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 song for your eyes.

This story is beautiful, it's ins and outs are deep and alive. To date I've yet to read a better story.

A New Favorite

I have had several people suggest this book to me, and my only frustration is that I just got to it. Listen, and fall in love as so many others rightfully have before you!

Fantastic!

I love this story from start to finish.
I have read the book but I enjoyed the reading of it to me even more.
I can't wait for the completed series.

slow

slow start real slow start but worth the journey. I suggest anyone try it out

Stands the test of time.

I just listened to this story again. It has been over ten years since the first time I heard this magnificent story and it still chills and thrills me. A good time had by all.

Great fantasy with amazing narrator

I've really enjoyed the story and the narrator was brilliant, playing the parts with accents and sounds. amazing

worth the wait

I had always been told to read this book by many people but struggled to due to its length. but having finished it I can say without a doubt it's on of my favorites. great job everyone involved!!!

Pretty good

Pretty good book, I like the magic system and the way they make sense of things. Beautifully written and performed. The romance is a bit juvenile though... Like the fantasy of a virgin lol that's my biggest complaint.

Glad I persevered.

I agree with the many other reviewers that the beginning of this book (more like 20-24 chapters but dont quote me on that) all blurred together for a while and I'm not actually sure how long the torture lasted. it was slow to capture my devoted attention with the immature and egocentric nature of our young hero. For a fact I was on the brink of stopping it altogether... I was so annoyed with it. However, just when I thought I couldnt take one more word, I decided to take a few deep breaths and I ground my teeth and bore the pain for a couple more chapters. It paid off! The last 3/4 of the story was enjoyable and captivating. I will probably get the next book and continue with the story. So if you feel yourself becoming agitated with the early life of our hero, skim through that part of the story and don't get caught up in the moment think of the journey ahead, hang on and you'll probably enjoy the many hours this story has to offer.

Good reading, but there are bad edits

The story and reading are good, but there are several chapters which cut off in inexplicable places, often in the middle of words. Doesn’t ruin the story, but can leave the listener confused