The Narrow Road Between Desires cover art

The Narrow Road Between Desires

A Kingkiller Chronicle Novella

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The Narrow Road Between Desires

By: Patrick Rothfuss, Nate Taylor - illustrator
Narrated by: Rupert Degas, Patrick Rothfuss
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About this listen

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?

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2023 Patrick Rothfuss (P)2023 Orion Publishing Group Limited
Humorous Heartfelt Thought-Provoking

Critic Reviews

'He's bloody good, this Rothfuss guy' - George R R Martin

'The characters are real and the magic is true' - Robin Hobb

'Masterful ... There is a beauty to Pat's writing that defies description' - Brandon Sanderson

What listeners say about The Narrow Road Between Desires

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Thank you

Hey Pat. Thank you for this story. It's a deep breath of petrichor after a day in the scorching sun. A moment of beauty and magic. In this age of instant gratification, where gilding is all that's needed to achieve acclaim, your writing is solid gold. It's a gift you give to all of us. Some spoiled children come screaming to the table demanding more. Greedy. Forcing their will heavy on the world. Do they not learn anything from your writing? I guess we all see the parts we want to see. My wish is that I can take some small part of that burden and dissolve with kindness. I'm eternally grateful for the words you've given me. I cherish them. Thank you. Now do what makes you happy. If that is to write then write from your heart for it is gold

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1 person found this helpful

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Wonderful addition to the series

A wonderful example of Ruthfuss' incredible writing style, and lovely addition to the series.

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    4 out of 5 stars

Wonderful. A gorgeous novella.

It's a treat to listen to this little insight into Baste's world. The wait for Patrick Rothfuss to rewrite this was worth it. It's a well crafted piece, full of heart, mystery, magic & mischief.

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I love the new ways I see small things.

Patrik always guides me to think in a pleasant regard for things, feelings, and moments that are all too easy to overlook. Narration was wonderful as always.

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In the words of Britney Spears, gimme more.

I love the small stories just as much as the big ones, it gives an insight into the characters you don't normally get. I love Partick Rothfuss writing style, and I would love more of these short stories.

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Delightful

Degas has another solid performance for the Kingkiller Chronicles. The books itself shares small secrets of a fascinating world, wrapped up in witty storytelling. It's not the place to start for KKC but an incredible addition after the 2 main books. It's also worth it if you've already read the lightning tree as this retelling builds a lot on that.

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Time spent in the company of Bast, the town and Kvothe, wrapped in a beautiful rich story.

I’m sure Patrick Rothfuss, if given the task to rewrite
Dictionary, could do so in a way that would transform a utilitarian book that we glance only out of necessity to a book where we would lose ourselves in hours of blissful joy. This book, like all his others is no exception. I really enjoy the side quest style narration and the authors note kind of made me a bit misty (in a blokey dust in me eye kind of way)

P.s. I’m not a conspiracy theorist but the striking similarity between words used in this book and words in the dictionary gives me pause.

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An entertaining teaser.

A fun insight into the chaotic neutral character of Bast and an enjoyable listen. Please release book 3 Patrick, you are a skilled word smith and these books build anticipation for your third novel.

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A delightful toe back into Rothfuss' world.

It was lovely to get to know Bast. Rothfuss' ability to make you fall in love with his characters is a guarantee. This story has a very satisfying way of wrapping around on itself to feel very complete, despite only being a little glimpse into the Kingkiller Chronicle world. Do yourself a favor and read the (currently) two other books first, and then follow this one with The Slow Regard of Silent Things.

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A stand alone that rests comfortably amongst the overall

Certainly read book 1 & 2 from The Kingkiller Chronicles first for context. With that being done, it’s a wonderful insight into the mind and goings-on of Bast. Written in Rothfuss’ elegant and poetic style that is mastered by few and matched by none.

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