I just finished reading the second book of The Kingkiller Chronicle by Patrick Rothfuss. After a fantastic first book, I was wondering if the author would disappoint or run out of steam. But he continues to weave a fascinating and deep tale.
The story on the surface is a very classic fantastic tale of a young man getting into a magic academy, in a typical medieval-fantastic setting. What differentiates it is the depth and details of that world, which are slowly unveiled, with great consistency. It is like seeing a rich tapestry getting woven in front of your eyes. The characters themselves are very deep, and multi-faceted.
Patrick Rothfuss uses classic themes of the genre like magic, fairies, or dragons, but subtly gives them his own twist, and keeps the readers always on their toes, never knowing when what seems familiar will become strange and mysterious.
I am really impressed. The only comparison that comes to mind is the Lord Of The Ring ! It is not (yet) a tale as epic as LOTR – probably halfway in that regards between The Hobbit and LOTR – but what it lacks in drama and scale, it more than makes up with more rich and complex characters, and a very modern read on their motivations and lives. One thing Rothfuss and Tolkien have in common is the place that languages, music and songs occupy in their stories.
I can’t wait to read the third book, which unfortunately will probably only come out in May ’13 !
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