is The Narrow Road Between Desires by Patrick Rothfuss Worth a Read? | Spoiler-Free Review 

Do you plan on reading The Narrow Road Between Desires? Buy The Narrow Road Desires here: geni.us/Narrowroad Using my affiliate link helps out the channel!

Mr Rothfus is a very special writer in that he can write the most gorgeous, speaking-to-my-soul kind of prose that you can completely get lost in, and then can hit me in the face with possibly the cringiest paragraph I've read in my whole life all on the same page. Truly spectacular.

I'm sure it's probably a fine read, but on principle I will not pay for anything else from PR until the chapter is released, and Book 3 is published. That's the hill I will die on.

I honestly think that Patrick Rothfuss has a secret ambition of being George R.R. Martin. Hes doing fine at it so far. Ive never been so disappointed in an author in my life. " The Name of the Wind" was such a beautifully written book and it took me on an incredible journey that was breathtaking and memorable. "The Wise Man's Fear" continued that journey and I fell in love with so many characters and enjoyed every twist and turn, every story within the story, every travel journey that Kvothe takes. Im honestly heartbroken that Book 3 isnt out yet. Im in poor health and getting old now and I would dearly love to read Book 3 before I die. As time continues Im thinking that Ill be long gone before he publishes it. One thing that both Martin and Rothfuss have taught me is that I dont start any unfinished series anymore. I loved Book 1 so much that it lives within my heart.

For everything wrong with rothfuss, the man knows how to make titles for novellas. Both "Slow Regard of Silent Things" and "Narrow Road Between Desires" rock

I would sooner pay Sanderson to finish book 3 than give Rothfus another dime until he can buck up and finish it humself. I'm past the point of grace with that man.

I'm surprised you believed bast could be a villain after reading the line "I just want my Reshi back". That line always struck so hard and true with me, like a deep longing for a long forgotten friend.

He wants to write again? Seems like he is confirming what his agent said when she said rothfuss was not working on doors of stone.

Great review! But I’m not reading anything more by that author. Still, I appreciate that you reviewed the actual story.

Thanks for the video. I think I will read it if book 3 is publish. I don't want to read this and miss more the story without a resolution. I'm glad Pat looks more positive and motivated, regardless if he publish or not book 3, I always wish him the best.

Dude, your hair is always on point. It's, like, a perfect swoosh.

Awesome video Jay. Regardless of my thoughts on Rothfuss I always watch your videos about his books

I wont read anything from Rothfuss again.

Full hardcover and ebook prices for a regurgitated novella. Just a money grab. Hard pass.

I've long since moved on. I loved the first two books in the King Killer Chronicle, and I understand deeply that writing a novel is no small undertaking. But it's been far too long. It really does feel like being strung along. If I were a less principled person I might strap him to his writing tool of choice and demand motion be made! Legality and humanity aside, that would probably make for poor writing though.

9:18 Just want to say the sexy ‘oh yeah’ happened as I was opening a bag of chips. So thank you for making my snack time epic by accident.

I like the novellas, I think they’re cute. I’m not a mega superfan who follows rothfuss’s live streams and I’ve lost hope waiting for book 3 just like I’ve lost hope waiting for more ASOIAF books. But I like rothfuss’s prose and am curious about Bast so I read it. I love the critique that it’s such beautiful prose but also kinda cringy which is so true lol.

An interesting take on the fae. I hadn’t really thought about it but I find I agree and it seems like a valid criticism to me.

Totally agree with your review. I'm glad I read it

That carrot is sus as fuck! I’m suspicious of that carrot!! How do we know this carrot isn’t actually a stick in disguise that Pat plans to beat us with?!!🤔

You're a really cool dude, thank you for getting adults back into literature. Seriously, Daniel Green, Mikes Book Reviews, and yourself, you've all piqued my own interests in these fantastic tales. Just in the past 2 years I've read The Wheel of Time, Mistborn, Warbreaker, The Dark Tower (I'm on the extended journey to the tower so don't judge me, currently powering through IT by Stephen King). I've also listened to over 20 audiobooks since last year, thank you again Captured in Words. 🎉

Please do a spoiler-filled theory video. I'm very curious to hear your thoughts on some of the fortune telling stuff in this story.

I just finished it yesterday. It's been a long time since I read his other books, but I honestly thought it was great as a stand alone even not remembering most of the wider world context. I think maybe there's an instinct to hold the book to a higher standard (especially in terms of how it fits into the wider world), but just taking it in isolation, I thought it was charming, heartwarming, and the perfect length/pacing for the story being told. It reminded me a bit of The Expanse novella Strange Dogs in that, yes, the additional world context enhances the experience, but even without that it's a wonderful self contained story.

Appreciate this review

Like 5 years ago I found a hardcover copy of the Rogues anthology in a HPB store. It wasn’t until I opened the book again months later that I saw it was signed by Pat Rothfuss.

I’ve clowned on you in the past. You’ve never banned me. And you continuously release quality work on your channel. you have won me over sir

I love your videos and as painful as it is I will always love any writing that comes from Patrick Rothfuss, I'd love it if you could do a breakdown to see if there are any secrets revealed in the narrow road that effect the kingkiller secrets ❤

Come on man! We've been waiting since May for Part 2 of Wise Man's Fear!

The high I had when I saw Patrick Rothfuss had released another book in the Kingkiller Chronicle vs the low I felt when I noticed Goodreads listed it as book 2.6 in the series. I haven't read it yet so shouldn't comment on it, but like I'm still disappointed by this book lol

The lightning tree was my introduction to Rothfuss’ writing I read it in rogues which I had bought because Martin was the editor It was the best story in the book and I wanted to know more about bast so bought the name of the wind At first I was disappointed that the book did not have bast as the main character but then I was utterly hooked on the writing I didn’t want to buy this new book be cause I was scared adding 100 percent more words would spoil it but it’s remarkably good I’ve read some reviews that say it offers us nothing new and doesn’t add to the frame story But I think it tells us what was behind that four plate door I think it shows us that bast is Jax and his release might also be why he is bound to Kwothe

I really enjoyed it a lot - but I had never read the lightning tree previously so it was all new to me. What made this story special for me was how it really captured the experience of childhood in a unique way.

Small correction: The penance piece isn't new in NRBD. It's in WMF, and also an essay about the different currencies is in the Anniversary edition of NotW appendix. I'd personally read LT multiple times before reading this version and prefer it since it's a tighter story and was more implicit than NRBD. (I don't mind that he made it more clear that the sex with Emberlee was consensual, even though this was implied in LT. But it still wasn't a great representation of consent since you find out after the fact...) But I do love some of the new magics shown and want to reread those sections for theory-crafting!

I never read The Lightning Tree, it never seemed like an official release. Glad I waited thanks to this video. Now I just need the time to read a small novella... we'll see how long that takes.

By the time Rothfuss releases the final book I’ll have Alzheimer’s and forget how to read, lmao.

Loved the got Bast sections!!!

I'm glad my library has a copy. I'm going to read it, but don't see myself buying a copy anytime soon.

It's an amazingly beautiful story, got me fully immersed. And a much more interesting portrait of Bast than in the King Killer books. The "sexy fae" trope was so short and original that I honestly didn't notice.

I'm just glad Patt still writes, and I really like this one. Hope we'll get the third book someday.

great review.

Great to hear your take on this, Jay! I’ll be reading it since I’ve enjoyed everything else that Rothfuss has published so far. Thank you for helping me to know what to expect!

Hey dude, i can't seem to find the part 2 of your Wise Man's Fear summary. Did you delete it or did you never post it ? If it's the latter, will you post it someday ? Thanks !

I love the first two books, but I'll read this one AFTER the 3rd actual book comes out with a semblence of belief that we'll actually get a conclusion to the series.

I need to pick this up, I read the lightning tree online around 5 or 6 years ago and really enjoyed it. Can't frigging wait for book 3 though

I thought it was fantastic! Some great, snappy humor, classic Rothfuss prose and atmosphere, and more of a coherent and compelling plot than Slow Regard. Your point about the “carrot” is hilarious, and I can actually imagine Pat thinking that as it published.

I still need to read KKC. 😬🤪 hope marriage is treating you well tell Katie hi from me! :)

I read the town name as “Anywhere” and while Nuhwar is probably correct it’s hard to get that out of my head.

Wish I could read this but I haven't read anything from Rothfuss in over a decade. I no longer remember this world. But I still might try.

Literally came to hear your review before deciding whether to buy this book. Now I will. You should get commission or something! Anyways, good reviews as always. Thanks.

You saying that The slow regard came out in 2014 gave me whiplash 😂 Has it really been that long?

Loved it. Pat is someone that I read like a drug. I re-read every year, and of course I really really want to know more, but hey, he's an artist, and as an artist myself, I so so understand why he's not finished it. We are weird. Period. People that do not create will never understand, but I imagine, we have issues. Now I'm not equating myself on the same level w Pat, at all, I'm just saying I get it. I love both Novellas. Also, love your reviews. Thanks...

Because of PR. I will never read another unfinished trilogy or series again. I stopped hoping for a third book from him a decade ago. The first two books were probably my most favorite of all time. And to leave us hanging for so... so ...long....it’s just cruel and heartless. There should be a law that all books must be finished before going to print 🤨

I don't quite get why he is uninspired. Have we even met the King that the Kingkiller Chronicle is actually about? We've met, what, 2 of the Chandrilan? What of the other 5? There's a full book where Kvothe finally graduates the University and finds a lead on how to kill his family's murderers--but we find one of them is....the king?! And who is Bast to Kvothe, really? My money is love child with Felurian. And what happens with Denna in the present? But eventually the story must catch up to the present and the trio must leave the inn and conclude the story in the present. Surely Kvothe can't live happily ever after. There is just too much in the main plot obviously left untold for Rothfuss to say he is in a block. He clearly had a plan. Now maybe he can say he is struggling with more detailed world building about certain corners of the world or details about certain new characters and factions we haven't met. He can't be bored or curious to explore other stories as an author (like Martin and his Wildcard series), he doesn't consult on tv adaptations, he isn't writing for game console releases..

I agree with your opinion on what we really want out of the fey which was darker and more interesting.

I snagged it on Audible because Credits but I went to buy a physical copy and there were only hardcovers for $26 and i laughed my way out of the store. Edit: just became aware paperbacks don't exist yet. $26 was still more than I was personally willing to spend

Is the prose and writing style more similar to the novels or A slow regard of silent things? Coz if it's more similar to the latter, it's probably not for me.

Yes, it's a reworking of The Lighting Tree, but it states that up front. It says it in the Amazon and Audible descriptions. It's in the first few sentences of the author's prolog. Anyone who is surprised that this is a reworking is simply not paying attention. Having listened to both The Lightning Tree and Narrow Road, I find Narrow Road to be much better. Yes, I'm mad about the missing reward chapter and yes, I'm frustrated about DOS, but I'm willing to evaluate this on it's own merits.

There is one book I want to read and this is not it

A nice honest review. Thank you. I really loved the aspect that this was a fae story told through the fae and not through the human. Your favorite scene is my favorite as well. It shows that he is of the fae and not just a human in character. I will say that whatever flaws PR has and what people think they are owed, the negative resposes have far outdone the crime. Some of the fanbase has become more toxic than is deserved and honestly I wish these commenters would just go away. If you're not a fan anymore than stop posting on every fan video. It's just as bad as breaking up with someone and online stalking all thier posts and commeting on every picture . Just move on if you feel that strongly because at this point it's just troll posting and it has long lost any moral argument. There mini rant over.

I agree with you about the sexy Bast thing -- it felt like a woman wrote those parts, as it is generally not the way straight men describe each other, in my experience. It's a great and touching read, we can only hope it gets him motivated to write the Doors of Stone.

Nothing of Rothfuss' is worth reading until he publishes Doors of Stone.

Any new theories on kingkiller after the release of the Narrow Road?

"He puts wors on a page.. its magic" thats on point. Such a pleasure to read this man.

I want to join the giveaway! I'd love to add the penance piece to my connection of Kingkiller coins!

I’ll read it after book three.

he should just write a fourth book instead of trying so hard to make a trilogy christopher paolini wanted to make a trilogy with the eragon series, but ended up writing a fourth book because, well, that's what the series needed abaddon is creating the sixth book of kill six billion demons right now, despite announcing that the fifth would be the last sometimes, a series outgrows it's old clothes, and I wish patrick could accept this

I'm happy to see this video. Your KKC content is great. Your closing comment about a novella about Devi or Elodin would be welcome. Devi is one of my favorite characters. Regarding this book, I'm 25% through Sanderson's Oathbringer, I'm making my way through that series, so this book will have to wait. Stormlight Archives was actually found through your suggestion, so thanks for that! Anyway, I'm glad to see Rothfuss publishing something, anything, and hopefully it does give him a bit of momentum with his writing. Perhaps he needs a little more of the carrot instead of the stick at this point.

I found out this was a rewrite of the Lighning Tree as I sat down to starting reading it....

No !!! Not a single cent from me will find it's way to Rothfuss's pocket. Not ever again !

That opening line was gold

Great book. Lot of stuff to consider. Like wtf kind of magic was bast doing. I didnt read lightning tree. Could be why i liked it so mucb

The world building in this makes it worth it. REALLY BIG reveal about Bast and Kvothe's relationship. The Audiobook is only 3 and a half hours when you listen to it in 1.25 speed

If and when DoS is released (and it's actually a completion of the Kingkiller Chronicles), I'll read Narrow Road. Otherwise, hard pass. IMO, any time a story is serialized/published in volumes, there's an implicit promise to the readers that the work will be completed. I'm at a point where I'm quite doubtful that Rothfuss will, in good faith, continue working towards that completion. Frankly, between Rothfuss and GRRM, I'm reluctant to buy in to any in-progress series that's not authored by someone with a track record of being able to release material in a reasonable manner.

I just finished reading it and immediately came to see if you had done a video on it. This was my first time reading it, I hadn't read Lightning Tree. I loved this book, not as much as all the others, and in fact it made me want to re-read Silent Regard but still, I loved this because I love Bast.

I'll read it, but I'm gonna pout the whole time.

Have you reviewed “Dawn of Wonder”?

The read-along is listed for half a month before the video was posted. Did you mean Dec 14th?

Saw pat in 2013. He came to Europe to do a tour. He said book 3 was finished and ready. It's now 2023. I don't give a f**k anymore. I have had enough, then he LIES saying it's coming yet nothing is done. I even sold my very own copies of the books! It's more than over.

After the 3rd book is out. Then I'll think about it. To be fair it's odd the new book/rewrite is out! Maybe he will not live to finish the last book. I get the feeling many of us fans will miss the last book. Many other amazing books. He who fights with Monsters, is what im reading and i will not be buying anything more from his websites or books until 3rd book.

I used to saygive Rothfuss time and be patient about book 3. But its been 12 years with no updates. Im starting to get frustrated and wonder if he ever intends to finish it. I think if you start a story you have a duty to the art your making, yourself, and your readers to not give up.

The Lightning Tree is probably my favorite story ever - I *listen* to it SOOO often and so I *HAD* to get this book!! Not gunna lie, I was a little disheartened that Rothfuss has changed the genders of a few characters - maybe to "get with the times" I'm not sure.... but overall, it was enjoyable, I liked the extra bits :) Also, I noted that he hadn't changed "bakers boy" in a part of the book, where in this version it should now be "bakers girl" :P

is it worth reading it? NO! Hold the line people! Dont fall for Rothfuss money making scheme. Make him finish book 3. Dont buy his other shit. HOLD THE LINE!

“... Apology now is of little consequence," she said, her voice flat and chill as slate. "Anything you say at this point cannot be trusted. You know I am well and truly angry, so you are in the grip of fear. This means I cannot trust any word you say, as it comes from fear. You are clever, and charming, and a liar. I know you can bend the world with your words. So I will not listen." "Vashet to Kvothe”

Damn Bast is HAWT in that fanart! Hayyy

I hate rothfuss for not giving us book 3 and stuff like the chapter, but I believe him his reasons why he failed to deliver, so I'll just wait patiently and continue rereading his books. And damn, this new novella was amazing, I enjoyed it so much it's incredible.

Over 12 years now, and counting. Hard pass.

My friend what about the Wise Man Fear - Part 2!???🎉

I bought this book and the audio version when the pre order was announced. I loved the lightning tree and wanted a stand alone book for it instead of the entire rouges books, i really liked the title of the book, and was a little excited. I regret buying this book. I wanted and would have been happy with a reprint of the lightning tree. I liked some of the added details about the magic. But the changes he made to characters, conversations, and motivations drive me crazy. The lightning tree is a published story in this world and should have been treated with more respect and care. Which story is canon? I mean i guess this is a fictional world and I'm the long run doesn't matter. But this felt like the worst kind of money grab. . I also completely agree with his points about bast and the fae. I really don't want to see bast written by Sarah j Mass. There is a growing part of me that doesn't want book 3

At this point, I find the story and struggles of Patrick Rothfuss infinitely more interesting than the Kingkiller chronicle itself. Because he has so many things working against him: 1- He has written himself into a corner. The man has meandered his way through two books and there are WAY too many loose ends to address. If he manages to tie up all these loose ends AND bring the story around to Kote’s modern days at the Waystone Inn, it will literally be one of the greatest works in fantasy fiction of all time. OR he can admit defeat, suck it up and write a fourth book. Because that’s what the story needs, but I think Rothfuss is tired of Kvothe and doesn’t want to commit to a fourth book, which leads to my next point… 2- Rothfuss is aging out and is no longer qualified to write Kvothe’s story; and he knows it. Supposedly, he wrote the stories when he was much younger and the longer he takes polishing book 3, the more it’s going to feel like “old man writing about youth”. Rothfuss is in a different stage of his life and no longer finds Kvothe as an interesting character- my opinion. Which leads to my last point… 3- Pat is well aware of the criticism leveled at Kvothe being a Mary Sue. This is his life’s work, and he doesn’t want his legacy to be known as a “dollar store power fantasy” author. So now he’s in a position where he has to bring the story to a satisfying conclusion, but he also has to do it in a manner that “owns” the opposition and undoubtedly proves to all that Kvothe and his work is great. At this point, I would much prefer to read a book about a successful writer struggling his tail off to complete his magnum opus- because that’s what Rothfuss is, than read a story about Kvothe he doesn’t struggle much at all.

No. He won't finish his final book. He has "A Silent Disregard and Disrespect For Expecting Fans"

The first version was for children this ones bast is a fukboy who wants to murder ppl much darker feeling ending. Pat shoved in lot more sex as well as trans stuff which doesn’t work with the magic system and just a political change. It’s a decent book but I liked the original better just more light hearted. I think pat will just get distracted by everything again and this is just to dangle “Carrots”

So, two theories I would like to highlight: First, this novella has given some extra insight that I think substantiates a theory I've held for a while, which is that Deoch is definitely a fae, and possibly even Bast himself. Some evidence of this: - He is always described as handsome/charming possibly implying that he is using a glammourie - There is a fountain outside of the Eolian that has a satyr chasing women, and given Bast's hooves, satyrs from the Fae seems reasonable - The reward for being a great musician at the Eolian is the talent pipes - the only other time that we see pipes is in narrow road when Bast seduces the shephard - Kvothe and Deoch speak together in rhyming, which seems to be associated with the fae. Bast's inner monologue in Narrow Road containing lots of rhyming seems to support this - Deoch exhibits a fae-like reaction to being offered gifts. When Kvothe first goes to the Eolian and meets Deoch at the door, Kvothe says something like "Deoch means to drink. If I get my pipes I'll buy you a beer" (not exact quote obviously). Deoch accepts this, and then later when inside the Eolian, Sim was amazed that Kvothe was able to get away with this, as "Deoch hates taking bribes". This seems to imply that Deoch usually will not accept anything that can be considered a gift, which really fits with our new understanding of fae obligation/debt from Narrow Road Second, I have a theory for Bast's motivation, which has always been something of a mystery: - In the first chapter of Narrow road, Bast states that Kvothe calling his name was like "a grip around his heart" or something like that. Given our understanding of fae debt, this really implies that Bast is under some sort of debt/obligation to Kvothe that remains unfulfilled - Bast owing a debt/obligation to Kvothe would explain why he refers to Kvothe as "master" in Narrow road, as their relationship might be such that Bast owes this debt to Kvothe, who knows his name, and thus has mastery over him until the debt is resolved - This may also explain why Bast is so determined to return Kvothe to himself. Maybe the debt that is owed is specifically to Kvothe, but since Kvothe has changed his true name, the debt cannot be resolved until Kote becomes Kvothe again. Maybe Bast is bound to this debt/obligation under fae rules of obligation until Kvothe himself can set him free of it - As for the debt/obligation that is owed, I'm not exactly sure, but I would be open to hear theories from others. I imagine that it would have to be pretty big to have bound Bast as strong as it seems to have done. One thing of note, is that in Narrow road, Bast states that there are very few things that could have bound him so strongly as the penance piece did, and among these things he lists an amber ring. From the rhyme about Kvothe's rings: "on his first hand he wore rings of stone, iron, amber, wood, and bone". I don't think that the amber ring is yet accounted for, and maybe this ring is what has Bast bound @Captured In Words, would love to hear your thoughts on these!

I've always found Bast a fascinating character and hadn't read The Lightning Tree. I really enjoyed this story, even more than Slow Regard. Although I agree we could go a little easier on the sexy fae trope 😅

It’s only worth a read if you can find it for free. The author does not deserve a cent

I'm totally adding this to my Christmas wish-list!!!! 🤩🤩🤩🤩

As sad as it makes me, it feels like Rothfuss is trying to do what Sanderson did and set up this giant world and mythos, but isn't giving himself the same amount of time. His first two books were relatively short and only 3 books to set up and payoff everything happening in his story seems like a monumental ask. I wouldn't be surprised if he goes the Paolini route and splits the third book....

While I enjoyed and think this is a very good revision. I like The Lightning Tree better. In TLT the story isn’t spelled out as much. And I liked that the reader needs to think a little to put all the clues together.

I always assumed Bast was Clothe's son that he had with the fae woman he slept with... who's name I do not recall.

If the final book is anything like the first two books we will get a whole lot of story about Kvothe chasing after a girl, or cheating people out of money, and absolutely nothing about the huge plot laid out in book one. So far he skipped over every major reason I was looking forward to reading about. I hope at some point he releases the court transcripts so we might understand what the hell that was about.

Rothfuss is so lazy: even the author’s note in this book is copy-pasted from Slow Regard.

I started reading it but it didn't work for me which was sad