The Slow Regard of Silent Things by Patrick Rothfuss

The Slow Regard of Silent Things (Kingkiller Chronicles, #2.5)

by Patrick Rothfuss

The University, a renowned bastion of knowledge, attracts the brightest minds to unravel the mysteries of enlightened sciences like artificing and alchemy. Yet deep below its bustling halls lies a complex and cavernous maze of abandoned rooms and ancient passageways - and in the heart of it all lives Auri.

Formerly a student at the University, now Auri spends her days tending the world around her. She has learned that some mysteries are best left settled and safe. No longer fooled by the sharp rationality so treasured by the University, Auri sees beyond the surface of things, into subtle dangers and hidden names.

At once joyous and haunting, THE SLOW REGARD OF SILENT THINGS is a rich, atmospheric and lyrical tale, featuring one of the most beloved characters from Rothfuss' acclaimed fantasy series.

Reviewed by Amber (The Literary Phoenix) on

5 of 5 stars

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It is so lovely to be with Auri in her Underthing. Although THE SLOW REGARD OF SILENT THINGS is not a traditional story in that it has a driving purpose and a satisfying ending. Rather, this novella is a character study. Auri is such a deeply thoughtful and interesting person that this novella was a delight. It may not be a traditional story (Rothfuss warns the reader of this himself), but it's a wonderful, small, ordinary adventure.

I'm also impressed simply by Rothfuss' writing. Because his magnum opus is his only major work, and because he writes in only one POV (well, two with Bast I suppose), we don't get much opportunity to see him stretch his character voice skills. Auri is authentic and sweet, and I think he did a terrific job writing her. And not just her. Auri is alone nearly all of this story, but even within her bubble, Rothfuss brings the inanimate objects around her to life. We see Auri as a caretaker, and she is lovely.

Overall, I deeply enjoyed this tale and recommend it to fans of THE NAME OF THE WIND and THE WISE MAN'S FEAR. It's a taste of Temerant and the University with a fantastic character, and a little something to treat yourself to while we wait (forever) for DOORS OF STONE. However, I don't recommend this unless you've read his other books first - you simply need to get to know Auri and the world before diving in at this level.

For deeper analysis on this book and many others, please visit my blog, The Literary Phoenix!

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 17 July, 2020: Finished reading
  • 17 July, 2020: Reviewed