Reviews

Der Weg der Wünsche by Patrick Rothfuss

heathi13's review against another edition

2.0

So. Freaking. Pretentious.
Reading this was like reading someone’s essay when they are trying to hide the fact they didn’t do the assignment by using a lot of ten-dollar words and sentences that sound different but mean the same thing.

lindsaymarie13's review against another edition

4.5

I'll start by saying I was hesitant to read this book because of all the comments saying how poorly the women were written and treated in this story. That may have been the case for The Lightning Tree (never read it), but I (a woman) did not take issue with how women were portrayed in The Narrow Road Between Desires. I actually saw a lot of growth in that regard.

On to the story.
PR is a wonderful writer and this story is no exception. He drops nuggets along the way that unravel as the story goes. He's written something that is somehow light-hearted but also meaningful. He added complexity to a side character that I think is going to change how we read the Chronicles.

I don't really know how to end this, other than by saying I was very surprised by how much I liked this story. Not because of PR's writing, but because of the poor reviews. Ignore them and just read it.

cgmcintosh's review against another edition

adventurous hopeful mysterious fast-paced

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

4.25

aerilynn's review against another edition

adventurous lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.0

jorgealfredorf's review against another edition

lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

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

4.25

megatza's review against another edition

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 against another edition

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.