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)

Feels like a hearthside tale!

The story takes you away effortlessly, the narrator is very fitting. if you haven't read it, just start it already!

It was Amazing.

I heard about the series from a friend. And in just the first book there is so much to unpack. I genuinely enjoyed every second beginning to end.

Absolutely love this story!

This story is amazing. I've read & listened & both are great ways. The characters are fantastic and I really like the story, within a story, within a story. I can't wait to find out more about the Chandrian and more about Auri! The world is brought to life and is deep, and you can't wait to find out more.

Best book I have listened to yet!!!

Best book I have listened to yet!! I can't wait to listen to the next book!!

gotta love a badass in retirement

a promising start to the classic hero's journey, told by the hero years after his deeds have been done

great story, poor listen

The story was great; however, listening to Mr. Podehl read was unpleasant. He has a grating, high voice and his voices are odd for many characters. While he reads with emotion and did well with a character or two, the story was lessened because of his voice.

interesting book, not topical fantasy

It was an engaging book and made the drive go quickly. it is a very long book but does not seem too long.

Great Bard's Tale

Long-winded and detailed, this book told the story of a destitute boy with dreams of grandeur. Very entertaining, though I had a few qualms with the pity-party atmosphere coupled with the unexplained nature of the present-day enemy introduced right off. Finished the book and was still unsure what was happening there... Altogether worth the buy, though.

One of my all-time favorites

I keep coming back to this book, reading it again and again, and every time I do, I find new secrets, new questions. It's killing me to wait for the third book, but I do so gratefully because Rothfuss is a master of his craft. This is a book to savor and savor again. Read it slowly and repeatedly. It's worth it.

love it

loved it. narrorator great. saw author on crit role. needed to buy his book when I saw it on here.