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)

Fresh, innovative, and masterful

The Name of the Wind has become one of my favorite books. I am drawn under its spell every time I listen.

Great beginning

Amazing story! I can't wait to learn more about Kvoth, and the other slew of wonderful characters. Narration is on point as well.

difficult to Explain

I find it difficult to Explain why I like this book.
It a rather slow story. nothing happens for a long time. then something amazing happens and you are hooked all over again. sometimes it's a little thing, but amazing nonetheless.
I guess the best way to describe this story Satisfyingly Detailed. I can't wait to start the next one.

Was the best book I ever read.

This is the kind of book I like where you experience someone’s daily life and you have realistic protagonists. I like the time in the university the best and find Patrick to be writing something close to realism with barely ever descending to madness. I like the second book equally well and hopefully there will be more. I will probably have a hard time finding another ion like this.

Truly enjoyable

I have not enjoyed an audiobook this much in a very long time.

The story was thoroughly entertaining, and the narrator was fantastic. There was no difficulty knowing who was talking during periods of conversation between characters - he has a different voice for each character that is very distinct. He also is very apt at having the same voice for young Kvothe and adult Kvothe, while adding maturity to the adult character. There are nuances that simply must be heard to appreciate. I will be seeking more out by this narrator.

The story itself gripped me from the first moments. Many audiobooks are hard to get into, but this one took next to no time to get its hooks in me. I listened every second I could to hear what happened next. There's not a very definable story arc - not one that can be summed up in a few sentences, anyway. It sounds dreary to describe, but I loved it. I am looking forward to the continuation!

An unforgettable journey!

I have read this story 5 or 6 times now, and it never disappoints.

BEST BOOK EVER!!!

This is the absolute best book ever! I love this story so much! Sad, funny, witty, can not stop listening kind of book!

I couldn't put it down!

This book was wonderful! The tale really drew you in, and the narrator did an excellent job at voices, pacing, and intonation.

One of, if not the best books I have ever had the pleasure to experience.

I loved everything about this book, I genuinely can’t recommend it enough. If you’re on the fence about reading (or listening) to this, take this is a sign to hop right down off that fence and dive right in!

Wonderful from Start to Finish

It’s been a long time since I’ve read a book in full, and I couldn’t have picked a better title to re-begin my reading journey with. I’m immediately diving into the next book.