I didn't want this book to end. And it's over 900 pages long, so that means something! I confess I had mixed feelings about the previous book (first in the series), The Name of the Wind, and it took me about 400 pages to really get into the story. But I did, and as soon as I read the last page I bought the second one in e-book format. I wanted more, and I got much, much more! This is excellent fantasy writing of the highest level, with an awesome protagonist who recounts his amazing adventures. I find Rothfuss's depiction of female characters, and the way that Kvothe interacts with them, totally fascinating. These women are not cliched, flat characters of the sort you find in many books. As a female reader I appreciate this. I am also awed at the way in which the author describes a completely different culture (that of the Adem people) with their totally different language. How on earth did he come up with that? I won't spoil it for you, as I hate spoilers myself, so I won't say anything else. 
 I think that this trilogy is a coming-of age story, and this second volume illustrates many fine episodes in Kvothe's life. I can't wait for the third book; I swear I'll cry if it isn't finished soon. 
 I know I'm ranting. Just read it. Seriously. Read The Name of the Wind and then this one, and you won't regret it. I can't help feeling that a movie should be made about these books...