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)

An absolute read.

As I finished this book i immediately wanted to re read it. I still can’t get over how well executed and written this story is. In totality, it will ruin you for other authors. No apologies.

Wonderful Writing!

A very compelling story with very artful writing. I can’t wait to jump into the sequel!

Not bad for a long beginning

I was into it early, but it feels like a slow story. The ending was not satisfying making the book definite just the beginning. With all that said in the end it was very good.

Excellent story, plot, & narration

Initially thought narration was 1/5. After 30 min, realized that the narrator is 6/5. Give it a little bit and you’ll thank yourself. I say this based on seeing a different 1/5 review for performance on here.

The rest of the book is simply incredible. A tour de force. Just read/listen to it and you’ll be happy and satisfied. The down side is that it sets the bar high for other books.

My favorite replacement for Harry Potter

My friend recommended this series to me and I’m SO glad. I was looking for a HP replacement and this is perfect.

Stunning

I couldn’t stop listening to it. Moving onto next book soon. Easy to understand and follow. Good pace.

Been a long time

I’ve been listening to audible for a long time and it is very weird to hear nick Podehl when he was so young. Still love the book and can’t wait until we can finally get door of stone.

Good Book

Good book. I thought the narrator was ok. I listened to this after listening to the Wheel of Time series. So maybe my review isn’t quite fair.

The best fantasy book, bar none

I have read a lot of fantasy, and this continues to be my favorite book of all time.

It’s a bit hard to put into words how good this book is. But after you read this book, everything else just seems… stale. This book will you feel things, show you things, and take a solid hold of your feelings. And every reread it gets better. You pick up on things you didn’t notice before.

Single-handedly the greatest story I’ve ever experienced.

surprisedly delighted

I didn't know what to expect. I will definitely go on to the next book.