• 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 (83,229 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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A master piece of voice acting with a great story

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

Yes, the voice acting is phenomenal. Nick Podehl can do so many voices and accents that dialogue is daunting to think about doing yourself.

What does Nick Podehl bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The definition between characters from their tone, accent, and rhythmn.

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Well spun story well read

If you could sum up The Wise Man's Fear in three words, what would they be?

I love the series. Patrick Rothfuss is a great writer - I can see the story unfold as it is read. Can't wait for Day 3.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Book two of a Series I am now ready to finish.

Any additional comments?

If any of you can remember reading the Harry Potter Books as they were released (I started the day the 4th book was released, and had to wait for each next installment) you will know the pain of waiting for a series. The Kingkiller Chronicles remind me of that feeling. Kvothe is a very interesting character (though I find myself angry at his stubborn and conflict seeking personality). I'd say the two I have read so far are among my favorite fantasy works. I am anxiously awaiting the next. If you liked the first one, the second will probably be even more appealing, as some of the more exciting things happen in book 2.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Finally a fantasy book that you won't slog through

It is rare for me to give a book five stars, but I like to take into consideration my enjoyment as well as the skill of the author. The prose is nice and also readable. This won't be a book like G.R.R.Martin where you feel like you've accomplished something by getting through it. The author focuses on people you have come to care about and doesn't get slogged down by random other people. I appreciate how well he flushes out the main players and makes them very believable. What I liked more about this book than the first was how many different types of experiences the main character goes through. You have more magic study, sword and fighting study, sea adventures, adventures of an amorous type, court intrigue, etc. I love the world created and there was never an area I felt was slow really. I can't rave enough about how great this narrator is. He did tons of different accents and his timing on line delivery is perfect.

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I loved this book from start to finish

the kingkiller series is a great collection and paints such vivid pictures patrick rothfuss is a artist with his words and nick podehl does not just read the books but preforms them and gives a new level of color in this work of art

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Not just a good story but a good writer.

I had been on a search for not just a good story but a well written one. This series has kept me coming back for more. Ps. This is the first review I have written after the multiple books I have listened to. That should tell you how much I enjoyed this tale.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

A bit wordy but very entertaining

What's up with the ending?!!! I really enjoyed this book but was shocked when it came to the end. I sincerely hope it doesn't take the author 3 years to write the next book as it did this one.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Fantastic!

This second part of the Kingkiller trilogy is another wonderful adventure. Rothfuss is one of the great storytellers as he weaves a tale that is warm, intellegent and addictive without a slow moment that you tend to find in books of this length. Nick Podehl's narration once again provides the inflection and emotion needed to bring Kvothe and the other folk of The Four Corners to life in a natural, effortless manner. This series is a must for all fantasy fans and anyone who just loves a great story!

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Wish it didn't end

I love the narrator and enjoyed the story. I hope the next book will be released soon! When waiting who has time for time. Time while waiting takes to long

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Narration is awesome!!!

Some of the best writing and narration in the business truly enjoyable to listen too, don't let the length trouble you it will keep you enthralled every step of the way!

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