The Name of the Wind (The Kingkiller Chronicle #1)

[SarahKat, Buddy Reads]

*Featured Buddy Read*
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This thread is to discuss The Name of the Wind, the first book in The Kingkiller Chronicle series by Patrick Rothfuss.

Pages: 662 pages

Length: 1 month (January)

Participants:SarahKat, Lorraine, Rachael, Caterina, Jessica

Everyone reads at their own pace during a Buddy Read. Because participants can be at different parts of the book at different times, it is extremely important to mark spoilers so that the book is not ruined for someone who is not as far along as others!!!

Mark spoilers by placing {spoiler} before the text and {/spoiler} after the text but use the < and > instead of the { and }.

[SarahKat, Buddy Reads]

I have a million books to read next month so I've already started this one. I've been keeping comments written down as bookmarks in the book though, so here's my first.

Through Chapter 14: I am intrigued. Rothfuss is already a great storyteller, though not much has happened at this point. I'm curious about everyone's stories. (view spoiler)[We are getting Kvothe's but I also want to know about Bast and the Chronicler. How did they all get to this point?
Wondering where the "Kingkiller" part of the series comes into play. (hide spoiler)]

[SarahKat, Buddy Reads]

Through Chapter 27: (view spoiler)[Since the last comment, this guy's life sort of exploded into a series of unfortunate events. I wonder why he hasn't used any of the sympathy Ben taught him to defend himself or feed him?
Just found out the Chandrian killed his troupe. I wanted to cry when his lute was destroyed and those nice people were gone when he got back to his wagon. (hide spoiler)]

Through Chapter 46: (view spoiler)[I wish Kvothe would catch a break. Seems like every time he makes some headway, something bad happens. 1 step forward, 1 step back. They let him in the school and give him 3 talents. Then he's whipped for making a fool of Hemme. He gets into the Arcanum, but gets banned from the archives. I was hoping he'd get what he wanted from Elodin. I knew jumping off the building was a bad idea though. (hide spoiler)]

[Lorraine]

I just receive my copy. I’ll join you soon.

[Rachael]

I am starting this book now. Excited - I've heard a lot about it but have owned an unread copy since 2016.

[SarahKat, Buddy Reads]

Just realized in looking at the rest of the series that there is only one other book and the third book may or may not ever happen. I fear I've gotten myself into another Song of Ice and Fire situation.

Glad you'll all be joining me soon. Sorry I'm so far ahead. I'm looking forward to everyone's thoughts!

Through Chapter 66: (view spoiler)[This book is so stressful! It's amazing how stressful it is really because we know he ends up in one piece at the inn because he's telling the story. But I just want things to go well for him. He's still banned from the archives. He can't get a good inn because of Ambrose. I definitely don't think we've seen the end of him.
I'm wondering what is going to happen with Denna as she's not around in the future. It is such a beautiful book though. The story is so engaging. I find myself counting jots and talents to make sure he can pay off Devi and his tuition. Although I'm not as hopeful as he is. Every time he's like "oh things will be fine if I just do this," I want to scream at him to be frugal! Something horrible will happen! I'm wondering what the repercussions of the fire in the Fishery will be, if any.
He rarely uses sympathy which is weird considering how big of a deal it was at the beginning. We also haven't heard much in the way of his family's death and his revenge on the Chandrian recently. (hide spoiler)]

I wrote that a few days ago and copied it over word for word, but since then I've read a few more chapters that have discussed things I was wondering about so I'll just add another thought on where I am now...

Through 73: (view spoiler)[I'm glad no one blamed him for the fire. I was worried he somehow would have come off as careless or something, especially if Ambrose had somehow meddled with the bone-tar. Ambrose (presumably) tried to have him killed though. I wonder if that really was Ambrose or someone else.

My last thought about not having heard about the Chandrian seems to have done a 180 in the last few chapters. He goes into further debt with Devi and leaves the University, which is apparently a big no-no. So THAT stresses me out.
When he gets to Tebron or whatever it is I figured he'd find Denna there. Her "patron" is super suspicious. I am wondering if he is somehow a Chandrian in disguise or something considering he asked her a bunch of questions, left her in the woods, and then a massacre happened. I wonder if Denna is somehow in on it? Her wounds are not consistent with running into a tree. I hope not. I really want to like her. (hide spoiler)]

[Anissa]

I received this book from my Secret Santa in 2022 (although I think it was originally intended for another year's exchange) and my bestie loves it so I'm very tempted to join this buddy read. Not to mention I always love a little new reading year insanity for myself (LOL!).

smiles slyly at the fact that the book looks slightly less intimidating in e-book form

[Michelle]

This is one of my favorite books ever. So I'm tempted to re-read with you all, but I also have some other books I want to read first. So I'll see if I get to it and this month ;).

[Hanča]

I have this book at home and I'm collecting courage to read it for 2 years now, but I am away for another week or two so not sure if I'll be able to get to it in time to be able to finish still in January. I'll try but if you see no other comment from me I failed haha.

[SarahKat, Buddy Reads]

Glad to have any or all of you newcomers!

I finished today. I don't have a complete review yet but I did rate it 5 stars! I'd be glad to read the second book as a buddy read as well.

[Lorraine]

SarahKat wrote: "Just realized in looking at the rest of the series that there is only one other book and the third book may or may not ever happen. I fear I've gotten myself into another Song of Ice and Fire situa..."

Do not worry about that. You are not alone in the Song of Fire and Ice situation! Starting tomorrow!

[Rachael]

Up to Chapter 10 now. It's familiar fantasy but I'm enjoying it so far and have already added the rest of the series to my maybe-one-day shelf

[Lorraine]

Finished Chapter 14th. Not a lot of things happening but we are learning more about the characters, especially Kvothe. I am also curious about Bast and The Chronicler. I believe we should learn more about them in the next chapters. I would not be surprised that they have an important role in the story.
I like this story so far.

[Kaitlin]

I just requested this from the library and will start as soon as I receive it. Not my usual genre but so highly recommended

[SarahKat, Buddy Reads]

I wrote a tiny review but most of my main thoughts are within the spoilers on my earlier comments. I will say this book is amazing at keeping you invested in Kvothe's life in the present situations. While I wondered about stuff mentioned early on that didn't crop up again until much later, I didn't *miss* it. Like Kvothe, I was much too preoccupied with what was currently happening day-to-day to be too stressed or curious over where this was all going.

Through the end: (view spoiler)[ It seems Denna was not in on it, but I'm still not convinced that her patron is not somehow a Chandrian himself.
The Dracus! I LOVED this whole section of the book. The descriptions of the creature were great. The fact that it has IRON scales is awesome and explained biologically. The drug hidey hole where the dracus likes to get high, and Denna accidentally chewing some resin. And then the dracus attacking the town because fires and drugs! It was all so good!
He found out why the Chandrian attacked that wedding too. Apparently the owner dug up some pot or something with art having to do with them on it and they don't like people knowing about them. I guess we know how Kvothe can find them easily. Just start singing the wrong sort of songs I guess. Seems like just the type of risky maneuver he'd make too.
I'm concerned about future innkeeper Kvothe. Some scary undead demony thing came to kill him I think, but the small sympathy he tried to do didn't work and Bast is worried he's becoming a regular failing innkeeper instead of his badass former self. I really want to know what happens between then and "now." (hide spoiler)]

[Caterina]

Oh wow, I am so behind 😅 SarahKat, it's smart that you started early. I am also signed up for several buddy reads this month and should have followed your lead.

I received my hold from the library a couple of days ago and I will start tonight.

[Rachael]

Finished Chapter 35. (view spoiler)[This is a lovely homage to storytelling with stories within stories. I really like how it shows the kindness of strangers too. I know there are other characters who are not so nice but kindness and empathy seems to be the overwhelming theme so far (hide spoiler)]

[Amanda]

I am only on chapter 4, but things are starting off slowly. Does the book pick up pace? Or is it a slow story all the way through?

[SarahKat, Buddy Reads]

Amanda wrote: "I am only on chapter 4, but things are starting off slowly. Does the book pick up pace? Or is it a slow story all the way through?"

For me, it picked up right around chapter 15

[SarahKat, Buddy Reads]

Rachael wrote: "Finished Chapter 35. [spoilers removed]"

I agree Rachael! (view spoiler)[Most of the good things that come Kvothe's way are because of the kindness of strangers. It gave me warm fuzzy feelings (hide spoiler)]

[Lorraine]

Up to Chapter 29th.
Chapter 15: (view spoiler)[ Kvothe family gets killed by Cinder. Then Cinder gets humiliated by Heliax...in front of Kvothe, who miraculously wasn't there when everyone he knew got killed. Now...we all know that when someone gets humiliated in front of an innocent, there is always bad feelings towards the witness… I wonder how Cinder will try to hurt Kvothe. (hide spoiler)]
Chapter 25: (view spoiler)[ We learn Heliax is The Chandrian…so there is some truth to the Legend of Lanre. And the Chandrian has enemies! Kvothe gets into action and leave Tarbian for the university to learn so he can fight Heliax. I also wonder why Kvothe is never using the magic he learned… (hide spoiler)]
I suspect more action is on the way.

[Lorraine]

up to Chapter 44.
Not a lot to say except maybe...'Teenagers, Teenagers!' Looking forward going back to the adult part :-)

[Rachael]

Up to Chapter 73. (view spoiler)[I don't quite understand why Kvothe ran off after the Chandrian. I know he wants answers about what happened to his family but it seemed a bit reckless to drop everything and leave the University. What if it's a wild goose chase? Personally, I would have got back into the Archives, done my research, learnt more magic before going on his mission.
I don't trust Denna or whatever her name is. Is she linked to the Chandrian? I like SarahKat's theories.
Another thought: I wonder if Abenthy will come back into the story. (hide spoiler)]

EDITED TO ADD:
Chapters 74-76(view spoiler)[ Dragons! I'm laughing to myself though because I glanced at the first page of chapter 76 and saw the word "mooo" so now I think dragons sound like cows 🤣. I need to read the chapter properly to see who is actually mooing (hide spoiler)]

[Rachael]

Finished. I really enjoyed it - I'm going to continue/return to the series eventually.
(view spoiler)[I like how Kvothe got back to the University and made it to the Archives.
The series is called Kingkiller Chronicle and we haven't even got to that part yet but it has been so interesting to read the story so far. What happens next? I'm keen to know how the Ambrose thing is going to be resolved, how Kvothe became the innkeeper and more about Auri (who might be my favourite character) (hide spoiler)]

[Caterina]

Up to chapter 23.

I was a little confused at the beginning, because I thought the characters at the inn were going to be the main ones. I'm wondering why Patrick Rothfuss chose this type of storytelling. It might make more sense in the future, but it didn't make for the easiest start.

There's a map at the beginning of the book and I was trying to place the Waystone Inn. Did anyone catch where it's located? I think they mentioned it's in the far west, but I when I looked back, I couldn't find the page.

(view spoiler)[
I was so sad when Kvothe's lute got destroyed. I can't even imagine losing all your family and friends in one stroke, and then losing everything you have left of them.

I'm also wondering why he didn't go find Abenthy. It sounds like he was close to Tarbean, which means he wasn't anywhere near Hallowfell. Still, I think his life might have been easier if he has gone to find the arcanist.

The story of Tehlu was something else. He whips the demons out of sinners? I was not a fan of that imagery.

Trapis is the absolute best of human kind.
(hide spoiler)]

[Hanča]

I just started today, so far read only up to chapter 5 and it's not gripping my attention, I caught my mind wondering around quite a bit and I always go back in worries to not miss something important so reading extra slow. :) Hope it picks up soon.

[SarahKat, Buddy Reads]

Caterina wrote: "Up to chapter 23.

I was a little confused at the beginning, because I thought the characters at the inn were going to be the main ones. I'm wondering why Patrick Rothfuss chose this type of story..."

(view spoiler)[
I agree Caterina. I thought we were going to get more information about the other characters at the inn than we did. It was surprising but okay that we didn't. Kvothe's story kept me invested. (hide spoiler)]

[Caterina]

Hanča wrote: "I just started today, so far read only up to chapter 5 and it's not gripping my attention, I caught my mind wondering around quite a bit and I always go back in worries to not miss something import..."

I also struggled to understand what was happening at the beginning. It can take awhile to set up the story. With a book of this size, I would give it 150-200 pages.

[Caterina]

Up to chapter 46.

(view spoiler)[
Ch. 33 - That was a very short quasi-romance. I wonder if they'll meet again.

I agree with SarahKat's statement: "I wish Kvothe would catch a break." My god, he went through three awful years. Then he manages to get into the university against all odds and he's almost expelled on the second day He gets into the archives, but there is a stack fee and a flame fee. He goes into the archives for a few minutes only to be immediately banned. (The stack fee seemed fishy to me even before he figured out it was just Ambrose taking his money.) In two days at the university, he's managed to make enemies of a master and a powerful student.

I'm wondering why Kvothe wants to do everything all at once. He gets whipped at noon that day, but he still tried to get into the archives. I would have been in bed nursing my wounds without a second thought. He should be asking his friends questions about the university so he doesn't make all these mistakes.

It's great that Kvothe is making friends at the university!
(hide spoiler)]

[SarahKat, Buddy Reads]

Caterina wrote: "Up to chapter 46. "

(view spoiler)[I agree he really needs to talk to his friends. Lay low and figure out how things are done before jumping in head first. He and I are very different people. I can't even fathom springing into action so quickly. I like to be very sure about all the potential outcomes of my actions. But then, I was never fighting for my survival alone on the streets of the city. Quick reflexes and fast decisions are the way he lived for a long time. (hide spoiler)]

[Rachael]

Caterina - my copy didn't have a map 😞

[Caterina]

Rachael wrote: "Caterina - my copy didn't have a map 😞"

I would post a link, but Goodreads does not allow that. If you want, you can search for Temerant in the Kingkiller Chronicles Wiki to see the map.

[Lorraine]

Almost finish! Again, I will say that I find the story of the teenagers’ years too long. I would also have liked to learn more about The Chronicler and Bast, but it has not happened yet. Still wondering why (view spoiler)[ The Chandrian killed all Kvothe family and was hoping to see more of him and understand what he really wants (hide spoiler)]

[Marc *Dark Reader with a Thousand Young! Iä!*]

Lorraine wrote: "Almost finish! Again, I will say that I find the story of the teenagers’ years too long. I would also have liked to learn more about The Chronicler and Bast, but it has not happened yet. Still wond..."

Regarding your question in the spoiler, my recollection is that it was (view spoiler)[ because his dad or another troupe member sang or wrote a song about the Chandrian, and the Chandrian don't like anyone talking about or knowing anything about them. (hide spoiler)]

[Caterina]

I've read another big chunk of the book (up to chapter 73) and I have significant reservations about Kvothe's judgement.

(view spoiler)[
Ch. 46 - Elodin tells him to jump from a building, so he jumps??? What??? He's lucky that he wasn't more seriously injured.

Ch. 71 - Kvothe overhears something that might be about the Chandrian, so he decides to leave the university and go much further into debt, so that he might maybe find out more about what happened to his family. But what could he realistically accomplish? Is he going to fight the Chandrian? He hasn't learned anything more about them because he was banned from the archives. Also, he was injured the day before in the presumed assassination plot, so he's not at his best physically. This seems like such a bad idea, on all levels.

@SarahKat- I agree with you. I wish Kvothe would lay low for just a bit, concentrate on his studies, and pay off his debts. His education is so much more important than fighting the Chandrian. The more he rises in arcanist rankings, the better he will be equipped to fight them.

I also wish he would ask his friends for help. I understand it's hard to put your ego aside for something like this, but honestly, it would make his life easier on the long run. Especially after the fire at the Fishery, I feel like he should have asked him friends for help with shoes instead of walking barefoot all over the city. I'm also wondering why his friends didn't offer to help. If one of my friends didn't have clothes or shoes, my first instinct would be to let them borrow something or lend them money.
(hide spoiler)]

[Caterina]

I just read more of the comments on here and wanted to add my thoughts.

The fire in the Fishery
(view spoiler)[
"I'm glad no one blamed him for the fire. I was worried he somehow would have come off as careless or something, especially if Ambrose had somehow meddled with the bone-tar."

My first thought was that Ambrose had something to do with the fire. That could have been deadly for several students, not just Kvothe.
(hide spoiler)]

Denna
(view spoiler)[
"I wonder if Denna is somehow in on it? Her wounds are not consistent with running into a tree."

"I don't trust Denna or whatever her name is. Is she linked to the Chandrian? I like SarahKat's theories."

I found it really surprised that he found Denna at the inn; I personally did not see it coming. At first I thought she would be the love interest, but things seem to be progressing rather slowly between them. Maybe they'll just be friends. She could be related to the Chandrian, but I think it's more likely for Master Ash to be associated with them. I agree that he's really suspicious.
(hide spoiler)]

The Chronicler and Bast
(view spoiler)[
"Again, I will say that I find the story of the teenagers’ years too long. I would also have liked to learn more about The Chronicler and Bast, but it has not happened yet."

I am so intrigued by these characters. I hope we'll eventually get to learn more about them, even thought it sounds like that won't be happening in this book.
(hide spoiler)]

[Caterina]

All done. I really liked the book and I want to know what happens next.

(view spoiler)[
I also loved the dracus and the resin part! I thought it was all very clever. I'm also very happy that Kvothe was able to get back to the university and pay back his debt. Master Hemme seems unable to be impartial with any decisions that involve Kvothe; maybe he should recuse himself in the future.

The relationship between Kvothe and Denna didn't work for me. He likes her and she likes him, but it sounds like this will drag on for awhile.

I'm interested to hear what happens with Ambrose, but at the same time, I know I won't like that he makes Kvothe leave the university. And I'm wondering what leads Kote to become an innkeeper and meet Bast. (And how Bast plays into this story.)
(hide spoiler)]

Are we going to read the next one?

[SarahKat, Buddy Reads]

Caterina wrote: "Are we going to read the next one?"

I'm up for reading the next one! Do you want to read it in February?

[Lorraine]

I will join you for number 2. Thanks

[Caterina]

SarahKat wrote: "Caterina wrote: "Are we going to read the next one?"

I'm up for reading the next one! Do you want to read it in February?"

If February works for everyone, count me in!

[Caterina]

Lorraine wrote: "I will join you for number 2. Thanks"

🙌

[Lorraine]

I've finished the book and will read the second book even though this book is not a favorite of mine. I am too curious to know what happens next and see (view spoiler)[ if we will learn more about other characters, about the Chandrian and will Kvothe will gain maturity! :-) (hide spoiler)]

[SarahKat, Buddy Reads]

I will add it to February!

Lorraine, (view spoiler)[I'm hoping we get more of them too. I would think if Kvothe continues with his story, he'll get to the point of meeting Bast at least. (hide spoiler)]

[Rachael]

I'm in too please! I've just got hold of my copy.
I have also bought The Slow Regard of Silent Things, a Kingkiller Chronicle novella (2.5?) which we could read in March if anyone else is up for it?

[Caterina]

I would love to read both, but I would suggest that we set up The Wise Man's Fear for February and March. The book is quite long at 994 pages and many of us are signed up for multiple buddy reads each month. Then we could read The Slow Regard of Silent Things (159 pages) in April.

[Lorraine]

Caterina wrote: "I would love to read both, but I would suggest that we set up The Wise Man's Fear for February and March. The book is quite long at 994 pages and many of us are signed up for multipl..."

That schedule would work better for me. I would be interested in The Slow Regard in April.

[Rachael]

April's fine 🤓

[SarahKat, Buddy Reads]

Ok. #2 is updated to a 2-month read and #2.5 in April!

[Caterina]

SarahKat wrote: "Ok. #2 is updated to a 2-month read and #2.5 in April!"

Thank you, SarahKat!

[Marc *Dark Reader with a Thousand Young! Iä!*]

SarahKat wrote: "Ok. #2 is updated to a 2-month read and #2.5 in April!"

And then you can start The Doors of Stone in, uhh... (checks notes). Never mind.