The Name of the Wind: The Kingkiller Chronicle: Book 1 - Tapa blanda

Patrick Rothfuss' debut is set in an unnamed but fully realised fantasy world, and his characters are detailed and convincing. (WATERSTONES BOOKS QUARTERLY)

New fantasy authors are usually overhyped, and it's rare to find one who writes with such assurance and narrative skill right from the start. I was reminded of Ursula LeGuin, George R. R. Martin, and J. R. R. Tolkien, but never felt that Rothfuss was imitating anyone. Like the writers he clearly admires, he's an old-fashioned storyteller working with traditional elements, but his voice is his own. I haven't been so gripped by a new fantasy series in years. It's certain to become a classic." (Lisa Tuttle THE TIMES)

This is another of those impressive fantasy debuts in which Gollancz seems to be specialising at present. (Roz Kaveney TIME OUT)

Pacy, witty and entertaining, "The Name of the Wind" is a rattling read. Rothtfuss's debut shows exactly how good heroic fantasy can be when it concentrates on the virtues of a good tale, well told. (Saxon Bullock SFX)

"One of the most genuinely satisfying fantasy epics to hit the shelves in a long time. A thoroughly entertaining yarn and one likely to hurl [Rothfuss] straight into the upper tier of fantasy authors." (Ryan Jansen DEATHRAY)

I defy anyone who has read it to contradict me when I state that it is the David Copperfield of fantasy. It seems that this magical, effervescent story is just warming up, slowly tipping the scale towards ever-darker secrets. But then, how lucky for us. For like Mr. Copperfield, Kvothe is a narrative force to be reckoned with, and a character readers will long to follow, no matter how perilous the path. (STRANGE HORIZONS)

"The Name of the Wind is a solid and ambitious effort." (FANTASY HOTLIST)

The Name of the Wind is so well-written that you will reach page 662 wishing this weren't the first of an unfinished trilogy. It is written with far greater skill than the usual massive fantasy tome. (READING THE LEAVES)

It will likely stand as the start of one of the bright careers in fantasy fiction. Suffice it to say, the book is very good and has all the elements of greatness: characters with which the reader can empathize, a fascinating backdrop where these characters live, and the key ingredient: leaving the reader wanting for more. (SFFWORLD.COM)

It is a rare and great pleasure to find a fantasist writing not only with the accuracy of language that is essential to fantasy-making, but with true music in the words as well. Wherever Pat Rothfuss goes with the big story that begins with The Name of the Wind, he'll carry us with him as a good singer carries us through a song. (Ursula Le Guin)