Book Review: “The Name of the Wind” by Patrick Rothfuss

Haygen Riley-Gleason, Staff Writer

For those of you who enjoy stories written within the realm of fantasy and magic, the Name of the Wind is the novel to read. One musician, 4 high school graduates, and a discount Hogwarts all come together to form a wonderful book that most readers fall in love with. 

The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss (Rote-Fuss) follows the story of a young boy named Kvothe (Q-oath) traveling through the large and ancient world of Temerant in search of his family’s demonic killers, named the chandrian. 

It is told through the eyes of 20 year old Kvothe, so readers get the sense of an authentic narration.

This book definitely isn’t for the faint of heart. It harbors quite heavy handed subjects such as depression, death, morality, and sex. Several times, the main character is forced to kill people just to survive, or to avenge someone for various other reasons. This book is the very definition of “semi-dark fantasy.” It still has fun and cute qualities, but those are matched with incredibly dark thematics and scenes.  

That aside, the novel carries heavy themes of dedication and persistence. 

When his family is killed by the chandrian, Kvothe vows that he will find the murderer, no matter the cost. He never quite gives up— even when facing the harshest of difficulties. 

If you’re in the mood for some depressive writing, a tale of vengeance, or even a little bit of a love story, then the Name of the Wind is just the right book for you.