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)

a classic in the making

story takes a moment to get up and running but once it does grab your popcorn and cider.

Great story

It took me a few chapters to get past the narrator's voice. Once I did I fell in love with the story.

breathtaking.

the only way this book and this story could be told in this medium is if patrick rothfuss himself had read it.

Engrossed!

Narrator is fantastic! Really sucked me in. I’m listening a second time as the ending of the series felt like I was saying goodbye to an old friend. Waiting on the 3rd book.

where is book 2?

I love this story, but each time I read it , I have to ask why is there no book 2?

Masterpiece narrated by a master

This book is absolutely incredible - they'll be making a TV series on it as well. I hope he releases the 3rd book (and final) in the series by the time I finish Book 2!

Don't get over excited

This was a long tale to the beginning of what looks to be a great series. Overall I feel like this story was a little boring. Some parts were dragged out and developed way more than needed. Patrick Rothfuss does a great job at developing characters. He is very descriptive. He developed the story in a way that paints a clear picture. I just wish he made some parts a little shorter because I started to loose interest. He spends so much time describing the main character, Kvothe's struggles as a child to teen, you are waiting for more action or plot twists. I was so relieved when Kvothe finally made it to the University. It was the point in the story where I wasn't wondering if i should return the book or not. I really hope the next books are at a better pace. The reason I kept going was due to all the good reviews and because Nick Podhel is narrating. I will pretty much listen to any book he narrates. #LongTale #Hardwork #Perseverance #tagsgiving #sweepstakes

I hope he gets better at writing the love parts

Great story, couldn't wait to finish it. The love story was kinda cringey, but overall I was able to look past it for a story that I can't wait to hear the next part of.

Slow start, interesting listen

This book was a struggle to start, but picked up and ended very intriguing. At some points it reminded me of Harry Potter, there was another very interesting story arc that follows the protagonists musical abilities. Recommend!

Just all around fantastic

I have listened to this book multiple times now (I believe this was my 4th run through) and absolutely love it. The voice actor captures my attention that often feels so fleeting and the story, as proven again and again, keeps drawing me back for more.