Tina's Reading Books

I had seen so many people both on and off line that have praised this book that I felt that it could not possibly live up to the hype.

I was wrong.

This book was excellent. Not just the story which was incredibly engaging and a real page turner, but also the writing.

The writing. Exquisite.

I've heard this author and book compared to George R R Martin and Robert Jordan. Don't get me wrong, I love those two authors. But this book and this writing is nothing like theirs, imo.

I think of GRRM and RJ as writing fantasy books that are pure meat and potatoes. They tell a ripping story, with characters you can root for and the next book you can't wait for. They set good scenes and give you those 'Hell's yeah!' moments that makes reading good sword and sorcery fantasy worthwhile. Their books are comfortable and rib sticking like a good baked mac & cheese or a giant sirloin steak. Salt of the earth stuff.

This book is different. Rothfuss' writing is incredibly evocative. I wallowed in his words and pictures. He was almost poetic at times creating vivid scenes and emotional moments with such a clever turn of phrase. This is someone who really uses words very well. So no, not meat and potatoes. But rather that almost too pretty to eat, sinfully rich meal at that new restaurant you've always wanted to try. Not comfort food at all but something that makes you close your eyes and sigh in pleasure right after taking that very first bite.

Truthfully my reaction while reading this book was close to my reaction while reading The Lies of Locke Lamora. I was transported to someplace new and different by an author who made me sit up and take notice (in keeping with my theme here, if I had to compare Lock Lamora to food it would be like when I first tried Tiramisu. Just Delightful!).

I am beyond stoked that the second book is coming out soon and I am so pleased that i discovered both Rothfuss and Kvothe, a new character to add to my pantheon of favorites.

Excellent book. Highly recommended.