The Wise Man's Fear

Kingkiller Chronicle, Book 2

By: Patrick Rothfuss

Narrated by: Nick Podehl

Length: 42 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

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)

can't wait for the final book

I feel like these books are perfectly built together. The first one truly sets the scene, the second pulls you deep into the world, and I can't wait to be enveloped by the third

Hook for a conclusion worth a decades wait.

I love this series and the narrator puts so much character and emotion into the performance that moments stick with me and keep calling me back.

Masterful storytelling

First off let me say I kept waiting to give The Kingkiller books a chance until the last book came out. That being said it’s still not out and that’s ok. This statement is not meant to belittle P.R. for his writing style is nothing like anyone else in Fantasy. Each of his books has details you rarely see mentioned by other authors. He delves deep into actions and feelings and I found his writing deeply moving and personal. Nick Podehl is a fantastic narrator. I put him right up there with Michael Kramer and Kate Reading (The king and Queen of narration) and Christopher Even Welch (RIP). The only thing that saddens me is that I enjoyed the first two books so deeply that I hope he can complete the series in a way he feels makes him happy. A third book half as good as these first two would be better than almost anything else out there. I cannot complain about the wait for book 3. Brandon Sanderson bangs out books fast enough to keep me going until Pat works his magic in a way that works for him. I hope Patrick eventually finds his muse and finds a deep sense of happiness once he completes book 3.

Book3!?? 11 years?!

I mean my stars will speak for themselves on this one, because just can’t believe I started and finished this series and am just seeing/realizing the other book is near 11 years in the making??

4 years to have the second book published, more understandable time frame, but 11 years?

I recommend to not start this series unless a date for book 3 is published. At 11 years, who knows how much longer you’d need to wait…

Brilliant story

What a fantastic follow up. It’s no wonder everyone is frustrated the third book has not arrived yet. The story is wonderful and the poetic price and intertwined knots (pun intended for the Yillish) of stories are fresh and add depth throughout the story. Amazing.

Frustrated by ending!

Although I, personally, cannot rave about these books as much as some, I have found the audio books eminently listenable.

The narration is skilled, with very few obvious edits knitted into the whole. While a might quibble with some pronunciations, I found no obvious errors - and I'm mindful that in a fantasy world familiar words may be pronounced any way the author says! As a former narrator, I applaud the work and the editing.

Unlike many reviewers, I enjoyed the second book more than the first, and had no problem with the meandering side tales that others have disliked. The book is a collection of stories, after all, woven into a narrative, set in a frame. I found it meatier and more rewarding than the first.

But...

Then the ending. It fell off (true to it's frame story) as if Rothfuss said, "oh, hell, I'm tired. let's wrap this up; I'm going to bed." It wouldn't be a problem if there was a continuation ready at hand to keep his readers - already engaged - ready and eager to go out and put down their coin for the concluding volume. A wait of two years would be fine, and five years for a monumental work is understandable & reasonable.

When it becomes well over a decade, with missed release dates & *former* diehard fans writing Reddit threads expressing anger and dismay, it's time for Rothfuss to quit Kickstarters, Twitter, DnD follies & unfulfilled hints and either get the damned book written or be honest enough to say it won't happen. TBH, I won't be eagerly awaiting the much needed conclusion to this non-trilogy. I'm moving on.

Love love love!

I love this series and am eager waiting for the release of the third!the story is captivating and alluring

amazing reader and great story telling

It was an amazing reader and great story telling that kept your interest. he voices were perfect for this read

Fantastic Story

Like Name of the Wind, this story just pulls you in and allows you to really feel like you're following the characters through their world.

A must read/listen!

The King Killer Series is absolutely amazing. I’ve listened through multiple times now. Hopefully book three will come!