• 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 (83,231 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

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Even better than the 1st book

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

Yes, any fans of the 1st book will find even more to like here.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

YES! Gladly, it's not a short book, but it will still leave you wanting more and waiting anxiously for book 3.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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6/5 Stars for writing and performance.

If anything, Day 2 is even better than Day 1. Nick Podehl's performance was first class in every way.

The story-line kept me up late several nights and sent me checking for a status on Day 3 as soon as I heard the Audible announcer give his usual , "...we hope your enjoyed..."

Attempts at humor in books often get the barest grin out of me, but Day 2 had me laughing out loud - very unusual. There are subtle references that indicate that Rothfuss has some personal knowledge of Chinese internal martial arts. Usually, whether from personal experience or research, these things are often overdone. I appreciate how this knowledge, along with an appreciation for the subtleties of musical performance, are woven seamlessly into Rothfuss' stories.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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My review

Loved it a lot. Really good 5/7. Many words, much story. Would reaf again. Yeah

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great accents and emotion

Narrator is great, love the accents and emotion put into the book. Great story Im very excited for the next book

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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awesome series

if you enjoy fantasy be sure to check this series out you will not be disappointed

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Awesome

Great book and a phenomenal job by Nick with the narration. He really brings the characters to life.

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Great Book

What did you love best about The Wise Man's Fear?

I loved that this book was fast paced but very detailed. Character development was spot on!

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Love it!

This one was even better than the first. Cannot wait for the next one to come out!

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Great work, great narration

Love the story, the narrator is great as well but two or three chapters his voice sounds quite different and is distracting. It's not him doing a different character, but his normal voice.

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Best book ever!

I have not been sucked into a book like this since I was a kid. I love it!
Fantastic Fantasy!

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