 |
The Wise Man's Fear: Kvothe's Exile, Maer's Court and Fae Adventures |
The Wise Man's Fear is the dense, complex, and highly anticipated second installment of Patrick Rothfuss's The Kingkiller Chronicle. The narrative continues Kvothe's story, as told by the older, innkeeper Kote, to Chronicler and Bast. Having proven himself at the University in The Name of the Wind, Kvothe finds himself forced to leave. He first travels to the court of the Maer Alveron, where he quickly becomes embroiled in political machinations, court intrigue, and deadly conspiracies. His time there sees him rise (and nearly fall) due to his own arrogance and skill.
The book significantly expands the world of Temerant as Kvothe sets off to hunt the infamous Bandits that terrorize the Maer's lands. This pursuit leads him deep into the forbidden wilds, where he discovers the nomadic Adem people and begins to learn the martial art of Ketann. Most importantly, he ventures into the Fae Realm itself, encountering legendary beings, creatures, and the enchanting, mysterious Felurian, from whom he learns the true power of naming. This installment is pivotal, detailing the events that shape Kvothe from a talented student into the mythic figure of the Kingkiller legend.
Main Themes: Self-Discovery and Arrogance, Politics and Court Intrigue, Naming and Sympathy (Magic Systems), Cultural Differences (Adem), Mythology and Folklore (The Fae Realm), The Burden of Reputation.