Rothfussians discussion

am I mistaken, or do we not have a topic for this short yet? I looked through but didn't see it (mobile app user...so forgive me)

any way. I'm about half way through the audio version of it and I wanted to point out two things. One of...importance, and one trivial cute nod. I wouldn't consider these spoilers... but one can never be too sure. proceed warned.

1) Pat cleverly tells us when this story takes place in the context of the kkc series. when Bast is answering questions for the boy, the boy tells him to write a book, because tgatp what people who know everything do so they can show it off... again, only half way through so I don't know if it's actually spelled out later on... but Bast's reaction is similar to inspiration... and that puts this story a span, or less, before he convinces kvothe to write a memoir, and leaves clues that chronicler follows.

2) shortly after the moment mentioned above, bast asks what the boy has in his pocket. one item is a small Stone with a hole in it...this stood out as a cute nod to Tiffany Aching from Pratchett's discworld series...an author Pat is admittedly very fond of.

that's all. :)

tgatp = that's

blasted auto-t9...I need to clean it out

we sould just mark the whole thread as spoiler and discuss all the things lol.

But as to your two things

1) I'm pretty sure Pat said the events in The Lightning Tree take place the day before Chronicler gets there.

2) That's neat. I haven't read discworld yet (it's on my list) but in Shawn Speakman's The Dark Thorn there is also mention of a similar stone which he calls a fairy ring which gives protection from his Fey (Fae) creatures. Rothfuss also has a relationship with Speakman and appears in his Unfettered anthlogy.

I didn't read pat's mention of it taking place just before the arrival of chronicler...and if I remember correctly that day was accounted for in Name of the Wind... :: shrug :: it was a neat nod nonetheless

and yes, the fairy ring in speakman's context would actually make more sense, as Tiffany's ring was considered a Lucky Stone...but whether or not it provided any luck wasn't known, LoL


after finishing the short story I would love to discuss it with those who've already read it!

I enjoyed this story and it was the highlight to an otherwise disappointment of a short story collection, Rogues. To be frank I thought the collection as a whole was a waste of time and money. Even Martins story was irrelevant and disappointing. There were one or to decent story's and pats was the highlight. A 900 page Book should have at least half of the stories intriguing but to my dismay it didn't. Now this is only my personal opinion and would like to here others perspective but Lightening tree was my highlight to a otherwise disappointing collection.

That's why I haven't bought it, Michael. There was a dearth of other authors I have the patience for.

I may go read it at the library.

Fairy stones are actually a real world legend, I assume that is where all these fantasy writers got the idea. Pat even gave a few away in the Worldbuilder's lottery.

Essentially it's a stone that is worn naturally to have a hole in the middle, if you look through the hole you are supposed to have the ability to see through the glamour of a fae creature. I guess they help protect you from there charms as well...or something like that.

And yes, I agree, I got the impression this was all just a bit before Chronicler's arrival.

I enjoyed the story, I wasn't disappoint with the purchase of the anthology at all, Pat's story was long enough for the $20 I paid for it, I haven't even read any of the other stories at all. Plus, I scored a first edition by pre-ordering so even more worth the money I dropped.

No..... Your entitled to your opinion and can't tell you how to feel but the fact that u said you didn't even read the other stories is a total discredit to a Anthology. That's the whole purpose to lure you in with the Martin Pats and Lynch's then open your eyes to new up and coming or less well known Authors. The product should Never be based on one short story( that's what they are) but based on the collection as a whole. You kinda made my point with what u said. I was disappointed in the 'collection' but only enjoyed a small morsel of the book. It was 900 pages! If u bought a car and only liked the dashboard u would be unhappy with the product as a whole( really bad analogy sorry!) but you get the point. I understand your happy and I'm glad for you but it's that exact mentality that is the problem. If you said you enjoyed the stories I would say excellent for you, but the statement you just mad really eels me for all the previous reasons plus I feel you didn't even give these authors a chance! People put all kinds of effort into these short stories and you completely dismissed that! I didn't enjoy it but gave each author the consideration of reading there works. Why didn't you just go to the library and read the one story you wanted? I'm sorry I just had to vent on that.

And now I'm looking at who wrote this amber and believe you are the same amber from the Martin threads? If so you always have a good take on story lines and insightful outlooks on the different books and plot lines.Kind of surprised it came from you? If it's same person if not ignore the following. A lot of people named amber I'm sure.

I really only purchased it to read the story from KKC, I have been collecting all the 4 Corners stories, been trying to assemble a collection of all first editions. So that is mostly why I was happy with the purchase and also why I didn't just read it at the library. (If my library even bought a copy, small town, small budget LOL) I see your point though. If I had purchased the anthology with the expectation of caring about other stories, I would likely be annoyed as well.

LOL, it probably is me, I spend some time over on the ASOIAF boards too. I have the intention of reading Martin's addition to the anthology, but just haven't had too much time to read lately, been getting ready to have a baby. I actually packed this anthology in my hospital bag just last night, for in case I'm sitting around over there a long time. Figured it'd be a good way to take my mind off things. LOL.
So mostly, it was just released at a bad time for me to spend sitting around reading and I only took the time out to read the one story I bought it for.

We'll first things first. CONGRATULATIONS that is extremely exciting and I truly apologize if I came across harsh. I now understand the reason why and in all honesty it's really none of my business! Is the baby's name gonna be influenced by any characters? Just curious a friend is considering naming her baby Arya which I actually think is a pretty name. Apparently there has been a boom in GOT baby names! Hahah find it kinda cool the influences in modern culture GOT has caused. I am curious about first editions and heard of people collecting them, which of the four corner stories have you acquired, if you don't mind me asking? Once again didn't mean to jump down your throat over something that doesn't involve me kinda wired funny! Wish you a happy and healthy baby! Good luck on bringing in another Bookie!

Oh no, I wasn't offended or anything. I know I bought the book for different reasons than a lot of people probably purchased it. KKC is just my favorite fantasy world, at least from what I read so far. So I know I'll probably be happy with any purchase I make involving it.
Kinda exempts me from having too much opinion on the anthology honestly!! LOL.

But thanks, we are pretty excited, only a few short weeks left! She isn't really named after anything inspired from the novels. We are musicians so we named her Melody. That is probably part of the reason I enjoy KKC so much though, I like the musical aspect a lot and how Pat uses it to drive the story forward.

Anywho, I'm pretty sure the 1st editions tend to have the most value, I have managed to collect the first edition copy of everything KKC except Name of the Wind and WMF's hard cover. So I have the WMF paperback, Unfettered, and Rogues Anthology all in 1st. I've had a hard time getting my hands on any NOTW hard cover or paperback 1st's unfortunately. I should have a first edition of Slow Regard too since I preordered it already, plus that one should be signed, which will be cool. If I ever get around to going to an actual signing I'd really like Pat to sign my copy of Unfettered most.

I know how you feel the 1st editions of NOTW and WMF are already so expensive. I have signed NOTW but it's not first edition, and my Unfettered ARC is signed by five of the authors but not Rothfuss, am hoping I can one day rectify that.

YES they are expensive!! I always look for them at used book fairs and stores though, since around my area, they wouldn't care nor probably have a clue the worth of a 1st edition of either. LOL.

Amber, congrats on the baby! I know you'll raise her to be a proper nerd. ;) Seriously, that's awesome and I hope everything goes smoothly for you over the next few weeks.

Alright hold up! How do i tell if its a First edition? I have Rogues, DWD, AWMF, and a few others but i just Received my preordered copy of Fools Assassin by Robin Hobb and it is Signed! I was pumped the first signed book i own! and it wasn't that laser signature it was Done with a Pen so it made my Day! Big fan of Hers but my question is how do i Tell Which of my Hardback books are first Editions?

I just googled it and found out my Rogues and Dance with Dragons are both first editions plus My new Fools Assassin is a Signed First edition! Very happy unfortunately my AWMF is not. so if you pre-order a book your chance of it being a First edition are good? All mine were pre-orders. But I now know what too look for when shopping. Google told me too check the serial numbers and the last number tells how many reprints. Most have First edition written on them as we'll! Thanks guys I have a new thing to look for!

Yes, preordering a book substantially increases your chances of it being a first edition. After preordering I think it kinda just depends on your position in the line of distribution.

You can tell if it's a first edition if it says it's a first edition, for one, but also if you look on the copyright page there should be a string of numbers like 10 7 5 3 2 1 or something along those lines, if that number contains a 1 it is a first edition. So sounds like you got it.

Too bad on the WMF, but that is cool about your copy of Fools Assassin.



(oh yah, and Thanks Manda! I've had it pretty easy really, so mostly just hoping it stays that way on d-day LOL)

Amber, first have fun with motherhood, it will be an adventure. Second, GRRM last two short stories are from his pile of " ASOI&F stand alone books that will never be publish because I do not have enough time." I liked the Lynch, Abercrombie, Rothfuss, Flynn, Hughes, and am stalled at pg. 284.

If you preordered your getting a first edition. What you really looking for is in the string of numbers that Amber referred to that will tell you if it is a 1st/1st (First Edition / First Printing)

Also if your WMF does not have the number line, it is a first edition.

http://blog.patrickrothfuss.com/2011/...

Just wanted to add that Powells.com still has NOTW signed editions for sale. Total is less than $35 but it does not state First Edition so that might be why it is not more expensive. .

NOTW is easiest to tell because the cover is different on the first printings. It's the one with porno-Kvothe on it.

Wait now my minds blown I know the numbers but how do I tell if it's first edition first print?? Gotta recheck my books!

It will have a "1" in the string Michael. I believe the "1" can be anywhere in the string...but I think it's usually at the beginning or the end.

I definitely enjoy GRRM, but he isn't exactly my favorite. I respect that he has put so much into making an awesome world and he does some cool things in his writing. I really like some of his characters, but he has his downfalls. Personally, I'm more impressed with Rothfuss and since I recently read Gentlemen Bastards, I will say I was super impressed with Lynch. They do some things that I just feel are more original and out of the box as far as the norm in the fantasy genre is concerned.

also...Porno-Kvothe...BAHAHAHAHA...omg. I really hate that cover, but I need it....
I'd actually love to get the artist to sign it as well, even though I don't really care for the artwork. I just find it funny and I'm sort've an asshole like that.



Anyway...yah, I liked the Lightning Tree story. Did anyone else catch any hints as to what might be up with Kote when we reach KKC? I was hoping for a tidbit, but I was pretty focused on Bast and thought the whole thing with the tree was pretty interesting. Any guesses if that tree has significance or if it might even relate back to the stuff with the tree in Old Holly? Interesting to me that both stories had a major tree focus.

Ohhh How far are you in the Gentleman Bastards series Amber? I went on a tear with them and was super pumped for Republic of Theives. It was a good book so Far Lies of Locke LAmora was my favorite out of the series but Red seas was good as well. I enjoyed Republic but curious to see where the Storyline is headed thats all i will say! Im deff. a fan of Scott. I am starting to see That maybe the Fae and Nature is a strong connection so not sure if its The tree or Basts rituals that enchant it? We actually got to learn some cool stuff about the Fae through That whole story and it left me wanting more from Basts POV. Now that said if the Silent regard of things is good i will have to order it but initially it didn't peak my interest maybe because i Just focused on the new KCC. If it was a book through Basts eyes i would jump all over it. Didn't learn much about Kote through the story but it did leave me wanting more from Pats world!

I have read all the Gentlemen Bastard books he's put out so far. I love Lies as well. Red Seas was a little slow, but the character arc with Jean was amazing in my opinion, plus I loved all the female characters. The end moved a lot smoother than the beginning, but that's alright. It wasn't TOO slow for me to get bored. Republic was enjoyable, but I wasn't highly enchanted with Sabetha. I was intrigued about where the story was heading though, Lynch definitely left some interesting openings about where Locke's life is headed.

I also wasn't initially all that interested in Slow Regard. I like Auri, but she's not a favorite of mine and I can't attest to having the same love for her some fans do. However, I really did want the 1st edition, so....you know. Plus it will be related to KKC as they share a universe, and it seems pretty likely it will be written at least close to the time period of Kvothe's story, vs the time period of Kote's story. So that should be interesting.

I kinda like that all the "extra" stories he has put out alternate time periods. I got the impression that Old Holly was around the time period of the Creation War, Lightning Tree is from Kote's time period, and I'm guessing but Slow Regard will be in Kvothe's time period. So he keeps giving us little glimpses while he's finishing up the major story.

I agree with your gentlemans review. Jean was what made the red seas for me as we'll and I too wasn't impressed with sabathea. Almost one of those things where the build up from the first two books made sabathea very intriguing and almost mythical so when you finally do get to meet her and the story involves her it's kinda a letdown? Just my opinion. Now the one story from Pats world you mentioned is new to me? Out world? On phone so can't check the actual name of it sorry if I brutalized it. Is it a short story? Where would I find it?

Old Holly! Ha did screw it up! It's from the four corners I'm assuming but is it a book or story? I will check it out!

Yah, I think besides all the build up of Sabetha, I just wasn't won over by her the way I was the ladies in Red Seas. I was really in love with Ezri and Zamira, I felt like Sabetha was a little too stand offish and I didn't get to know her as well I'd liked too.

Yes, How Old Holly Came to Be is a short story, very short actually. It's in the Unfettered Anthology. It's a different writing style. You might be able to find it read aloud or singularly online, I don't know, never looked. I'm not sure what the availability of Unfettered is like at this point. It was only printed to help Sean Speakman pay off his medical bills after his cancer battle, so it ran out of a the small press and it was pretty limited after the preorder number was met from my understanding.

Thanks again! Your like the four corners wiki!