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)

Gorgeous story!!

What a beautiful story; I cannot wait to continue this saga!! I’m so glad I gave it a shot. The audiobook is a definite must!! The narrator hits the nail on the head. I love fantasy books so much & there’s just something about listening to it that completely elevates the experience!!

I love this book

I love this book it's one of my favorites and I had read it prior to buying the audio book. The narrator does a good job, his various accents are good but I wish he had more variation when trying to voice different characters. For his credit there are alot of characters so I'm not sure how fair that critique is.

Chapter 87 ends short and cuts off the narrator. it's really irritating. I haven't finished the book yet so I'm hoping that's the only blatant issue.

Excellent in all parts

I had a chance to see the author speak at a convention about the process of writing and supporting other writers after publishing a first book. It’s a delight to finally read. Mr. Rothfuss you for this. Hope you are well.

Worth every minute

Genre fiction at its best. Nimble narrator does it justice. Listen with quiet determination and yours is the victory.

Great read

The authors writing is something like I've never heard. He has a way with describing a feeling you get from being in the same scenario that the characters are in. I not only get the story of the book but I feel the weight of the actions and moments. In all, a very good book!

A Masterpiece and a Tragedy

How does one review this book? Better reviewers than I have extolled the astonishing quality of the writing. The joy of knowing you're in the hands of someone who has every tiny, exquisite detail pre-planned and cleverly tucked in plain sight to be unpuzzled by the careful reader. But also, better reviewers than I have expressed the grief and despair of knowing that the series which easily could have become the Tolkien of our age is likely to never be finished. The tragic loss of never being able to see the puzzles pay off. May the Doors of Stone some day be opened unexpectedly and the third day's story be unleashed upon the world.

My favorite book of all time!

This was my second time reading this book and I enjoyed it even more than I thought I would!
It was the first book that got me into reading and I wanted to thank both the author and the voice actor it's just a display of Excellency.

I never get tired of

This beautifully written book. Patrick Rothfuss is a literary genius. The narration was beautifully done. Kudos to all who worked on this project.

Listened on the Advice of a Friend

I enjoyed the book and can't wait to get the next one downloaded! I started the series on the advice of a friend and am glad I did!

Exciting

Loved it new world built in vivid detail! Great performance. The best part is the background!