• The Wise Man's Fear

  • Kingkiller Chronicle, Book 2
  • By: Patrick Rothfuss
  • Narrated by: Nick Podehl
  • Length: 42 hrs and 55 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (83,243 ratings)

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The Wise Man's Fear  By  cover art

The Wise Man's Fear

By: Patrick Rothfuss
Narrated by: Nick Podehl
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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

Day two: the wise man’s fear

“There are three things all wise men fear: the sea in storm, a night with no moon, and the anger of a gentle man.”

My name is Kvothe. You may have heard of me.

So begins a tale told from his own point of view - a story unequaled in fantasy literature. Now in The Wise Man’s Fear, Day Two of The Kingkiller Chronicle, Kvothe takes his first steps on the path of the hero and learns how difficult life can be when a man becomes a legend in his own time.

Not just another day: listen to more in the Kingkiller Chronicles.
©2011 by Patrick Rothfuss. (P)2011 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

"Narrator Nick Podehl arrives at the end of this long audiobook, the second in the Kingkiller series, as engaged and fresh as he was at the start.... Podehl adeptly presents the broad cast of characters - from moneylenders and courtesans to kings. One of the most fascinating portrayals by Podehl begins with a young mercenary from the Adem who says little. And when he does speak, he has a flat voice, mostly devoid of expression. Podehl builds on this when Kvothe returns with him to study among the Adem, where the mercenary develops a recognizable pattern of speech reflecting many of the culture's characteristics." ( AudioFile)

“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)

Featured Article: 55+ Quotes About Fear—of the Unknown, Change, Love, and More


Looking for a little confidence boost? These quotes about fear from some of literature’s greatest writers can help bolster your bravado. In moments of fear, it’s natural to turn to others—from loved ones to professional counsel—for comfort, encouragement, and advice. But sometimes, it’s most helpful to hear what people you’ve never met have written on the topic. These quotes offer a comprehensive, reassuring portrait of fear and ways to conquer it.

What listeners say about The Wise Man's Fear

Average customer ratings
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  • 5 out of 5 stars
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

it's like Tolkien but better in every way

there are some stories like a lake 2 feet deep others more like wells. This story is like a vast sea of interwoven interesting narrative that only says what it must but saying much with every word.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Another Masterful Effort from Rothfuss!

If you could sum up The Wise Man's Fear in three words, what would they be?

Engrossing, Moving, Entertaining

What did you like best about this story?

Rothfuss tells the story of Kvothe's life so skillfully that it feels like I'm listening to an actual person tell his own life story.

Which scene was your favorite?

I don't want to spoil the story but, toward the end, we're given reason to wonder if Kote/Kovthe has been exaggerating the tales of his exploits, yet there's also alternate possible explanations for what transpires.

Any additional comments?

People have criticized this book because it doesn't do much to advance the Chandrian subplot but, as Rothfuss has explained, this series is not about Kvothe vs the Chandrian. It's the story of a man's life.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Quickly becoming one of my favorite series..

Magic, fighting, women, music, good, evil, and deep rooted mysteries. Do yourself a favor and check it out.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Awesome!

This book series is a great read. I love the characters, and can't wait to finish up when the last book comes out!!!

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    5 out of 5 stars
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This is art

Rothfuss writes like his protagonist lives, fully and all the way to the edges. The bard would approve and should be jealous. I can see why his books would take a longtime to write and to edit. I love what he writes and the way he writes it. Waiting for the third book is exscruciating. Many have given up waiting. Let me tell you three times, Mr Rothfuss, it would
be wrong not to finish. My 7 words,Rothfuss finished his series for you, today.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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just a great journey.

camp fire warmth, blundering mistakes, haphazard living, a little magic on your pocket, and a wonderful friend.

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The best book of 2011

What made the experience of listening to The Wise Man's Fear the most enjoyable?

Patrick Rothfuss uses language that infuses the mind with imagery that is rich in detail. The Wise Man's Fear is template breaking Fantasy from the genres new master.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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A true epic

This is such a wonderful story and is told so well. Mr.Rothfuss I Thank you.

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Fall in love

Heart broken that it's coming to the end but all GOOD things do .wish I was a word in a book and live there for ever .

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lost in the the world.....

I loved the story. the narrator is very good.
I could not stop listening. I can't wait to hear the next book.

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