Patrick’s style and capability with the written word is undoubtedly masterful. The way he writes is an absolute joy to read and it transports me to his world that he has woven into the pages… however, when I read things that are clearly influenced by modern day cultural talking points I can’t help but be yanked out of the story while my eyes roll uncontrollably. Gender identity, moms kissing maids, bast (who is very old as a fae) banging the shepherds and kids, watching young girls bathe, allowing young girls to watch him bathe, I could go on... When did everything get so sexualized? Can’t I just read my favorite fantasy books without being bombarded by modern day influences? This book will not age well with this stuff in it. Representation doesn’t always make sense for all stories and it seems like these fantasy authors are willing to sacrifice their great works on the altar of representation (I’m looking at you too, Brandon Sanderson).

This book is a story of how a clever and sly and mischievous young man can be moved to discover that his fake magic does unintended selfless acts of kindness, all in a fantasy context from the story of Kvothe the incomparable’s retirement.

I am once again begging Patrick to please dig back into the meat of the story from the first two books. Not bad, but not what you’re hoping for.

…you are a brilliant writer, one of the best in my humble opinion. And I love good-wolf characters. Looking forward to more when you’re ready.

No. This lil child’s play will not do and could easily be distilled into a chapter in (or two, throughout) the book we’re actually supposed to be reading. I gotta say, the gender “modernization” is awkward, to boot. Feels forced and like he’s trying to directly appeal to specific readers or maybe their criticisms. Takes you right outta that deliciously ‘authentic’ world he’s created. It’s not the same-sex aspects, just the modern lense that disrupts; specifically the pronoun usage. I do feel for our author though, I’m sure whatever interrupted his trajectory was unplanned, unpleasant and more disappointing to him than our collective frustrations; blue balls and 3 star ratings. He addresses this in an author’s note at the end but can’t quite tell us what’s really up.

A very good short read. Always hungry for more from this guy.

Am I the only one who hates paying novel price for a book that should have been day 3 and is instead a revamped version of a book I already bought?

Reading this book gave me the same feeling as reading any other Rothfuss story for the first time and it was amazing! At most parts intriguing, always satisfying, the little clues scattered throughout the book makes me know I’ll be rereading it forever. I can’t thank Pat Rothfuss enough for putting out another one of his works, even if it’s a retelling; this level of care and detail is rarely found in fiction novels, and it’s an amazing story that I’m glad got it’s own book.

Still waiting for the main course…

$15.99 for only 81 pages….