The Name of the Wind

Kingkiller Chronicle, Book 1

By: Patrick Rothfuss

Narrated by: Nick Podehl

Length: 27 hrs and 55 mins

Publisher's summary

Discover #1 New York Times bestselling Patrick Rothfuss’ epic fantasy series, The Kingkiller Chronicle.

“I just love the world of Patrick Rothfuss.” (Lin-Manuel Miranda)

“He’s bloody good, this Rothfuss guy.” (George R. R. Martin)

“Rothfuss has real talent.” (Terry Brooks)

Over 1 Million Copies Sold!

Day One: The Name of the Wind

My name is Kvothe.

I have stolen princesses back from sleeping barrow kings. I burned down the town of Trebon. I have spent the night with Felurian and left with both my sanity and my life. I was expelled from the University at a younger age than most people are allowed in. I tread paths by moonlight that others fear to speak of during day. I have talked to Gods, loved women, and written songs that make the minstrels weep.

You may have heard of me.

So begins a tale unequaled in fantasy literature - the story of a hero told in his own voice. It is a tale of sorrow, a tale of survival, a tale of one man’s search for meaning in his universe, and how that search, and the indomitable will that drove it, gave birth to a legend.

Praise for The Kingkiller Chronicle:

“The best epic fantasy I read last year.... He’s bloody good, this Rothfuss guy.” (George R. R. Martin, New York Times bestselling author of A Song of Ice and Fire)

“Rothfuss has real talent, and his tale of Kvothe is deep and intricate and wondrous.” (Terry Brooks, New York Times bestselling author of Shannara)

"It is a rare and great pleasure to find a fantasist writing...with true music in the words." (Ursula K. Le Guin, award-winning author of Earthsea)

"The characters are real and the magic is true.” (Robin Hobb, New York Times bestselling author of Assassin’s Apprentice)

"Masterful.... There is a beauty to Pat's writing that defies description." (Brandon Sanderson, New York Times bestselling author of Mistborn)

©2007 by Patrick Rothfuss. (P)2009 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“The originality of Rothfuss's outstanding debut fantasy, the first of a trilogy, lies less in its unnamed imaginary world than in its precise execution…As absorbing on a second reading as it is on the first, this is the type of assured, rich first novel most writers can only dream of producing. The fantasy world has a new star.” (Publishers Weekly, starred review)

“Fantasy readers-a notoriously discerning group-tend to dole out praise judiciously, which makes the reception of The Name of the Wind, the first volume in Patrick Rothfuss's The Kingkiller Chronicle, that much more remarkable. Critics are already throwing around comparisons to some of the biggest names in fantasy, including George R. R. Martin, Tad Williams, the recently deceased Robert Jordan, and even Tolkien. (Bookmarks Magazine)

“New fantasy authors are usually overhyped, and it's rare to find one who writes with such assurance and narrative skill right from the start. I was reminded of Ursula LeGuin, George R. R. Martin, and J. R. R. Tolkien, but never felt that Rothfuss was imitating anyone. Like the writers he clearly admires, he's an old-fashioned storyteller working with traditional elements, but his voice is his own. I haven't been so gripped by a new fantasy series in years. It's certain to become a classic." (Lisa Tuttle, The Times)

how a book should be written

this is how you write a book about a character you tell the whole story and not just a few words and jump to the most exciting meaty bits give us everything literally build the character in front of us

Best story ever, even after 10+ times!

Subject line covers it. I love this world, I love the characters and can't wait for the third book.

Interesting

Really slow go but may build upon second book. It's in my library I will get to it

Fantasy story telling at its best

Good storyline and storytelling. Keeps you wanting more. A detailed story that keeps yet exciting and suspenseful.

Incredible

Incredible book and incredibly read. The emotion, setting, tonality, and everything else are amazingly written and relayed to us with excellent inflection and description. I wish I had read this before now but I am glad to have experienced this reading and interpretation. I will be looking for more books read by Nick and more books from Patrick Rothfuss. I am excitedly jumping into "The Wise Man's Fear"

Good story - Adept storyteller

Narrator was phenomenal with assorted character voices. Setting has a unique take on magic. Story is interesting and pulls you forward. Writing subtly laced with seven word phrases.

Great story with an in-depth world

The main characters love interest gets a bit tedious, but nothing like the unfortunate erotica that is book two

Amazing

Patrick Rothfuss is an amazing author. His writing spins images and elicits feeling from deep inside. Nick Podehl does an amazing job narrating the book and provides subtle voices to differentiate the characters.

An amazing story with wonderful narration!

Nick compliments this story very well. I didn't think I would like Nick's voices and accents that I heard he does, but after hearing his performance, my opinion is forever changed. I recommend this book to any reader and if you read during your commute or just prefer audio books, this one is fantastic.

My go to story

No matter how many times I read this book, I always discover something new. It’s a great character and world with a lot of depth and imaginative plot(s). Every detail has a connection somewhere, whether it’s book 1 or 2. Definitely leaves you wanting more.
If straightforward story arc is what you’re into, this might not be the most desirable book for you.