• 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 (83,223 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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  • Overall
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One of the best books I've read in a while (part2)

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

I have recommended this book to family and friends. This is a great follow up to The Name of The Wind. The story is is well extremely written. Rouhfuss does a great job of capturing the emotion of the characters and pulling you along for the ride.

What did you like best about this story?

The story has a great pace. It is pieced well together. It is serious but has a great sense of humor at times.

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

Only the first book in this series (The Name of the Wind) and this is on par with what he did in the first one. Great job reading and good inflection for each character. The voices paint a great picture.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

This is one of the few books that has gotten me as involved as it did. I became very invested in Kvothe.

Any additional comments?

I've read a lot of fantasy and this book (and series) has pulled me in more than any other in recent memory and that includes A Song of Ice and Fire series of which I am also a big fan.

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deep, and light Thank You!!!!!!

the expanse of the world and the character development is amazing. looking forward to the next book

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One of the best books ever!

Would you listen to The Wise Man's Fear again? Why?

yes, i have listened 3 times already, every time you listen its like starting over because you get so lost in the story you dont even notice that you have listened already

Who was your favorite character and why?

kvothe, he is extremely smart, battle tested, and a worldly man who you think you get to know but the next chapter will throw something at you that was never expected

Which scene was your favorite?

anything that has to do with the magic university

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

The Scientific Mage

Any additional comments?

Great series of books, the only downside is the next book is not out yet

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    5 out of 5 stars
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The is my new favorite writer.

What made the experience of listening to The Wise Man's Fear the most enjoyable?

i really enjoyed being able to listen to this while at work as well as in the car on the way to and from work. this kept me entertained for days.

What other book might you compare The Wise Man's Fear to and why?

Magician by Raymond E. Feist
They are both a coming of age type story. they both describe things in great detail and i have read both books 3-4 times (the only books i have done that with)

What about Nick Podehl’s performance did you like?

Nick Pedehl's voice is perfect for the characters in this story. very clear and well preformed. a couple of the "accents" made me laugh with how familiar i am with them and it just completely made this story become more real for me.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

This book made me laugh out loud more then once, its mainly the witty humor. there where moments of sad emotions as well.

Any additional comments?

Patrick Rothfuss is by far one of my all time favorite authors. I enjoyed his writing and imagination so much that i was upset to hear he had not released the next book of this series.
i fear that this book will be made into a movie some time in the future and lose most of its charm. this is a hidden jewel of a book that i will be reading again and again as the years go by.

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One of my favorites of all time

Where does The Wise Man's Fear rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It is one of my favorite books, the reading was fantastic and the story is so well thought out.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Kvothe of course

Which scene was your favorite?

Probably when Kvothe, finds the bandits.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

This film will never meet your expectations

Any additional comments?

Listen to this book, you will not regret it

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amazing!

best series of books I've read in a long time. can't wait for the next in the series

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Outstanding!

Where does The Wise Man's Fear rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

At the top of my recommendations.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Kvothe of course! But I would be Chronicler.

Which scene was your favorite?

Unraveling mystery at the tavern.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

You just can't put it down.

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great listen

great read, worst part is waiting for the next book to come out. i would reccomend it

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Simply Amazing

The author weaves a great story and the voice talent is the best I've enjoyed on Audible to date.

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Great story, can't wait for more!

The performance by the reader definitely aids in the overall visual tapestry that Rothfuss has written for us all. Though I'm saddened by the way our hero's current depiction is, the stories are full and vibrant as it feels told from the hero himself. I'm excited to read the future installments.

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