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)

Brilliant!!!

This is a literary masterpiece. If you have read it you know. If you have not read it. Read it.

best fantasy that I've read in so long!

Colorful and creative. Well written and wonderfully read. i just finished it and am buying the second in the series tonight. can't wait to hear what happens next.

Essential Fantasy

The Novel:

Every once in a while a writer comes along and speaks directly to you through his words. You feel him sitting on the other end of the couch. As you listen you're gently wrapped in another world like an old soft blanket. Mr. Rothfuss has this gift.

His writing style is crisp and modern, with great twists of phrase punctuated tastefully throughout. His main characters are dimensional and layered; his world unique and entertaining; his storytelling enchanting. The dialogue is screen-play solid.

This praise is well-deserved, but even the best book has flaws, and this one is no exception. It starts rather slowly and has a few pacing issues in the middle where the story undulates between galloping and flagging. In the end, it builds a nice crescendo and lands neatly on a good ending.

The Narrator:

Nick Podehl was a fantastic choice for this book series, and he brings significant depth to the characters and setting. The tone, pacing and overall exuberance in his performance are the mark of a talented professional. I can think of no one who could have done it better.

Overall:

This is certainly one of my must-read/listen series. It's so rare to find a great writer and even rarer to pair his work with the perfect performer. Don't think Tolkein or Martin; it's not that heavy or verbose. Instead, think of a great movie; jaunty dialogue, colorful scenes, and gifted actors under a talented director. Think of that and push play.

boom!

it's been a long time since I've listened to a new book I liked as much as that. I've got the assassin's apprentice series. the Wheel of Time in its entirety. and The Game of Thrones series, along with the legend of human Kaz the Minotaur just to name a few so that you can see what my taste is so you can see if it fits your taste.

absolutely amazing

loved this book, I've read it multiple times and each time is awesome, never get bored

Great Listen!

I struggled to get through the first few chapters but once I did, it was so worth it! Kvothe's story keeps me on the edge of my seat. I'm excited to learn just how Kvothe became Kote and where this story will take Kote in the future.

Rothfuss Masterful Entertaining

This was my second time through this book having read it previously. I love the 2 books released thus far and can't wait for the third. If you enjoy fantasy you deserve the Rothfuss experience.

The experience is worth your time.

One of the best books out there, the book will keep and hold your attention from the moment you start till the last chapter...

What makes a legend...

Patrick Rothfuss brings us an original and entertaining story which allows the reader/listener to enter the mind of the protagonist as he recounts the events of his life that shape him into the legend he becomes. The contrast of the rumors of the legendary Kvothe and his first person narrative illustrates how a reputation can grow from making the tales taller than they are. Yet, the truth behind the tales are as fantastic as the tales themselves. As Kvothe shares his journey with Chronicler, the reader/listener becomes Kvothe, sharing his sorrow, his anger, his desires, his motivation.

I would highly recommend this novel to anyone who loved other character driven series (Harry Potter, for example). You get to know Kvothe and you care about what happens to him. You root for him. Although it is very character driven, it is not without great action.

Nick Podehl does an excellent job of bringing the characters to life. I especially enjoyed the interactions between Auri and Kvothe. Mr. Podehl portrayal of the whimsical Auri gives her the fae-like quality that Kvothe's see in her.

The beginning of the best series ever.

Absolutely loved this story. Patrick Rothfus is a master at crafting a world full of amazing characters and gripping story