• The Wise Man's Fear

  • Kingkiller Chronicle, Book 2
  • By: Patrick Rothfuss
  • Narrated by: Nick Podehl
  • Length: 42 hrs and 55 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (83,195 ratings)

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The Wise Man's Fear  By  cover art

The Wise Man's Fear

By: Patrick Rothfuss
Narrated by: Nick Podehl
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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

Day two: the wise man’s fear

“There are three things all wise men fear: the sea in storm, a night with no moon, and the anger of a gentle man.”

My name is Kvothe. You may have heard of me.

So begins a tale told from his own point of view - a story unequaled in fantasy literature. Now in The Wise Man’s Fear, Day Two of The Kingkiller Chronicle, Kvothe takes his first steps on the path of the hero and learns how difficult life can be when a man becomes a legend in his own time.

Not just another day: listen to more in the Kingkiller Chronicles.
©2011 by Patrick Rothfuss. (P)2011 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

"Narrator Nick Podehl arrives at the end of this long audiobook, the second in the Kingkiller series, as engaged and fresh as he was at the start.... Podehl adeptly presents the broad cast of characters - from moneylenders and courtesans to kings. One of the most fascinating portrayals by Podehl begins with a young mercenary from the Adem who says little. And when he does speak, he has a flat voice, mostly devoid of expression. Podehl builds on this when Kvothe returns with him to study among the Adem, where the mercenary develops a recognizable pattern of speech reflecting many of the culture's characteristics." ( AudioFile)

“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)

Featured Article: 55+ Quotes About Fear—of the Unknown, Change, Love, and More


Looking for a little confidence boost? These quotes about fear from some of literature’s greatest writers can help bolster your bravado. In moments of fear, it’s natural to turn to others—from loved ones to professional counsel—for comfort, encouragement, and advice. But sometimes, it’s most helpful to hear what people you’ve never met have written on the topic. These quotes offer a comprehensive, reassuring portrait of fear and ways to conquer it.

What listeners say about The Wise Man's Fear

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  • Overall
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Even more awesome than the first

Patrick Rothfuss has become one of my favorite authors. I can't wait till book 3 comes out! Nick Podehl's narration again was awesome and totally fits Kvothe.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Great Book

Would you listen to The Wise Man's Fear again? Why?

I keep finding myself going back and listening and rereading this book over and over again. I love the narration and the story.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Better than the First

This book is impossible to review properly. Instead I'll say that this book makes my top five along with East of Eden, David Copperfield, Kidnapped, and Name of the Wind. Nick Podehl does a nice job, but occasionally mispronounces a name.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Great Story, but gets bogged down every so often.

I am enjoying the series, the first book was well paced and very entertaining. Although, I am thoroughly enjoying the second book of the Kingkiller Chronicles and would recommend it to a friend, but Patrick Rothfusses step into light erotica has been a bit boorish and does not seem to move the story forward.

Again, well worth the time it just seems like he gets stuck in several sections of the story, which honestly tempted me to skip forward.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great second book

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

This series is so fun and funny at times.We're listening to Games of Thrones, but we find the this series to be so much more interesting and creative. Lighter too. The Author does an excellent job with the many many characters, but the listeners don't get confused.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Excellent story, excellent performance

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

For sure.
All (light) fantasy lovers will like it

What did you like best about this story?

Not really fantasy, more as an advature story

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Great characters, slowly paced

Rothfuss draws lovable characters that pull us deep into his detailed world, but the the pace is too slow, the subplots too numerous, and the book just too long.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Incredible series!

Any additional comments?

Seamless addition to the first book. See my review for The Name of the Wind.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Fantastic and Entertaining!

Any additional comments?

46 hours of absolute fantasy bliss. Written cleverly and most entertaining. I had a hard time getting into the first book, but stuck with it and by the 1/2 way mark I was indelibly hooked.
The author is incredibly clever and tells the story in such a way that it doesn't sound exactly like every other fantasy script. The details and depth of daily life are just enough to keep you in the realm and add realism without being tedious. Overall, I absolutely loved this series and I can't wait for the last one. No really. I can't wait.

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A story a Story teller can be proud of.

I look forward to going places and to the quiet of the house when I can listen, and see the story unfold.

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