• 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 (83,159 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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Fun but long

Overall, the world is deep and rich. At times, you get frustrated with the main character, and at times the author takes five chapters to tell a story when three would do, but it's a rollicking ride overall.

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Incredible series.

This series is incredible. The narration is clean, the voices, dialects, accents, and pacing are have made me a fan of the narrator. The story arc, characters, dialog, and command of the English language have made me cry and laugh as any good story should. I am invested in the main character and cannot wait to hear the end of this tale and whatever novellas accompany the series.

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Worth every cent

This audio book along with Name of the Wind are both amazingly written and well narrated. You are pulled into the world of the book right from the get go and are in for a wild and sometimes hilarious ride. I cannot recommend this audio book enough.

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Elderberry

This book is brilliant and a vivid fantasy. Great songs, stories and magic await you between its pages. By the end of it I found my self cheering and brimming with happiness by the skillfully crafted day 2 of the kingkiller chronicle.
Do yourself a solid, read this book; and patiently await day 3. The ending of this epic adventure.

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Characters

The characters in this story are brought to life through the story, the narrative breathing life into them. The emotions they express and the individual idiosyncrasies they possess make they read a genuine people. This is a wonderful continuation of The Name of the Wind, and I barely find the patience to wait for the next installment in the Kingkiller Chronicles.

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Somehow Better Than The First Book

This is the second book in the King Killer Chronicles. It is even better than the first book. A large world filled with places and people that feel real. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys epic story telling.

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Better than book one

3 stars for story, a brilliant 5 stars for the narration. Nick Podehl made struggling through hours with the Adem worth it.

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Excellent Story and Narration

This is one of my top five books. I love the story and the narration is very good.

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Slow start but worth the wait

Slow to start but great listening once the momentum got going. Conclusion left me waiting for a bit more but I guess that is not always a bad thing. Some really lovely "scenes" to tuck away in your imaginary treasure trove. Good read.

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Immersive Read

Patrick's story did it again. I found myself immersed in his fantasy world of magic & bards tales. I look forward to hearing more.

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