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 Rinn on

4 of 5 stars

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I received a copy of this book for free from the publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Also posted on my blog, Rinn Reads.

Having recently finally read The Wise Man's Fear, the second book in the epic Kingkiller Chronicles series by Patrick Rothfuss, I couldn't wait to make a start on The Slow Regard Of Silent Things. As much as I love Rothfuss' series, I thought it would be refreshing to get a different viewpoint, see the story from the point of someone other than Kvothe. I really love Kvothe as a character, but I feel like I've spent a lot of time with him, as each book clocks in at almost 1000 pages.

Auri's story is definitely something new. It's not so much a new perspective on Kvothe's tale, as Kvothe himself does not make an appearance, but it was fascinating nonetheless to hear from someone else in Kvothe's world. Despite being book number 2.5, you could probably read this one after either book, but definitely not without having read at least The Name of the Wind. It makes the assumption that you already know Auri (or really, why would you have picked the book up?), at least as well as a reader can know her. Auri is another character that I've always loved within the series - she has that aura of mystery that actually somehow still remains, even after reading this book.

I always had a sense that Auri knows more than anyone else, and just doesn't let on, and The Slow Regard of Silent Things only makes me more sure of this. She may be the only character in the book, but the inanimate objects seem to come to life the moment they come into contact with her, as if she breathes life into everything she touches. It says so much about Patrick Rothfuss' writing that he can make a story about a young girl going about her rather peculiar day-to-day activities into something so fascinating and delightful.

If you're worried that this book will reveal too much about Auri and who she is, then there is no need - it is a wonderful insight into the life of Auri that somehow leaves her more of a mystery than ever, and that's what I really like about it.

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 6 December, 2014: Finished reading
  • 6 December, 2014: Reviewed