I really enjoyed this book. Rothfuss has a way with words that is generally unparalleled by other fantasy authors. It had a really gripping storyline, explained well, as if the reader was part of the world. I found myself fascinated by the main character, the choices he made, and how he got where he was going. It felt like I, too, was sitting in the inn with Kvothe, Bast, and the Chronicler, listening to stories by the fire. 
There was action, adventure, mystery, and more than one hardship, leading to a gripping story that explains the characters well. I rooted for Kvothe every step of the way, watching him try, over and over again. 

However, as much as I enjoyed this book, there were some issues that made me really struggle. Kvothe NEVER catches a break. Every time something good happens to him, something else comes along and whisks it away. It felt like there was nothing that could go right, and even though it all usually worked out in the end, there were times when the problems he faced constantly were enough to make me need to take a break. It was frustrating at best, infuriating at worst, and it felt like so often it wasn‘t even Kvothe‘s fault, the issues he got tossed his way. It made you, as the reader, feel hopeless, because even if you knew it was going to work out, you also knew that present day Kvothe was changed because of it. It was a rough read, and didn‘t make you feel good while reading, or while preparing for his next adventure. 

Overall, this was a really enjoyable read, and I plan to continue with the series (hoping for a third book release soon!), but this first book felt much more helpless than anything. This book was clearly just the foundation for the next two - and while it was a necessary foundation, it was frustrating nonetheless. Rothfuss has a clear vision for these books and this series, and I‘m excited to see where it goes next.