I don’t usually review stuff here on the site… and I’m not really considering this a “review”, per se – more of a “Hey, lookit this!” Which is probably the same thing, but whatever.
So, a month or so ago, I get an e-mail from a fan telling me he just wrote a book, and asked if I’d like to check it out. Now, I’m not one to turn down free stuff, and I dig books, so I said sure. A week later, the book got in, and was promptly set aside and ignored for a few weeks – I had just gotten done with my externship, and had little to no time for reading. Finally, a few weeks ago, I got the time – I was going to be on a 6-hour flight to North Carolina, after all. Turns out, that was hardly enough time.
The author was Partick Rothfuss, and the book was “The Name of the Wind”. I was completely unprepared for how engrossing this book was. I had to keep reminding myself, “This is his first book. His FIRST. BOOK.” Not because I felt I had to cut him slack for it being his first book… but because it is, beyond a shadow of a doubt, one of the best fantasy novels I have ever read. Not THE best… but it’s up there.
Now, I know – I’m guilty of reading Terry Goodkind. I fully admit that. But I’ve ALSO read Steven Brust, George R.R. Martin, and Roger Zelazny. It’s fair to say, I’ve read a lot of really, really good fantasy. “The Name of the Wind” is up there. The book is a recounting of the life of the main character, a man who, at the time of its telling, has grown in reputation to be one of the most infamous characters of all time, and who is presumed dead. Through his firsthand story, you learn the truth behind the man, and find out where the rumors got started.
I am of course simplifying it greatly, but it stands as a greatly realized world, and kept me enthralled the whole way through. Now, it’s safe to say I am the fan in this equation. Thusly, I feel it is my civic duty to share it with you guys. Do yourself a favor and pick up “The Name of the Wind” as soon as you can – and brace yourself, because it’s only one of three – and the other two aren’t out yet. :)