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)

The book to get me into audio books.

I had always found audio books boring and were really hard to get into but Nick Podehl is an amazing narrator and Patrick Rothfuss is an amazing storyteller. I just finished listening to it for the second time and I'm sure I will continue to listen to it at least once a year.

Narrator Doesn't Match The Story

As the title says, I don't feel like the narrator of this audiobook matches the story and Kvothe very well. The story is good as there is always at least some suspense and mystery at every point throughout the book. I did get annoyed with Kvothe's obsession with Denna because it felt like his ramblings about her were repetitive, but overall great. Would like to see more action in the second book.

listening to this book was truly enjoyable.

if you're thinking about getting this book I highly recommend it! you will run the entire gamut of emotions while listening to this book.

Awesome!

A lot of great moments, I've read the book before but wanted review before doing the second book. This audiobool was a great refresher and helped me catch a few things I missed the first time around. I cannot wait to complete the second book.

Excellent prose from Mr. Rothfuss

Sometimes the narration of titles on Audible can be hit and miss. This one is definitely a hit. I have listened to perhaps one or two other titles with narration as superlative as this.

super read

Complete characterizations, excellent story line, imaginative dialogue, thoughtful ideas about identity and fame.
leaves you wanting more!

love it

i've physically read the book at least 4 times and listened at least 4 times. i love it.

What a Cliff Hanger!

Great Story! Intresting way to tell it. I liked how there were several loose ends peppered throught the entire book.

one of the best!!!

This is by far one of my favorite stories!!! I have read it countless times and I have bought and given away the hard copy countless more. the reader Nick Podehl does a great job telling Kvothes' story

great book!

Very enticing and in depth story. Great read for anyone that likes adventure and fantasy.