Very entertaining but strangely flat

People rave about this but I thought it was simply enjoyable. Kvothe is constantly getting into and out of trouble with little actual development, he levels up as a matter of course - Degas background in RPG shines through in this and other respects. And maybe this is a perennial problem in this genre (though I felt less bothered by it when reading Robin Hobb) but the women (all beautiful, as we are told in florid prose) in the story really are only there as a mirror for Kvothe's tortured perfection (for him to love, rescue, teach, nurture, protect but never to rival or befriend or to offer instruction that is for the men). The love affair is interesting but a bit repetitive and the rather base relationship between the genders is slightly excused by the 15 year old boy's perspective that we are offered. I am dwelling on this aspect of because it takes up a lot of the story and felt tedious at times, and as Bast puts it the stories you tell construct the world you occupy.

The world building is grand, and I love the blur between story, legend, religion, history and other worlds. There are great parts with stories being told from several of these perspectives. In all it took me a while to start enjoying it and get over Kvothe's interminable descriptions of his own prowess, and telling us we could never really understand x y or z and you don't really get a sense of what Kvothe is famous for and what big dangers lurk in the story to come but in the end I feel fairly compelled and will probably get the second part... probably.

36 people found this helpful

Excellent!

For some reason, I delayed listening to this. Now that I have started, I can't stop! (Am currently downloading part 2 of the Wise Man's Fear - the second book is just as good as the first!). Thoroughly enjoying this series....



First - Rupert Degas' narration is masterful. One of the best I've heard (and I have listended to close on 70 audio books in the last 2 years).



As for the story - just the right mix of drama, comedy, magic and general entertainment. The characters are well developed, and the story moves along at a cracking pace, and it's seldom predictable.



If you enjoyed Game of Thrones, or any of Brandon Sanderson's books, this is another one worth spending a few hours with. Patrick Rothfuss is a great story teller.

.

83 people found this helpful

Fantastic book and narration

Be warned - once you start listening to this book you are going to lose days of your life listening fanatically, so make sure you start at a convenient moment! As already mentioned, the fantastic narration by Rupert Degas adds another dimension - he goes from one character voice to another without missing a beat - truly impressive. I have just finished both parts of this first book and was delighted to see the second book waiting for me when I came to look today - can't wait to dive back in again!

42 people found this helpful

My original weariness was unfounded, brilliant!

If you could sum up The Name of the Wind (Part One) in three words, what would they be?

Brilliantly narrated story

What did you like best about this story?

Despite being a complete know-it-all, you almost instantly like Kvothe (main character)

What about Rupert Degas’s performance did you like?

A terrific range of voices and accents makes characters come alive in your imagination. I have abandoned books before when I have had issues with the narration. In this case I must put Rupert Degas up there with Stephen Briggs as the best in this genre.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No. I never listen to books in one sitting. But I completed this in a matter of days.

Any additional comments?

I was originally very wary of this book. The "if you like Game of Thrones you'll love this" blurb, plus the strapline of the book "I have killed kings blah blah blah" really did not appeal to me. But that didn't matter one bit. Such a well written and well read story, it instantly draws you in. I rarely write reviews but this book is such a joy I would be remiss not to pass that information on. I am now using my remaining credits to continue through the series.

11 people found this helpful

Totally Amazing!

I was enticed by the title and the sample. I read the review "One of the best..." By Edwina (Stowmarket, United Kingdom) Apr 8, 2012. ( and The Lies of Locke Lamora is my favourite book of all time). The review confirm my decision to spend my precious credit on The Name of the Wind (Part One). I haven't regretted a single moment and I have enjoyed every second! totally enthralling story and amazing narration by Rupert Degas. If you were to ask me whats my favourite book of all time,i now wouldn't know what to say. my only advice would try it yourself and then ask your self the same question.

21 people found this helpful

Wonderful

This book made me laugh and made me cry - and that is as great a compliment as I can make.The story is certainly good in its gender, main character well developped, style pleasant and not hard to follow - and the narration is beautifully done. I think hearing it might be actually even better then reading.... It had me hooked and addicted, and I'm looking forward to continuing the story!

76 people found this helpful

Terrific Narrator!

I love this book, and decided to use my accumulating Audible credits to buy the audiobook version as well. I'm so glad I did! Kvothe's tale is as good as ever, but the real highlight for me is the narration. Rupert Degas breathes life into the story, and has a wonderful range of voices and accents to give each character a seperate identity. (I've listened to more than one audiobook where the narration is so flat and unemotional it's like listening to a shopping list!) I particularly liked Ambrose's voice - clipped, nasal, and sounding uncannily like Prince Charles.



Even an excellent book can be killed by a poor narrator, but Rupert Degas is one of the best!



Do buy this. If you liked the book, you'll love the audio version.

9 people found this helpful

Outstanding Narration

I wasn't sure to start with whether I was going to enjoy this audiobook but a few hours in and I was hooked. Rupert Degas deserves so much praise for the narration of the book, he truly is one of the best narrators I have listened to- his ability to switch between a number of characters and the variety of accents is unbelievable. He really understands the characters and has made this series of books for me the most enjoyable part of my day - I spend 3 hrs in the car each day so this is a welcome distraction.
Fantastic writing as well, I'm about to finish the second book and am looking forward to the next installment.
If you loved Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell for it's magic and excellent narration then you will love this even more.

45 people found this helpful

One of the best...

One of the best listens I have downloaded on audible. The story is a real page-turner and thoroughly enjoyable throughout.

If you have enjoyed this book I also recommend “The Lies of Locke Lamora” by Scott Lynch which is almost as good!

42 people found this helpful

O

When I first read the book I was (along with everyone I lent it to) transfixed.

This is beautiful delivered and strangely some parts of the book held more magic within the telling.

30 people found this helpful