The Wise Man's Fear: Kingkiller Chronicles, Day 2

Those in fear of a "sophomore slump" should look elsewhere. This is the stunningly excellent follow-up and second part of a proposed trilogy to "The Name of the Wind". I devoured this book. I am going to listen to it again with my wife, and that is a rare thing. After finishing this wonderful tale of old evil, love, loss, mischief, grief, song, cleverness, jocularity, beauty, and fantasy. I turned to my wife and said "you have to read these, they are wonderful". Our literary tastes never cross paths, but this is a tale I don't think anyone should miss. To not pass these along to others is neglect.

There are passages in this book that are achingly beautiful and so well written that I dispare for all others who attempt to write epic fantasy. There is a good deal of action too and it's never far from the main narrative of this installment. It's just that Rotfuss crossed the line with this book. There is passable fantasy, good, and even excellent fantasy. This, this is pantheon fantasy, this is why I read the genre, dare I say "tolkienesque". It really is that good. What a great time to be a fantasy fan.

The narration continues flawlessly from the first book and Mr. Podehl gives an outstanding performance. I am rapidly becoming a fan of his work, I certainly will look for him in future listens.

This review covers the first books of the series Kingkiller Chronicles. Some fantasy can be exhausting: Dan Simmons, Brandon Sanderson, George R. R. Martin, Robert Jordan, even sometimes Neil Gaiman. Their stories can take your breath away but sometimes, also, knock the wind out of you with a force. Patrick Rothfuss is not about that. He is more about an easy-going kind of entertainment. These books do not knock you over with amazement, epic wars or adventure. They are more subtle and a great richness comes through in that subtlety. While usually light, do not be fooled; they contain a depth and richness that is just easy to read and easier to appreciate. This is nothing short of outstanding fantasy prose and character development. These stories are long but not too long. Rothfuss does not ramble. The continuity of the protagonist Kvothe’s stories is there but not so complex or convoluted that one can get lost over the span. While there are many characters there is a core of them that are easy to know and become invested in. The stories are more about people and their relationships than about what the wizard-in-training is actually learning and practicing. At least the first two books do not contain that much magic but they do not leave you wanting either. They only leave you in great anticipation of the next book to come in the series. Nick Podehl’s reading is impeccable. I am loathe to say this is a great book for YA’s for fear it might deter older readers from venturing here. That would be a mistake. These are great books for readers of all age or gender.

I listened to this book for 8 straight hours today. I had to force myself to stop listening ........and i still want to put my headphone's back on.


I was afraid it wouldn't be able to keep up with the last one, but thus far it has exceeded my expectations.

The book was released March 1st. It wasn't up on audible yet so I went to a traditional book store and bought a copy.It is now 12:30 am on March 4th. I finished it 30 minutes ago, now audible has it up and I just bought a copy and am going to start it again tonight.

I read a hundred books a year and I've never done anything like this before.

Read the name of the wind, then read this. It's better in just about every way.

Amazing book. Amazing series. I basically haven't done anything for the past 3 days so I could listen to it all. Every time I read/listen to a story on this level, I feel empty when I have to wait for the next. I agree with the extra time spent on it. It was worth it.

If you enjoyed The Name of the Wind (Day 1), you will most likely enjoy The Wise Man???s Fear (Day 2). When I was listening to this book, I only hoped it would be the equal of the previous book. I can confidently report that, in my opinion, it is at least as enjoyable. I cannot wait for Day 3. I hope the ending doesn???t break my heart. I am beginning to fear it might.

Amazing book. I know its only march but this is definitely my favorite book of the year so far. Unlike many other authors I enjoy Patrick doesn't was a single word, but carefully chooses every syllable that goes into his master piece. The only negative thing I have to say is that I wish he would write faster. I just want to know how the story ends. Brandon Sanderson writes extremely fast and puts out books of almost the same quality.

I absolutely loved The Name of the Wind. This books is good, but a bit of a letdown. Don't get me wrong. If you liked Kvothe and The Name of the Wind buy this book now. It continues where the first left off pushing through Kvothe's adolescence and early adulthood. Unfortunately, not a whole lot of significant events concerning the main story take place. What we do get is a series of "side quests" that (if you've ever played an RPG) are essential to get from young stupid Kvothe to Kvothe the badass. They're enjoyable enough and worth a listen but pale in comparison the overall story going on here. Can't wait for the next installment in this fantasy series. Nick Podehl does a great job in the Narration.

IF YOU THINK 43 HOURS IS LONG THEN YOU ARE MISTAKEN!!!!
THE TIME FLIES BY WITHOUT NOTICE THANKS TO IDEAL NARRATION OF NICK PODEHL.

WHEN I FINISHED THIS BOOK I HAD ONLY ONE REGRET:

THAT I WILL HAVE TO WAIT AT LEAST FOR A FEW YEARS FOR THE NEXT BOOK!!!!

PS
AS OF OCTOBER 2012 THE 3RD BOOK IS MORE OR LESS WRITTEN, ACCORDING TO THE AUTHOR THE BOOK AT THE MOMENT IS 3-3.5* AND HE WON'T RELEASE IT UNTIL HE MAKES IT SOLID FIVE STARS.

LETS HOPE THERE WILL BE NOT ONLY ONE BOOK BUT MANY MORE, AS CONTINUATION OF KVOTHE'S STORY.

I fell directly into this book and it carried by the whole way through. I really enjoy the character Kvothe, and his epic journey. He does seem to be able to do everything, but he isn't perfect, he fails at times, he is humbled. But, there is humor, interesting insights, and a fun story. I recommend.