Josh
This was a fascinating read and the execution I thought was impressive. A story within a story certainly isn't unique, but I thought it was used really well. Following Kvothe as he recounts the events of his own life creates an interesting tension between the myth and the flawed young man we actually meet. It also adds in a layer of unreliable narrator, how much can we really believe Kvothe's words.
Worldbuilding is great and the magic system has enough internal logic to it that it can feel more like Science then simply casting spells. It's still mysterious enough though to feel like magic with naming and things of that nature. I thought the characters were all rather well done to. Nuanced, believable, flawed, and rarely fit into simple archetypes.
I wouldn't say I admired the characters and I'm not even sure I like Kvothe or Denna as people really, but I can understand them. They make questionable decisions, hold onto unhealthy habits, and repeatedly get in their own way. It's those flaws though that make them compelling and feel authentic.
The only complaint I suppose I have is that the latter part of the book did feel a bit on the slow side, but overall I found myself consistently engaged, enjoying the time in the world and with the characters. 5 talents out of 5.
This was a fascinating read and the execution I thought was impressive. A story within a story certainly isn't unique, but I thought it was used really well. Following Kvothe as he recounts the events of his own life creates an interesting tension between the myth and the flawed young man we actually meet. It also adds in a layer of unreliable narrator, how much can we really believe Kvothe's words.
Worldbuilding is great and the magic system has enough internal logic to it that it can feel more like Science then simply casting spells. It's still mysterious enough though to feel like magic with naming and things of that nature. I thought the characters were all rather well done to. Nuanced, believable, flawed, and rarely fit into simple archetypes.
I wouldn't say I admired the characters and I'm not even sure I like Kvothe or Denna as people really, but I can understand them. They make questionable decisions, hold onto unhealthy habits, and repeatedly get in their own way. It's those flaws though that make them compelling and feel authentic.
The only complaint I suppose I have is that the latter part of the book did feel a bit on the slow side, but overall I found myself consistently engaged, enjoying the time in the world and with the characters. 5 talents out of 5.