We’ve all heard of the Harry Potter series. The billion dollar franchise literally took the world by storm, having fans whose age ranges from teenagers to middle aged men and women. We’ve heard of the LOTR trilogy, which is another blockbuster franchise, whose novels and movies are equally captivating. We’ve all heard of GOT, like come on, who hasn’t. The TV series is probably the most critically acclaimed show to be aired in recent time and is just another example of a book, which became a blockbuster.
All these stories have something huge in common. Magic. That’s right, each of these novels are set in their very own universe and have their very own set of magical beasts and monsters. Not only are these novels beautifully written, they have the ability to Whisk the reader away into a whole new world, a world where the impossible comes true.
Recently I had the pleasure of stumbling across such another novel, a novel which stands apart from its competition. “The Name of the Wind” written by Patrick Rothfuss, is a fantasy novel and the first book in a series called the ‘Kingkiller Chronicle’. The book follows the protagonist, Kvothe, as he recalls his adventures and narrates his life’s tales to the Chronicler. The book is divided into 2 timelines. One is the present, where our protagonist, Kvothe, under the alias of Kote, acts as an innkeeper. And the other one is in Kvothe’s past, and is narrated by himself. The novel is set in its very own universe and has its fair share of mythical beasts and monsters. In hindsight, this book could be described as an autobiography of Kvothe.
Patrick Rothfuss has done a brilliant job with this book. Not only has he tried something new, but he has presented the story in such a way that it will surely leave the reader on the edge of their seats. Although it’s named as the Kingkiller Chronicle, we are given no clue as to why Kvothe is known as the Kingkiller or which is the king that Kvothe eventually ends up killing. All throughout the novel we are given small hints and clues about the upcoming adventures of Kvothe. This has helped the author set the stage for the remainder of the books in the series.
I’ll admit that at first I was reluctant about reading this novel. But, was I wrong. This novel has completely and utterly surprised me. Everything about this novel, all the way from the protagonist’s history, to the more academic use of magic, everything is beautifully written and articulately explained. All those who love fantasy and science fiction, or a have liking for medical history and stories of such sort, I highly recommend that go to your nearest bookstore and grab this book, for you will not regret reading this novel.
RATING: 8.5/10
