Regular price: $13.85
This is a tale of sorrow, a tale of survival, a tale of one man's search for meaning in his universe, and how that search, and the indomitable will that drove it, gave birth to a legend.
You define life or it defines you. In Shawn Speakman’s case, it was both. Lacking health insurance and diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2011, Shawn quickly accrued a massive medical debt that he did not have the ability to pay. That’s when New York Times best-selling author Terry Brooks offered to donate a short story that Shawn could sell to help alleviate those bills—and suggested he ask the same of his other writer friends. Unfettered is the result: An anthology built in order to relieve that debt, featuring short stories by some of the best fantasy writers in the genre.
If you’re a fan of fiction that is more than just black and white, this latest story collection from number-one New York Times best-selling author George R. R. Martin and award-winning editor Gardner Dozois is filled with subtle shades of gray. Twenty-one all-original stories, by an all-star list of contributors, will delight and astonish you in equal measure with their cunning twists and dazzling reversals. And George R. R. Martin himself offers a brand-new A Game of Thrones tale chronicling one of the biggest rogues in the entire history of Ice and Fire.
Roshar is a world of stone and storms. Uncanny tempests of incredible power sweep across the rocky terrain so frequently that they have shaped ecology and civilization alike. Animals hide in shells, trees pull in branches, and grass retracts into the soilless ground. Cities are built only where the topography offers shelter. It has been centuries since the fall of the ten consecrated orders known as the Knights Radiant, but their Shardblades and Shardplate remain: mystical swords and suits of armor.
Five years ago Corin Cadence's brother entered the Serpent Spire - a colossal tower with ever-shifting rooms, traps, and monsters. Those who survive the spire's trials return home with an attunement: a mark granting the bearer magical powers. According to legend, those few who reach the top of the tower will be granted a boon by the spire's goddess. He never returned. Now it's Corin's turn. He's headed to the top floor, on a mission to meet the goddess.
Minalan gave up a promising career as a professional warmage to live the quiet life of a village spellmonger in the remote mountain valley of Boval. It was a peaceful, beautiful little fief, far from the dangerous feudal petty squabbles of the Five Duchies, on the world of Callidore. There were cows. Lots of cows. And cheese. For six months things went well. Then one night Minalan is forced to pick up his mageblade again to defend his adopted home from the vanguard of an army of goblins bent on a genocidal crusade against all mankind. And that was the good news.
This is a tale of sorrow, a tale of survival, a tale of one man's search for meaning in his universe, and how that search, and the indomitable will that drove it, gave birth to a legend.
You define life or it defines you. In Shawn Speakman’s case, it was both. Lacking health insurance and diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2011, Shawn quickly accrued a massive medical debt that he did not have the ability to pay. That’s when New York Times best-selling author Terry Brooks offered to donate a short story that Shawn could sell to help alleviate those bills—and suggested he ask the same of his other writer friends. Unfettered is the result: An anthology built in order to relieve that debt, featuring short stories by some of the best fantasy writers in the genre.
If you’re a fan of fiction that is more than just black and white, this latest story collection from number-one New York Times best-selling author George R. R. Martin and award-winning editor Gardner Dozois is filled with subtle shades of gray. Twenty-one all-original stories, by an all-star list of contributors, will delight and astonish you in equal measure with their cunning twists and dazzling reversals. And George R. R. Martin himself offers a brand-new A Game of Thrones tale chronicling one of the biggest rogues in the entire history of Ice and Fire.
Roshar is a world of stone and storms. Uncanny tempests of incredible power sweep across the rocky terrain so frequently that they have shaped ecology and civilization alike. Animals hide in shells, trees pull in branches, and grass retracts into the soilless ground. Cities are built only where the topography offers shelter. It has been centuries since the fall of the ten consecrated orders known as the Knights Radiant, but their Shardblades and Shardplate remain: mystical swords and suits of armor.
Five years ago Corin Cadence's brother entered the Serpent Spire - a colossal tower with ever-shifting rooms, traps, and monsters. Those who survive the spire's trials return home with an attunement: a mark granting the bearer magical powers. According to legend, those few who reach the top of the tower will be granted a boon by the spire's goddess. He never returned. Now it's Corin's turn. He's headed to the top floor, on a mission to meet the goddess.
Minalan gave up a promising career as a professional warmage to live the quiet life of a village spellmonger in the remote mountain valley of Boval. It was a peaceful, beautiful little fief, far from the dangerous feudal petty squabbles of the Five Duchies, on the world of Callidore. There were cows. Lots of cows. And cheese. For six months things went well. Then one night Minalan is forced to pick up his mageblade again to defend his adopted home from the vanguard of an army of goblins bent on a genocidal crusade against all mankind. And that was the good news.
Raised and trained in seclusion at a secret fortress on the edge of the northern wilds of the Kingdom of Ashai, a young warrior called Rezkin is unexpectedly thrust into the outworld when a terrible battle destroys all that he knows. With no understanding of his life’s purpose and armed with masterful weapons mysteriously bestowed upon him by a dead king, Rezkin must travel across Ashai to find the one man who may hold the clues to his very existence.
It has been 20 years since the end of the war. The dictatorial Augurs, once thought of almost as gods, were overthrown and wiped out during the conflict, their much-feared powers mysteriously failing them. Those who had ruled under them, men and women with a lesser ability known as the Gift, avoided the Augurs' fate only by submitting themselves to the rebellion's Four Tenets.
Tricked into a world of banished gods, demons, goblins, sprites and magic, Richter must learn to meet the perils of The Land and begin to forge his own kingdom. Actions have consequences across The Land, with powerful creatures and factions now hell-bent on Richter's destruction. Can Richter forge allegiances to survive this harsh and unforgiving world or will he fall to the dark denizens of this ancient and unforgiving realm? A tale to shake "The Land" itself, measuring 10/10 on the Richter scale, how will Richter's choices shape the future of The Land and all who reside in it? Can he grow his power to meet the deadliest of beings of the land? When choices are often a shade of grey, how will Richter ensure he does not become what he seeks to destroy?
With unforgettable characters, a sweeping backdrop, and passionate storytelling, this is a fantasy debut to rival that of Robert Jordan. Filled with adventure and bloodshed, pageantry and piracy, mystery and menace, Assassin's Apprentice is the story of a royal house and the young man who is destined to chart its course through tempests of change.
At once wildly original and stuffed with irresistible nostalgia, Ready Player One is a spectacularly genre-busting, ambitious, and charming debut—part quest novel, part love story, and part virtual space opera set in a universe where spell-slinging mages battle giant Japanese robots, entire planets are inspired by Blade Runner, and flying DeLoreans achieve light speed.
For three days battle has raged in the snow around the great city of Tar Valon. In the city, a foretelling of the future is uttered. On the slopes of Dragonmount, the immense mountain that looms over the city, a child is born, an infant prophesied to change the world. That child must be found before he can be killed by the forces of the Shadow.
The Malazan Empire simmers with discontent, bled dry by interminable warfare, bitter infighting, and bloody confrontations with ancient and implacable sorcerers. Even the imperial legions, long inured to the bloodshed, yearn for some respite. Yet Empress Laseen’s rule remains absolute, enforced by her dreaded Claw assassins. For Sergeant Whiskeyjack and his squad of Bridgeburners, and for Tattersail, their lone surviving mage, the aftermath of the siege of Pale should have been a time to mourn the many dead. But Darujhistan, last of the Free Cities, yet holds out.
Logen Ninefingers, infamous barbarian, has finally run out of luck. Caught in one feud too many, he's on the verge of becoming a dead barbarian - leaving nothing behind him but bad songs, dead friends, and a lot of happy enemies. Nobleman, dashing officer, and paragon of selfishness, Captain Jezal dan Luthar has nothing more dangerous in mind than fleecing his friends at cards and dreaming of glory in the fencing circle. But war is brewing, and on the battlefields of the frozen North they fight by altogether bloodier rules.
Some say that in the city of Orlyn, godhood is on sale to the highest bidder. Thousands flock to the city each year, hoping for a chance at immortality. Lydia Hastings is a knowledge sorcerer, capable of extracting information from anything she touches. When she travels to Orlyn to validate the claims of the local faith, she discovers a conspiracy that could lead to a war between the world's three greatest powers. At the focal point is a prisoner who bears a striking resemblance to the long-missing leader of the pantheon she worships.
A quest for bloody vengeance forces Derla, a skilled veteran of the Varinshold underworld, into the service of arch schemer King Janus. Charged with protecting the renowned drunkard and cardsharp Sentes Mustor, Derla finds herself drawn into a high stakes game with the notorious criminal overlord known as One Eye.
In Alorin...300 years after the genocidal Adept Wars, the realm is dying, and the blessed Adept race dies with it. One man holds the secret to reverting this decline: Bjorn van Gelderan, a dangerous and enigmatic man whose shocking betrayal three centuries past earned him a traitor's brand. It is the Adept Vestal Raine D'Lacourte's mission to learn what Bjorn knows in the hope of salvaging his race. But first he'll have to find him....
Sweeping from the majestic city of Ashoka to the perilous Wildness beyond her borders, enter a world where Caste determines mystical Talents, the purity of Jivatma expresses worth, and dharma may be based on a lie.Rukh Shektan has always understood duty. As a member of Caste Kumma, the warrior Caste, nothing else is acceptable. He is expected to take part in the deadly Trials, to journey the Wildness and protect the caravans linking Humanity's far-flung cities. Though the mission is dangerous, Rukh's hope and optimism are undaunted. Karma, however, is a fickle fiend.
Patrick Rothfuss narrates The Slow Regard of Silent Things, a companion novella to his bestselling Kingkiller Chronicle novels that shares an enchanting new perspective on the Four Corners realm.
Renowned as a bastion of knowledge, the University draws the brightest minds to unravel the mysteries of enlightened sciences, such as artificing and alchemy. Yet deep below its bustling halls lies a complex web of abandoned rooms and ancient passageways.
In the heart of this cavernous maze is a young woman named Auri, who calls this Underthing her home. Formerly a student at the University, Auri now spends her days tending to the world around her. She knows that some mysteries are better settled and safe. No longer fooled by the sharp rationality so trusted by those above her, 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 richly atmospheric and lyrical tale that features one of the most beloved characters from his acclaimed fantasy series.
Wonderful, heartbreaking and lovely; hauntingly beautiful word-smithery. I love it, more than just a little. Like Auri.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
In this book, narrated by the author (which is more perfect here than anywhere else I've encountered it), is a masterful picture lovingly painted in words. A strong recommendation to any who enjoy new ways to view how the English language can be used.
The picture itself paints a way to view the world, as it is seen by the main character. Not in the sense that it's for you to adopt, it just explains how this person in particular sees her surroundings, using the context and world set up in the King killer chronicles. This puts the story itself in the sidelines, and let's us marvel at the ride we are along for.
Again, a unique story to enjoy.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This was a lovely and very strangely written short story. The reader must take heed of the authors warning that it is not written in a conventional manner at all. It is, however, a beautifully described insight into the life and mind of one of the most wonderful characters ever conceived.
I got hopelessly lost in the Underthing by listening to this story. Then I discovered someone's blog posts with chapter by chapter analysis - and pictures that are in the print version of this book. Those told me A LOT. And they are so beautiful.
This Rothfuss book is just so... different :) Mind the disclaimer at the beginning.
I was a bit wary of Pat Rothfuss narrating his own story, but that worked out very nicely. Good job, sir!
I think it works on it's own but having read the first set of kingkiller chronicle books first feels very important. It allows this little masterpiece it's full potential to be lovely.
Lovely.
great to hear Patrick Roth fuss narrate a wonderful expansion of his world. a must read for fans.
It might lack everything that should be in a proper story, but I liked it
Waste of time, credit, patience and opportunity. If I could have given minus scores I would have. Pity cause I LOVED the KingKiller Chronicles and this character. I hope this has satisfied whatever artistic expression he was after before writing his next book. I know I’m being ungrateful but geez!
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
What made the experience of listening to The Slow Regard of Silent Things the most enjoyable?
This is an unusual and delicious piece of writing. Patricks use of language and his story telling are simply elegant and and endlessly enjoyable.
Any additional comments?
Although I appreciated the authors reading of this work...I hope and request that his next novel of the series returns to the original narrator...to keep the voices of each character through the whole series.
17 of 18 people found this review helpful
Starts with a forward warning "you might not want to buy this audiobook", pointing anyone who hasn't read the first two books would do better buying those before reading this. Then even warns those who have that's "it's a strange story".
Narrated by the author and is 7 days in Auri's underworld. Was expecting to learn interesting insights into the character and underworld - but I didn't. To me, not much seems to happen! It's a "SLOW regard of silent things" - no dialogue, no other characters. It's not dull, but it's not riviting! Just "OK".
10 mins at the end is spent by author "apologising" for the book which he describes himself as a "narrative train wreck" and hoping that it's quirky style will resonate with some fans (since kingkiller chronicles fans will be like lemmings off a cliff - dying to read it).
You may be left with the feeling that time spent on the third kingkiller chronicle book would have been more worthwhile.
60 of 66 people found this review helpful
What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?
Patrick is a very good author but his reading style is very dry and monotone. Overall I found this an interesting concept and while I'd have preferred more of an expansion on Auri's story, I enjoyed the (almost) poetry, which seemed to compliment her character very well. I'd have given a higher rating if the narrator had more expression and the price wasn't quite so steep.
What will your next listen be?
Not sure.
How did the narrator detract from the book?
Very dry monotone voice with the same intonation repeatedly. Would have preferred a more expressive voice, especially as this was basically poetry rather than a story.
You didn’t love this book--but did it have any redeeming qualities?
I really liked the concept (although getting rid of the preface warning would have made it better). I thought the story content was actually quite good and didn't have any issues with it.
Any additional comments?
None.
14 of 15 people found this review helpful
What did you like most about The Slow Regard of Silent Things?
Beautiful use of language - the book sparkles with description and elegant sentences. It's clear Patrick really connects with the story - his prologue confirms this. What also capitured me was the connection with "things", it made me pause and regard my world differently - which we should all do!
What was one of the most memorable moments of The Slow Regard of Silent Things?
Her swim.
What does Patrick Rothfuss bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?
That his speech style is so clearly pronounced within the writing style. obvious really but it gives me a new regard for his writing - and clear why he connected with this story so deeply.
Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?
yes
Any additional comments?
Just read this book with an open mind! ENJOY!
15 of 17 people found this review helpful
Why oh why Patrick did you decide to narrate this!? Keep to the written word my friend.
I was so disappointed to not hear rupert degas' narration and to find out this is not a continuation of the previous two books.
Such a shock. 😟
12 of 14 people found this review helpful
Any additional comments?
The Slow Regard of Silent Things is a lovely story about Auri. However, if you expect to glean all the untold secrets about her past Pat taunts us with in The Name of the Wind and The Wise Man's Fear, you will be disappointed. The facts about Auri's life before she was the wonderful character we all wish to understand better remain hidden. Instead, Pat will take you to the Underthing, to spend time in Auri's company, as she lives as in a differnt reality plane. A beautiful telling about a different perspective and life philosophy.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
The King Killer Chronicles are far and away my favourite fantasy series so I was excited to finally get to listen to this story about Auri. I suppose it's not really a story, more a vignette; a glimpse of her world.
The whole thing is told in Auri's voice and from her own fractured perspective down in the Underthing. This doesn't pick up on any of Kvothe's story but as long as you don't mind that and just let yourself be carried away by Auri's reality you will have a beautiful and melancholy time. The language is lyrical and poetic and builds visual images in a way that is quite magical and really rather lovely.
Patrick Rothfuss does a fine job of narrating his own story but loses one star just by not being Rupert Degas who narrates the novels and is perfect (but of course you know that).
14 of 17 people found this review helpful
The authors note at the start of this strange little story warns you not to buy it! His note at the end explains his warning. And, yes, this is a very odd tale told it a very odd way. But odd is not bad, and this tale is told beautifully, and oozes a very gentle charm. It's a lullaby of a story, and it made me feel at peace. I'm not sure I can think of a higher compliment.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
The style of the book etc seems to be just as good as the previous books but I found Patrick Rothfuss difficult to listen to, especially as compared to Rupert Degas, who does the first two books. Didn't get very far because of that but have every confidence that the story would be just as good.
7 of 9 people found this review helpful
What disappointed you about The Slow Regard of Silent Things?
Nothing. I was expecting to find out a little bit more about Auri as she is a really interesting character that we know very little about from the first two king killer books. However, this book is basically 7 days in the life of Auri, which as it turns out is actually pretty boring. Absolutely nothing happens. The story mostly tells Auri moving between different parts of the under thing, all of which have random names that mean nothing to the listener. Surely the most interesting and most obvious thing to write about would be how she ended up living underground in the first place?! This is a massively selfish and self-indulgent book, the author and publishers have taken advantage of a dedicated fan base, and has wasted 3hrs of my time. I am also so so disappointed that the third king killer has been delayed because of the author wasting everyone's time writing this book. Will be contacting customer services for a refund.
What could Patrick Rothfuss have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?
I adore the first two king killer books, am still a dedicated fan of kwothe but no longer respect the author or publishers.
Would you be willing to try another one of Patrick Rothfuss’s performances?
No. Poorly written book.
What character would you cut from The Slow Regard of Silent Things?
Everything. The fact the author narrates this book when he clearly has no narration skills is just further evidence of his self-indulgent selfishness.
Any additional comments?
How did the publishers let this happen? Don't bother with this book but don't let it put you off the trilogy, they are some of the most beautiful books written.
31 of 44 people found this review helpful
To quote the author "strange and sweet story". For all of us, who are slightly broken, just like Auri.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
The Slow Regard of Silent Things is a story Kvothe's friend Auri who lives underneath it all. It is a great for readers and listeners like me, who dwell in a world of our own and who feel a little lost and broken sometimes. It is not a continuation of the Kingkiller Chronicles nor is it a prequel, it is just a tale about one of the awesome character's that Kvothe befriends. Also it is great to hear Patrick Rothfuss narrating his own story.
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
A very nice offbeat addendum to the Name of the Wind series. Must buy if you love the Auri character.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Loved it. Master storytelling that breaks the rules brilliantly. Need to read the name of the wind first.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I love the inbetween stories. I feel like I've been let in on a secret.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
A world where the subject and object are intimatelv entwined one acting on the other. An anodyne to our harshly objective individualistic existence where we can't see the effect we're having. I loved it.
The narrator pailed next to that for Quoth however.
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
I loved this book and the tender way he introduced one of the universes many broken people. This is a story and I enjoyed every page.
What disappointed you about The Slow Regard of Silent Things?
I couldn't get through the story, his own narration was so boring, lacking intonation and character that was unbearable.
What could Patrick Rothfuss have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?
Hired the last narrator again.
How could the performance have been better?
Do more than merely read the book.
In love with this book, it's soothing and true, captivatingly lovely. Thanku book people.
This message is for Pat.
This story was for me.
There are many of us.
You are also not alone.
Please, more.
And from the center, and more than a little, thank you.
For everyone else, this is so beautiful, but you should read the other two of Pats books first. Go. Download. Now.