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)

Worthy read

Started off slowly (I almost gave up at one point) but so glad I persisted. Beautiful characterizations with an unfurling story that never talks down to it's readers (listeners). Immediately bought the next book in the series...

A beautiful story, but not without flaws

What makes this story great is the performance as much as the writing. The narrator brings Rothfuss's words to life, makes them sing. The story itself is beautiful too, if a little meandering at times. But if you can look past that, you'll find a fantasy story that is at once epic, and profoundly intimate. Very few fantasy books will make you feel for a character the way you will about Kvothe.

Worth a second read/listen

One of the easiest ways for me to explain how much I enjoyed this book is that, as soon as it ended I started over from the beginning. I rarely find the time to indulge myself with a book, so making the sacrifice of time for the same book twice is a great feat. I'm ready to start the sequel.

It Is worth the commitment!!!

This book is for those people who enjoy a well written story. From what I have gathered either people really love it or they really hate it. I loved it! The story flows in such a manner as to leave you wanting more. Being honest it took me some time to get into it but once I did I couldn't stop listening and now I'm on to the next!!!

Hooked- once I caught on to what was going on

It took me w bit into the book to realize that this was predominately back story. I stopped and restartedthis audio book multiple times waiting to get pulled into the story.

Initially I was a bit frustrated bc I was waiting for " the real story" to begin. Current events were not tied into the past history narrative.

Once I really gave it a chance and finally realized that the purpose of this story was the history I was able to settle in and enjoy it. I finished excited for book 2- and was able to start that immediately

The Book Shines like a Blue Diamond!

Would you consider the audio edition of The Name of the Wind to be better than the print version?

This series is a masterpiece and so far the first book is the star. It manages to do so much world building and character building without bogging down like a lot of epic fantasy books. For contemporary fantasy there is nothing better than Name of the Wind. If you like swords, magic, and other worlds this is a must read/listen!

great book

this is the best book I've read in a long time I considered it right up there with Tolkien. the beginning is a little rough but if you hang in there it will start to make sense and you will be engaged and in it for the Long Haul!

stick with it!

The story starts slow, but it's worth finishing. I'm looking forward to the next one

Incredible

Sucks you in from the start, the equivalent of not being able to put the book down. Waisted plenty of gas just sitting in my car listening.

Creative fantasy with a rich world

This book is a great example of rich world building, without a lot of exposition. The magic system is fresh and interesting. The world has several different nations, each with unique cultures. However, the author doesn't spend ages telling you the history of all of them, instead allowing the characters' interactions to tell the reader the backstory and hint at deeper details.
The main character is interesting and well-developed. He's a storyteller and bard, and the way he talks about the little flourishes and drama he adds to the story gives us a more intimate understanding of the story. It's a nice touch, and it holds up well throughout the book.

This gives the reader a huge challenge- not only does he have to manage many different characters with distinct accents, but he also has to lend the narrative a storyteller's flair. The reader manages it all, which I found incredibly impressive.