The Kingkiller Chronicle: Day One The Kingkiller Chronicle #1
Paperback, 662 pages
English language
Published Oct. 16, 2011 by Gollancz.
My name is Kvothe.
I have stolen princesses back from sleeping barrow kings. I burned down the town of Trebon. I have spent the night with Felurian and left with both my sanity and my life. I was expelled from the University at a younger age than most people are allowed in. I tread paths by moonlight that others fear to speak of during day. I have talked to Gods, loved women, and written songs that make the minstrels weep.
You may have heard of me.
So begins a tale unequaled in fantasy literature—the story of a hero told in his own voice. It is a tale of sorrow, a tale of survival, a tale of one man’s search for meaning in his universe, and how that search, and the indomitable will that drove it, gave birth to a legend.
--back cover
Well written, funny sometimes, like someone telling a story at a fireplace. Felt cozy to me.
Contains a few not-so-constructive patterns (like "I need to make my heart of stone to control emotions"), but for me it was Ok, definitely better than in "Consider Phlebas".
I don't usually read much fantasy, but I enjoyed this. The analog to Harry Potter comes from the first book focusing on the main character studies in magic.
I will admit that the writing is pretty good. Every word is chosen wisely and the writing is cohesive. However, a quite interesting story is overshadowed by the most boring plot ever read in a fantasy book. People read fantasy books, because they want smth supernatural, beyond reality and typical human flaws. Here, the character is simple very intelligent. Not the chosen one. Kvothe does not fight any powerful evil character. Also, no action at all. Some harry potter tricks every now and then. This book ends up with a lot of romance and a small piece of fantasy. I am just wondering how it is so overrated. Maybe it is a nice story for teen girls who liked petty, teen magician stories. But surely not an impressive debut, especially in this genre.
I will admit that the writing is pretty good. Every word is chosen wisely and the writing is cohesive. However, a quite interesting story is overshadowed by the most boring plot ever read in a fantasy book. People read fantasy books, because they want smth supernatural, beyond reality and typical human flaws. Here, the character is simple very intelligent. Not the chosen one. Kvothe does not fight any powerful evil character. Also, no action at all. Some harry potter tricks every now and then. This book ends up with a lot of romance and a small piece of fantasy. I am just wondering how it is so overrated. Maybe it is a nice story for teen girls who liked petty, teen magician stories. But surely not an impressive debut, especially in this genre.
Good book. One of the better stories I've read in a while. Suffers from being the first major work of the author. Reminds me of someone putting his GURPS character into a novel. I would recommend the book to anyone who enjoys Fantasy or Sci-fi. I look forward to see what he is writing a decade from now
