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)

Excellence in writing and performance

Not only is the book wonderful but, the narration is among the best I've ever had the pleasure to listen too. I highly recommend the book to all.

My son told me to read this...

Would you consider the audio edition of The Name of the Wind to be better than the print version?

I bought the print version so I could share with others, but I didn't read it myself yet. I might. I want to see some of the words I heard. I like the audio so I didn't have to figure out how to pronounce difficult things.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Name of the Wind?

I love the story of now... the control of the lead character when he tells Chronicler that he can't tell his story in 1 day... it will take 3. I also love the end when you see that things aren't exactly as you thought. I'm thrilled to move to book 2.

Have you listened to any of Nick Podehl’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Not heard Nick before but his voice reminded me a bit of the narrator of Joyland by Steven King. Great young men readers... I was impressed.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No way to listen in "1 sitting"... this is a long book and took me months to listen to, but it was ALL I wanted to do in my car. No radio for 2 months. I found myself taking reasons to drive or take the long way just to hear a bit more... Writing this makes me want to start book 2 NOW!

Any additional comments?

My son was right... great book. Great series and I could see this produced on film in the future... an epic tale of the past in a way just familiar enough to understand and different enough to hunger for more.

Decent

Good book to try out if looking for a new read (or listen). However the trilogy isn't finished so maybe wait for the last book to be published.

Well done skill around

Good narration. A little love a little drama a little scary. well done all around. Good bedtime sorry.

Amazing!!

I haven't been this enthralled in a book since I read the Harry Potter series. Patrick Rothfuss knows how to draw you and leave you aching for more.

One of the best fantasy novels I've ever heard!

Seriously, some of the best storytelling I've ever seen. The author takes you on a journey, and delivers details in such an organic way you are truly immersed in the world without ever getting bored.

The greatest story ever told.

I can't stop reading this book. I've read it nine times and I am still finding miracles. the intricacies that turn throughout this plot are beyond measure.

Wonderful

Very unique style of storytelling. Would recommend it to my friends and family. This should be your next audiobook.

Phenomenal

An Epic story with seeds of story laced early on, to bud later on. I'm getting the second book

Excellent story

started a little slow but I got sucked in as it got to the story telling part and couldn't stop listening. glad this was recommended to me.