The Name of The Wind by Patrick Rothfuss Book Review & Reaction | Beautiful Prose But Little Else

Mike heads to Temerant to sing a ballad on what he likes and very much dislikes about the 2007 debut by Patrick Rothfuss in The Name of the Wind.
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0:00 Introduction & Reading Excerpt
2:33 Background & History
3:55 What Is It About?
4:34 What Makes it Good?
9:55 What Makes it Bad?
15:03 Why You Should Read It
16:43 Final Thoughts
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Music used: Epic (No Copyright Music)
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#MikesBookReviews #NameOfTheWind #PatrickRothfuss

[@abdullahelnaas4473]

uh oh, Mike's waking the dragon... or maybe not. The people who hate Patrick Rothfuss the most are his fans at this point, so fingers crossed you won't get mobbed

[@mikesbookreviews]

😂 can’t be worse than the first time I talked about the book on the channel back in 2020.

[@DustinHarrisWHBC]

I had so many issues with the first two books. Yet I can't stop thinking about them. So for that reason, they are still in my top fantasy novels ever. They just won't go away.

[@mikesbookreviews]

It be like that sometimes. Remember, I didn't like Dune the first time I read it. But I couldn't stop thinking about it. Read it again and it has been my favorite book for 30 years now.

[@DustinHarrisWHBC]

@@mikesbookreviews I view Dark Tower very similarly. I technically have a lot of issues with the series, but man, it had such a huge impact on me that I can help but keep it on the list.

[@Kenb3d1]

Whenever I think about the Dark Tower series these days, its always about the ending. Man, that car must have hit him really hard.@@DustinHarrisWHBC

[@guitearist]

​@Kenb3d1 lmao... I felt like that too, but it grew on me. And good lord, The Wind Through the Keyhole might be King's greatest book

[@zyxel2]

Me too. I gave both books 4/5, but I kept thinking about them a lot, and books kept growing on me so much that i changed my rating to 5/5. And I still think about them.

[@robinstrich2553]

I have never before been this hyped and excited for someone giving negative thoughts on something I love😂😂

[@mikesbookreviews]

😂 I talk for 8 minutes about what I thought was great.

[@robinstrich2553]

Wrote that comment in the moment I started the video ^^ Also I know you don't just hate this book (or any book basically)... Just was really excited to finally have a full-scale review from you - even when knowing the result haha

[@chasetimmons2346]

Your honesty is why you’re my favorite booktube channel. Great review.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Wow, thank you!

[@DjdhdNewlowueebqs]

will you read the second one? @@mikesbookreviews

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Me: “Oh, what a beautiful epic intro! Has Mike changed his mind about The Name of the Wind?” Me after watching video: “Well . . .” Great video, Mike! Much respect to you for explaining your take, and I appreciate the nuance you have here while explaining your pros and cons.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Ha ha I was quite proud of the reading excerpt. It damn near made ME want to read it again. But not quite.

[@SgtWicket]

“I repeatedly pursued a flakey love interest, I repeatedly fell behind on my student loans. I am Kvothe, this is my story.”

[@kingofthejungle2894]

Pretty much the entire book.

[@zakskiver]

“Name of the mid.” Might be my favorite thing I heard today lol

[@mikesbookreviews]

I'll be here all week.

[@invisiblewok4108]

"Complaining about student loans, in a fantasy setting"- Mike LOL, You are 100% correct. That being said I did love the book.

[@jessilynallendilla5014]

it's 400+ pages of tragic backstory where the plot went nowhere and the main character was a Gary Stu and you described it right beautifully written growing grass there's a reason this book was popular among college students and young adults because here's a character that can play a musical instrument he's a genius that can get out of any bad situation he can outsmart his professors especially the one that hates him he has a obnoxious rich bully girls throw themselves at him and watch him struggle to pay back his student loans but now most of that fan base has grown out of it it's framing is him recounting his life through vignettes but there's a good way of telling multiple shorts stories to world and character build see The Witcher then there's this

[@raymondcadette7708]

Unrelated but the comment made me realize why i hate the Harry Potter series. It's basically to the same thing except Harry is also rich and the series is for kids 😂

[@jessilynallendilla5014]

@@raymondcadette7708 I thought the series was ok could have been better written but what do you expect from the early 90-2000s though I only read it for the first time a few years ago so I missed the majority of the hype train phenomena ...didn't miss the twilight train though

[@truthjustice61]

You've nailed it for me. Every single point you make is a checkmark on my own list of likes and dislikes.

[@benwayman2478]

i like how you always encourage people to form their own opinions unlike some other channels that just feel like echo chambers

[@mikesbookreviews]

I'm glad that comes across.

[@hhoi8225]

It's crazy for me how fondly I think of book one and how much I look forward to rereading it while simultaneously feeling what can essentially be described as loathing toward the overall situation around the series.

[@angrygoat4944]

Thank you for this! You helped me with the, "am I the only one who feels this way" dilemma! Like you I picked up this book having heard SO much about it and I found it, well, boring. Didn't like Kvothe, can't even remember the names of other characters, and never finished the book. Will likely never try it again as there are so many other amazing works in the world to read. As others have said I really appreciate your honesty AND your openness to other's opinions. Long days and pleasant nights!

[@neiltaylor513]

Another hater here!

[@AJCCycling]

I would love to try this series for myself. I just can’t get over the fact that it probably won’t ever be finished.

[@defivisionary1178]

Still worth it..And I hate that the story is unfinished.

[@bunkkqc]

I tought the 3th book was going to be released this year ?

[@michelle1794]

​@@bunkkqcNope. Whatever dates you think you saw, they're fake.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Perfectly understandable.

[@jeff.smith907]

This is EXACTLY how I felt about this book. Glad I'm not the only one. Good stuff.

[@yremogtnomnad]

The Name of the Wind is my favorite book of all time, but I totally understand all the criticisms you gave. I personally LOVE Kvothe (I am a musician myself, and the very large section of the story that was basically "I'm a poor musician trying to pay for school" was very relatable), but I know that many readers do not and I don't blame them in the least. Since the story is completely centered around him, it makes sense that someone who doesn't like him wouldn't enjoy it.

[@jarltrippin]

The Name of the Wind made me realise the distinction between _story_ and _storytelling._ I've never liked the story that's being told, but the _way_ it's told is undeniably amazing and it really grabbed me back when I was 18. Now I've lost too much excitement for the series to ever reread it and I'm not even gonna read book 3 if it ever comes out. I'm way past over it to give a shit, and my tastes have changed since. Also, I don't usually have trouble separating art from the artist, but it gets harder to read once you realise Rothfuss is as much an obnoxious prick as Kvothe is. Book of the New Sun is the superior use of the unreliable narrator in fantasy. Severian is way more likeable (somehow) and infinitely more interesting.

[@nelisezpasce]

Can you explain that one to me? Reading the first paragraph of The Shadow of the Torturer and then going all the way to the end, on the last page, it mentions something about translating some words into contemporary language, so it's literally a book inside a book, as a framing device or whatever it's called?

[@jarltrippin]

@@nelisezpasce I find Book of the New Sun incredibly hard to talk about cohesively lmao, but here goes. Both Severian and the text itself are unreliable because of the themes Gene Wolfe likes to explore. Severian is an incredibly interesting character to me because after finishing the books I still don't really know who he is. I honestly can't tell you the first thing about him as a person. You're unsure how much of his story he's actually forgotten, or even if he's consciously hiding things from you, and you don't know how much his inconsistencies and strange use of language are because of him or because of the fact it's canonically a translation, which inherently can never capture the intent of the original text, no matter the translator's skill. _Everything_ is told through multiple distorted lenses and it's fascinating.

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

It’s my favorite book of all time. Something so cozy about it. So deep. So immersive. Yes I can read Kvothe watching paint dry. I have started Wheel of Time. Half way through book 2. Loving every second. I love slow paced books. Truly living in each moment. Excited to dive in further. Love your videos Mike!

[@castoffcrown]

Am I the only one who likes to hear dissenting opinions on super popular books, before or after I read them? Maybe I'm just old before my time but it makes me more likely to actually read a book. If *everything* I hear about a book is positive, I just become (prob. subconsciously) convinced it can never live up to the hype. You're the only booktuber I know of who isn't completely sold on this book. So, somewhat perversely, thanks, Mike for bumping this up my TBR just a little! 😆

[@guitearist]

I loved the first two books so much when I first read them. Years later I listened to the audiobooks and it kind of lost it's luster. I think I really just fell in love with the prose hearing it in my own mind. Hearing someone else perform it poorly exposed the flaws. That's just my two cents.

[@criddlegakes2650]

That might be something more to do with the narrator than the actual prose. Have you tried reading it again? I can't engage with audiobooks like I can compared to actually reading, and it's for the same reason I think.

[@EpicTastyPapple]

I guess it depends on who is reading it for me. Nick Phodel really brought the prose and characters to life for me. I don’t have a lot of time to sit down and read books, so I usually do audiobooks.

[@KevinWallbridge]

"If I don't like your characters, I don't care how good your writing is..." Yup I read this book long before I looked at Booktube and was surprised by the hype for it when I did. Kvothe reminds me of the character an emotionally needy player tries to bring into a D&D game. Maxed stats and always rolled natural 20s when it counts. It reeks of self insertion.

[@mikeprince6685]

Respect for Mike for keeping it real, I truly look forward to your notifications every day

[@chestermartini27]

I always appreciate your honesty Mike! This is the book that got me into adult fantasy and back into reading after a long hiatus. I reread it recently, and was able to see some things that were not perfect and I didn't like as much, but I still love the book. The things I love are the worldbuilding and prose, like you mentioned. I also love how there are so many mysteries sprinkled throughout. I get that some people would only enjoy that if they get the answers in later books, but I enjoy them even if we never get answers. I am willing to admit The Name of the Wind isn't a perfect book, but I still love it and think it's worth reading. It's totally fine for us to disagree though 🙂

[@andrewgarrett3834]

This perfectly articulated my feelings about this book. Love your channel. Thank you.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Thanks for watching!

[@ryan6d2]

This book got me into reading. Rothfuss' powerful prose showed me how beautiful writing could be. It actually took me a bit to enjoy other books. But, through some perseverance I started to enjoy other author's ways to write stories. This series may never be finished, but that's ok for me. It opened the world to so many other great stories.

[@dogman615]

It got me “back” into reading at a later age in life…and for that I am forever thankful.

[@JerodimusPrime]

I love the intro, Mike. Keep up the good work 👏

[@ColinsCornerYT]

Really great hearing your thoughts on this. It’s one that I would definitely like to read eventually but have been putting off. I’m not somehow that necessarily needs stuff to happen (not all the time.) I appreciate you always sharing your thoughts honestly and still recommending that people try stuff and form their own opinion. Thanks for a great video, Mike!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Thanks for watching it!

[@ravenbellebooks5665]

Wow, I feel like it's been such a long time since you've done an intro like that - they're always amazing! Also, character life stories/slice of life are my favorite parts too!

[@Paromita_M]

The opening was wonderful. Loved the artwork especially the one with Auri and Kvothe on the roof, it is one of my favourites. I love the book but totally understand you not vibing with it. At least you gave it a try! The writing is the highlight for me too. 🙏🏽

[@mikesbookreviews]

Thanks! I was quite proud of that reading excerpt.

[@KakashiHatake-ou7mp]

I always enjoy your epic intros!

[@MattBramer]

AHHH MIKE! Every new video means I have to buy a new book... haha, can't wait to read this one! Thanks for another great video.

[@MattBramer]

welp, I hadn't gotten to 10:00 yet.. lol

[@Fosterdid]

"The Name of the Mid" HAHA I love it. Man, I just went down a rabbit-hole looking into what the status was with this trilogy, and ohhhh boy is it ripe with drama lol. Rothfuss has squandered all the goodwill he developed amongst even his most ardent fans...he's borderline committed fraud with those Chapter Excerpt promises he made via Kickstarter, then has the gall to never even acknowledge said promises in the livestreams and AMAs he does....He's gone on Twitter and waxed thoroughly on his depression and anxiety, and of course that is to be taken seriously and with empathy, but man...these blunders he's done are just those of a naive but ambitious prodigy who just got in way over his head, and I have to echo the thoughts of many others when I say that it seems he wrote himself into a hole and has not actually even broken ground on book 3, nor will book 3 ever be released. Kinda tragic, the whole thing (if that isn't too hyperbolic :P) And then he announces a few months ago that he's got some Novella coming out "taking place in the same world", lol dang....I kinda feel bad for the guy, but his PR sense is non-existent....his own editor in 2014 had a quote saying she doesn't believe he's written a word of book 3 in the last 9 years or so LOL not a great look. I would love to be wrong, but I think Rothfuss' career was self-torpedoed. I hope he was more competent with his earnings, anyway----his books being optioned for a trilogy to be directed by Sam Raimi alone should have set himself up for a good while, but something tells me he'd trade it all to just get his head straight about all this and reverse this runaway train a few years...

[@brentasmith]

Why am I watching this knowing it will hurt me?

[@mikesbookreviews]

😂 I thought I was very fair.

[@Rhendali]

My exact thoughts as I clicked on it. Lulz

[@phoenixxmatrixx3769]

Oh my god same!!

[@missmaex3]

Its so fun and interesting to hear such differing opinions on books. Something that super worked for me was a flop for someone else. I've been literally angry about how much I hated a book, only to find out it was someone else's favorite😆 Personally, I looooved name of the wind. I felt so many things while reading it. It's also a little nostalgic because I read it during lockdown for the first time, as well as Way of Kings, which I also loved and is my favorite of the series☺️ (wanted to tackle some bigger books while I finally had time). I remember wanting to turn right around and re read NoTW immediately. I haven't re-read it yet but definitely plan to and am anxious to see if it is just as good the 2nd time around.

[@mikeizzo]

This series has been strongly recommended to me by several readers whose opinion I respect , and strongly discouraged by others whose opinion I respect. Loved the review, and looking forward to reading it on my own. Thanks!

[@Rhendali]

It’s so interesting to me how people can read the exact same book and have such wildly different interpretations of and feelings toward it. KKC will forever be my all time favorite series. I’ve read it a half dozen times and listened to the audiobooks more times than I can count. I adore Kvothe and Sim and Will and Fela and Bast and Devi and Auri. I have a painfully strong dislike for Denna. I’ve never seen Kvothe as perfect or infallible or even particularly unreliable and his story fascinates me.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Besides music, books might be the most subjective thing in the world. I'm happy that you love it!

[@andresguzman5216]

I have always felt Kvothe to be very Overpowered, but not even close to perfect or infallible. He's above most people in average. He's a high level dnd character, as you say (and I love dnd, so I really love so much detail put into the class that has the least amount of heroes). But his story *is* a story of failure. That's the point (imo) of the whole contrast of present Kvothe vs Kote.

[@georgethompson913]

​@@andresguzman5216well Rothfuss has to actually Write the failure. Otherwise its just Kvothe being a Gary stew for 2 books.

[@bigaldoesbooktube1097]

Always appreciate an honest review 🫡

[@dylanmeldrum6444]

I'm always confused when people say that they can't stand Kvothe because he's just always the smartest guy in the room or that he's the best at everything and does no wrong. Did I read the wrong book..? Because the Kvothe I read is regularly being beaten and humbled by others smarter and stronger than him

[@nam5478]

...just because that makes him looks better than the guys who beat him. If a character is getting beat and suffers a lot, it gains more sympathy from the readers.

[@MrPleers]

I,ve read the book (and the second one as well). And yes, Kvothe is a Gary Stu. Sure there are struggles (or else there would be no story). A master musician, and a talented magician while also being trained as a martial artist and becoming an expert lover after spending some time with the Felurian. It's a bit much.

[@unholyhairdo64]

I had to click on this. I personally really liked Kingkiller, however it was early in my fantasy reading addiction-but in hindsight I know why some people aren't crazy about it. Also, well done on your video about TV adaptions not being quite up to par. On another note I just re-read Jim Butcher's Aeronaught's Windlass. I needed a refresh considering a novella and the 2nd book is coming out soon......damn that book is fun as hell, underrated and you'll be giggling to yourself due to one of the POV's especially if you.....ah no spoilers. Keep up the good work!

[@mvprindle]

Strongly agree with Mike on this one.

[@mich7008]

You are right Mike, did NOT see this coming. I just finished a re read of the two books and it only increased my love for them. In fact I love the second book even more than the first now. In fact in made me see Denna in a completely different way and Kvothe is most certainly in my top 5 favorite characters!! I yearn for the Doors of Stone. Who knows if we’ll ever see it. Love your channel Mike and have been watching your Red Rising content as I make my way through that series.

[@darrow_andromeda915]

That’s the best title I’ve ever seen to describe this novel. Immediate jump in respect for your opinion and not being scared.

[@Twistedstar0320]

I just started this today, first chapter done and I thought it was great. I've been in a reading slump and can't get into anything I read, finishing a page and realize I have no idea what I just read. So, I gave this a chance and took in every word. I hope it keeps it up.

[@groseface1]

I agree with you for the most part, except I did not care at all about the side characters at the university. I thought the story was compelling and fast paced UNTIL he reached the university. It wasn't character count that got to me, it was the absolute lack of anything important happening. I think Scott Lynch, George R.R. Martin and even Steven Erikson has equally beautiful passages in their books. Rothfuss definitely has beautiful writing more often, but I'm a Brandon Sanderson fan too, who doesn't spend a single second worrying about prose. Action = interest for me. Doesn't have to be non-stop, but c'mon...something has to happen that moves the overall plot forward.

[@neiltaylor513]

This for me as well

[@tylerochello2679]

There is Noone else I respect their opinions when it comes to books. His shooting record for me is 100%. And I only get 1 credit a month. I will not be waisting it on this. My brother swears by it, but if Mike is telling me that the MAIN CHARACTER is annoying. I'm good, thanks for saving me a credit.

[@Rhendali]

You’re lucky to have found a book-tube/tok/gram that you agree with 100%. It’s my white whale. Seems like the people I like most I have the least overlap with (eg. Mike, Captured in Words, Elliot Brooks)

[@tylerochello2679]

@@Rhendali I am, and you gotta pick up a camera and become your favorite book tuber

[@Rhendali]

@@tylerochello2679 I REALLY wish I had the courage too but I just don't. I have so much to say about everything I read but none of my friends/family read (or at least not the same genre) and, as previously stated, almost no book-tubers/tokkers/grammers align with my thoughts.

[@jrtween4120]

Hi Mike, I am a big fan of you, this is by far the best booktube channel!❤ Personally, I love Kingkiller Chronicles, but I absolutely understand your opinion, especially about Kvothe) Just wanted to say that I can’t wait for you to make the review on the whole series and I think that you’ll enjoy the second book way more!😊 Hopefully Patrick Rothfuss will bless us with the Doors of stone one day🙏🏼🙌🏻

[@monagorgan7288]

I did really enjoy the book.Your video reminded me to re-read it.(some day)

[@mrsduncanthetall]

Thats so funny😂 i was just replying to insta. You are right i didnt see a video coming

[@sandy23stories40]

Great video Mike, I have the Name of the Wind pending to read 😅 hopefully I like it

[@mikesbookreviews]

I hope so too!

[@tkdchet]

I enjoyed the book. I enjoyed your review. It is totally possible to do both. Keep doing what you do.

[@noparkingtuesday4283]

I agree with everything you've said, pretty much. I liked these books a lot more when I was younger. Since it was one of my first modern fantasy books, it was really easy to think they were the best thing ever written. His technical skills as a writer and world builder were really effective in distracting me from the more insufferable qualities you've mentioned. Though, the second book was noticeably more painful to get through, even back then. I'll try to read the third book if it ever comes out, but I'm not going to hold my breath.

[@ianfrye7900]

A friend recommended this book to me a few years ago and, for the life of me, I could not understand what he liked about it. When he recommended it, he said it was a page turner. I suppose it kept me reading but I was not totally enthralled by it in the way that I have been with other books. The narrator being a bar owner who reminisces about his past as a wizard was a cool idea but nothing else about the world really captured me. The prose may be better than your typical modern fantasy book, but if good prose is what you’re looking for, there are plenty of better books for that, albeit not many in the fantasy genre. Still trying to wrap my head around why it made such an impact. I understand that, for some people, they just read it at the right time, but for me, it presented a mundane world with arrogant and unlikeable characters, and a less than satisfactory conclusion.

[@ianfrye7900]

Also, definitely not a contrarian. I will reread this one day and I hope to have a different opinion. I would love to hop on the hype train!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Ha ha I can't think of a book I'd call a page-turner less.

[@ianfrye7900]

@@mikesbookreviews exactly! I can’t think of a fantasy book I’ve read in the last five years that was more of a snoozer. The worst part is, this same friend doesn’t like Tolkien because he says “he’s too descriptive.” Not sure I’ll be taking anymore book recommendations from him lol

[@safinan8008]

Hi 👋 this book for me was a great read. Happy reading to you! 🎉

[@matthewwoolley4131]

As someone who does love the book and series, I totally get why it’s polarizing and does not click with a lot of people. So much rides or dies on liking Kvothe, and he’s undoubtedly a hard character to like. The only slight thing I’ll disagree on though is the Mary Sue comment (which is a very common take), simply because the majority of Kvothes problems and struggles are brought on by his own ignorance or ego. Is he always the smartest guy in the room? No, but he almost certainly is the most arrogant. So i think he rubs readers the wrong way not because he’s actually perfect, but because he often “acts” like he’s perfect. Whether that makes him more enjoyable to read is totally subjective though. For me at least it’s like waiting for a bomb to go off. The framing story tells us it’s all gonna come crashing down on Kvothe eventually, it’s just a matter of how and when, and I personally find the whole unfolding disaster fascinating.

[@MuleFace100]

I finally got around to reading this a few weeks ago & had a very similar reaction to it as you did. I'm glad I read it, but have no plans to read the sequel.

[@kflott]

I read NoTW when I was a lot newer to fantasy. I enjoyed the world/lore, and the magic system really worked for me... but yeah, not enough happens and book 2 was a bigger let down. It feels like the whole series thus far could serve as a prologue for the real story that may or may not ever get published.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I truly do hope he finishes book 3 just to see where I stand on book 2. The opinions on it are all over the place.

[@neiltaylor513]

@@mikesbookreviewsthe magic system just comes from a combination of ‘Earthsea’ and ‘The master of the five magics’, it’s annoying when people go onabout it when it is just a complete rip off

[@HandlesAreStupid2024]

I 100% agree with Mike's title and it is still in my top 5 fantasy books. I absolutely adore his writing style and am so mad we're never going to see a satisfactory conclusion to this series.

[@bparsons1987]

Awesome Intro!!!

[@IamDeftly]

The main thing I think you're wrong on is the part where you said Kvothe never does anything wrong in a sort of Mary Sue way (even though you don't call him that). I personally don't see how that was a takeaway because there are numerous instances where Kvothe messes up and does something wrong. During his early childhood years Abenthy says "You're clever, but you can also be thoughtless. A clever, thoughtless person is one of the most terrifying things there is. Worst is I've been teaching you very dangerous things." The rest of the book goes on to show how clever he is, but also thoughtless and where he fails, messes up or struggles to survive. He nearly kills himself as a kid when he binds the air in his lungs to the air around him. The incident with the whipping where he drugs himself and later gets banned from the library. The entire framestory and how Kvothe is presented is a pretty big tell that the story he tells leads to tragedy and massive failure. One of the biggest clues of this impending failure comes after the fire at the Artificery (chapter 67), Kilvin asks Kvothe "Do you know the saying "Chan Vaen edan Kote?" and explains "Expect disaster every seven years." Kote is also the name Kvothe goes by in the framestory as the inkeeper. He's calling himself disaster. Bast even alludes to and points out the differences in Kvothe when he talks about the mask that Kvothe wears and how he's no longer the person he used to be. There's a noticeable juxtaposition with Kvothe as a hotheaded kid and who he is now, a broken man who is waiting to die. The waiting to die part comes from the prologue in the very last line "the cut-flower sound of a man who is waiting to die." I understand not liking him, that's completely fair. I also didn't like him initially. I can't agree with him being a Mary Sue or never doing anything wrong and no messing up when the story is laying out to you how despite being so smart and clever, he's consistently doing something that backfires on him. All leading up to where he is in the present, where he takes responsibility for the world being in the state that is it is and how it's his fault.

[@Rhendali]

So much THIS. It’s one of the biggest issues I have with all the critiques of the series. Everyone talks about how perfect he is and how great he is at everything but he is constantly making stupid mistakes with large repercussions.

[@dragonreborn0806]

what an intro Mike!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Gracias!

[@anna_rn]

The Name of the Wind will always have a special place in my heart. Probably because of the year it came out and what was going on in my life then. One of the reasons I’ve been a constant watcher of your channel for the past 2 years is because your reviews are always fair, even when you don’t like a book. I can see how to the more plot-driven readers, TNOTW might be slow and underwhelming, but I loved being immersed in that world.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Yep, I totally know that it's a Me thing. Too many folks I respect love it to bits.

[@FabianThomas35]

🤦🏾‍♂️ Oh Mike… I love your channel and I rock with you all the way but how you gonna do one of my favorite books of all time like that! Oh the subjectiveness of books! 😂 I appreciate your opinion, as always pal! 👊🏾

[@asfaloth12]

Thanks for sharing your review! I am one of the fantasy fans who adored this book upon reading it years ago, and I hope to re-read it at some point. I've read mixed reviews about Wise Man's Fear, but I still want to try it. It's just a damn shame that Rothfuss has not completed the series. I completely agree that his prose is beautiful. I'm sorry that you did not have a better experience with this book, but the world would be boring if we all liked the same things ( I admit, despite my love for the book, "Name of the Mid" gave me a chuckle").

[@mordaeu1411]

I might be one of the few who hasn't heard of this book. (Granted I'm just coming back to reading within the last couple years, I'm way behind.) And your review made me curious, definitely adding it to my TBR!!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@nilyenth]

Well done and nicely balanced review. This book got me back into reading after a very long time so for that I love it. I can definitely see the flaws now though

[@pherranine]

i did not expect this one mike lol

[@Christian-ut2sp]

This is a perfect description of Wheel of Time (except for the good prose), not the Name of the Wind

[@lightningtiger7721]

What an incredibly fair and balanced review.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Always what I go for. Thanks!

[@michaeltorres2666]

This book holds a special place in my heart because it's the last fantasy book my older brother recommended to me to read. I found it to be an amazing book at the time that I finally read it a couple years ago but the criticisms you have of it are valid. It's hard to relate to a character who's seemingly good at everything they do because in reality not everyone is good at everything they try. Part of the human experience is failing and learning from it but kvothe doesn't seem to really learn anything because of his lack of failing. My brother was very excited for book three years ago but sadly he has passed away since then, I'm holding out hope that rothfuss will finish the series so that I can read it for my brother, in his honor ya know. I won't read the wise man's fear until book three has a release date someday. Thank you for giving it an honest review, I often think that my brother would have loved your channel Mike.

[@TheMrNukeman]

❤

[@dannysandoval5467]

Condolences. I’m sure he’ll be up there smiling with you as you flip the first page over (when it comes out) :) 🙏🏼

[@dphunk87]

Mike you and I agree on this. I read NoTW and WMF in 2018 and questioned my sanity for really liking it, but not feeling like it met the hype and I was relieved in the past when I heard you share similar sentiments.

[@totallysick88able]

I thought book one was good but book two made me obsessed. For me it’s the writing. When I read, it almost doesn’t matter what it is as long as it’s written beautifully.

[@AzenHawke1995]

Oh yeah, I didn't see this coming😂

[@lucasbertsche3710]

I discovered this channel through that Unpopular Opinion: Name of the Wind video (I really enjoyed the book), yet somehow I still stuck around all this time later lol

[@mikesbookreviews]

🍻

[@MichaelRSchultheiss]

I read Name of the Wind and The Wise Man's Fear, and my perception is that the latter book answered very few--indeed, hardly any--of the questions posed by the first. Granted, it's been over a decade since I read them.

[@spencerl.754]

Nice review Mike i loved the writing but got bored and dnf around p600 do want to give it another try eventually

[@Straja809]

My recommendation on reading this, once book three comes out, re-read the story from the start, the beauty of these books are the a-ha moments that you don't get on the first read, can't understand stuff like "not tally a lot less" etc since that is the info you get in book two. That is what pushed this book to the top for me, most fantasy books are really not that enjoyable on a re-read.

[@georgethompson913]

This is the half life 3 of books.

[@willp2877]

If you're looking for beautifully written prose where the story actually goes somewhere set in a fantasy setting: any Guy Gavriel Kay standalone novel. Tigana is an excellent starting point.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Hoping to read that one next year.

[@ArchlordZer0]

After hearing the hype about these books, I was so excited to read them and really wanted to like them. Ultimately, I hated it so much I almost DNF on it. To me it was basically a watered down Harry Potter with one of the most unlikeable protagonists I have read and a painfully toxic romance. Yeah, the prose are nice, but that's not enough to make it a good book, in my opinion. That's like saying a bad movie has good cinematography. The sad part is that it had a strong beginning and really got me invested in the story with the Chandrian, only for it to essentially become a filler melodrama for the next 500 pages following a Gary Sue. Like, the prologue and the early chapters promised so much with the Chandrian, Kvothe legendary status, the killing of a king, etc. and yet we haven't got anything that resembles that in the books. I know people hate on the fairy realm section of the 2nd book, but the Cthaeh was at least one of the most interesting parts of the books.

[@ianmartinezcassmeyer]

"You might be left with blue balls on some of these mysteries." 😂😂😂😂😂

[@windblownleaf6450]

I know you've heard this before, but Kvothe *is* a storyteller, born and raised. He plays up his own achievements immensely because his ego is enormous, but if you actually pay attention (not dissing you, just sayin' I've reread this book probably five times. don't expect others to put that much effort into one book) you see he isn't actually that amazing. He's talented sure, but he's not really the best at anything he does, is he? Devi is a better sympathist, Elodin is a better namer, his friends are more personable and likable, etc. Even thinking of for example where he accidentally calls the name of the wind and injures ambrose, he gets away with it because it used to be so common the university made a rule for it. And while his music is good, when you hear about what he's famous for, it isn't really for his music, but all the shit he pulled. His taste in women is also terrible, I never liked Denna even when I first read it, didn't like Felurian and him getting with all the Adem girls was never something I admired him for, nor was I impressed by him so easily adopting their promiscuous philosophy. And when I read this for the first time, I was a fifteen year old boy...

[@ReyExtremeCinema]

Have you ever narrated a book? I love your intros when you do that.

[@NecroCryx]

I’ve been wanting to read this with excitement. Still do….

[@mikesbookreviews]

I hope you like it!

[@Lucky-zm5bu]

This is the only thing literature wise that we disagree on. You are my favorite booktuber and our opinions line up except on this. I really wish you would give it another read and read book 2. When I finished Dance with Dragons I picked up two books to try and fill the void…The Blade Itself and Name of the Wind. Behind LotR and ASOIAF they are my favorite two fantasy worlds. As always thank you for the amazing content!!

[@Ulmo90]

Enjoyed the Name of the Wind, but I still have the second book on my shelf and haven't picked it up. Perhaps I reread the first and read the second once book 3 is announced

[@clarkkentnaruto4322]

Hi there Mike. Like you, I too need a character to latch onto when I listen or read a story. I could not get into Kwove at all. I did enjoy the life story aspeec of this book, but since then, I have found a few others that were done much better. I had no idea that I was going to fall in love with life stories, until I listened to the Midnight Rose and the Italian Girl by Lucinda Riley. If you have not read those yet, you really should. I did give the second book in that series a try, but I was so bored, that I had to DNF it. Thanks for this review, it was interesting. I like hearing what you have to say. On a side note, this past Saturday, I finished listening to the Final Empire Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson. This is my second re-listen and it was great. I picked up more tan I did the first time. Also, during the weekend, I started reading while listening to Ruination the Leaue of Legends book by Anthony Reynolds. So far, I am hooked. The audiobook was performed with a full cast, which has been incredibly entertaining. The story and characters are doing a great job of sucking me in. As for Mistborn, I love being with the crew, Vin and Ellend the best. They are awesome. Anyway, I am going to start listening to the Well of Ascension in September and then I will be listening to the hero of ages, for the first time, in October.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I'll look it up! Thanks for the rec.

[@spilchsaysstuff1427]

I love The Name of the Wind. It invoked a world so rich and beautiful I couldn't stop reading. I remember the scene Kvothe was playing in the bar Eolian, and I was reading by candlelight, and I fell straight in. But the Wise Man's Fear. I struggled to finish. I wanted more chapters of Kvothe and Bast at the Waystone Inn. I wanted less travelling. I never fell in completely.

[@artistasanders8386]

Like your shirt :)

[@mikesbookreviews]

To each generation a Slayer is born.

[@21nickik]

The stroy is slow and partly hidden, but that's part of the charme. Its not just a straight heros journey, a revenge plot, real live actually matters and how to pay loans back. But from there if you pay attention there is a lot more going on then it seems. And the way Rothfuss writes, there are a lot of details that give hints about the larger story. And when reading Book 2 part of those will be understood better. Its no so much a heroes journey as it is a detective story. Also I just don't get people say Khove gets everything right, when he has so many clear negative traits that fuck up his live all the time.

[@georgethompson913]

The Name of the Wind is babies first 'adult fantasy', a power trip for horny teenagers with enough prose to hide it and a mystery box to make it look deeper. Most of the people who adore it (like my little brother) are those who just got into fantasy. Then nostalgia does the rest of the work.

[@corycastleman6351]

I used to volunteer at a bookstore and my boss recently suggested this book after I asked for recommendations after falling into a reading rut after finishing the Harry Potter series.

[@fromheaventoearth5779]

It's one of those books I have NEVER been able to 'get'. Ordered it years ago and still unable to finish it.

[@ifeanyiagulefo6329]

I do want to defend Kvothe a little. I understand the criticism he has received over the years. Some of it is spot on. But, I feel like people overlook a couple things about him that were made clear when you've read both books, which I won't spoil anything in A Wise Man's Fear. Although it has been a while since I read both, I'll try to explain as best I can. He didn't come from money or prestige, that he knows of. He was Edema Ruh. His upbringing was much different than those who attended the academy. Certain things that others might have neglected or taken for granted, his troupe did not. All the obvious cliches of hardships exist due to them basically having nothing. The way he saw others and the way he looked at the world was much different because of that. And that was even before he was on the streets of Tarbean. Even more so, his awareness of how the world saw his people, and what they would think of him if they knew what he was, plays a major part in the decisions he makes, why he is determined to be better than everyone else, and why he goes to great lengths to avoid looking weak. Which is also a detriment in many ways that people do not highlight. His drive, confidence, and intelligence are all derived from being overly obsessed, impulsive, heedless, and having tunnel vision, which are flaws. Not saying he isn't a Mary Sue, but usually most of the characters in books like the Mary Sue character. Kvothe isn't necessarily liked by everyone. I feel like he is constantly in a state of " I must prove I am the best" because of the stigma attached to his culture and the disadvantage he knows he will face because of it. A perpetual determination to show that I belong here just as much as people like Ambrose, who is basically living off his family's name. And yes, finances mean everything! Especially when you don't come from money or at least have some foundation of stability! His doing everything right or being smarter than everyone is obviously a turn-off to people. But, the second book shows that it does not matter how much you know, how clever you are, or what you do for others. Sometimes, you can be perfect and still be cast out because you don't come from the right corners of the world or have the right pedigree. "We may tolerate you in private but never accept or celebrate you in public" is how I see that. And Kvothe knows this. It's why he never speaks of his background. Also, something else happens in the second book that shows just how much he is aware of the false stereotypes and underserved stigmas attached to him and his people. Won't spoil that either!! But I feel like that everlasting need to prove himself and his worth, almost in a representation of his entire Edema Ruh community, is one of the very things that make him an undeserving Mary Sue, but will also be his undoing. Because he doesn't know when to push stop. All he knows is go. Be first! Be right! Be worthy! And that's an unhealthy and dangerous way to live. A lot of greatness in the world comes from different places. I know you are a sports fan, Mike. Remember Chris Johnson who played RB for the Titans. He talked about a high school teammate that was much better than he was. Just didn't get the opportunity because of certain circumstances. Athletes always tell stories about teammates who were so much better than they were but did not have the same opportunities for whatever reasons. I look at Kvothe like that. He is the rare talent that was found that otherwise wouldn't have gotten a chance, who just so happens to be driven by his parent's murder and the unfair perception of the outside world.

[@Greatermaxim]

It sounds like the perfect book for me. I get the character interactions correct yet some people have a hard time placing them. A great read on how to build a world. This will help me perfect mine for someone like me.

[@kingofhearts642]

Despite having several big criticims of the first book on a more objective level, I still found myself invested in and enjoying it quite a bit. Enough so that my overall feeling on the book is positive, even if the issues were very apparent even as I was reading it. But the second book kind of 'undid' that good will I had for the series by having less of what I think worked in the first book's favor and 'doubling down' on the problems it had.

[@briandawley7808]

You nailed it with saying that Name of the Wind is all about worldbuilding and prose, not so much about character and plot. I'm mostly into character and worldbuilding, though prose like this I can inhale. I personally find Kvothe to be a fascinating character. I think it's a bit funny (though understandable if you haven't read WMF) to like Denna and dislike Kvothe. Spoiler alert: they're basically the same character in so many ways. But yeah, the story is all about Kvothe, the other characters aren't all that fleshed out (on my first few reads, I would've struggled to tell you any meaningful difference between Kvothe's two best friends). Anyway, great review from a viewpoint I don't happen to share but I 100% respect.

[@darrow74]

This intro goes crazy.

[@richeleortiz5181]

I love your channel because you seem to love all the same books I do so when you recommend books I know their worth reading. But.... I do have to disagree with you on this one. I loved this book! One of my favorites. Just like Martins books though, I would have loved them more if they had continued the series in a somewhat timely matter.

[@beccamayy90]

I woke up and couldn't believe it! Mike reviewed Name of the Wind?! Haha! I definitely see how you found Kvothe insufferable and that can absolutely ruin a book. (*cough* Rin and the Poppy War 🙄...*cough*) I found Kvothe so cocky it was hilarious to me. Don't get me wrong, I loved this book, but I agree that if you can't relate to the main character it's a tough read. I'm also not a fan of the romance between he and Denna! It is a slow book but it painted such a vivid picture, I couldn't help but enjoy it. I'll never be able to read it again without thinking of him whining about student loans 😂 Thanks for another honest, no bullshit, review!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Thanks for watching it!

[@wolfborn3973]

I'm yet to read it. Bought both books around the time the pandemic hit, haven't gotten to them yet. Hopefully I get to read them this year, if not I'll make it a priority to try at least the first book next year along with Elantris (haven't read anything from Sanderson yet - yes, I know, I know...)

[@ktsheppard16]

Totally agree with you! I like Name of the Wind when I first read it, but all of its flaws were so magnified in the Wise Man's Fear that I was out completely. Kvothe just felt like a made up "coolest dude ever" who never learned anything from his mistakes.

[@redviper3090]

I've never dared to read the Name of the Wind because it's already too painful to wait for the Winds of Winter. So I'm mostly picking up finished series now. Have you ever read or thought about reading the Book of the New Sun by Gene Wolfe? That was an amazing experience for me, and I'd love to hear your thoughts on it. Great channel!