ITC.ua has already published review The book «The Name of the Wind» — is the first volume of the popular fantasy trilogy «The King’s Assassin Chronicles» by American writer Patrick Rothfuss. The updated second part ««The Wise Man’s Fear»» was not yet released, but later, at the end of 2023, it was published by «KSD» and is now also available for purchase. I have already read it and am ready to share my impressions. And there’s a lot to talk about: 1264 pages of incredibly cozy reading, a New York Times bestseller, a winner of several famous literary awards, and, in my opinion, the best fantasy ever.
Author Patrick Rothfuss
Publisher KSD
Language Ukrainian
Translation Pukhliy Maria
Cover Solid
Pages 1264
Format 150×220 mm
Illustrations No
Year of publication 2023
Year of publication of the original 2011
Website bookclub.ua
The events of the novel ««The Wise Man’s Fear»» take place immediately after the ending of «The Name of the Wind». In fact, on the second day in the tavern of «The Wayward Stone», the chronicler continues to record the story of the legendary Queen’s Quarter. This time, the geography of the story is much more diverse, there are even more events, as well as adventures, music, and love. There’s also a lot of action, fights, martial arts training, and more.
As you can see, the structure of the second novel has not changed. The story is still told in two time periods. In the present day, Quat hides from the world in a tavern and becomes an ordinary tavern keeper. Behind him is an incredible life and adventures, fame and many events, as well as a broken heart and the burden of knowledge, so the protagonist shares all this with the Chronicler, telling him in detail about the past. This is the main part of the books, and the second time period of the story.
««The Wise Man’s Fear»» does not change the formula for the success of the first novel «The Name of the Wind». This is an even bigger, classic and cozy fantasy, with a deeply developed world, a detailed system of magic, and interesting secondary characters. However, there are many more events here, they are more diverse and extensive.
The main character is another story altogether. Quat is one of the most enjoyable characters in books, and one develops maximum empathy for him. He is smart and naïve, he is principled and quick to anger, he is thoughtful, but sometimes he does stupid things that make him suffer. He knows and studies many sciences, but some of them are not easy for him. He loves books and knowledge, he is shy with women, but they love him. He is a musician and a fighter, he has had his heart broken, but he knows how to do it with others. In other words, he is the most ordinary and at the same time the coolest human character. He is us, the readers, who we would like to be in reality, and we are him, our personification of the ideal book hero.
Quat grows up, but continues to study at the University. The first part of the novel is devoted to this process and various topics around it. But then the protagonist temporarily leaves his studies, travels the world, enters the service of a very influential person, and gets into a series of dangerous and interesting adventures. Quat also becomes the leader of a group of mercenaries, enters the world of strange magical creatures, learns to fight and wield a sword, and pays more attention to women and relationships with them.
While the first novel was a modern combination of classic epic and heroic fantasy, only the protagonist had a lute instead of a sword, the second novel actually featured a weapon alongside the musical instrument, which the characters use very rarely and reluctantly.
The author managed the impossible because this book turned out to be even more interesting than the first one, although I didn’t think it was possible because I gave the novel «The Name of the Wind» the highest rating. This doesn’t mean that he doesn’t deserve it now, but it’s just cool to know that Patrick Rothfuss has done even better. The pages turn like crazy, and the giant 1264-page book melts before your eyes.
This is the case when you pay attention to the page number. Not to see how much more is left to go, but to realize with horror that you are getting closer to the end, but you don’t want to part with this world.
««The Wise Man’s Fear»» and «The Name of the Wind» are not perfect novels. And someone will definitely not like them. There are many warmest reviews on Goodreads, but there are also negative ones (and I should note that there are very few of them). However, nothing can please everyone, and Rothfuss’s books are no exception.
One might complain about the slow pace of the narrative, but I will say that this is the best option for a classic lampshaded fantasy. Others will point out that the hero’s main goal of finding and destroying Chandryan is unlikely to be realized. This is because in the two novels the story touches on only a couple of years of the hero’s life, and at the time of the events in the tavern he is much older. In other words, the author himself has put himself in a difficult situation, from which he has to get out in just one last book. And no matter how skillful he is, he probably won’t be able to do it in a filigree or logical way.
To this I would say that it will most likely happen, but I don’t care because it’s all incredibly well written and very exciting to read. You literally can’t put down «The Sage’s Fear», so I, like millions of fans around the world, just want to finally read the third novel, whatever it is. Because if Rothfuss finally finishes it, it will be something incredible. I’m sure of it. All that remains now is to wait because the author has been promising for over a decade, but still can’t finish it.
The main drawback of the novel ««The Wise Man’s Fear»» for me is its size. It is physically difficult to read because the book is huge and heavy. It’s especially hard at the beginning and end, when there are a few pages on one side and a thick thing on the other. Therefore, if you can do without a physical version of the book and read e-books, I advise you to buy her. It’s also available on the «KSD» website, so you’ll save space at home and some money. But if you’re a fan of paper editions, you’ll be in agony like me, but the novel is definitely worth it. Just be prepared for physical exertion. Especially if you read lying down, like I do. I should note that it will be easier at the table.
