• 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 (83,112 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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great sword and sorcery book

I really like the books in this series. Quote is a fascinating character and the reading is done just right. Can't wait to listen to another Patrick Rothfuss.

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Great Read Overall

My biggest issue with the book is that the author spends a lot of time dwelling on irrelevant details. The same or better results could’ve been achieved with 5-10 hours less. I’d still recommend this though - just speed up on the slow parts or skip them altogether.

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Phenomenal

One of the most enjoyable books of all fine and my personal favorite series. can't wait for book 3

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Brilliant

The characters are brilliant if your looking for a book this is the book you’ve been looking for.

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amazing follow up

you fall for kovath effortlessly. Patrick did even better on this one then in the previous. Thats a amazing accomplishment in series.

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aaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrggggggghhhhhhh!!!!!!!

Fandamtastic!!
Wish it wasn't over!
Wish part three was available!
A terrific world to live for a time!
I hope Mr. Rothfuss will share again soon!

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Most of the Book was Great

This is really several books merged into one. The first part of the book was great. he was at the University and had lots of problems. Then he was exiled and went to another land. I also really enjoyed this book. Then he went in search of bandits which also deserves five stars. The final sections were not as good, but I gave it five stars based on the earlier parts of the story.
I definitely recommend this book.

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Author Rothfuss! Stand!

ATTENTION! MR ROTHFUSS! AUTHOR??!PROCASTINATER?PLAYER?Book 3. AUTHOR! COME FORTH! NO FEAR!Make Haste! OUR 3rd Book is DUE!

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Nick Pidehl is FANTASTIC!

Nick Pidehl is FANTASTIC! His reading of this incredible tale was incredible! I really enjoyed the storyline!

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Even Better The Second Time

I just re-read this book and couldn't be more enthralled with Rothfuss's characters, world building, and story. The Kingkiller Chronicles should rate high among any fantasy lover's list of important work within the genre.

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