Reviews

The Narrow Road Between Desires by Patrick Rothfuss

megatza's review

reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

 This is a rewrite of The Lightning Tree, which I read many years ago and of which I remember only vague outlines. Patrick Rothfuss's books are best read aloud or listened to, and I enjoyed the audiobook (even at 1x with Mike!), and his prose just flows nicely. The story is about Bast, the innkeeper's apprentice, who has magic of his own, and bargains with children: he gives them secrets, lies, and charms in exchange for gossip and mundane things. It's a character sketch without much plot, and falls very neatly into cozy fantasy.

The author's note talks about conflict in books, and I started reflecting on the nature of cozy fantasy and when it does or doesn't work for me. This works for me because it's wholly character driven and doesn't feel like we need to go open a bookshop. Because Rothfuss has a vast world and this is a snippet, it feels comfortable. 

lbanc1's review against another edition

adventurous dark hopeful lighthearted reflective relaxing slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

sammy_stenger's review against another edition

adventurous funny lighthearted slow-paced

• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No

4.0

basbleu_dans_labiblioteque's review

adventurous dark mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This was really awesome. The author is incredible at making Bast’s magic feel real and intrinsic while keeping within the bounds of the world. The rules around Bast and other fae are clearly demarcated but not in an obvious, hit-you-over-the-head sort of way. 

mama_wolverine's review against another edition

adventurous informative lighthearted slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.25

If you haven’t read first two books of The Kingkiller Chronicle, then I’d hold off on this yet. There’s no spoilers but we follow a day in the life of one of the side characters. Without a prior connection, you might not be as engaged as you perhaps could be.

It was nice to get to know Bast a little more, he intrigued me a lot in the initial Kingkiller Chronicle books. I enjoyed learning a bit more about his role in the world, but I don’t feel quite satisfied. It was a light, fun slice-of-life sort of story and although I was left wanting, I appreciated this peek into the world of a beloved character.

libertytech's review

adventurous lighthearted mysterious reflective relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

kim4673's review against another edition

lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

spib's review

emotional lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

3.5

dankesean's review

adventurous lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

1.5

polarbearedie's review against another edition

5.0

I really enjoyed reading this book. It is always great to dive back into temerant. My sincerest thanks to both Patrick Rothfuss for writing it and to Nate Taylor for illustrating the work wonderfully.