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The Narrow Road Between Desires

Written by: Patrick Rothfuss
Narrated by: Nick Podehl, Patrick Rothfuss
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Publisher's Summary

#1 New York Times-bestselling phenomenon Patrick Rothfuss returns to the wildly popular Kingkiller Chronicle universe with a stunning reimagining of "The Lightning Tree." Expanded to twice its previous length and lavishly illustrated by Nate Taylor, this touching stand-alone story is sure to please new audiences and veteran Rothfuss fans alike

No one taller than the stone. Come to blacktree, come alone. Tell no adult what’s been said, Lest the lightning strike you dead.

Follow the Kingkiller Chronicle’s most charming fae as he schemes his way through the small town of Newarre. While Bast cares nothing for the laws of man, he is beholden to older, deeper laws. And despite his cleverness and care, Bast finds himself forced to choose between betraying his master and helping a hated enemy.

Playful, sweet, and sly as Bast himself, The Narrow Road Between Desires explores a previously unseen part of Temerant, and shows a side of Bast we’ve only glimpsed before. Learn more about Bast as he goes against his better judgement and follows his heart’s desire.

For after all, what good is wisdom if it keeps you from finding your way to danger and delight?

©2023 Patrick Rothfuss (P)2023 Recorded Books
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What listeners say about The Narrow Road Between Desires

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  • Overall
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Another Rothfuss winner

Loved this story, so captivating even with being so simple and seemingly slow. The children were intriguing and a story with some more info about Bass was wonderful

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A satisfying self contained story

I don't know if the story stands well enough on it's own, which Rothfuss acknowledges in the Forward. That said, there's a lot to like here if you love the Kingkiller series. Podehl brings it to life, as always.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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Yet another side story

As any fan of the Kingkiller Chronicles knows, we've been waiting for the third mainline book for approximately 7.23 centuries now. Just when many think that Rothfuss has just given up on providing it, he drip feeds out another one of these side stories that are focused around interesting secondary characters and made only for hardcore fans. Rothfuss says as much in the introduction. This one focuses on Bast, the main protagonist's assistant(?) of sorts who is shown in the first two main books as having ulterior motives.

Told as a "day in the life" story, this book aims to show what Bast does when he's not around Kvothe. I always found Bast little more than an annoying Kvoth fanboy and his side motives were what really made him interesting. This story provides some insight into that, but in a more mundane way, where Bast spends most of the book interacting with several childen in town, trading favours for other favours and information. Nick Podehl's narration is top shelf as always, but the voices of the kids I found supremely grating and annoying. Thing is, that's how they should sound, so I can't fault him there.

It feels like this is designed to better flesh out how Bast thinks and the methodology he follows when plotting behind the scenes. It does that well and serves to better enlighten readers into his character. Personally, I didn't find it terribly interesting and just reinforced more of what I don't like about the character than what I find interesting.

Maybe when the third book comes out in approximately 4.86 heat deaths of the universe, this will become more essential reading.

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Beautiful

This story was beautifully written and beautifully told. I wish I could give it more than 5 stars.

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P.R.: a true modern poet

I'm a reader. I'm a poet. I'm a writer myself. But let me tell you that very few things come close to the level of love, care, intention and artistry of Patrick Rothfuss' writing. It is meant for the lips, the tongue, the vocal chords. It it meant for the ears, heart and brain as much as it is for the eyes and imagination. This is a beautiful piece of peace. And I will forgive him for the (still) wait on the book because true artistry comes in it's own time, it needs to be respected. Enjoy his full body of work, worth every second of your time you will invest in it.

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thank you Patrick.

Once again a beautiful dip into the world of Kvothe. An interesting day in the lift of Bast, and look at the lore around him.

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Great appetizer on its own

In respect to the author, Because he WIILL have complaints about it not being an other book people wants, I will keep this review about this book. I love Bast, I knew I liked him from the other book and I simply there was more about him ! I can't wait to eventually know more but simply this glimpse made me feel better about him. He's making himself seems big powerful and dangerous, which he might very well be ! Not being Human shows different actions and I like it.

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  • Overall
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my heart!

Rothfuss is such a master of words. From the start to the end I'm enthralled and drinking up every syllable. I didn't expect to love this so much but I find myself wishing for more chapters.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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Left me wanting more!

The story builds on the characters of the series and left me wanting more. I can hardly wait.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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I’m happy the book came out

But I’m just left wanting more. Pat writes just as well as he always has and nick crushes the performance, but I just want something to hold onto.

Get it, finish it, and you’ll all like it. One day we’ll get Doors of Stone—still looking forward to it.

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1 person found this helpful