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)

Parts were great, parts were long and annoying

I enjoyed the first book quite a lot and had high hopes for this one, but the story really bogged down a couple of times. Felurian, the sexy fairy section, went on forever. I felt like I was reading someone's fantasy. I don't like romance novels and the endless descriptions of their encounters really slopped over into that genre.

The Adem mercenaries chapters were also long and tedious by the end of them. And their world just seemed contrived. I'm no prude, but again I found the "you can have sex with anyone and there is no emotional consequences or pregnancy" aspect of their culture a little too much like every man's fantasy. I don't like to be taken out of a story by the voice of the author and I felt like that was what was happening.

All that said, I will probably listen to the last one when it comes out. There's enough interesting going on that I want to know what happens, but I was a bit disappointed and felt the book could have been better with a judicious edit.

The long wait was worth it.

Amazing book. I know its only march but this is definitely my favorite book of the year so far. Unlike many other authors I enjoy Patrick doesn't was a single word, but carefully chooses every syllable that goes into his master piece. The only negative thing I have to say is that I wish he would write faster. I just want to know how the story ends. Brandon Sanderson writes extremely fast and puts out books of almost the same quality.

Eat your heart out GRRM

This book was well worth the wait. Rothfuss is the man. I'm looking forward to the further adventures of Kvothe. Keep up the good work.

Kvothe's story becomes even more engrossing!

The second day of Kvothe's story is more interesting than the first! For one thing, we now have some understanding of who he is, so his recitation of his life means more. For another thing, more happens. The events that comprise the myth of Kvothe began in the first novel, and here we see more of what made Kvothe a legend in his own time. We also get the first inkling of how it was for Kvothe to be confronted with his reputation whilst going about his daily life.

We also get more of a juxtaposition between the younger, powerful Kvothe and present-day Kvothe, who seems greatly altered and reduced. The mystery of how he went from being the person in the stories to being the person telling the stories is a tantalizing one. His relationship with Bast is also rounded out here. Bast is an interesting character in his own right, and I am looking forward to hearing how he became Kvothe's student.

One thing that bothered me is that Mr. Podehl's narration wasn't consistent. He pronounced names such as Fela and Devi differently in this book than he did in the first, but then alternated between the two pronunciations of Fela throughout The Wise Man's Fear. This was initially confusing, but then just annoying.

Although the audio version of this book was 42 hours long, I listened to it in the span of several days, because it was just that interesting. I completely understand how Mr. Rothfuss isn't churning these books out every year, due to their length and awesomeness, but I am eagerly anticipating the third book in this series.

Even better than Day 1

It has been a long time since I have been captivated so entirely by such a good story. I have listened to over 80 titles on Audible and this one would surely make it into my top five. It was even better than the first in the series.

You may be hesitant due to the length, but not once did I feel like it was dragging. It was one long tale of adventure and you will finding yourself hanging on from chapter to chapter. I didn't want it to end!

Waiting for more

Would you consider the audio edition of The Wise Man's Fear to be better than the print version?

They were equal and I flip between each, using audio while driving.

What did you like best about this story?

The story is well crafted and the dialoge is superb.

Have you listened to any of Nick Podehl’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

He sounds familiar - I would definately pick him again.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The entire book (including Day 1 - Name of the Wind) is good throughout with few slow spots.

Talented author, remarkable narrator

Would you consider the audio edition of The Wise Man's Fear to be better than the print version?

W/o having read it I can't speak to the differences. However, while I typically enjoy long tomes, there were descriptive parts and dialogues in the audio that I imagine I would have skimmed quickly through, had I book in hand. Nick kept me engaged throughout.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Tempe intrigued me.

Have you listened to any of Nick Podehl’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Only in the first volume. His inflection, accents, tone etc contributed greatly to my continued interest in the characters and storyline. His reading is remarkable. Flawless. Entirely conversational. How is that possible: and for 49 HOURS???

Any additional comments?

Just as an aside, I was glad the spider-things did not interfere with the more 'believable' fantasy elements of this volume's storyline. In addition, I'm not sure what reasons were behind the change I noticed with Bast's voice from the first book. In that volume he was edgy, older, and threateningly dark towards Chronicler. And I wasn't sure who he was; Kvoth's partner/lover? 'groupie'? Eventually some details described 'student'. In this volume, Nick pitches Bast's voice higher, whiny, and obviously young. The book also repeatedly describes him as Kvoth's student. Not sure I like the change. Minor points and literary tweaks in a book I truly enjoyed Finally, while all characters are wonderfully realistic and diverse, I think there is a female character who's missing. Except for (.... hmmm after listening for 49 hours, all names should be imprintedI) Penna? Fenna? (Sims gf) who seems like a bit character, the flaws of the women are equal to their strengths leaving me on the fence about them all. Ready to move onto different genre for now, but will purchase the third of this trilogy when it is published.

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.

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.

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.