect that Bast was more than he seemed? Why did Chronicler react so violently?
I did not expect that from Bast. I thought he was maybe some kind of assassin or something just not that!

18. What did you think of the first part of Kvothe's story? Hooked yet? Any thoughts not covered in the DQ?

Hooked, definitely. I ordered the 2nd book already! (hide spoiler)]

[kat (wanderfulbooks)]

June wrote: "That scene in the woods after he told what happened to his parents. "

That scene was so sad.

[Shilpa]

Erin wrote: "Through chapter 65 [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ Yeah.. Denna is weird! (hide spoiler)]

[Shilpa]

Done till Chap 79..

(view spoiler)[ A dragon..I mean draccus.. really?

I wonder how they are going to handle this beast.. Hope their plan works!

Also, I like Kvothe n Denna's relationship now..though I keep getting not-so-good vibes about Denna every now and then.. But sometimes I think may be she is just a lonely girl trying to survive.. (hide spoiler)]

[Michelle]

Finished today! Man, what a good book!
My only problems with it were the plot lines left hanging. I will need to read the next book now.

[Michelle]

Shilpa wrote: "Erin wrote: "Through chapter 65 [spoilers removed]"

[spoilers removed]"

Yes, I agree. (view spoiler)[I don't like Denna at all. She isn't good for Kvothe. (hide spoiler)]

[Alex]

Would anyone be interested in reading book #2 The Wise Man's Fear soonish?

[Michelle]

I want to get to it in February, but I'm not sure on a date yet.

[Shilpa]

Just finished Chap 85: (view spoiler)[ Are they going to expel Kvothe? God! I hope not... (hide spoiler)]

[Shilpa]

I would love to read #2 soon..but it is even mightier than this one.. Have to check if I can fit it in! :)
I can try if we do it later in Feb..^_^

[Hayley]

(view spoiler)[



19. What did you think of Kvothe binding the air in his lungs with the air outside of him? Were you surprised that he could do such a thing without training? Do you think he will be more cautious in the future?
It clearly shows that Kvothe is naturally talented but also shows his youth:quick to act without a thought for the consequences. It almost feels as though this is a coming of age moment before we discover later events. It seems a hard lesson to learn young but no doubt will aid him in the future.

20. Do you think we will hear more about the greystones (waystones)? They seem to hold some importance since they are mentioned in two different chapters.
The waystones add a history to the story which in turn makes it more real and believable and therefore for me more enjoyable. Their existence suggest stories yet untold therefore give the story depth.

21. Were you surprised by Ben's quick departure? Do you think we will see him again?
I was surprised but then it does seem that the relationship had changed between Ben and Kvothe. It almost gives a natural reason for it to come to an end. I don't think that we will see Ben again but his appearance in the story obviously has great significance on what is yet to come.

22. What a sad scene! I felt so sorry for Kvothe. I really liked his family and traveling troupe. Do you think that the Chandrians were who killed them? It sounds like it had something to do with Kvothe's parents new song. Thoughts?

It really was a sad scene! I felt like crying I was very close to tears. I really enjoyed reading about his family and the travelling troupe and wished it could go on for longer it. Almost made me want to put down the book! I definitely think it was the Chandrian that attacked his family and it almost feels as though Ben departed because of the new song.
He did warn the family about the Chandrian and the importance of their names: to the point where he wouldn't even utter. Had then have realised the significance of this I think he would've warned crevasses family; as it happens I think Ben himself got he was just being superstitious but left just in case. Even though there was an ominous nature when Ben warned the family about the names I did not expect the Chandrian to actually appear and especially not to attack the troupe!

23. What did you think of Cinder and Lord Haliax? Again, we have the mention of "the inner turnings of someone's name". Do you think this has to do with Lord Haliax's ability to control his gang?

There is clearly more to the name of things than meets the eye in the story. The names Cinder and Lord Haliax; although clearly names, hold some other secret that not everyone can unlock or else they would've used the names in front of Kvothe. Again an interesting power struggle is presented even the Chandrian are not all powerful and are controlled by another.


24. What did you think about the doors to the mind. I thought it was a great true life metaphor of how we tend to deal with pain. Do you think Kvothe's mind is trying to give him clues about something through his dream?

I loved the metaphors of the doors to the mind. It is one that I thought of many many times since reading them in this story. I feel like I can relate to this idea from personal experience particularly the idea of sleep and dreamless sleep to some extent. The dream his mind presented to him clearly reminded him of the life lessons he had been taught and how he can apply them to his current situation. On a subconscious level Kvothe wanted to survive and was urging himself to do so.

25. Tarbean sounds like a terrible place. Was anyone else surprised that Kvothe didn't use his magic to defend himself against Pike and his gang? Why do you think he didn't?

I was very very surprised to hear that Kvothe did not use his magic in any way during his time up to now in Tarbean. We are giving a sense that it would almost hurt too much to remember even how to use magic in this way. Reminding Kvothe of times past; times he wants to forget for now at least.

26. Wow, Trapis and his home are pretty depressing. Do you think it will play a larger part in the story?

I think that although Trapis' home is significant but I think it will only play a small part in the story. It does give some background and details leaving and the opportunity for stopgap but I don't think it is going to be massively important.
And it is very depressing. (hide spoiler)] Questions for Chapters 14-21

[Shilpa]

I finished it!!
It was so freaking good! Especially the ending!!!

Why? Why? Why did the author do that... end a book like that? It's not healthy for us you know..!!
(view spoiler)[ I did not expect Bast to do something like that! He was so frightening in that last chapter... (hide spoiler)]

[Hayley]

Questions for Chapters 22-29(view spoiler)[

27. What did you think of Tarpis' story? It was very similar to events in the Bible, but had a few mythology aspects too. Do you think the story has anything to do with the Chandrians?

There is a sense that their is a relation to the Chandrian before hearing latter stories by Askari I thought that it was this demon king was the leader of the Chandrian. It did feel theological and mythological in nature and I felt again expanded the story.

28. So many sad stories about Kvothe growing up. Could you have turned a blind eye on the boys in the alley?

Without being in Kvothe's situation it is hard to say. I can be quite gung ho when it comes to helping someone in distress. Kvothe is still a child though and at this point appears to be switched into survival mode.

29. So Bast doesn't know as much about Kvothe as I previously thought. I am still not really understanding this relationship that Kvothe and Bast have. Anyone else have thoughts?

The relationship echoes that between Kvothe and Ben. Although there is obviously more to it I had no idea what that might be!


30. I am a bit disturbed by the lengths Kvothe went to to get revenge on Pike. What did you think about him setting Pike on fire? Does it make you think differently of Kvothe? Will we see Pike again?

I thought the lengths were extreme and I was surprised by this. However when you remember what Kvothe had been though and seen it was likely he was taking all of this out on Pike. It is the most emotion Kvothe has shown since his family were killed.

31. What did you think of Skarpi and his stories? We know now how Haliax got his name and who he is. Did anyone else get confused by the Lanre story? I still am not sure exactly what caused Lanre to burn all of those cities.

It echoes Kvothe's previous reaction. It is a reaction to his grief although we do not know what happened to Lyra. Haliax is acting from the depths of dispare and is clearly on the edge of madness. Haliax seems to believe he is doing what is right. I was enthralled in the telling of this tale. It feels as though Skarpi is more than he first appears.

32.Why do you think Justice and his men dislike Skarpi? It sounds like he used to be one of them. Any ideas on what about his story upset them?

There appears to certain stories about Tehlu that are not preached by the church or perhaps only to the initiated. It could be that there is a suggestion that only Tehlu can bring justice which would make Justice as a priest perhaps appear blasphemous? (hide spoiler)]

[kat (wanderfulbooks)]

Til Chapter 33

(view spoiler)[ I was a little troubled by how much Tarpi's story was close to theology and just mixed with some mythology. Other than that, we'll I think it seems to play a vital role in the whole plot...so moving on!

In his story, Kvothe was 15 when he entered the University. I hope present Kvothe talking to the Chronicler is way older than 15. (hide spoiler)]

The scene where Kvothe gets interviewed by the University Masters, a Harry Potter scene immediately came into mind.

[Shilpa]

Kathleen wrote: "Til Chapter 33

I was a little troubled by how much Tarpi's story was close to theology and just mixed with some mythology. Other than that, we'll I think it seems to play a vital role in the whol..."


(view spoiler)[ Oh yes he is much older now! He is talking about his past..all the myths, truths ans stories about him! :) (view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

[Tawallah]

I finished this book- I'm glad that this lived up to the hype. Not sure how I feel about the ending yet- was it brilliant or did he run out of steam?

Overall, I really liked Kote/Kvothe- and it is his story. He makes the best of difficult situations.I'm surprised that his cockiness, instead of alienating you actually endears you to him. But that may be due to how we are now seeing him. I still reel from his life in Tarbean and still unsure of the sudden shift to go to University.

I don't know about anyone but I felt dumb as Kvothe attended Uni. I enjoyed the interaction among the masters. And I want to know more about Elodin. Hopefully it is in book 2. The only other people who peak my interest are Devi and Auri. I am sure we will meet Denna again and learn how Kvothe got kicked out- for now I think it is due to sneaking into the Archives or sneaking someone into it.

[kat (wanderfulbooks)]

June wrote: The only other people who peak my interest are Devi and Auri."

I'm not particularly fond of Denna too. I've read up about 77% and currently that's how I'm feeling. I don't understand Kvothe's fixation with her either.

I hope we get to know more of the Masters in Book 2 too! I find their eccentricities interesting.

[RachelvlehcaR]

I was really excited about this book. I've had GR buddies tell me how wonderful it was. When I started it I loved it. I was ready for the ride, then as it went on, I learned it was a story within the story. It was all Kvothe's upbringing, training, and experiences. Not what I expected at all.

[RachelvlehcaR]

This is a tough book for me. I love the beginning. Just loved it and was ready for a wild ride, then the shift happened. I didn’t know the entire book is about his memories and schooling and life during that time period. I found some of the schooling very boring. Some parts were okay. It's just it was a Yo-Yo of a books for me. There where huge moments where I felt I loved it, then I found it boring, then loved it again, then boring. I LOVE the Draccus!!!!

I was so upset that Kvothe (view spoiler)[killed the Draccus. (hide spoiler)] :(