The Name of the Wind

First, the narrator. I don't know if all Audible subscribers have a choice, but being in Japan, I was given the choice of the USA and the UK versions. They differed by only one minute in length. I listened to both samples (which covered the same part of the narrative) and chose the British one because it seemed more expressive, and the characters depicted in the short portrayal seemed to me to be better differentiated. Just in case anyone is curious, I'm an American from Boston.

Also, as an aside, I completely loved the moments when the narrator's father sounded just like Eddie Izzard.

At the moment, I'm just a few chapters in on the second of the four segments of this novel, and I am already disappointed that it will someday come to an end. This novel by this narrator is astoundingly good. If some recommendation or other has brought you this far, then this is without any doubt the best book you will listen to this year.

While listening to this book on various busses, subways and while cycling and walking, there have been moments so tender that tears spilled from my eyes, which is embarrassing. There have been moments so fierce that I've probably pumped my fist. I've actually laughed aloud. I've grinned fiercely. This is a talented storyteller telling a tale that's well constructed. The characters are alive. I'm so happy that I am experiencing this story.

I came upon this book through a "This Week in Tech" podcast in which one of the pundits said that someone influential in the tech field had once said that he judged people by their reaction to this novel. If a person didn't like this novel, the story went, then that person was deficient in some essential way that made that person not worth doing business with. I'm not sure I'd go that far, but that was enough to make me want to listen to the book.

All I knew about the book was that it was in the fantasy genre, the writing was supposed to be good, and that it was a kind of "coming of age" tale. I couldn't figure out in the beginning whose coming of age it was supposed to be, so the tale evolved around me in a very interesting way. I think this is a good way to experience the book, so I'm not telling you any more details about this book.

Just so that you have a perspective on where I'm coming from: I'm mainly a sci-fi reader, not space opera but the techie sci-fi, but I also like good spy novels. I'm not really much of a fantasy guy outside of what I read before college. I also like modern fiction and good writing in general; my favorite writer is Milan Kundera, but I'm eclectic in my tastes. Having said that, I'm telling you that this is really good writing (regardless of genre).

If you like quality writing, great characters and a good storyline, and if you are not squeamish about sword fighting, and if you enjoy a bit of speculative fiction (whether sci-fi, fantasy or magic realism), you will love this book. I suppose there are some people who won't love it, but, has has been said before by others, those aren't really the type of people I think I'd enjoy knowing anyway.

The first book of The King-Killer Chronicles is a breath of fresh air, in a genre that can become pretty stale at times.

The book follows two story-lines, the present day story of a humble inn-keeper, and the past remembered history of a young child, who goes from a loving family, to begging on the streets, to the famous university of magic to become one of legends most well-know figures.

The young Kvothe is by far my favorite character. His many adventures & miss-adventure kept me entertained.

I do however wonder how this all-mighty and powerful child became the unassuming and humble inn-keeper, I eagerly await the third book in the series, just so this mystery can be resolved.

It was my first time listening to Rupert Dega, and can only sing high praise of his narration skills.

At times, I laughed out loud, and at times I found my eyes wet with tears. I don't want to spoil the story for anyone by divulging the details. So my only advice is, read the book!

Looking at the Publisher's Summary:

'I have stolen princesses back from sleeping barrow kings. I burned down the town of Trebon. I have spent the night with Felurian and left with both my sanity and my life. I was expelled from the University at a younger age than most people are allowed in. I tread paths by moonlight that others fear to speak of during day. I have talked to Gods, loved women, and written songs that make the minstrels weep."

All I can say, without saying too much, of the eight proclamations in the above extract, I have now read about four of them (in addition to many more not stated) in the first two books, so, there is still a lot more to come.

I await eagerly...

Rothfuss narrative style takes a little getting used to, but once you latch onto it, you'll be treated well. The dual timeline narrative, structured as characters in the present recalling the past, seems gimmicky and the author himself almost drops it completely about halfway through the novel. But the actual story itself is unique and compelling and I look forward to reading the second book.

Degas' narration is astounding! I can think of no narrator who comes even close to him for raw skill with character voices. Sometimes I had trouble believing it was the same man doing the reading!

Well.... to think i nearly gave up listening to this book after about an hour! i found it hard at the start to really get into it, but WOW!!! this is a book that you'll have trouble pressing the stop button (after the 1st hour). Rupert degas is the key to this book coming alive, his performance is absolutely outstanding. Patrick rothfus, you sir, are a genius!

Great story, wonderful characters - brought me back tot he fantsay genre

When the main character talks about his favourite moment with Dana.

Great performance with lots of varied characters

When the main character leaves Tarbeen and says his final farewell to the carer in the basement

Great author, great style and a great book ( in that order).

Patrick Rothfuss has a gorgeous writing style and an interesting story. The story is set where a a man considered to be a legend is eking out his life in a remote town. He seems to have given up being a hero, and the chronicler comes through to get his story. Thus starts a prologue detailing the early life and exploits of Kvothe. In the current time setting as well, there are troubling signs, as something isnt right and more is about to happen.

Which means double the intrigue as you want to know what happened in the past as well as what's coming!

Definitely recommend the book. My very small criticism of the book is the obsession with Denna (Kvothe's kind of crush). Not much happens at times but just Kvothe's pining for her. But that's a very small criticism - overall, the book is great. It doesn't have a lot of fireworks, e.g. dragons, secret caverns, etc. but still very interesting.

Yes. This is how books should be. A real adventure.

Got completely lost in the story.

Kept finding things to do so l could keep listening.

Can't wait for the third book:)

The plot is amazing. It is a story like no other. Kvothe is the real deal, a true hero.

There are many, but one of my favorites was when Kvothe won his pipes at the Eolian

He is amazing. He really gives life to the characters. I don't understand why his version of the audiobooks comes almost one year after the other releases. I hope this changes for the last book of the series. Of the 2 versions of the series found in Audible Degas' is hands down the best.

Get into the world of Kvothe, the one and only, the bloodless

This is the best fiction/adventure series I have read. if you enjoy the genre you HAVE TO listen to this.

I think the narrator was the wrong reader for this book. He has talent but for some reason the story telling part is so boring that i have a sore face from yawning and forcing my eyes open. The narration are extremely soft as well.

The story starts off good but it is starting to become a chore to listen now. There is nothing driving this story. I really wanted this story to be good. I will read the book and see if i can find some magic in it. Those expecting something great, be warned you may fall asleep at the steering.

Kvothe's chronicles of his life in the university is some of the coolest and funniest fiction writing I've ever seen. And apart from his relationship with Denna, Kvothe is extremely relatable and fun to read.

The name of the wind is kind of like a mix between Sword of Truth, Harry Potter, and A Song of Ice and fire.

Harry Potter because it chronicles the hero's school life for much of the book.
Sword of Truth because it follows a very small cast of characters, and almost completely ignores everybody else.
A song of ice and fire because it uses a completely unique world, with its own geography, theology and physics.

Probably, though grudgingly so. The incredible awkward way in which the narrator performs "special accents" throughout the book lead me to miss very important parts of the dialogue, and his use of lifelike use of autistic sounds made me cringe and seriously consider ditching the book mid-read.

"The life of the greatest Arcanist to walk the four corners of civilization"