• The Name of the Wind

  • Kingkiller Chronicle, Book 1
  • By: Patrick Rothfuss
  • Narrated by: Nick Podehl
  • Length: 27 hrs and 55 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (105,719 ratings)

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The Name of the Wind  By  cover art

The Name of the Wind

By: Patrick Rothfuss
Narrated by: Nick Podehl
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Editorial reviews

Why we think it's Essential - When you finish listening to The Name of Wind for the first time, you'll wonder where the hours went. When you listen again (and if you listen to it once, you will want to listen a second time) you'll marvel at the depth and intricacy of the fantasy world that Rothfuss has created. Details that initially seemed irrelevant will show themselves to be keystones of a greater story you didn't even notice the first time around. By the time your finger hovers over the Play button for a third time you'll realize that, to quote George R.R. Martin, "he's bloody good, this Rothfuss guy." --Michael

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)

Featured Article: 16 of the Best Fantasy Authors Ever


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What listeners say about The Name of the Wind

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

The Name of the Wind: Kingkiller Chronicles, Day 1

Excellent listening! This book is cleverly written and well narritated. I would highly recommend. I couldn't wait to get back to my listening.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

I did it!

OK, I read the reviews and they said be patient it takes a little while for it to get started and then you’ll get into the story. So I started the book, I listen to the book, and at about the 12th chapter I thought oh my God I’m ready to just delete this book. However, I kept going and surprise the reviews were correct. It’s worth listening to, if you can get through the first few chapters of the dry part of this book. You’re going love it and you’re going to want to go onto the second book. I’m really glad I stuck it out.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Bought it based upon reviews, glad I did!

One of the best stories I have listened to in the last 15 years. I ran this by my friend who is a voracious reader and h e recommended it to me years ago, but I wouldn't read any series until it was completed due to the Jordan Wheel of Time debacle. I may be late to this game, but I stand by my principals as R.R. Martincontinues to prove my point. I still need to go back and finish the Jordan series, but I am dreading rereading those middle books that don't feel very kind to the female characters. But this book is just a great tale well told and works as an audio book perfectly. My friend says 2nd book is good, iffy on 3rd. I am willing to give them a shot based upon this one. I really enjoyed it.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Phenomenal

Even on my second reading this book still hits every note!
Moving on the book 2 and very impatiently waiting for book 3!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Over 10 Years?

This series is beautiful, poetic and unique. Be warned though. If you fall in love with this story, as many have, be prepared for a jilting. The third book has been supposedly in the works for over a decade.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

MUST LISTEN absolutely Incredible

this is my favorite narrator, book, audiobook, story, and writing style. the only books that have rivaled it in my eyes are Tolkien's masterworks. 10/10 would not only recommend buy I've actively forced my friends and family to listen.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Worth a Listen

It was an enjoyable and inventive story. Not my favorite. The ending was a bit of a disappointment to me.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

can't wait for the next book.

amazing story. absolutely love it. I recommend it to anyone looking for an adventure. wonderful.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

I love this book

This is one of the few books that I call a guilty pleasure. I have read it many times and I have listened to it at least a dozen more. I simply love this book.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

WOW!

Simply Remarkable. Honestly I'm a bit speechless to describe how wonderfully written this carefully unfolding story is. Truly, you must experience it for yourself.

Everything I've ever wanted/needed from a narrator. Performed perfectly for the story.

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