About 10 years ago, Rothfuss published a short story called The Lightning Tree in the anthology Rogues. This is that story, added to and refined. What is added is some more depth to some of the characters, some added scenes to fill out the day this episode covers, and a good number of illustrations by Nate Taylor. Having not had the chance to read the original text, I can't speak to specific changes, but from what I've gathered in my research for this review, those changes range from new scenes that seem to add depth, to small tweaks in text that refine Rothfuss' prose just a bit more to his liking.
The illustrations are nice and depict many scenes from the story. The sketch-like nature of the artwork fits the quaint feeling into which this story fits. While this is a fantasy tale and there are some definite fantastical elements to it, they are all just under the surface and most of the artwork could just be depicting daily life in this small village.
This story itself takes place before Chronicler comes to Newarre and goads the innkeeper in the town into telling his life story. In fact, Kote, that innkeeper, is a fairly minor character in this story. Instead, it follows Bast, Kote's young assistant and, unbeknownst to the village, a fae under Kote's tutelage.
The Narrow Road Between Desires is a look at what could be a fairly average day for Bast as he shirks the duties and studies that his teacher has presented to him and instead seeks out deals with the children of Newarre. It seems that pretty much all the kiddies of the area know that if you meet Bast under the old lightning-struck tree, you can make a deal with him to get what you want. Thankfully, most of the children don't want anything too ridiculous. One wants to manipulate her father into letting her get a cat, and another wants a lie to keep herself out of trouble, and a third wants some minor revenge he can set on another boy who fancies the same girl.
While all of these are minor, all the children know that there is some price that must be paid in order to receive Bast's unique help, and all of these little deals lead to some negotiation that Bast revels in. But it is clear that there is something a bit darker happening in the background, as even the slightest mention of one of the older kids, Rike, puts Bast's back up. Unfortunately, Bast finds that he has to deal with the older boy and learns that Rike's new request isn't exactly of the minor and slightly mischievous tone. Forced into a tough situation because of Bast's very nature, he sets out to help Rike, even though it could easily expose Bast and Kote for being far more than they seem.
It's hard to look at The Narrow Road Between Desires and not think about the fact that Rothfuss' followers are still waiting for the third installment in The Kingkiller Chronicle. Over the last couple of years, animosity towards Rothfuss has grown quite a bit on the Internet regarding promises he has made to his fans. While I, too, can't wait for the next installment and would love to see how that story wraps up, I can't help but feel appreciative to experience this book, even though many call it a cash grab or a rehash of older work. I prefer to look at it more as Rothfuss continuing to refine his craft and, hopefully, warming up to completing a much loved books series.
As always, Rothfuss' prose is an art unto itself. It is clear that each sentence is worried over in order to produce just the right tone and feel and this is never more clear than when Bast is playfully rhyming his way through a deal. While Kingkiller fans might be champing at the bit for the Doors of Stone, this expanded version of The Lightning Tree will make a good and fast read for both new and old fans alike. I, for one, enjoyed this story, but like I said, I had not read the original, so for me this was a whole new entry into the series and I appreciated it.
