Patrick Rothfuss just announced a new book and revealed the cover:
First things first: It’s not the third book in the Kingkiller Chronicle. It’s called The Slow Regard of Silent Things, it’s coming out on Oct. 28, and it’s a novella about Auri and the Underthing. Since she’s one of my favorite characters (after Kvothe, of course), I’m almost as eager as I will be for The Doors of Stone whenever it comes out.
Here’s the description, from Amazon:
A companion novella to Patrick Rothfuss’ bestselling Kingkiller Chronicle novels, The Slow Regard of Silent Things 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, featuring one of the most beloved characters from Rothfuss’ acclaimed fantasy series.
I’m pretty sure the fandom is going to be split between two reactions on this one. Most of us are going to be over the moon with excitement. A few are going to be annoyed because Pat spent time on this (and a Bast short story*) when he “should” have been working on book 3 of the Kingkiller Chronicle. To the second batch, I say “Oh, back off!” Writers have to write the stories which present themselves, and it’s clear from Pat’s post that the Auri story kept nagging at him, wanting to be told. Personally, I think this is fantastic news, and I can’t wait to read it!
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| Fantastic! |
*About that Bast short story: it’s appearing in an anthology edited by George R. R. Martin and Gardner Dozois, entitled Rogues. It’s sharing page space with stories by Neil Gaiman, Connie Willis, Scott Lynch, Gillian Flynn, Joe Abercrombie, Carrie Vaughn, Garth Nix, Walter Jon Williams, and of course G.R.R. Martin. The anthology comes out on June 17, 2014.
Jenna St. Hilaire
Ooh. This sounds awesome. I still need to read the second Kingkiller book, too–I loved The Name of the Wind!
Lark @ The Bookwyrm's Hoard
I agree – awesome! I love Auri. And I think she knows things that Kvothe needs to know. I can’t wait for book 3, but this one will keep me going until then.
BTW, when you read The Wise Man’s Fear, two things. One, there’s a section that goes on a bit too long. Hang in there; one or two important things do happen before that section is over. Two, pay attention to what Bast says about something in the aforementioned section — and then look at the cover of The Name of the Wind on this page: http://www.patrickrothfuss.com/content/books.asp . Have fun!
Stephanie
I’m with you in the this is great news! Also that Anthology that will include the Bast short story sounds AMAZING! I think I might need to figure out how to get my hands on that as soon as it comes out!
Lark @ The Bookwyrm's Hoard
I’ve been thinking that myself. Maybe I can talk my library into getting it the anthology…
Szever (The Dork Portal)
I also fall into the “excited” group. Those cranky-pants people who need book three now need to let the writer write. Crazy that any time he posts anything there’re people responding “stop using twitter and write the book!” Jerks.
Love Auri. Can’t wait.
Lark @ The Bookwyrm's Hoard
Some writers can write “to order” and stick to a plan. Others have to write the story that presents itself, even if that isn’t the one in the contract. If they’re lucky, their editors understand this. Robin McKinley is a prime example; Shadows demanded to be written even though she was supposed to be writing the sequel to Pegasus. (Fortunately, I haven’t read Pegasus yet, so I’m not on tenterhooks for that one!)