• 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 (83,221 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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love it

This is my new favorite series. The story hits all the right notes (pun intended) and look forward to hearing the next in the series. Nick Podehl does the narration justice, I can't imagine anyone better suited to read this epic.

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another great book

it's another great audio book, the second in a trillogy, preformed greatly by Nick Podehl.

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Can't wait for the final book to come out!

I absolutely loved this book. Deep and captivating world, lovable characters, and an excellent narrator who has the perfect voice for each character. 10/10 will listen again someday. sad that I can't spend more time with these characters in their world.

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Mic issues

There are multiple mic qualities throughout the story. I love the voice actor, but switching qualities is a bit odd.

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a bit more purple

this one drifts a bit deeper into purple writing than the last book. wonderful story but slightly flowery at times. or perhaps i just wanted to know what would happen so badly that i felt impatient with all the metaphors.

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A worthy tale continues

The story continues! Adventure abounds as we move past the university for a bit. Parts drag on a bit and it is hard to imagine a satisfying payoff to over two books of trainings. I Will however read that book as soon as it is available.

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one of the true fantasy epics.

If you havent read it, you need to. This is going to be one of the true fantasy epics of time to come.

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you need this

even better than the first book. absolutely spectacular, riveted from start to finish. get this book.

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Love it.

Absolutely love these books. Cannot wait for book three. Patrick Rothfuss is one of the best out there right now.

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Slow and steady

As with the first book. You can't allow yourself to be in a hurry. This story isn't watered down, leaving you grasping for something with more point to it, or filled with needless explanation. It is filled with enrichment at every turn. You just have to be patient. Don't expect quick resolve of any particular arc. There are many stories within this story.

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