The Narrow Road Between Desires

Patrick Rothfuss

- 4.2 • 60 Ratings

- $9.99

- $9.99

#1 New York Times–bestselling phenomenon Patrick Rothfuss returns to the wildly popular Kingkiller Chronicle universe with a stunning reimagining of “The Lightning Tree.” Expanded to twice its previous length, this touching stand-alone story is sure to please new readers and veteran Rothfuss fans alike.
No one taller than the stone.
Come to blacktree, come alone.
Tell no adult what’s been said,
Lest the lightning strike you dead.
Follow the Kingkiller Chronicle’s most charming fae as he schemes his way through the small town of Newarre. While Bast cares nothing for the laws of man, he is beholden to older, deeper laws. And despite his cleverness and care, Bast finds himself forced to choose between betraying his master and helping
a hated enemy.
Playful, sweet, and sly as Bast himself, The Narrow Road Between Desires explores a previously unseen part of Temerant, and shows a side of Bast we’ve only glimpsed before. Learn more about Bast as he goes against his better judgment and follows his heart’s desire. For after all, what good is wisdom if it keeps
you from finding your way to danger and delight?

APPLE BOOKS REVIEW

Embark on a captivating adventure in this novella by fantasy star Patrick Rothfuss. Mischievous Bast, a Fae who works at the Waystone Inn in the land of Temerant, has a side hustle offering advice to the young people of the surrounding village in exchange for their secrets. But when an older boy requests Bast’s help with a weighty task, this fanciful pastime becomes something more serious. An expanded version of Rothfuss’ 2014 short story “The Lightning Tree,” this novella expands the world of The Kingkiller Chronicle series by going deeper, Tolkien-style, on how Fae magic works. It’s probably not the ideal starting point for a new reader, but fans of The Name of the Wind and The Wise Man’s Fear—in which Bast is a fan-favorite side character—will find it fascinating. Nick Podehl’s versatile narration captures the poetic atmosphere of Rothfuss’ writing, as well as the enigmatic, playful nature of Bast. This immersive tale is a small, enchanting wonder.

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