The Name of the Wind

Kingkiller Chronicle, Book 1

By: Patrick Rothfuss

Narrated by: Nick Podehl

Length: 27 hrs and 55 mins

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)

Over 1 Million Copies Sold!

Day One: The Name of the Wind

My name is Kvothe.

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.

You may have heard of me.

So begins a tale unequaled in fantasy literature - the story of a hero told in his own voice. It is a tale of sorrow, a tale of survival, a tale of one man’s search for meaning in his universe, and how that search, and the indomitable will that drove it, gave birth to a legend.

Praise for The Kingkiller Chronicle:

“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)

"The characters are real and the magic is true.” (Robin Hobb, New York Times bestselling author of Assassin’s Apprentice)

"Masterful.... There is a beauty to Pat's writing that defies description." (Brandon Sanderson, New York Times bestselling author of Mistborn)

©2007 by Patrick Rothfuss. (P)2009 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“The originality of Rothfuss's outstanding debut fantasy, the first of a trilogy, lies less in its unnamed imaginary world than in its precise execution…As absorbing on a second reading as it is on the first, this is the type of assured, rich first novel most writers can only dream of producing. The fantasy world has a new star.” (Publishers Weekly, starred review)

“Fantasy readers-a notoriously discerning group-tend to dole out praise judiciously, which makes the reception of The Name of the Wind, the first volume in Patrick Rothfuss's The Kingkiller Chronicle, that much more remarkable. Critics are already throwing around comparisons to some of the biggest names in fantasy, including George R. R. Martin, Tad Williams, the recently deceased Robert Jordan, and even Tolkien. (Bookmarks Magazine)

“New fantasy authors are usually overhyped, and it's rare to find one who writes with such assurance and narrative skill right from the start. I was reminded of Ursula LeGuin, George R. R. Martin, and J. R. R. Tolkien, but never felt that Rothfuss was imitating anyone. Like the writers he clearly admires, he's an old-fashioned storyteller working with traditional elements, but his voice is his own. I haven't been so gripped by a new fantasy series in years. It's certain to become a classic." (Lisa Tuttle, The Times)

Not my normal read but a good story

It took me a few chapters to get into but became very interested and invested in the characters and couldn’t wait to see how it would end.

I loved every second of it

The story was entertaining & well written. The voice actor did a wonderful job! A good fantasy story that deals with magics in a more mature way with consequences.

Series is really good

Book was recommended to me by a friend and it didn’t let me down cant wait to start the next book

Awesome

The name of the wind is the second best book I’ve read and the second book is even better though I’ve waited for years for the last book in the king killer chronicles im sure it’ll be worth the wait.

One of the all-time best start to a series.

But there hasn't been any new books / conclusion for 22 years now. Its a hard sell unless you're ok with starting a dead series. I didn't know that when I read this book and it was my favorite series for YEARS..... and years... :(

Such an amazing story

This is literally the best books I have ever read it’s like a fantasy book but better everything is so amazing
In it!!!

Strong Story and Characters, Slow Pacing

I really enjoyed it. The characters were well-developed, the world-building was immersive, and the plot was engaging.

I appreciated the well-developed storyline. However, there were some moments where I found myself feeling frustrated with the pacing. It seemed like the author was dragging out certain scenes or taking too long to move the story forward, which made me feel like they were trying to stretch the story out unnecessarily. I couldn't help but feel like the author needs to pick up the pace to cover everything in a reasonable amount of time. It almost seemed like it would take a minimum of 10 books to fully tell the story at this rate, which is a bit daunting.

Regarding the performance, I had some reservations about the narrator's voice for the main character at first. However, by chapter 10, I was completely immersed in the story. The narrator did an amazing job of capturing the characters' personalities, providing appropriate accents, and making the story really enjoyable.

Overall, I really enjoyed the book and would recommend it to others, but I hope the author can find a way to balance the pacing in future installments.

Wonderful book!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I was apprehensive at first, because of its length, often these types of books drag on. But the book was able to keep me entertained the entire time. You won’t regret listening to this one.

Favorite Book

Rothfuss is a brilliant writer that has crafted a magnificent tale. Whenever he is able to finish book 3 I have no doubt it will be a fantasy tale and world as good as Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones. Perhaps even better if he continues to write/finish stories in this world. A

Slow start, then fascinating

A friend recommended this, and I called to complain about the slow start. She told me to persist, and this turned into one of the best, most involving stories I’ve ever read/ heard.
Very Good Job!