The Narrow Road Between Desires: Kingkiller Chronicle

Carolie Joyce Hernaez

Things are not always what they seem.

"Things are not always what they seem. Now we know what Bast does in his spare time in the town of Newarre. He hangs out in the Lightning Tree, waiting for the village children to come with their questions and problems, each hoping he will help them. Bast does so, but his help always comes with a price. He might be cunning, deceptive, and a trickster, but he has a good side. The Narrow Road between Desires is a thirst quencher for fans longing to return to the world of Patrick Rothfuss’s Kingkiller Chronicles. It might be a rewrite of The Lightning Tree, which appeared in the Rogues anthology in 2014, but this is an expanded version—way better than the original. Rothfuss takes us back in his immersive world of the Newarre, with his complex characters and layered narratives that pluck at our heartstrings and let us escape reality. He solidified this when Bast’s warm personality came to light when he helped a young boy deal with his abusive father. The Narrow Road Between Desires discusses themes ranging from children's light-hearted innocence, such as escaping their parents' punishment or having a pet, to the dark themes of dealing with domestic violence. The narrative told through children's experiences made it more compelling and believable. The book comes highly recommended for newcomers to the series looking for a standalone fantasy novella. However, if you're eagerly awaiting more about Bast, anticipating a new adventure with Kvothe, or already familiar with "The Lightning Tree," you may want to pass. Yet, if you crave a heartwarming tale that intrigues and keeps you guessing, this is definitely worth a read. ["

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March 28, 2024 Verified Purchase

Meric

Oh, sweet Bast...

"Having read Name of the Wind and Wise Man's Fear a long while ago, opening this book and reading Rothfuss' beautiful, playful prose was like coming home after spending such a long time away. The story itself is intriguing and sweet, following Bast through a day of deals and changing the lives of a little family. I loved the many moments of playfulness, selfishness, helpfulness, and forgetfulness that make Bast who and what he is. Thank you, Pat, for this little glimpse into our boy. ["

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March 9, 2024 Verified Purchase

Kindle Customer

Beautiful and tender and whimsical

"This book is probably the most beautiful of Rothfuss' books I have read. It is simply a story of a single day of the secret life of Bast as he interacts, ministers really, with the children of the village, Pan traditionally is dominated by their lustful nature, and Bast does not disappoint with his interest in both the daughters, wives and young shephards of the village, all tastefully approached but never bludgeoned over our heads. But where the story really shines is it's approach to a side of Pan (Bast) never really explored by other authors treatments of x creatures of the Far like Vast and Pan. He is tender and terrible, stern and mischievous. The main child character was too close to the boy I used to be for me to to be deeply moved. My only complaint about this novellette is its length. But then I don't think it could have been any longer than it is and still be as beautiful. Paying 15.99 for a book it took only 4 hours to read stings, of course, but the fine craftsmanship of the story line and the beautiful writing make it easy to put aside this concern. I do not regret buying this book in the least. Pat deserves every penny. ["

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January 3, 2025 Verified Purchase

Be Moore

As Always, Or Course

"It is not "what did I like about the story" but what didn't I like about the story! Seriously I could not find a single thing I did not like about the story! It was delightful! However there was an extra special surprise about the size of my pinky! Literally the tiniest surprise! It pleased me so when I was clever enough to zoom in on it! And thank you whoever decided to display this intimate art in such a discreet way! It added a deeper truth to that part of the story. I am not sure how to describe the sounds that came with my spontaneous reaction at the discovery. The pleasantly of it amazed. I will definitely let other readers discover this treasure for themselves and hope that they do. It is such a gem! The whole story is magical and I so enjoyed Patricks exploration with his children that inspired the refining of The Lightning Tree. Thank you Patrick for another wonderful read!! ["

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January 30, 2024 Verified Purchase

tilla

So beautiful it hurts

"Absolutely one of the best books I've read all year - maybe in forever. If you've read The Name of the Wind, you'll be a little bit familiar with Bast, Kvothe's fae 'assistant'. This book is simply a 'day in the life' of the trickster, but oh my God! What a beautifully written day it is. The illustrations are almost as beautiful as the writing and Bast is so much more than I thought he was and the village children are so fully fleshed-out, even the ones you meet for all of five minutes. Am I rambling? I'm sitting here, tears streaming down my face and just so damn happy to have this book and happy at the little turn it took with Rike and Bast and Rothfuss is probably my new favorite author and can he please give me some more Bast days because this was just wonderful!! Although, I'd also be happy to know when the third day of Kvothe's telling his own story will be here. Go get this book, find a quiet place all by yourself and read it. Savor it. Shed tears, if you feel like it; I certainly won't blame you. I don't give 5 stars hardly ever but *this* deserves at least that many. ["

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November 16, 2023 Verified Purchase