The Lightning Tree

"Excuse me while I become super annoying and  dote on how much I love this seires. While I have only read The Name of the Wind (book 1)  I became very fond of Bast. He was so mysterious and alluring but mainly just a side character. So when I found out about this short story of course I already knew I would love it. *sigh*<br/><br/>I'll continue to say it but there's something about this story. Something so real and tangible. The way Bast forgoes his studies and learns about the real world and others emotions. This was honestly an amazingly clever, sweet, and magical story.<br/><br/>Patrick is an great author and his writing skills to me are off the charts. I'm just reeling with how all the components of the story came together.  Nothing Bast did seemed significant. It was almost as if he was just placating all the children and in the end all the pieces fit into place.<br/><br/>"Tell no adult what's been said lest the lightning tree strike you dead." <br/><br/>I enjoyed all the new young characters and their innocents. Kostrel was hilarious. Kids are always a great addition because they tell the truth without consequences. Also they throw tantrums when their thwarted but in the end understand. A lot of the kids became more clever after Bast tricked them.<br/><br/>"These creatures. They were fraught and frayed in their desires. A snake would never poison itself, but these folk made an art of it. They wrapped themselves in fears and wept at being blind. It was infuriating. It was enough to break a heart." -Bast<br/><br/>Of course now I love Bast even more. He underhandly helps people without their knowing in such a deceitful funny way. I think I'm a sucker for characters who hide their true face and only show it to a select few. The author made me feel special in a way I guess.<br/><br/>Even while reading this I forgot the sinister edge to Bast. He hides it so completely. There's just something about him that thrills the blood. Like slowly confronting a wild animal unsure if it's just being curious one minute or will tear you apart the next.<br/><br/>"Do not mistake me for my mask. You see the light dappling on the water and forget the deep, cold dark beneath." -Bast The Name of the Wind<br/><br/>Note: Read these flippin series if you haven't. Good grief the world is missing out."