The Wise Man's Fear by Patrick Rothfuss - 5/5

10/10. No notes.

Actually, I should probably take a star off purely because this book came out 15 years ago and we’re still waiting for the third and final instalment. That is honestly why it took me so long to pick up this one, because after this… who knows when we’ll get more?

Rothfuss remains one of the best fantasy authors I’ve ever read. This book is packed with lore, history, and incredibly detailed world-building, but somehow it never feels overwhelming or boring. Even the slower sections are so beautifully written that I was completely invested.

Kvothe continues to be such a brilliantly crafted protagonist. I’m usually more interested in side characters, but it’s impossible not to be captivated by him. He's so realistic and perfectly flawed

The first half of the book might actually be my favourite part of the series so far. I also take back some of my criticism from the first book regarding the female characters, while Rothfuss still isn’t perfect, there is a clear improvement, and they have far more presence and importance here.

I absolutely loved this… but it’s hard not to feel bittersweet when the final thought is:

WHERE IS THE THIRD BOOK?!