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)

Deeply detailed

Fantastic narration, many different character voices that remain consistent. This story is deep and very detailed with extensive build up and explanation, several times bordering on repetitive. Alas, I thoroughly enjoyed this story, very entertaining 2nd book, I'm looking forward to books 2.5 and 2.6.

the way his friends wanted him to e

I liked everything about the story. except the sex stuit seems out of place .
it's still a great book
in my opinion it's the best book I have ever listen to

Part 2 of The World’s Most Interesting Man.

A long riff on The World’s Most Interesting Man commercial - except Kvoath pretends he is modest to himself.

Characters

Liked the storytelling and sympathy magic. Also enjoyed all the adventures and close calls kvothe had

The story

The thought behind the whole story and the world in general is amazing. Some of the philosophy I just had the mull over for a long time. Really really a great book. I hope you get to finish it someday.

Delicious

Such an amazing continuation of the first book!! This was the best so far in the trilogy. It has been 13 years now and the third book is still non existent. Are we to wait another decade?!

Immersive

Immersive, thorough magic system and expanding of the story, the mc is well written and the interactions just as well

Highly listenable, a little meandering

As with the first KK novel, this book was engrossing. And that’s the strength of this series: immersing the reader in this character and his world. I’d buy the third if it ever appears.

The Best of the Unfinishable

Patrick, let me tell you what you don’t want to hear, this is impossible to finish in one more book. At least it’s impossible to finish well. This should be at least two more books. In book 3, take us on a journey through his first couple of rings, let him travel the world hunting for books on the seas working for the library finding deeper clues to the Chandrian. Maybe he meets a wise old sailer who can teach him more about knots. Maybe that knowledge lets him break into the mayors house and open the box. Maybe he learns of Dena’s heritage, and her secret need for knowledge of the arcane. Maybe we learn more about Braden Ash (I did that on purpose). Maybe he does something about ash and that’s what causes the rift with Dena. Maybe he actually builds a plan to attack the chandrian. Maybe the end of book three.

Excellent, Imaginative, Beautiful, Page Turning!!!

Those in fear of a "sophomore slump" should look elsewhere. This is the stunningly excellent follow-up and second part of a proposed trilogy to "The Name of the Wind". I devoured this book. I am going to listen to it again with my wife, and that is a rare thing. After finishing this wonderful tale of old evil, love, loss, mischief, grief, song, cleverness, jocularity, beauty, and fantasy. I turned to my wife and said "you have to read these, they are wonderful". Our literary tastes never cross paths, but this is a tale I don't think anyone should miss. To not pass these along to others is neglect.

There are passages in this book that are achingly beautiful and so well written that I dispare for all others who attempt to write epic fantasy. There is a good deal of action too and it's never far from the main narrative of this installment. It's just that Rotfuss crossed the line with this book. There is passable fantasy, good, and even excellent fantasy. This, this is pantheon fantasy, this is why I read the genre, dare I say "tolkienesque". It really is that good. What a great time to be a fantasy fan.

The narration continues flawlessly from the first book and Mr. Podehl gives an outstanding performance. I am rapidly becoming a fan of his work, I certainly will look for him in future listens.