The Wise Man's Fear

This was what I was looking for after the highly praised but personally imperfect Name of the Wind. Don't get me wrong, The Wise Man's Fear is a long book that lets you feel its weight in detailed and nearly poetic descriptions as the plot meanders into new territory - not all of which will please its reader base, particularly in the tonally different second half. The opening third set in the University seemed to be a lot more enjoyable than the previous book's efforts, perhaps because I was familiar with all the characters and they now had an established dynamic, and likely due to the more novel challenges Kvothe had to face there in this entry. But then the series finally leaves the University, and it was like a breath of fresh air for Kvothe to explore new places and cultures on the map. His combination of ignorance and innocence makes for an entertaining journey as the reader learns as much as him, and we see the true origins of his great stories as they begin to circulate. The backstory is interesting and the world feels much better developed this time around, as Rothfuss gives more than just the sneak peek of TNOTW. Similarly, the plot seemed to come full-circle much better this time around, with a clear conclusion and most necessary subplots resolved satisfyingly. The story's fantasy trope ignorance and long-way-round method of progressing Kvothe creates some frustrating (in a good way) and truly rewarding moments that kept me invested. I am so excited for the trilogy's conclusion, but it's been 9 years and Rothfuss still hasn't released a publication date! Bring me the conclusion of the Kingkiller Chronicles ASAP