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The Kingkiller Chronicle #0.5
El árbol del relámpago
The Lightning Tree is a companion short story in The Kingkiller Chronicle series. It was first published on 2014 in the anthology Rogues.
100 pages
First published January 1, 2014
About the author
Patrick Rothfuss
70 books238k followersIt all began when Pat Rothfuss was born to a marvelous set of parents. Throughout his formative years they encouraged him to do his best, gave him good advice, and were no doubt appropriately dismayed when he failed to live up to his full potential.
In high-school Pat was something of a class clown. His hobbies included reading a novel or two a day and giving relationship advice to all his friends despite the fact that he had never so much as kissed a girl. He also role-played and wrote terrible stories about elves. He was pretty much a geek.
Most of Pat's adult life has been spent in the University Wisconsin Stevens Point. In 1991 he started college in order to pursue a career in chemical engineering, then he considered clinical psychology. In 1993 he quit pretending he knew what he wanted to do with his life, changed his major to "undecided," and proceeded to study whatever amused him. He also began writing a book....
For the next seven years Pat studied anthropology, philosophy, eastern religions, history, alchemy, parapsychology, literature, and writing. He studied six different martial arts, practiced improv comedy, learned how to pick locks, and became a skilled lover of women. He also began writing a satirical advice column which he continues to this day: The College Survivial Guide. Through all of this he continued to work on his novel.
In 2000 Pat went to grad school for English literature. Grad school sucked and Pat hated it. However, Pat learned that he loved to teach. He left in 2002 with his masters degree, shaking the dust from his feet and vowing never to return. During this period of time his novel was rejected by roughly every agent in the known universe.
Now Pat teaches half-time at his old school as an assistant-sub-lecturer. He is underpaid but generally left alone to do as he sees fit with his classes. He is advisor for the college feminists, the fencing club, and, oddly enough, a sorority. He still roll-plays occasionally, but now he does it in an extremely sophisticated, debonair way.
Through a series of lucky breaks, he has wound up with the best agent and editor imaginable, and the first book of his trilogy has been published under the title "The Name of the Wind."
Though it has only been out since April 2007, it has already been sold in 26 foreign countries and won several awards.
Pat has been described as "a rough, earthy iconoclast with a pipeline to the divine in everyone's subconscious." But honestly, that person was pretty drunk at the time, so you might want to take it with a grain of salt.
In high-school Pat was something of a class clown. His hobbies included reading a novel or two a day and giving relationship advice to all his friends despite the fact that he had never so much as kissed a girl. He also role-played and wrote terrible stories about elves. He was pretty much a geek.
Most of Pat's adult life has been spent in the University Wisconsin Stevens Point. In 1991 he started college in order to pursue a career in chemical engineering, then he considered clinical psychology. In 1993 he quit pretending he knew what he wanted to do with his life, changed his major to "undecided," and proceeded to study whatever amused him. He also began writing a book....
For the next seven years Pat studied anthropology, philosophy, eastern religions, history, alchemy, parapsychology, literature, and writing. He studied six different martial arts, practiced improv comedy, learned how to pick locks, and became a skilled lover of women. He also began writing a satirical advice column which he continues to this day: The College Survivial Guide. Through all of this he continued to work on his novel.
In 2000 Pat went to grad school for English literature. Grad school sucked and Pat hated it. However, Pat learned that he loved to teach. He left in 2002 with his masters degree, shaking the dust from his feet and vowing never to return. During this period of time his novel was rejected by roughly every agent in the known universe.
Now Pat teaches half-time at his old school as an assistant-sub-lecturer. He is underpaid but generally left alone to do as he sees fit with his classes. He is advisor for the college feminists, the fencing club, and, oddly enough, a sorority. He still roll-plays occasionally, but now he does it in an extremely sophisticated, debonair way.
Through a series of lucky breaks, he has wound up with the best agent and editor imaginable, and the first book of his trilogy has been published under the title "The Name of the Wind."
Though it has only been out since April 2007, it has already been sold in 26 foreign countries and won several awards.
Pat has been described as "a rough, earthy iconoclast with a pipeline to the divine in everyone's subconscious." But honestly, that person was pretty drunk at the time, so you might want to take it with a grain of salt.
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June 3, 2023
My complete review of The Lightning Tree is published at Before We Go Blog.
“Knowing they were watching, Bast took his time climbing the tiny hill. At the top stood what the children called the lightning tree, though these days it was little more than a branchless trunk barely taller than a man. All the bark had long since fallen away, and the sun had bleached the wood as white as bone. All except the very top, where even after all these years the wood was charred a jagged black.”
Patrick Rothfuss recently announced that he is expanding his 58-page novella, The Lightning Tree, and releasing the updated version as The Narrow Road Between Desires. The original version of this Kingkiller Chronicle novella can be found as part of the Rogues anthology compiled by George R.R. Martin and Gardner Dozios.
The Lightning Tree focuses on Bast, a mischievous scamp and friend of Kvothe, the main protagonist of the Kingkiller Chronicle. Bast is a fae who uses his magic both to help others and to entertain himself at other people’s expense.
There are a lot of questions about Bast and his motivations and intentions after reading both The Name of the Wind and The Wise Man’s Fear. Unfortunately, you will not find any answers in this novella, which apparently takes place during Kvothe’s innkeeper days before the framing story of The Name of the Wind.
In The Lightning Tree, we spend a day with Bast as he helps and/or manipulates the village children. Bast hangs out at the Lightning Tree, waiting for children to come with their problems or questions. Bast agrees to help them in exchange for secrets.
Bast is highly manipulative, but he also has a heart. The brighter side of Bast’s personality becomes apparent in the latter part of the novella, when he helps a family deal with an abusive father. This part of the story is touching and somber, bringing tears to my eyes.
The rest of the novella is told in a more whimsical voice. The most problematic part is when Bast extracts the secret of where a local beauty likes to bathe and then decides to spy on her:
“Eyes intent on the young woman, Bast stepped on a loose stone and stumbled awkwardly down the hill. He blew one hard, squawking note, then dropped a few more from his song as he threw out one arm wildly to catch his balance.”
Bast’s shifty behavior is, perhaps, somewhat softened when we learn that she has also been spying on him. Still, it’s just plain creepy. Bad, Bast. Bad.
Bast is a complex fellow. We see both good and bad aspects of his personality in this novella, just as we’ve seen his good and bad attributes in the main two books of the Kingkiller Chronicle.
However, we will need to wait for the third novel of the Kingkiller Chronicle, The Doors of Stone, to get any real answers. It’s your move, Patrick Rothfuss.
“Knowing they were watching, Bast took his time climbing the tiny hill. At the top stood what the children called the lightning tree, though these days it was little more than a branchless trunk barely taller than a man. All the bark had long since fallen away, and the sun had bleached the wood as white as bone. All except the very top, where even after all these years the wood was charred a jagged black.”
Patrick Rothfuss recently announced that he is expanding his 58-page novella, The Lightning Tree, and releasing the updated version as The Narrow Road Between Desires. The original version of this Kingkiller Chronicle novella can be found as part of the Rogues anthology compiled by George R.R. Martin and Gardner Dozios.
The Lightning Tree focuses on Bast, a mischievous scamp and friend of Kvothe, the main protagonist of the Kingkiller Chronicle. Bast is a fae who uses his magic both to help others and to entertain himself at other people’s expense.
There are a lot of questions about Bast and his motivations and intentions after reading both The Name of the Wind and The Wise Man’s Fear. Unfortunately, you will not find any answers in this novella, which apparently takes place during Kvothe’s innkeeper days before the framing story of The Name of the Wind.
In The Lightning Tree, we spend a day with Bast as he helps and/or manipulates the village children. Bast hangs out at the Lightning Tree, waiting for children to come with their problems or questions. Bast agrees to help them in exchange for secrets.
Bast is highly manipulative, but he also has a heart. The brighter side of Bast’s personality becomes apparent in the latter part of the novella, when he helps a family deal with an abusive father. This part of the story is touching and somber, bringing tears to my eyes.
The rest of the novella is told in a more whimsical voice. The most problematic part is when Bast extracts the secret of where a local beauty likes to bathe and then decides to spy on her:
“Eyes intent on the young woman, Bast stepped on a loose stone and stumbled awkwardly down the hill. He blew one hard, squawking note, then dropped a few more from his song as he threw out one arm wildly to catch his balance.”
Bast’s shifty behavior is, perhaps, somewhat softened when we learn that she has also been spying on him. Still, it’s just plain creepy. Bad, Bast. Bad.
Bast is a complex fellow. We see both good and bad aspects of his personality in this novella, just as we’ve seen his good and bad attributes in the main two books of the Kingkiller Chronicle.
However, we will need to wait for the third novel of the Kingkiller Chronicle, The Doors of Stone, to get any real answers. It’s your move, Patrick Rothfuss.
June 1, 2022
Una pequeña mini-historia nada más.
En realidad 2,5.
Esta historia se asemeja mucho a aquellos interludios que hacían Kvothe y compañía al momento de realizar una pausa en su gran relato; pero, la gran diferencia, es que esta vez la narración no se centra en Kvothe, sino en las andanzas de Bast. No obstante, no es una historia significativa, solo es un pequeño fragmento, nada más que ello. Es como un One-Shot de un manga, un capítulo de relleno de algún anime, un corto de una película animada, etcétera: Creo que ya me hice entender.
El argumento es bastante simple y sencillo. Sí, es agradable de leer, pero como no revela ninguna información importante entonces se convierte en un pequeño texto para simplemente pasar el rato. Quizás los más fervientes fans de esta saga disfrutarán hasta del más mínimo detalle, pero, realmente, esta obra solo es un bocado para calmar el apetito de la espera.
Para destacar mencionaré la habilidad de Bast para mentir, su picardía para realizar ciertos espionajes lujuriosos, y las conversaciones que tuvo con los niños; asimismo, la calidad de la prosa ha sido sobresaliente como siempre. Lo que si me pareció extraño fue la personalidad de Bast, que ciertamente fue muy similar a la que posee Kvothe: Fue como un Kvothe 2.0.
Sinceramente, no es obligatorio leer este libro, solo es algo opcional, y tampoco es que nos perdamos de mucho en caso de que optemos por omitir esta lectura. Sí, me ha gustado y me he entretenido, pero es tan corto el libro que se vuelve verdaderamente difícil opinar sobre esta lectura. Por ello, siento que un 2,5 es una calificación completamente justa.
Ahora, proseguiré con La música del silencio, el otro libro pequeñito de la saga que, según dicen, cuenta un poco de información sobre la enigmática Auri. Espero disfrutarlo.
En realidad 2,5.
Esta historia se asemeja mucho a aquellos interludios que hacían Kvothe y compañía al momento de realizar una pausa en su gran relato; pero, la gran diferencia, es que esta vez la narración no se centra en Kvothe, sino en las andanzas de Bast. No obstante, no es una historia significativa, solo es un pequeño fragmento, nada más que ello. Es como un One-Shot de un manga, un capítulo de relleno de algún anime, un corto de una película animada, etcétera: Creo que ya me hice entender.
El argumento es bastante simple y sencillo. Sí, es agradable de leer, pero como no revela ninguna información importante entonces se convierte en un pequeño texto para simplemente pasar el rato. Quizás los más fervientes fans de esta saga disfrutarán hasta del más mínimo detalle, pero, realmente, esta obra solo es un bocado para calmar el apetito de la espera.
Para destacar mencionaré la habilidad de Bast para mentir, su picardía para realizar ciertos espionajes lujuriosos, y las conversaciones que tuvo con los niños; asimismo, la calidad de la prosa ha sido sobresaliente como siempre. Lo que si me pareció extraño fue la personalidad de Bast, que ciertamente fue muy similar a la que posee Kvothe: Fue como un Kvothe 2.0.
Sinceramente, no es obligatorio leer este libro, solo es algo opcional, y tampoco es que nos perdamos de mucho en caso de que optemos por omitir esta lectura. Sí, me ha gustado y me he entretenido, pero es tan corto el libro que se vuelve verdaderamente difícil opinar sobre esta lectura. Por ello, siento que un 2,5 es una calificación completamente justa.
Ahora, proseguiré con La música del silencio, el otro libro pequeñito de la saga que, según dicen, cuenta un poco de información sobre la enigmática Auri. Espero disfrutarlo.
June 9, 2021
The Lightning Tree ★★★★
The Name of the Wind ★★★★★
The Wise Man's Fear ★★★★ 1/2
This is the story of a usual day in the life of Bast and I do like Bast. The story is short so I am gonna make this review short too. Bast spends his day trading secrets and favors with the village children in exchange of helping them and in this story we see a few children doing that with him.
I loved the writing because it was so close to the main books, I liked the plot because Bast is so cunning and smart and we get to know the Fae folks better. It is an engaging and fun read and I think it fits in the Rogues anthology! I just did not like the "predatory" part of Bast, Rothfuss seems to have this obsession with females that many adult white male authors do and we can see this in this novel and in The Wise Man's Fear but in both cases, it was not major to prevent me from enjoying the story!
The Name of the Wind ★★★★★
The Wise Man's Fear ★★★★ 1/2
This is the story of a usual day in the life of Bast and I do like Bast. The story is short so I am gonna make this review short too. Bast spends his day trading secrets and favors with the village children in exchange of helping them and in this story we see a few children doing that with him.
I loved the writing because it was so close to the main books, I liked the plot because Bast is so cunning and smart and we get to know the Fae folks better. It is an engaging and fun read and I think it fits in the Rogues anthology! I just did not like the "predatory" part of Bast, Rothfuss seems to have this obsession with females that many adult white male authors do and we can see this in this novel and in The Wise Man's Fear but in both cases, it was not major to prevent me from enjoying the story!
September 7, 2020
this is an absolute delight of a story.
bast is one of those characters that i really wanted more of in the series - i found him so mysterious and intriguing. and i will admit that by the end of the second book, i had some massive questions about him. this didnt answer any of those questions, but it did make me trust him more.
what a charming story about a very charming character.
↠ 4.5 stars
bast is one of those characters that i really wanted more of in the series - i found him so mysterious and intriguing. and i will admit that by the end of the second book, i had some massive questions about him. this didnt answer any of those questions, but it did make me trust him more.
what a charming story about a very charming character.
↠ 4.5 stars
November 9, 2023
My Rothfuss history is as follows:
*I read The Name of the Wind in 2014 on a friend's recommendation and I loved it. I realize now what a sucker I am for a good fantasy bildungsroman
*I read The Wise Man's Fear a week later and it was fine.
*I read The Slow Regard of Silent Things in the months after its release, and I liked it a lot.
*At some point I listened to and/or watched Rothfuss join the Penny Arcade boys in their Adventurers Inc. D&D sessions.
*And at some other point I became aware of the much-lamented third book problem. I will be extremely surprised and pleased if The Doors of Stone ever sees the light of day. I have no skin in the "charity chapter" saga. I listened to the supposed prologue reading and found it a giant nothingburger; zero content, just a recycled formula from the first two books' prologues.
And then I heard about the upcoming The Narrow Road Between Desires, which predicatably has rankled many spurned former Kingkiller fans. Yes, I'm responsible for creating this list: https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1... and also this one, https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1... on which this book earned its pre-release placement, strictly by numbers. I'm very curious to see how the book sales turn out; despite all the ire, there is a vast book-buying public that remains blissfully unplugged from the constant scourge of the internet and has never had cause to know of or spare thought for all the drama around this man's publishing journey. Would I prefer to be counted among them? Nah, honestly I vicariously enjoy the drama, and I like knowing context of the things I read.
But I'd never read The Lightning Tree before and saw no need to until now. I'm not a big fan of short stories tied to novel-length series in general. I like to think the the thing is the thing on its own, and it should stand as such. Side stories or novellas are fine for fan service, but to me they should always remain peripheral and optional.
Given the history of this series, after so many years, to blindside everyone furthering their hernias over the wait for book three with the upcoming expanded version of The Lightning Tree, it had better damn well add significantly to the original story. I have very little expectation that it will, but to judge that for myself, I have now read The Lightning Tree, as first published in Rogues, and this is what I think of it:
It's pretty good. It's perfectly fine. It's enjoyable whether or not you've read The Name of the Wind. I'm generally wary of fae-based fantasy thanks to recent years' trends and its use in YA and paranormal fantasy and whatever, but this was a solid portrayal. Bast and fae beings and magic are appropriately dark and tricksy and menacing and teasing and appealing, very folkloric and not romantic. It may as well have been titled Bast's Day Out. I enjoyed his interactions with children and the complexity of his behavior, slave to complex, multi-layered rules governing his kind and brand of magic and his personal desires both good and ill. The writing is playful, lyrical, certainly with some self-indulgent moments. There were strong similarities to Auri's novella, as both characters are whimsical, distractible and instinct-driven. The only portion I specifically disliked was the end scene with the menfolk in the inn; I don't recall any feelings about such in the novels but here their presence was a drag and borderline absurd.
There you have it. On to the next book, coming in a week's time plus library processing time (I'm first in line in my system at least). What, you didn't think I would pay money up front, did you?
*I read The Name of the Wind in 2014 on a friend's recommendation and I loved it. I realize now what a sucker I am for a good fantasy bildungsroman
*I read The Wise Man's Fear a week later and it was fine.
*I read The Slow Regard of Silent Things in the months after its release, and I liked it a lot.
*At some point I listened to and/or watched Rothfuss join the Penny Arcade boys in their Adventurers Inc. D&D sessions.
*And at some other point I became aware of the much-lamented third book problem. I will be extremely surprised and pleased if The Doors of Stone ever sees the light of day. I have no skin in the "charity chapter" saga. I listened to the supposed prologue reading and found it a giant nothingburger; zero content, just a recycled formula from the first two books' prologues.
And then I heard about the upcoming The Narrow Road Between Desires, which predicatably has rankled many spurned former Kingkiller fans. Yes, I'm responsible for creating this list: https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1... and also this one, https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1... on which this book earned its pre-release placement, strictly by numbers. I'm very curious to see how the book sales turn out; despite all the ire, there is a vast book-buying public that remains blissfully unplugged from the constant scourge of the internet and has never had cause to know of or spare thought for all the drama around this man's publishing journey. Would I prefer to be counted among them? Nah, honestly I vicariously enjoy the drama, and I like knowing context of the things I read.
But I'd never read The Lightning Tree before and saw no need to until now. I'm not a big fan of short stories tied to novel-length series in general. I like to think the the thing is the thing on its own, and it should stand as such. Side stories or novellas are fine for fan service, but to me they should always remain peripheral and optional.
Given the history of this series, after so many years, to blindside everyone furthering their hernias over the wait for book three with the upcoming expanded version of The Lightning Tree, it had better damn well add significantly to the original story. I have very little expectation that it will, but to judge that for myself, I have now read The Lightning Tree, as first published in Rogues, and this is what I think of it:
It's pretty good. It's perfectly fine. It's enjoyable whether or not you've read The Name of the Wind. I'm generally wary of fae-based fantasy thanks to recent years' trends and its use in YA and paranormal fantasy and whatever, but this was a solid portrayal. Bast and fae beings and magic are appropriately dark and tricksy and menacing and teasing and appealing, very folkloric and not romantic. It may as well have been titled Bast's Day Out. I enjoyed his interactions with children and the complexity of his behavior, slave to complex, multi-layered rules governing his kind and brand of magic and his personal desires both good and ill. The writing is playful, lyrical, certainly with some self-indulgent moments. There were strong similarities to Auri's novella, as both characters are whimsical, distractible and instinct-driven. The only portion I specifically disliked was the end scene with the menfolk in the inn; I don't recall any feelings about such in the novels but here their presence was a drag and borderline absurd.
There you have it. On to the next book, coming in a week's time plus library processing time (I'm first in line in my system at least). What, you didn't think I would pay money up front, did you?
October 20, 2021
☆3.5☆
Patrick Rothfuss' 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝐿𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑇𝑟𝑒𝑒 is a short novella which events take place roughly a month before the beginning of 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑁𝑎𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑊𝑖𝑛𝑑, and shed a little light on Bast's life in Newarre.
Although it did not reveal much about his character as I was hoping, it was fun and entertaining to read. I liked the apparently mutual trust between him and the town's children who resorted to him when they were in trouble or in need of something. The story did reflect a side of Bast's nature as a manipulative pleasure seeker at some points, but his determination to help the others was unquestionable, and the whole thing with Rike proved it. Besides, the things he asked the children to do in return for his service were not impossible by any means. All in all, I really enjoyed it and ended up further interested in Bast's character.
𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐧, 𝐛𝐲 𝐌𝐢𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞 𝐓𝐨𝐥𝐨
𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗾𝘂𝗼𝘁𝗲/𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲:
“𝑭𝒐𝒐𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒇𝒐𝒍𝒌 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒔𝒊𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝒂𝒔 𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒊𝒏𝒈. 𝑻𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒇𝒐𝒍𝒌 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒔, 𝒊𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒃𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈. 𝑩𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔? 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒕𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒐𝒐 𝒕𝒘𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒆𝒆? 𝑯𝒐𝒘 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒃𝒆𝒈𝒊𝒏? 𝑰𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒃𝒂𝒇𝒇𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈. 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒔𝒆 𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆𝒔. 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒇𝒓𝒂𝒖��𝒉𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒇𝒓𝒂𝒚𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒊𝒓 𝒅𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒓𝒆. 𝑨 𝒔𝒏𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒑𝒐𝒊𝒔𝒐𝒏 𝒊𝒕𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒔𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒍𝒌 𝒎𝒂𝒅𝒆 𝒂𝒏 𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒊��. 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒘𝒓𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒗𝒆𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝒇𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒘𝒆𝒑𝒕 𝒂𝒕 𝒃𝒆𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒃𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒅. 𝑰𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒊𝒏𝒇𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈. 𝑰𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒆𝒏𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒌 𝒂 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕.”
Patrick Rothfuss' 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝐿𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑇𝑟𝑒𝑒 is a short novella which events take place roughly a month before the beginning of 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑁𝑎𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑊𝑖𝑛𝑑, and shed a little light on Bast's life in Newarre.
Although it did not reveal much about his character as I was hoping, it was fun and entertaining to read. I liked the apparently mutual trust between him and the town's children who resorted to him when they were in trouble or in need of something. The story did reflect a side of Bast's nature as a manipulative pleasure seeker at some points, but his determination to help the others was unquestionable, and the whole thing with Rike proved it. Besides, the things he asked the children to do in return for his service were not impossible by any means. All in all, I really enjoyed it and ended up further interested in Bast's character.
𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐧, 𝐛𝐲 𝐌𝐢𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞 𝐓𝐨𝐥𝐨
𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗾𝘂𝗼𝘁𝗲/𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲:
“𝑭𝒐𝒐𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒇𝒐𝒍𝒌 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒔𝒊𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝒂𝒔 𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒊𝒏𝒈. 𝑻𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒇𝒐𝒍𝒌 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒔, 𝒊𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒃𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈. 𝑩𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔? 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒕𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒐𝒐 𝒕𝒘𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒆𝒆? 𝑯𝒐𝒘 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒃𝒆𝒈𝒊𝒏? 𝑰𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒃𝒂𝒇𝒇𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈. 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒔𝒆 𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆𝒔. 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒇𝒓𝒂𝒖��𝒉𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒇𝒓𝒂𝒚𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒊𝒓 𝒅𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒓𝒆. 𝑨 𝒔𝒏𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒑𝒐𝒊𝒔𝒐𝒏 𝒊𝒕𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒔𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒍𝒌 𝒎𝒂𝒅𝒆 𝒂𝒏 𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒊��. 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒘𝒓𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒗𝒆𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝒇𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒘𝒆𝒑𝒕 𝒂𝒕 𝒃𝒆𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒃𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒅. 𝑰𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒊𝒏𝒇𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈. 𝑰𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒆𝒏𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒌 𝒂 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕.”
October 30, 2023
4.5 stars /// I know I shouldn't like Pat's writing as much as I do ... but it's so addictive?? The writing style, the world building, the plot ... he always delivers!
I read the first two books in the Kingkiller Chronicle in 2017, and immediately became obsessed with the series. And just like the rest of the fandom I've waited for the third and final instalment in vain. It's unclear whether Rothfuss will ever write it, but I'm happy he was able to introduce us to this wonderful fantasy world nonetheless. Ever since 2017, I've been meaning to read The Lightning Tree, a companion novella set shortly before the start of the series. Now, I finally found the time (and the means) to do just that ... and boy was I happy to be back in this world.
In The Lightning Tree, we follow Bast as he spends a usual day in Newarre. We see his daily routine, from helping Reshi (Kote / Kvothe) out at the Waystone Inn to manipulating and helping the village children. Every day some of these kids wait for him at the lightning tree, and Bast agrees to help them out with a problem of theirs (or a question) in exchange for secrets and favors.
The only issue I had with The Lightning Tree is that, yet again, Rothfuss fails at writing interesting and complex female characters. Just like in the main series, the women take a back seat in his world. They are mere objects, and often serve as a projection screen for the (male) protagonist's (sexual) desires and imagination. It's a shame, really, because Rothfuss has the potential of making his female characters just as interesting and broad as his male ones, yet he refuses to do so.
I know some readers have brought up the question of (non-)consent in this story, and I think it's an important discussion to be had. There's a scene in which Bast spies on Emberlee Ashton while she is taking her bath. It's an unsettling scene because Bast comes across like a stalker and pervert. However, (to me) I found the scene much less problematic once we learn that Emberlee is spying on Bast whilst he's bathing as well, and this is a form of exciting sexual/ romantic play that these two have going on. It is heavily implied that both of them know that the other is watching them naked, and that they use this "play" as a form of seduction and "foreplay". It's still not up my alley, but it makes sense in the context of this story.
However, there is still the issue that Bast seems to use his Fae magic to seduce women. That's not cool at all, and equivalent to drugging someone, and thus rape. Again, the fact that this is a fantasy world definitely complicates things as Bast isn't human, and relationships between human beings and other creatures are always a bit more tricky to assess ... as a Fae, glammourie (= the art of making himself look and seem different from his "true" nature) is natural for him, nonetheless, these scenes left a bitter taste in my mouth and, upon reflecting, let me to take off one star. It wasn't unbearable (I still enjoyed the novella immensely) but I definitely could've done without it!
Plot-wise, The Lightning Tree is a masterpiece. Everything comes full circle. There are no loose ends. And everything that Rothfuss mentioned at one point in the tale, clicks into its place by the end of it. It's sooo neat!
In conclusion, I'd highly recommend The Lightning Tree to every fan of the Kingkiller Chronicle. It's my favorite of the three companion tales we've gotten so far!
I read the first two books in the Kingkiller Chronicle in 2017, and immediately became obsessed with the series. And just like the rest of the fandom I've waited for the third and final instalment in vain. It's unclear whether Rothfuss will ever write it, but I'm happy he was able to introduce us to this wonderful fantasy world nonetheless. Ever since 2017, I've been meaning to read The Lightning Tree, a companion novella set shortly before the start of the series. Now, I finally found the time (and the means) to do just that ... and boy was I happy to be back in this world.
In The Lightning Tree, we follow Bast as he spends a usual day in Newarre. We see his daily routine, from helping Reshi (Kote / Kvothe) out at the Waystone Inn to manipulating and helping the village children. Every day some of these kids wait for him at the lightning tree, and Bast agrees to help them out with a problem of theirs (or a question) in exchange for secrets and favors.
“No one taller than the stone.The story is quite whimsical and playful. It's a great way for Rothfuss to introduce his readers to some information about the Fae that was formerly unknown (since Bast is a fae and reveals a bit about their nature and powers when a boy asks him that question) and also give us a deeper look into Bast as a character.
Come to blacktree, come alone.
Tell no adult what’s been said,
lest the lightning strike you dead.”
Bast reached out and took hold of the boy’s shoulder. He was stiff and rigid as a plank of wood, but Bast gathered him in and put his arms around his shoulders. Gently, because he had seen the boy’s back. They stood there for a long moment, Rike stiff and tight as a bowstring, trembling like a sail tight against the wind.The latter half of the novella becomes more somber, as Bast agrees to help Rike (a boy who is technically "too old" to come to the lightning tree) get rid of his abusive father, in order to protect his mother and siblings. That storyline was probably my favorite and really tugged on my heartstrings. Rothfuss is quite good at pulling an emotional punch in these scenes.
“Rike,” Bast said softly. “You’re a good boy. Do you know that?”
“Right,” Bast said. “It’s time. We’ll make it for your mother. You’ll have to give it to her. River stone works best if it’s given as a gift.”This was my favorite scene, and it honestly made me tear up a bit. Rothfuss did a really good job with the male characters in this tale. His exploration of masculinity, mother-son-relationships and domestic abuse are spot on!
Rike nodded, not looking up. “What if she won’t wear it?” he asked quietly.
Bast blinked, confused. “She’ll wear it because you gave it to her,” he said.
“What if she doesn’t?” he asked.
The only issue I had with The Lightning Tree is that, yet again, Rothfuss fails at writing interesting and complex female characters. Just like in the main series, the women take a back seat in his world. They are mere objects, and often serve as a projection screen for the (male) protagonist's (sexual) desires and imagination. It's a shame, really, because Rothfuss has the potential of making his female characters just as interesting and broad as his male ones, yet he refuses to do so.
I know some readers have brought up the question of (non-)consent in this story, and I think it's an important discussion to be had. There's a scene in which Bast spies on Emberlee Ashton while she is taking her bath. It's an unsettling scene because Bast comes across like a stalker and pervert. However, (to me) I found the scene much less problematic once we learn that Emberlee is spying on Bast whilst he's bathing as well, and this is a form of exciting sexual/ romantic play that these two have going on. It is heavily implied that both of them know that the other is watching them naked, and that they use this "play" as a form of seduction and "foreplay". It's still not up my alley, but it makes sense in the context of this story.
However, there is still the issue that Bast seems to use his Fae magic to seduce women. That's not cool at all, and equivalent to drugging someone, and thus rape. Again, the fact that this is a fantasy world definitely complicates things as Bast isn't human, and relationships between human beings and other creatures are always a bit more tricky to assess ... as a Fae, glammourie (= the art of making himself look and seem different from his "true" nature) is natural for him, nonetheless, these scenes left a bitter taste in my mouth and, upon reflecting, let me to take off one star. It wasn't unbearable (I still enjoyed the novella immensely) but I definitely could've done without it!
Plot-wise, The Lightning Tree is a masterpiece. Everything comes full circle. There are no loose ends. And everything that Rothfuss mentioned at one point in the tale, clicks into its place by the end of it. It's sooo neat!
In conclusion, I'd highly recommend The Lightning Tree to every fan of the Kingkiller Chronicle. It's my favorite of the three companion tales we've gotten so far!
May 8, 2022
Dear, funny, amazing Bast
I wish was more about him, this is a short story before The Name of the Wind, naughty Bast in only one day!
I wish was more about him, this is a short story before The Name of the Wind, naughty Bast in only one day!
August 12, 2021
Well, one thing I learn from this short story is Bast… one of my fav character in Kingkiller Chronicles is a pervert! … thanks Rothfuss for ruined this character (for me) .. this is just a simple story about Bast’s everyday life and beside one of the scene gave me the irk, the other was pretty boring
It’s hurtful to give 2 star to one of the story in Kingkiller Chronicles (which is one of my fav Fantasy series) but I feel disappointed with this character arc
It’s hurtful to give 2 star to one of the story in Kingkiller Chronicles (which is one of my fav Fantasy series) but I feel disappointed with this character arc
June 21, 2021
Un breve relato que nos permite conocer un poco mejor a Bast, quien aparece en los libros principales, adentrándonos en uno de sus días cotidianos. Tengo que decir que me ha sorprendido para bien la trama y destacaría lo bien caracterizado que ha quedado nuestro pícaro protagonista.
El toque de la pluma de Rothfuss es innegable y como seguidor se agradece leer cualquier cosa ambientada en la saga.
El toque de la pluma de Rothfuss es innegable y como seguidor se agradece leer cualquier cosa ambientada en la saga.
July 25, 2021
The Lightning Tree is a short story set in the same world as The Kingkiller Chronicle, following a day in the life of Bast. I personally really enjoyed the concise format and the fact it actually has an ending (!) unlike the main series. We also learn a lot more about the Fae, compared to The Wise Man's Fear.
My only complaint is the Bast acts like a bit of a creep, especially in one scene and its kind of brushed under the rug.
My only complaint is the Bast acts like a bit of a creep, especially in one scene and its kind of brushed under the rug.
December 11, 2021
La verdad es que no esperaba leer esta novela corta de Patrick Rothfuss, pero enamorada como estoy del universo de Crónica del asesino de Reyes y que Bast me gustaba mucho, al final decidí darle una oportunidad a El árbol del relámpago gracias a una traducción fan que hay en español.
Con esta pequeña historia que se desarrolla antes de El nombre del Viento, conocemos un poco más al misterioso y seductor compañero de Kvothe, Bast, del cual no quiero mencionar más por si alguien no se ha animado con esta saga y se topa de casualidad con esta reseña pensando que hay que leer primero esta.
No quiero tampoco relatar nada de esta porque no hay demasiado que decir salvo que simplemente vemos un día "normal" de la tranquila vida de Bast y sus relaciones con el pequeño pueblo en el que se encuentra. Pero, por supuesto, quien conozca un poco a Bast sabe que no se va a pasar el día estudiando un libro como Kvothe quiere...
Como mencioné antes, no puedo hablar objetivamente de la forma de narrar de este libro ya que es una traducción fan pero si admitir que es un pequeño regalo para los fans de Crónica del asesino de Reyes, que si bien no nos quita el hambre de saber como acaba la historia de Kvothe al menos nos apaga un poco la sed con El árbol del relámpago al igual que con La música del silencio. Y, siendo sincera, esta novela se me hizo más entretenida que la anterior mencionada.
En resumidas cuenta, esta novela es especialmente recomendada para los fans de Crónica del asesino de Reyes que quieran conocer un poco más a uno de los personajes más destacados de la saga.
Con esta pequeña historia que se desarrolla antes de El nombre del Viento, conocemos un poco más al misterioso y seductor compañero de Kvothe, Bast, del cual no quiero mencionar más por si alguien no se ha animado con esta saga y se topa de casualidad con esta reseña pensando que hay que leer primero esta.
No quiero tampoco relatar nada de esta porque no hay demasiado que decir salvo que simplemente vemos un día "normal" de la tranquila vida de Bast y sus relaciones con el pequeño pueblo en el que se encuentra. Pero, por supuesto, quien conozca un poco a Bast sabe que no se va a pasar el día estudiando un libro como Kvothe quiere...
Como mencioné antes, no puedo hablar objetivamente de la forma de narrar de este libro ya que es una traducción fan pero si admitir que es un pequeño regalo para los fans de Crónica del asesino de Reyes, que si bien no nos quita el hambre de saber como acaba la historia de Kvothe al menos nos apaga un poco la sed con El árbol del relámpago al igual que con La música del silencio. Y, siendo sincera, esta novela se me hizo más entretenida que la anterior mencionada.
En resumidas cuenta, esta novela es especialmente recomendada para los fans de Crónica del asesino de Reyes que quieran conocer un poco más a uno de los personajes más destacados de la saga.
May 26, 2021
I've read this short-story (that isn't very short) six times. I love it; as I seem to love everything Patrick writes. Getting to see more of Bast was really fun. He's one of the most interesting characters in the main trilogy.
The dialogue in here, as expected, is perfect. The story, also as expected, is not very noteworthy, and yet somehow enthralling. Patrick has a habit of telling a story where very little happens at all, and yet you hang on every word; because every word gives you more on this world and the people in it. I've said it before and I'll say it a hundred times more: there's something special about Rothfuss' writing. It's just a good time. It doesn't need to be the Odyssey.
The dialogue in here, as expected, is perfect. The story, also as expected, is not very noteworthy, and yet somehow enthralling. Patrick has a habit of telling a story where very little happens at all, and yet you hang on every word; because every word gives you more on this world and the people in it. I've said it before and I'll say it a hundred times more: there's something special about Rothfuss' writing. It's just a good time. It doesn't need to be the Odyssey.
March 21, 2021
Bomboş... Zaman kaybı... Anlamsız..
February 4, 2023
Bast is one of my favorite characters in KKC. In this book though, he’s more of a sexual predator than anything else. Just kind of creepy. Hanging around playgrounds to corrupt little kids, spying on women and then essentially drugging them with his magic. I don’t know. Rubbed me the wrong way.
Obviously he’s not some kind of pillar of morality. But it still made me sad to see Bast like this.
Obviously he’s not some kind of pillar of morality. But it still made me sad to see Bast like this.
November 28, 2023
This book is a delightful read, how Bast spent his leisure time on looking for hiss pleasures:) In addition, he helped boys , girls and a woman that seemingly had forgot his assignments from Kvothe. It is interesting to watch his requires from those children who were asking help from Bast. This book is not as lyrical as The Slow regard of Silent Things, however this is much more entertaining than tSRoST!
I did not notice Bast has many charming characteristics than a magnitude characters in KKC series, until I read tLT, I think I like this character more than before; and this is not easy to write a character is distinctive nature and aptitude that compares to humans. I am looking forward to the development of Bast as a Fae character in KKC series.
I did not notice Bast has many charming characteristics than a magnitude characters in KKC series, until I read tLT, I think I like this character more than before; and this is not easy to write a character is distinctive nature and aptitude that compares to humans. I am looking forward to the development of Bast as a Fae character in KKC series.
October 1, 2023
That was... incredibly boring. But I did laugh out loud several times! For example at the idea that young, unmarried women of the village 'take their bath' alone in a stream. Also, villagers apparently have plenty of free time during the day. Also, men routinely eat at an inn (women possibly don't eat at all, but certainly nobody cooks other than the innkeeper). In short, there were lots of things written by a person who never saw a village, never left a city, and didn't read much on the topic. The storyline itself is just boring, with not much new about Bast.
May 30, 2019
La historia me ha gustado mucho, me ha parecido bastante entretenida. Agradezco bastante el hecho de que se profundice más en personajes secundarios como es Bast o Auri, dotándoles de una profundidad que a mi ver es necesaria.
Lo único malo de este libro....... la edición que utilicé para leerlo. Por lo que tengo entendido las traducciones de éste son en general horrorosas, pero mi edición fue aún peor, tenía: Falta de tildes; la «LL» aparecía SIEMPRE como «L»; Repetición de la misma frase (una sola repetición, muchas frases diferentes) y por último, un incómodo espaciado y distribución del texto, estando alternado entre verso, prosa o palabras sueltas.
Por lo demás, me ha gustado. Ha sido muy divertido y ligero ver como es un día en el pintoresco pícaro fata. Aunque, al ver más o menos como funciona la magia, me ha entrado aún más curiosidad por ver funciona bien usada, en plan, la magia poderosa de los fata. Espero que eso esté en el tercer libro (si algún día se publica).
Lo único malo de este libro....... la edición que utilicé para leerlo. Por lo que tengo entendido las traducciones de éste son en general horrorosas, pero mi edición fue aún peor, tenía: Falta de tildes; la «LL» aparecía SIEMPRE como «L»; Repetición de la misma frase (una sola repetición, muchas frases diferentes) y por último, un incómodo espaciado y distribución del texto, estando alternado entre verso, prosa o palabras sueltas.
Por lo demás, me ha gustado. Ha sido muy divertido y ligero ver como es un día en el pintoresco pícaro fata. Aunque, al ver más o menos como funciona la magia, me ha entrado aún más curiosidad por ver funciona bien usada, en plan, la magia poderosa de los fata. Espero que eso esté en el tercer libro (si algún día se publica).
April 13, 2024
In another timeline and dimension - I can see Bast in a 3 piece suit, driving a classic Ole American in Los Angeles, owning a club and asking:
What is it you desire?
- man the opening scene made me wish I was a kid with a petty grievance in need of a plan only Bast can craft.
Cozy yet with this undercurrent of wild magic. I love the themes of knowledge-seeking, sharing, truth, half-truths, omissions and colorful renditions. The depiction of The Bluff and The Lightning Tree where kids go to ask of Bast feels like a solid ancient thing. I wish I lived in the pages of this novella.
Characters: A Scene or Summary
The keeper and retriever of secrets.
I am totally and completely inlove with Bast. Martin whyyyy would you throw rocks and my dude like that? There, that's better. Now that's out the way, Bast is a curious creature. He is all knowing and shares his knowing. He has a code and rules and he is one who contemplates, plots and can see five steps ahead.
Favorite/Curious/Unique Scene:
😉No idea why, but Bast washing his shirt at the river was really captivating (besides the birthday suit swim).
😍Bast chopping firewood at the William's farm for 6 carrots ...and ... ahem, well yes.
Favorite/Curious/Unique Quotes:
🖤 “Oh come now, a little sweetness is all any of us have sometimes. It’s always worth it. Even if it takes some work.” (Bast could convince me to do anything)
🖤 “You pay with gifts and favors. You pay in secrets …” (The master of quid pro quo)
🖤 “It was baffling. These creatures. They were fraught and frayed in their desire. A snake would never poison itself, but these folk made an art of it. They wrapped themselves in fears and wept at being blind.” (Bast on the Human Condition)
Favorite/Curious/Unique Concepts:
■Waystone Inn, Celum Tinture
■ Fae: Felurian, Kvothe’s shadow cloak, glammourie, grammerie
■The three rules of Basts' Blacktree/Lightning Tree
■ Bast's Antler knife
GR Rating: 4⭐
CAWPILE: 8.5
StoryGraph Challenge: 1800 Books by 2025
Challenge Prompt: 150 Fantasy Books by 2025
Cozy yet with this undercurrent of wild magic. I love the themes of knowledge-seeking, sharing, truth, half-truths, omissions and colorful renditions. The depiction of The Bluff and The Lightning Tree where kids go to ask of Bast feels like a solid ancient thing. I wish I lived in the pages of this novella.
Characters: A Scene or Summary
The keeper and retriever of secrets.
I am totally and completely inlove with Bast. Martin whyyyy would you throw rocks and my dude like that? There, that's better. Now that's out the way, Bast is a curious creature. He is all knowing and shares his knowing. He has a code and rules and he is one who contemplates, plots and can see five steps ahead.
Favorite/Curious/Unique Scene:
😉No idea why, but Bast washing his shirt at the river was really captivating (besides the birthday suit swim).
😍Bast chopping firewood at the William's farm for 6 carrots ...and ... ahem, well yes.
Favorite/Curious/Unique Quotes:
🖤 “Oh come now, a little sweetness is all any of us have sometimes. It’s always worth it. Even if it takes some work.” (Bast could convince me to do anything)
🖤 “You pay with gifts and favors. You pay in secrets …” (The master of quid pro quo)
🖤 “It was baffling. These creatures. They were fraught and frayed in their desire. A snake would never poison itself, but these folk made an art of it. They wrapped themselves in fears and wept at being blind.” (Bast on the Human Condition)
Favorite/Curious/Unique Concepts:
■Waystone Inn, Celum Tinture
■ Fae: Felurian, Kvothe’s shadow cloak, glammourie, grammerie
■The three rules of Basts' Blacktree/Lightning Tree
■ Bast's Antler knife
GR Rating: 4⭐
CAWPILE: 8.5
StoryGraph Challenge: 1800 Books by 2025
Challenge Prompt: 150 Fantasy Books by 2025
July 17, 2024
Relato corto perteneciente al mundo de "Crónica del asesino de Reyes" y anterior a los sucesos que transcurren en el primer libro. Es difícil valorar esta novela porque es muy breve y realmente no aporta nada sustancial a la saga, más allá de leer una historia entretenida para pasar el rato y saber un poco más sobre Bast y su picaresca.
Ya que han pasado 9 años desde que leí "El nombre del viento" y el "El temor de un hombre sabio", por lo que en mi caso particular no me acordaba ni del protagonista de este relato. Pero una vez que empiezo a leer, la ambientación me despierta la nostalgia por la épica historia de Kvothe, y hace que eche en la falta la continuación después del segundo libro.
En resumen, un relato corto que te puedes saltar sin ningún problema, pero que si lo lees seguramente pases un buen rato y, quizá, te ayude a refrescar un poco la memoria para la esperada continuación (*risas de fondo*) de "Crónica del asesino de Reyes".
Ya que han pasado 9 años desde que leí "El nombre del viento" y el "El temor de un hombre sabio", por lo que en mi caso particular no me acordaba ni del protagonista de este relato. Pero una vez que empiezo a leer, la ambientación me despierta la nostalgia por la épica historia de Kvothe, y hace que eche en la falta la continuación después del segundo libro.
En resumen, un relato corto que te puedes saltar sin ningún problema, pero que si lo lees seguramente pases un buen rato y, quizá, te ayude a refrescar un poco la memoria para la esperada continuación (*risas de fondo*) de "Crónica del asesino de Reyes".
November 7, 2020
And here we go, the last Kingkiller thing out there to review. It was good, Bast is for sure an interesting character, but it was a bit boring at times. Really, what has happened in these 70 pages?
Rating: 3.0 stars.
Rating: 3.0 stars.
August 31, 2022
جذاب و پر از شیطنت های بست!
گاهی خوی تاریک ترش خودشو نشون میداد ولی در کل باید بگیم نسبت به بقیه هم نژاد هاش خیلی مهربون هست. از دیدار مجدد کوتاهم با بست و کواث لذت زیادی بردم و بی صبرانه منتظر جلد سوم مجموعه هستم!
گاهی خوی تاریک ترش خودشو نشون میداد ولی در کل باید بگیم نسبت به بقیه هم نژاد هاش خیلی مهربون هست. از دیدار مجدد کوتاهم با بست و کواث لذت زیادی بردم و بی صبرانه منتظر جلد سوم مجموعه هستم!
October 15, 2022
En esta novela corta anterior a "En el nombre del viento" tenemos el relato de un día en la vida de Bast, el aprendiz de Kvothe que se oculta con una falsa identidad en el pueblo de Newarre.
Desde hace tiempo tenía ganas de leer esta novela, aprovechando también y hacerlo en inglés. La espera se hace larga y creo que el tercero de los libros no lo veremos publicado, así que desde ahora también me anoto no comprar series y demás que estén en su totalidad porque esto da una impotencia grande.
A lo que vamos, la novela me gusta como está escrita y el enganche que te da por conocer los secretos de Bast, pero también al terminarla me he llevado una decepción, pues no hemos ido a parar a ningún lado. Solo conocemos a un Bast, pícaro, un joven que aparenta simpleza, pero que no es tal, un poco vago y poco más.
Vemos los tratos que hace con algunos niños del pueblo para conseguir información que no sabemos qué tanto de útil es. Algún que otro escarceo amoroso. Pero sobre todo lo que nos queda al final es el total desconocimiento de sus acciones, a ver... se puede intuir, pero lo deja al gusto lector.
En resumen, me pareció una historia que no va a ningún lado y que no revela nada nuevo ni de Kvothe, ni en este caso de Bast.
https://oceanodelibros.blogspot.com/2...
Desde hace tiempo tenía ganas de leer esta novela, aprovechando también y hacerlo en inglés. La espera se hace larga y creo que el tercero de los libros no lo veremos publicado, así que desde ahora también me anoto no comprar series y demás que estén en su totalidad porque esto da una impotencia grande.
A lo que vamos, la novela me gusta como está escrita y el enganche que te da por conocer los secretos de Bast, pero también al terminarla me he llevado una decepción, pues no hemos ido a parar a ningún lado. Solo conocemos a un Bast, pícaro, un joven que aparenta simpleza, pero que no es tal, un poco vago y poco más.
Vemos los tratos que hace con algunos niños del pueblo para conseguir información que no sabemos qué tanto de útil es. Algún que otro escarceo amoroso. Pero sobre todo lo que nos queda al final es el total desconocimiento de sus acciones, a ver... se puede intuir, pero lo deja al gusto lector.
En resumen, me pareció una historia que no va a ningún lado y que no revela nada nuevo ni de Kvothe, ni en este caso de Bast.
https://oceanodelibros.blogspot.com/2...
October 4, 2022
As always, I love Rothfuss’ writing style and I love Bast but man is there once again a focus on fae… sexuality. Let me put it that way. Hehe Other than that though, I love the little details and connections in the story that come together in the end. Fun little story.
December 9, 2023
What a cool insight into one of my favourite characters of the Kingkiller chronicles! Bast really shines in this short story, he feels otherwordly and fae, while showing compassion and cleverness. I really liked how the narrative keeps you on your toes and keeps up the tension until the last scene in the inn, where everything is revealed.
And of course, how heartbreaking is the scene with Rike?? If you want to make the magic stronger, you have to tell her you love her every day. 💔💔💔💔
I really did not like the rewritten, bloated version that was published in November 2023. I feel like the original version was perfect and even though the author himself made the changes, it feels like sacrilege.
And of course, how heartbreaking is the scene with Rike?? If you want to make the magic stronger, you have to tell her you love her every day. 💔💔💔💔
I really did not like the rewritten, bloated version that was published in November 2023. I feel like the original version was perfect and even though the author himself made the changes, it feels like sacrilege.
November 16, 2023
I keep reading Rothfuss’ works in the hope that they will be enjoyable and less sexist than his other works, but alas. The male gaze present in his work is wild. Lines like, “And glamouring a pretty girl to be more pretty wouldn’t be much work at all. It’s like putting icing on a cake,” just do not sit well with me.
Two of the women we are introduced to in this story are abused. One is physically abused by her husband. The other is sexually assaulted by a tinker. But luckily for the latter, a local villager interrupts, and she is thus rescued by a man (of course).
At several points in the story, it feels like women are manipulated via Bast's elusive fae powers (for example: ).
Why were women sexually assaulted in this short story? Why are women preyed upon and/or spied upon repeatedly by the men in this story? Every female character we meet is either abused (by men), objectified (by men), or is a child.
I enjoy Rothfuss' writing, which is why I continue to read his books and stories, but it is impossible for me to ignore the choices he makes regarding women. Their mistreatment is handled so casually, so naturally -- it is depressing.
Two of the women we are introduced to in this story are abused. One is physically abused by her husband. The other is sexually assaulted by a tinker. But luckily for the latter, a local villager interrupts, and she is thus rescued by a man (of course).
At several points in the story, it feels like women are manipulated via Bast's elusive fae powers (for example: ).
Why were women sexually assaulted in this short story? Why are women preyed upon and/or spied upon repeatedly by the men in this story? Every female character we meet is either abused (by men), objectified (by men), or is a child.
I enjoy Rothfuss' writing, which is why I continue to read his books and stories, but it is impossible for me to ignore the choices he makes regarding women. Their mistreatment is handled so casually, so naturally -- it is depressing.
August 14, 2020
Intrigued by all the fuss about Mr. Rothfuss, I decided to give this short-story prequel a try, and I must say that I liked it. I'm not well-versed with all the technical details of literary devices used here, but whatever they are, they certainly are effective.
Will give The Kingkiller series a try after all, I guess.
Will give The Kingkiller series a try after all, I guess.
August 22, 2020
4.5 stars. Though short, it told a complete, illuminating story. The protagonist was interesting and whimsical, and the plot was always entertaining.
October 5, 2022
A day in the life of the two edged sword called Bast.
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