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)

More than I expected

Where does The Name of the Wind rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This was my first audiobook. I was originally given this book by a friend but never found the time to read it. I found it on audible and used my first credit to buy it.

What did you like best about this story?

I love the narrator. I wasn’t expecting to find myself feeling emotional towards the characters, but the narrator really pulls me in.

Any additional comments?

I highly recommend this book to anyone of all ages. The story keeps you thinking and makes you want to keep listening. Do yourself a favor, listen to this book!

Waiting for the next book

This was a great read. From the title, you realize this is the start of a series but there is no sense of excess in the creation of an economy, the presentation of characters or their motivations. I hope the following volumes are as good.

Magic with an explaination

Would you listen to The Name of the Wind again? Why?

I will most likely listen to the first two books again before the new one comes out because they surround you in such a great story.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Name of the Wind?

I hate spoilers so I'm not going to share. Just know there were many moments when I caught myself off guard with how emotionally invested I was in the relationships Rothfuss built.

Which character – as performed by Nick Podehl – was your favorite?

Of course Kvothe is great but Elodin is was done really well by Podehl. I could feel his quirkiness. Bast is up there too and I don't want to dismiss Podehl's skill in bringing femininity to the women in this book without pitching his voice to cartoon levels.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes. I had a hard time stopping for work and cooking dinner. Lucky my wife enjoys my interest in books.

Any additional comments?

I am not much for magic as a unexplained nebulous. Rothfuss put a science behind the skills his characters learned and cultivated. For an engineering mind it was refreshing to hear the nuts and bolts of how one would perform "magic".

Worth the full price. An absolute steal for a credit.

Entertaining

An entertaining story. Not the most original, but one of the better books I've read lately.

fades in and out at some points

during some parts the audio fades in and out and it's quite annoying but other than that it is a wonderful performance.

Great story great book

I have read many fantasy books and stories and this is definitely one of the better ones

innovative

More like a memoir for most it. Not action packed but still keeps you interested. it will leave you wanting answers.

Best read(listen) in a long time!

Enthralling! Kept my interest, and I tend to lose my interest easily. Eager to listen to the next book in the series!

fun

Awesome book...Love it!!!! hopefully the 3rd book will come soon. . . . . .

Caution

This book and its sequel are the two best fantasy novels ever written. I caution you because this book is part of an incomplete trilogy whose final member is not due out any time soon. I wish I had been warned before starting this book. I am eagerly awaiting the final installment and the wait is almost unbearable. I strongly, STRONGLY recommend waiting for the release of the final installment, "Doors of Stone" to be published before beginning this book. If you choose to not heed my warning, buckle up! This book and its sequel will take you on an amazing ride.