The Narrow Road Between Desires
The Narrow Road Between Desires is a standalone movella set in "The Kingkiller Chronicles" universe. Despite loving those books, I found myself not loving this story as much as I wanted too. It's a slow burn with not much in the way of payoff, but somewhat redeemed by Rothfuss's almost poetic writing and the subtly of the story at play.
This book follows Bast, and spoiler not spoiler, Bast is a fae living in disguise amongst humans. He spends his days following his desires (and neglecting his responsibilities): going where he pleases, eating and sleeping on a whim, watching girls bathe (bad fae!), and making deals with children. It is this relationship with the village's children where most of the plot develops. He trades secrets and trinkets and favors for secrets and trinkets and favors.
Bast has a soft spot for these children, and it eventually leads him to helping a boy by the name of Rike. Rike has his own desire, one I won't spoil, that he begs Bast to help with. This is when things go from playful whimsy to real emotional weight. Your heart can't help but bleed for the boy when you see what he's really worried about deep down. And Bast, well, his kindness shines in a way only a fae's could.
If you're a fan of the Kingkiller Chronicles and want a taste more of the world, or want to see what Bast's day to day is like, you might enjoy this book. It's certainly full of flavor with some sprinkles of lore. If, however, you wanted to see more of Bast's backstory, or you're entirely unfamiliar with the Kingkiller Chronicles, you might just be left thinking "is that it?"
If not for the subtly in how everything plays out (many things are indireclty implied, and you don't realize those implications until later), and how beautiful and immersive Rothfuss's writing can be, this book would have only gotten two stars. With everything in mind, especially as things came to a close, I feel it earns a third star if only barely.
Give it a try? Maybe.
"Back of the Book" Overview
Bast knows how to bargain. The give-and-take of a negotiation is as familiar to him as the in-and-out of breathing; to watch him trade is to watch an artist at work. But even a master's brush can slip. When he accepts a gift, taking something for nothing, Bast's whole world is knocked askew, for he knows how to bargain—but not how to owe.
From dawn to midnight over the course of a single day, follow the Kingkiller Chronicle's most charming fae as he schemes and sneaks, dancing into trouble and back out again with uncanny grace.
The Narrow Road Between Desires is Bast's story. In it he traces the old ways of making and breaking, following his heart even when doing so goes against his better judgement.
After all, what good is caution if it keeps him from danger and delight?