The first novel in The Kingkiller Chronicles and the debut book for author Patrick Rothfuss, The Name of the Wind is filled to overflowing with powerful prose and deep character development. You start with the legendary hero Kvothe, a man who has rescued princesses, burned down towns, talked to gods, written infamous songs, loved and lost, and you learn the story about how he became such a hero through his own voice. Patrick Rothfuss received critical acclaim for The Name of the Wind, and its sequel The Wise Man’s Fear, but it has been over a decade since the last book in the trilogy was published and little is known about the status of the third, which is something to be aware of going into the novel.
Opening Line: It was night again. The Waystone Inn lay in silence, and it was a silence of three parts.
Favorite Line: My hand danced, then ran, then blurred across the strings as I fought to keep the lute’s two voices singing with my own.
Why I Like It: Rothfuss is a master of translating complicated emotions into poetic verse. His characterization of Kvothe is some of the best simple development of a protagonist I have ever seen.
Read If You Like: Epic fantasy series, The Way of Kings, The Assassin’s Apprentice, The Blade Itself.