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)

Closer to Tolkien than Hogwarts

At first blush this novel may be classified as a Young Adult novel because the protagonist is a young boy in the course of the dictated portions of the story. It has some of the elements of YA books; including a gifted young boy studying to become an arcanist – essentially a wizard. But do not let this deter you from entering Patrick Rothfus’ world. This is fine story-telling. You will quickly become immersed in Kvothe’s life story as he recounts his saga from living in a troupe of traveling entertainers to entering the University and amazing people with his skills. This book is full of both tragedy and joy and a whole lot of fun.

The voice of Nick Podehl grows with the telling and is one of the big attractions of this book.

fascinating!

The story itself is thorough and well thought out. What I enjoy the most is the abundance of stage setting. It draw you in and helps you vividly picture the people and places.
The performance was also well done, with various voices for the characters and impressive acting for the accents, foreign languages, etc.

Good story

While i enjoyed the story, it would not have been anywhere near as good if Nick Podehl had not been the narrator. He alone took it from good to Excellent! In fact i already have searched for everything he narrates. Just incredible is his narration!

Swept me away

What did you love best about The Name of the Wind?

The story swept me away from the beginning and kept me going all of the way through. I couldn't wait to come back for more. The symbolism is so relevant and carries through to our own lives today. Be it the demons or the warriors, or the simple boy battling to find his own way in the world. This story has been inspirational to me in my quest to follow my own dreams and overcome my own fears. The weaving of stories and folklore mixed with his own thoughts and memories is craftily done. I can't wait to start the next book.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Travis because of the goodness and kindness that he represents. Carrying for all of the needy souls that he can. Not just giving, but teaching them to work for what they get as well.

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

I loved them all, but I enjoyed taking the journey with young kvloake (not sure of spelling).

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

It was too long for one sitting, but I listened to it while I worked each day. I found the people in the work space next to mine wandering closer to listen too.

amazing

awesome story
amazing narrator!
I couldn't stop listening. The story just kept me wanting to know what's going to happen next. And the narrator couldn't have done a better job. thank you

Amazing

Rothfuss has managed ro create a rich and historied world, there is no stone unturned and I can't help but want more and more. Like even tho I know bad things will happen to this character I just want to hear more and more of his story. In my mind he has surpassed Tolkein in ability to keep me interested and creating a rich environment, history, other languages, and mythology without getting bogged down in all the intricate details. The story is uplifted by the minutiae instead of being weighed down.

Nick Podehl did an excellent job with the narration as well, he created voices for the various character types and made the journey as fun as it was interesting. I highly recommend this series.

Awesome book, and series - can't wait for book 3

The story starts a little slow, but this is just to build the background for the characters and the realm. Patrick does a good job of setting up the rules to the slightly altered universe, then carries those rules throughout the series. The main character is interesting and easily likable. The journey is heartfelt and most importantly entertaining. Again great book, and great series!

So good

Great book. So very detailed and just pulls you into the world. Personally, I prefer Rothfuss over Rowling writing

Pure brilliance

Masterful work, even over multiple listenings. I cannot say any more than that, bravo. Thank you!

I recommend this book to everyone

I've read this book twice and listened to it five times in the past three years, and each time I get something new out of it. If you are into this type of book and haven't already read it, you should get it now.