• 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 (105,891 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


There is no feeling quite like falling in love with a great fantasy listen, doing a little digging, and joyfully discovering that the author has an extensive catalog of audiobooks for you to dive right into. Fantasy as a genre is particularly blessed with a wealth of diverse authors writing all different kinds of stories. From classic epics to standalone novels that were published in the last few years, it's the perfect genre for losing yourself in a full day’s worth of listening. These brilliant fantasy authors will transport you to another world—whether a parallel universe or a post-apocalyptic version of Earth.

What listeners say about The Name of the Wind

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AMAZING

Amazing story, great voice acting, and cannot wait for book two. Only thing I wish was that they added sound effects and music to the audio book.

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Excellent

This is one of my favorite fantasy stories. I highly recommend it to everyone who likes a good fantasy adventure.

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Great!

It's made my little angry red cock 6' longer in just two weeks! Fantastic just fantastic!

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excellent all around

the story and performance are both engrossing and entertaining. a true Master Piece of the genre

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Excellent.

Excellent characters that will draw you deep into the story. This makes a great audio book, and is well worth your time.

-Peter

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A nice surprise

My son asked me to read this book because he felt it was one of the best he ever read. This would not be a book I would have chosen for myself. the bood is spellbinding and takes you into another world. I became engrossed. The character development was excellent and the storytelling very interesting. I have bought the next book and am looking forward to the read.

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amazing

this is my all time favourite book so good Patrick Rothfuss is an amazing author!

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Amazing storytelling

If you could sum up The Name of the Wind in three words, what would they be?

Rothfuss is an amazing storyteller, who draws characters with such depth they feel like old friends to the reader. He takes his time and gives the reader a feast of depth and detail, weaving stories within stories with such grace and skill that it is seamless and no word seems excessive or out of place.

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

The memorable moments in the book are those in which both the main character and the reader share an epiphany. And these are many.

Which scene was your favorite?

The interweave of drama and humor, along with the foibles and victories of the hero make this a truly immersive reading experience. I could not get enough and, at the end of the book found myself extremely relieved to know there was a continuation. But, my reading will outpace Mr. Rothfuss delivery of book number three, and this realization distresses me.
I fear I have become addicted.

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

Luckily, Mr. Rothfuss books are a long sumptuous banquet. One would like to eat until every scrap is gone, but there is too much...and it is far to delicious to rush.

Any additional comments?

I am so grateful that the publishers of this audiobook found the perfect reader. Mr. Podehl read the perfect story perfectly. This book deserves no less.

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Exceptional

a very well written book. great character development. keeps your attention. would highly recommend it.

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amazing. love this series. Highly highly recommend

this is the best boik/series ive ever read/listened to, and the books only get better. this is an absolute must read. it kinda started slow for me but it quickly picks up and doesnt slow down. my favorite author and series of all time. surpassed all others i have had the opportunity to read so far. Take my advice and get this book.....

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