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The Narrow Road Between Desires cover art

The Narrow Road Between Desires

By: Patrick Rothfuss,Nate Taylor - illustrator
Narrated by: Rupert Degas,Patrick Rothfuss
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Publisher's Summary

The Number One New York Times-bestselling phenomenon Patrick Rothfuss returns to the wildly popular Kingkiller Chronicle universe with a stunning reimagining of 'The Lightning Tree'. Expanded to twice its previous length, this touching stand-alone story is sure to please new readers and veteran Rothfuss fans alike.

Bast knows how to bargain. The give-and-take of a negotiation is as familiar to him as the in-and-out of breathing; to watch him trade is to watch an artist at work. But even a master's brush can slip. When he accepts a gift, taking something for nothing, Bast's whole world is knocked askew, for he knows how to bargain - but not how to owe.

From dawn to midnight over the course of a single day, follow the Kingkiller Chronicle's most charming fae as he schemes and sneaks, dancing into trouble and back out again with uncanny grace.

The Narrow Road Between Desires is Bast's story. In it he traces the old ways of making and breaking, following his heart even when doing so goes against his better judgement.

After all, what good is caution if it keeps him from danger and delight?

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2023 Patrick Rothfuss (P)2023 Orion Publishing Group Limited

Critic Reviews

'He's bloody good, this Rothfuss guy' - George R R Martin

'The characters are real and the magic is true' - Robin Hobb

'Masterful ... There is a beauty to Pat's writing that defies description' - Brandon Sanderson

What listeners say about The Narrow Road Between Desires

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An Absolute Delight

Getting an insight into the world and mind of Bast was wonderful.
So to, was it wonderful to hear such an honest Author’s Note. Not one polished up with pretty sounding words. Patrick Rothfuss is obviously great at that; but hearing such an honest, direct and blunt Author’s Note, makes it so much more humbling and enjoyable.

As usual, Rupert Degas did not disappoint. He does such a fantastic job of really bringing the characters to life. I never would have been able to fully appreciate and understand the depths of each character without his incredible performance.

Looking forward to The Doors of Stone. It has been a wait, but one I think we will all very much appreciate in the end.

Thank you for your time 😁

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I get lost in the story

This author and this series of books are one of my favourites. I have hundreds of audiobooks and this set is at the top of my list. My awareness of the troubles of the world disappear when I’m listening to this book. Listening to this story soothes me. It helps the narrator is amazing. A true talent.

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Wonderful addition to the series

A wonderful example of Ruthfuss' incredible writing style, and lovely addition to the series.

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Wonderful. A gorgeous novella.

It's a treat to listen to this little insight into Baste's world. The wait for Patrick Rothfuss to rewrite this was worth it. It's a well crafted piece, full of heart, mystery, magic & mischief.

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Thank you

Hey Pat. Thank you for this story. It's a deep breath of petrichor after a day in the scorching sun. A moment of beauty and magic. In this age of instant gratification, where gilding is all that's needed to achieve acclaim, your writing is solid gold. It's a gift you give to all of us. Some spoiled children come screaming to the table demanding more. Greedy. Forcing their will heavy on the world. Do they not learn anything from your writing? I guess we all see the parts we want to see. My wish is that I can take some small part of that burden and dissolve with kindness. I'm eternally grateful for the words you've given me. I cherish them. Thank you. Now do what makes you happy. If that is to write then write from your heart for it is gold

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another great addition to the world from PR

A great story that’s complications come from it’s characters rather than villains or monsters. Worth the read even if you haven’t read the others

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Delightful

Degas has another solid performance for the Kingkiller Chronicles. The books itself shares small secrets of a fascinating world, wrapped up in witty storytelling. It's not the place to start for KKC but an incredible addition after the 2 main books. It's also worth it if you've already read the lightning tree as this retelling builds a lot on that.

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In the words of Britney Spears, gimme more.

I love the small stories just as much as the big ones, it gives an insight into the characters you don't normally get. I love Partick Rothfuss writing style, and I would love more of these short stories.

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As expected.

Beautifully written, and a stellar performance on narration as always. Just makes me want more!!

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Love it

More of this please 🙏 Rupert degas awesome narrator as always ! Story is beautiful, even if it’s not the king killer chronicles bring on more of these stories !!!

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  • Thomas Richards
  • 23-11-2023

More wonderful Rothfuss

Just give us Book Three!!
This salves the pain of not having it a little, but we need Book Three,

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  • Kasper
  • 14-11-2023

A most pleasant return

Having never read the lightning tree and being a big fan of Pat's, I was very much pleased to return to his incredible world and his inspiring way with words. I really can't say I was terribly surprised about the story, fulfilling most of my expectations being a rather sort read, but it had all the moments that make up a good telling; sad bits, funny and curious.
It does feel like Rothfuss carefully tries to settle the expectations of his rather zealous fans in the beginning of his author note's and while I'm sure for some of the endless complain fans this is necessary, I honestly could not care less.
I truly enjoyed this book and if you like his character Bast you will most likely love it too. Pat you still got it! and Degas still amaze me with how good he performs, sounds like he has'nt aged a day. The accompanying artwork was interesting aswell, nice to see it was available here on audible.

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  • Sveinn Fannar Kristjánsson
  • 08-12-2023

A beautiful story

Don’t read this expecting a continuation of Kvothe’s adventure, because it’s not. Just let go and enjoy this witty and heartwarming tale

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  • per
  • 28-11-2023

good enough story, wrong narrator.

good enough story, but the narrator is not what i want in this story. nothing feels right. he is way to gruff and dark. its just aint right, none of the characters feels right. innkeeper sounds like a 60 year old man that has been drunk all his life and lived by the sea. and bast sounds like creepy dude who is just sad and evil

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  • Paul
  • 21-11-2023

how to make a mundane day meaningful

rothfoss draws you in to bast's world in a delightful way. prosaic yet meaningful, we get insights into what bast gets up to when kvothe isn't looking

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  • ais
  • 20-11-2023

Mhhh

As short it was, it read slowly for me, it wasnt fare maybe but this is how I feel

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  • Alexander Grumstrup
  • 20-11-2023

Nice book

Big d book, Can recommend. Basicly the Lightning tree but longer and better. Thank you rothuss

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  • jan kevin gjerdal hansen
  • 17-11-2023

Love it

The Narrow Road Between Desires is a nice lisen while waiting for book 3, love it 😊

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  • Anonymous User
  • 15-11-2023

Lovely as the moon

Beautiful. It made me laugh, think, and wonder. It made tears well up in my eyes. I understand that this story might not be everyone's cup of tea, as it is quite odd; but in a lovely way.

Pat still got it, and I hope he understands that. He is a master at telling stories in a way no-one else can. I have read so many books the last years, but NOTHING compares to Pat's style. There is something fae about his way with words, and it never fails to bind me. Thank you for your stories, Pat.

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  • Susanne
  • 20-11-2023

Despite author's "warning" very disappointing

I am not sure how much longer I want to be fed stale, reprocessed stories twice over. I have been waiting for something, anything from the "Kingkiller Chronicles World" since the release of the last novella about Ari. I have been following author's updates, interviews, press releases to not miss anything. I purchased "Rogues" when the original anthology was published both in e book and audio book format. I was well aware that this novella would not be a continuation of the "Chronicles". Even knowing all that still did not make me feel less disappointed and somehow taken for a ride. There is no additional background information, no facts, myths, secrets, explanations.

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  • Lorna Barrett
  • 20-11-2023

So glad Rupert Degas is back !

I was so pleased that Rupert Degas was back to narrate this book, he is the voice of The Four Corners of Civilization.
Of course we've all been eagerly waiting for another visit to the Waystone Inn,and this story doesn't dissapoint.

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  • Genevieve
  • 14-11-2023

The writer’s process is complicated & if this helps, it just means extra Kingkiller books for me!

I am so excited to have this short story of Bast expanded! What an incredible character…

All of these Kingkiller books have changed my life, changed me, with their depth & substance. I listen when the world is too much for me. And always hear something new.

I’ve listened to the original mini-story so many times! I got the audiobook as always - Rupert Degas is king - but when I heard of new ‘illustrations’ I had to buy the Hardcover also :)

There is none of the negativity in me that others have, I have so much joy from the books released already, and if the last book/s take a long time then maybe it’s because I accept they’re worth waiting for :) And the best things in life are worth waiting for.

You don’t want the first book that comes along, the longest, the biggest. You want the one that fits you. (fans will understand this nod to the work)

I feel blessed that Patrick Rothfuss dains to share his incredible words with us. He is an amazing human being. Fallible as we all are. But unique and special as not many of us are.

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  • Kimberley Chester
  • 20-11-2023

Mind blowing.

I am mind blown.

I have just listened to this is one fell swoop.
I laughed and cried and everything in between.

I’m my opinion, Patrick Rothfuss in the best writer I have read and I really do read a lot.

Thankfully Rupert Degas has narrated his work again, what a voice actor!
The art is also superb and I love that the lass in the stream bathing is a real lass and not a model sized unrealistic typical lie!

Read everything from this superb Author.
Listen to everything that Rupert Degas narrates, his voice is amazing.

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  • Anonymous User
  • 14-11-2023

I loved it

This book is beautifully written and beautifully read. So excited to have another story by Patrick Rothfuss.

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  • Josh Tonkin
  • 14-11-2023

Beautiful

This is a story further polished and delivered with love. It is clear that Bast is not the only artist at work.

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  • Laurence
  • 09-12-2023

Weird and Wonderful

I wouldn’t normally buy a novella on Audible but this is well worth the credit. I am sure I will have to read it again to figure out the deeper meaning of parts. Whatever I will enjoy it just as much the second time. Makes you long for book three.

Awesome narration btw.

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  • Embalina
  • 04-12-2023

Great filler before book 3

Nice to get more of the Bast backstory, though as always with Patrick am left wanting more :)

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  • Anonymous
  • 03-12-2023

Strange and Wonderful

This is wonderfully read and a magical listen, I highly recommend it! It captures the strangeness and magic of childhood.

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  • "jacko104"
  • 03-12-2023

What’s not to love

So easy to fall back in to Pats world and magic to learn a little more about Bast. Hopefully the doors of stone are coming

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