Patrick Rothfuss - The Name of the Wind

The Name of the Wind
Like many other books, the blurb was what made me interested. Never did I know how much the blurb actually meant until I read the superb novel.
                    To begin the book, it is written in third person. Rothfuss' style of writing is very deep and meaningful - what I love are the wonderful metaphors used - hence it was difficult for me to understand what each paragraph meant. Therefore reading the book became a long and tedious process. However, I admired the style of writing so I pressed on and read page after page. After I had becomes accustomed to the style of the book, the pages couldn't turn any faster and neither could my eyes read quicker.
                    Within the novel, there are many, many characters but all of them are presented in such a way that their characteristics are all clearly distinguished and valued. Of course, I love the protagonist ad whoever Rothfuss wanted the reader to love. The personalities are varied to bring out different sides to other characters. At different places, different people are described accordingly and they enhance our understanding of the culture within the fictional world.
                    The plot... Oh, the plot. Here I am, attempting to articulate thoughts and feelings into words. The plot is absolutely amazing. It is not how the book does not tell the story that is impressive, but how the book presents the story to be told. (Those who have read it will understand.)
                    The book begins in the present in a world we know only in our imaginations. It had felt like a lifetime until the present protagonist began to tell his story in the past and in his voice. As he tells his story from when he was a little boy, it would snap back to the present. Initially, I was not interested in the present state of the protagonist, yet as the past version of him developed and progressed as a person, I struggled to comprehend how he ended up in his present life style. I yearned for the past him to be in the present him.
                    In contrast to most books, the blurb of this novel wasn't just to get potential readers interested (which it achieved well), but to keep us on the edge. As the plot built up tension and predictions were being made, I constantly referred back to the blurb for a better idea to what the next step of the story was. At the end, it only confirmed how much left of the story was to be told through additional books.
                    From the beginning, the reader was cleverly being manipulated by Rothfuss. As the tension built and the feelings of the protagonist climaxed, so did mine. Basically, the novel is set in just a way of the or present time, yet it held so much.
                    The beginning of the novel and the ending was based around the same metaphor with some alterations. It makes us think how at the beginning, we knew nothing of the life of this man named Kvothe yet at the end when the beginning is repeated, we realise the depth and change of the story and the effects it has made on us.
                    There is a sequel to this and I plan to definitely read it. I cannot wait to get my hands on it!

My Overall Rate: 4.8/5
(Personal Rate: 4.999/5)

Extra bonus! The blurb:

'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.

My name is Kvothe. You may have heard of me'

^ A simple quotation from the actual novel! When you get the book, ignore the reviews - they're all complete understatements.

I can genuinely say that it is one of the best books I have ever read.

Will Hill - Department 19

Department 19
Initially, the blurb had really attracted me to read it for it held a certain element of mystery and darkness. Upon reading the book, I found it to be written in a style that suited the teenage protagonist well. However, since it was written in the third person, the descriptions weren't as well presented as other books. On the other hand, I found the structure of the chapters clever as it altered between the past and the present and at the end of each chapter I'd want to know what happens in the two after it.
                    Furthermore, the plot is interesting as it built up to the climax well and gave hints throughout in regards to the key puzzle of the story. Also, the descriptions of the action-packed scenes are quite graphic, but it adds to the tense element. However, many deaths and losses were included, yet they weren't as dramatic or impacting as they could have been. In fact, some were anti-climaxes (if that's a word). I found that a shame because the plot was ingenious and the graphic descriptions would had otherwise made a huge emotional impact on me.
                    In my opinion, the book's target readers are probably supposed to be teenage boys, therefore the lack of sentimental reference may only be ineffective to me. Anyhow, I plan to read the sequel - Department 19: The Rising - if I can get my hands upon it.

My Overall Rate: 2/5