Rothfuss deserves a perfect mark for this masterpiece, as The Wise Man's Fear continues The Name of the Wind's compelling, vivid and remarkable storytelling. This second installment introduces several colourful and exciting tales without dwelling on them for too long, and as a result, it masters the careful balancing act between drive and depth. In short, The Wise Man's Fear easily settles itself on the top-shelf among books one absolutely must read.