Sample
  • 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 (83,854 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
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    5 out of 5 stars

Absolutely phenomenal as always!!

Definitely a book to read more than once. And of course Nick does the best reading of any book in the world.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Action, Adventure, Magic, Drama, and Romance.

The story is amazing, it keeps you engaged throughout multiple story arks. It is well worth the money to pick this story up if you are into fantasy. You can't go wrong with this one.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Not quite what I expected

To be honest, I thought the first book did a good job of setting the stage for what I expected to be an action packed second book. Although the story was good, it never quite reached the crescendo I expected. Still worth listening to and it had some riveting moments, but just not quite what I was hoping for in a novel of this length.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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amazing story

what an amazing story! I cannot wait for his next book, this is a true masterpiec

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Great voice acting - slow but interesting story

Performance is the best I've listened to yet.

Story - I like it but it's way too slow for me, not enough happening. And the main character evokes frustration in me, maybe that's the point?

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

it doesn't end

love the series but hate how this book didn't have any climatic end requiring you to purchase the next one to finish this story.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Brilliant!

This series creates a truly unique and complex world. Podehl's varied voices are wonderful! Excellent.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Love this series so much!

I can't wait for the next one to come out on audible. Nick Podehl does an amazing performance.

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stunning

this was a great continuation of the story. the length is good enough to satisfy but leave you longing foe more

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I already miss these characters

Pat Rothfuss is a master storyteller. It's easy to immerse yourself in his world and fall in love. And Nick Podehl's reading makes this story absolutely magical. I couldn't wait for new characters to speak so I could hear what accent he used. He made it quite easy to follow along with who was speaking, even if I had paused mid dialogue and come back later. Definitely recommend.

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