• 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 (83,199 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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amazingly good

the narrator does as well as two do for Stormlight Archives. he is excellent. the story is also staggeringly better than Stormlight in every way. women actually show emotion and character development, and they don't "draw their lips to a line" every paragraph. there are other improvements but I can sum it up by saying: I wasted my time on Stormlight. This series is worth it.

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Amazing, enthralling, I NEED MORE!

What can be said about this series beyond absolutely brilliant story telling. To be deeply invested in a character so fully it hurts there is still no third. Though I entered into the series knowing this, I'm still glad I did because it is truly a work of art. I can only hope that Kvothe gets the ending of the story many readers have grown to love.

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Amazing

The story is just as amazing as I remember and after listening to The Name of The Wind, Nick as a narrator really grew on me. Absolutely love this book.

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Exceptional

I almost put away the first book. It was something I gave up on after the first chapter or two. But then when I had nothing else to listen to I picked it up again.

Now I find the series truly exceptional. One of my most enjoyable listen s of the 30 or so this year.


There are some familiar themes. But it is told in a fascinating way. The narrator that I disliked in the beginning now seems perfect. As was the case when I read the Lord of the Rings when I was 15 I can't wait for more.

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Fantastic!

Nick eloquently narrates Mr. Rothfuss' story. It was a delight to read and a delight to listen to.

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Amazing

I don't care we don't have a third one yet, this is the best books I have read. The writing takes you places, the lines are just amazing. This author makes things to my mind nothing has done before.

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  • 07-08-22

engrossing world, storytelling

meant to be read over and over. secrets upon secrets. great voice work by the narrator.

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one of my all time favorite series.

one of my all time favorite series and the narration is so well done. I can't wait for the last one to come out.

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Few things equal Patrick Rothfuss's writing.

Few things equal Patrick Rothfuss's writing, none surpass it. This astounding tale has depth and humanity while spinning a true fantasy tale. Nick Podehl was an inspired reader for this work. His emotional delivery delves into the depths of this story bringing them a subtle beauty.

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Incredible sequel

Loved this book! Absolutely amazing story - so many adventures wrapped in one story - and incredible performance by the narrator. He skillfully manages to convey all of the characters in different voices or speech patterns.

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