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)

One of the best fantasy books i've ever read.

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

For me, the best part was the perfection that went into Kvothe and Denna's relationship.

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

The 7 words that will make a girl love you.

What about Nick Podehl’s performance did you like?

He did a great job at changing up the tone, pitch, and accent of each character.

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

no. no. no. This book is way too long to listen to in one sitting. WAY too long. But the book is quite good at providing natural breaks(intermissions in the the story).

This is my favorite book...ever...

What made the experience of listening to The Name of the Wind the most enjoyable?

Okay, first off, I read this book before I listened to it... So, I had a better chance to listen to the narrator than I normally would.

SO, that being said, I believe the the thing that I most enjoyed about LISTENING to this book is how the narrator added even MORE character to Kvothe, the best written protagonist I have yet to read. Perfect narrator + perfectly written character + a perfect story = highly enjoyable.

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

While this is a high fantasy novel, it is very unique. I can't think of any books to compare this to one on one. Actually, I not compare OTHER books to this one as a comparison...

I'd say it's 1 part Song of Ice & Fire, 1 part Harry Potter, 1 part Oliver Twist, and 1 part Wheel of time...

Have you listened to any of Nick Podehl’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

To my knowledge I have not listened to Nick's other work. But his reading here is superb.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I can not narrow down 1 momen that narrowed me, because there are dozens of moments. Kvothe on the street, Kvothe getting whipped, Kvothe meeting Denna, Kvothe trying to find Denna, Ambrose's many encounters with Kvothe (this book made me angrier at a character than any other book I've ever read), Kvothe taking care of Denna after she accidently eats the ressin, Kvothe saving Fela, the list goes on.

This book is the real deal. Want moved? Read it.

Any additional comments?

WOW, I have hundreds. No character has ever resonated with me more than Kvothe. I want to know his entire life. The story is superb. The situations interesting. The plot, spectacular. Above all of that, however, is Kvothe. I have read this book twice, and listened ot it once. I've also read a whole lot of fantasy. This book takes the cake and doesn't leave a crumb behind.

All I can say is, despite the length, you will not regret the time spent with Kvothe in his world. It will resonate with you for a VERY long time.

Very engrossing story

If I could give it 4.5 stars I would. The only reason I gave it 4 was because of the first 35 mins and the ending. I almost dropped this book but got to 39 mins and it was a whole different story. I almost felt like the author was kind of doing like Kvothe. Taking his time to tell the story really well. Following the life of Kvothe was really interesting and left me still wanting more after the end. I was looking for a new series to pick up since I'm caught up on all my other and this one is well worth it. I know that everybody is into comparing the other authors against George RR Martin these days and I can say that it's not as a complex story with the character interactions as that but it doesn't need to be either. It's very entertaining and straightforward and a really good story. This is very much worth the listen.

The voice narrator is good and does a decent job overall.

Just an excellent book!

I have listened to this book more than once and will again. the thing is i don't listen to books more than once. this one is just that good.

thoroughly enjoyed this

what a fantastic book! and the reading was truly remarkable! absolutely wonderful, worth your time!

My favorite book

This book allowed me to get lost in the story. To me, that is the true mark of a great book.

excellent story and stellar performance

This series is one of my new favorites and I've relistened to them several times looking for new things. can't wait for book 3

Really liked it

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

First off, I'm usually not a fantasy reader so it came as a bit of a surprise that this story sucked me in and kept my interest up in the way that it did. I really like both the characters and the way the story is read by Nick Podehl. He does a great job narrating the story, and the voices correspond to the way I imagine the characters in my head. I like the fact that the story is bit dark and every day I look forward to listening in some more.

Amazing book!

This book is just simply a well crafted and beautiful experience I cant wait to read the rest of the series!!!

Perfect narrator for the story

A compelling story that grabbed me by the throat, perfectly narrated by a truly gifted narrator. It felt like it was Kvote himself, that told the story.