Preview
  • 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 (83,875 ratings)

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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

Average customer ratings
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    5 out of 5 stars

Every bit as great as its predecessor...

High fantasy at its most captivating, compelling, and imaginative...this is one of those rare stories that's not just a powerful piece of fiction, but rather a contemplative meditation on predestination, free-will, and the nature of our passions and motivations.

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Once again...

I couldn't stop listening. I can't wait for the next one! The wait is going to kill me.

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Best narration I have ever heard!

This story in and of itself is one of my favorites and I eagerly (and patiently) await it's follow up novel. That being said, I didn't think it could get any better but Nick Podehl certainly has risen to the challenge! Too often the narration of a book I have loved completely ruins the audio telling of it. I didn't think it was possible but Podehl made The Wise Man's Fear better! Thank you Mr. Podehl for the experience. I am now a fan!

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Unrivaled anger, contempt, longing for more

How many stories have you read and been so enthralled with the protagonist, that screams silently fill your mind? I have teared up, laughed, and felt sinister more times with this set than I can count. Can't wait for the third book. Take the time to lose yourself.

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    4 out of 5 stars

Great, but better for younger adults.

It's just a bit childish? I guess with the protagonist being 16-17 through most of the story, I guess I understand...

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great book. read and re-read

Love this book. I've listened to it multiple times. The only issue is the series is incomplete.

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re-reading in the hopes book 3 comes soon

this world is as rich and deep as middle earth and Narnia. cannot wait for book 3.

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great book!

Great book with tons of detail, amazing story line. Can't wait for the next one!

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    5 out of 5 stars

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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