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)

Journey

I love a story that captures the imagination and takes you on a journey that makes you think; one which absorbs you in the plot as it develops. Excellent reader and presentation. I would recommend this book to family and friends who enjoy a dose of fantasy as well as a full and interesting read. You can not always guess where this story will take you.

I only have one regret .....

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

... I should have savoured the story by reading it first and listening to it the second time around ! A wonderfully spun and captivating tale that merits a comfortable chair and enough time to dream ...

What other book might you compare The Name of the Wind to and why?

can be compared to Philip Pullman's "Dark Materials" or Roger Zelanzy's " Amber Chronicles" which are both just a bit more fantastic/ modern than CS Lewis' "Narnia Chronicles"

I think "Name of the Wind " has become my favourite.

What about Nick Podehl’s performance did you like?

good performance

Not a bad book, but not one I would recommend.

The story was well written, but seemed overly long to me. There were exciting parts, but there were too few and had deep lulls in the story between them. The narration was great!

Favorite book by favorite author. amazing reader.

Favorite book by favorite author. amazing reader. must read. love the voices and intonation favorite reader too.

wonderful story. this is an incredible beginning

good story. this series will be one to remember for the reader fondly and for years

neat! good story, good length, started off slow

the story stated off slow but caught up quickly. there are a lot of names to keep track of the story makes it easy.

performace was way better than I expected

reading was great. book is epic, I am hoping the third one comes soon. Really read if you like good books

great journey

Fantastic narration, a great tale of not traditional swords and sorcery, but more to do with words and wit. Outsmart or outinsult. The struggles of the protagonist are harrowing whicch make you all the happier when he gets some acts of kindness. I do like the philosophising though sometimes it drags. The narrator really does a great job with all the characters, he really transports you there.

An escape from reality!

I love sci-fi/fantasy books. I read and listen to most all the other categories as well but sci-fi/fantasy remains my favorite. Not many stories can get you so involved into the world and characters you are reading about that you find yourself laughing out loud or trying to hold back a sob. This one does!! When reading the reviews on this book I noticed a few people gave it one star. My only thought on this is that they must not hold the same love for these types of books as the rest of us sci-fi/fantasy readers. If you are one of the many people who???s escape from reality is to be transported to Pern, Middle Earth, The Midlands, Hogwarts, Alagaesia, or The Edge. You will love this book either audible???s audio of it or a hard copy. I downloaded the second audio book Part 2 ???The Wise Man???s Fear??? directly after finishing this one.

Great Book!

Really good story. I was sad when I read the final chapter. Can't wait to get started on the second book in the series.