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The Name of the Wind

Read by:
Nick Podehl
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Unabridged Audiobook

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Ratings
Book
1553
Narrator
344
Release Date
May 15, 2009
Duration
28 hours 0 minutes
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
Reviews
Profile Avatar Antonio n Feb 2018

This author is a master. The story pulls you in and the imagery is outstanding.

Profile Avatar Monica d Feb 2018

It made me travel, be expectant, fear, it made me dream, weep and laugh. Now I am hungry for more!

Profile Avatar Adam M Oct 2017

Great Book, couldn't put it down once I started it.

Profile Avatar sky s Oct 2017

please hurry up, I absolutely need book 3. love your work

Profile Avatar Anonymous Feb 2018

Great story. This author has a lot of skill. Just do yourself a favor and don’t start it until the last book is published. It has been over 7 years and fans aren’t even sure the last one is really coming. The wait is more than frustrating. When the last book comes out, this is definitely worth reading.

Profile Avatar Lia N Sep 2017

Wonderful story. Excellent narration. Felt a little rushed in parts, but loved it nonetheless.

Profile Avatar Brandon Wickersham Oct 2019

this was a wonderful book. Great narration.

Profile Avatar Sarah C Sep 2017

Have already read this book so many times now, looking for tips for the last book, every time I find something new. Excellent writer, great narrator. Simply love this series, can't wait for the last book.

Profile Avatar Darci D Aug 2017

Amazing books! They are so good that we buy them and hand them out to our best friends (ok well, sometimes complete strangers!) I really enjoy the world that Mr Rothfus has created. I have read them all (more than once) and started a road trip and these are the books I want to accompany me. The narrator is sometimes difficult to understand, but very good at switching roles.

Profile Avatar Tamie C Jul 2017

?????? Phenomenal book. Great reading. Loved it all.

Profile Avatar Patrick R Apr 2017

amazing book....well written and captivating. definitely sucks you into the story.

Profile Avatar Robert H Mar 2017

Never mind the negative reviews. This is a great book with FANTASTIC narration. Sure it's a bit predictable, but it's well written and paced pretty well. I'd enjoyed it thoroughly!

Profile Avatar Eric Winter Oct 2016

Book was well written and different enough from the other stories in this genre.. The narration was awful, but to be fair I just finished the red rising series and that was an exceptional narrator.

Profile Avatar Jeremy Stoker May 2016

Excellent and creative method and story. I have read many fantasy books and find this one very intriguing. It is not typical of other fantasy styles which can make it a bit difficult to get into at first but once that is understood, it is enjoyable. The author doesn't make assumptions often and is very thorough in giving information and storytelling. Though that may be tedious and slow going for some, I rather enjoy details and emotions of the story. Overall I enjoy the story and how it is portrayed. I will be getting into the next book and then be looking into the third.

Profile Avatar Kate Buckley Jun 2015

One of my very favorite books. Well read by the narrator, although I think I'd like it better with a British accent, but that's just me.

Profile Avatar Charles Johns Mar 2015

Couldn't stop listening. Can't wait to get the next one. Would be a great movie trilogy if its done right.

Profile Avatar Aimee Guy Feb 2015

It took me a little while to get into this one, but once I was in I couldn't stop listening! I listened to both books in the series within a week! I am sad I have to wait for the last book!

Profile Avatar Adam W. Sep 2023

This is my favorite book. I recommend it to anyone. I lost my breath with Kvothe at 04:07:56 (Young Kvothe and the name of the wind) I cried with Kvothe at 09:14:08 (Kvothe and a borrowed lute.) I wept for Savien and Aloine along with the rest of the audience in the Eolian at 15:32:13 (Kvothe plays for his pipes.) These are only 3 of the genuinely moving moments in this book. These chapters move me to tears. Real, actual tears. Not just the first time I read it, but rather every time. Every time I read this book I cry. It’s unbelievable.

Profile Avatar Julia K. Feb 2023

Just not my kind of story. I was expecting it to be more adventures, dynamic and action. Very slow developing story. I dropped it after chapter 38.

Profile Avatar Anonymous Apr 2022

absolutely loved this.

Profile Avatar John L. Mar 2022

Patrick Rothfuss's Kingkiller Chronicle has single-handedly ruined the fantasy genre for me as no other fantasy story even comes close. The Name of the Wind & The Wise Man's Fear are truly in a class all their own, and I can't wait for the publication of The Doors of Stone! Nick Podehl's narration (or, put more aptly, performance) brings the story to life in such a way that I always find myself imitating him whenever I read the print versions.

Profile Avatar D.L. Phillips Nov 2021

Truly an amazing journey into the world of a young Artificer on his journey into the tragedy and triumphs of growing up. Hard lessons and an unbroken will to survive, you will be very entertained. I was. The only thing I didn’t like, is that the author takes you all the way through the tunnel, just to trick you into thinking there’s light there. This book will grow you, but it won’t satisfy you.

Profile Avatar Larry N. Sep 2021

This was a very slow read. I finished it and will not take up the second book. He certainly is no B Sanderson.

Profile Avatar Christian Carpenter Aug 2021

One of my all time favorites, and one of the best in the fantasy genre.

Profile Avatar Anonymous Jul 2021

one of the best books ive ever heard/read.

Profile Avatar Brianna O. Jul 2021

Patrick Rothfuss is my favorite author and this is my favorite book❤❤

Profile Avatar Anonymous Jul 2021

Great book, enjoyed the narrator

Profile Avatar Shane V. Jul 2021

Great opening paragraph…but that was about it. The story just didn’t capture me at all.

Profile Avatar Sergio C. Jul 2021

I enjoy the world building and character work. It is a fun ride, much like the Poppy War, minus the war, so it is pretty relaxed in that way. However, where there are weaknesses, such as the love interest, it does feel like it drags. If you enjoy discovering an intricate school life of a struggling poor student where it brings up and challenges certain tropes, this one might be for you. The narrator successfully brings these characters to life. If you have any doubt, wait until a teacher wishes he could teach with a whip and chair and call me a liar. It is definitely an epic worth reading.

Profile Avatar Lucas B. Jun 2021

This book is one of the greatest pieces of fantasy literature I have ever listened to and read.

Profile Avatar William Eggett Feb 2021

Still waiting for the 3rd book.

Profile Avatar Gary G. Jan 2021

This book has re-sparked my desire to resume writing my RPG game guide books along with the story that goes with it. love this book and the way it is written.

Profile Avatar Anonymous Dec 2020

one of my favorites top 5

Profile Avatar Anonymous Dec 2020

The different voices were nice.

Profile Avatar Benetta R. Sep 2020

This writing left me excited to listen each time! So descriptive without being overly so or redundant. And the narrator IS THE BEST I'VE EVER HEARD!! DUDE!

Profile Avatar Anonymous Sep 2020

Narrator did as good as he could for the source material. This is some Reddit neckbeards fantasy. Boring characters with no development, all the conflict is too convenient, and the story is super predictable. I finished it out of rage that I had started but will definitely not continue to the next book.

Profile Avatar Kasper E. Sep 2020

awomse book worth reading.

Profile Avatar Sarah B. Aug 2020

Easily my favorite book out there. Patrick Rothfuss has a gift for weaving gorgeous images with his words. The story is intricate and extremely well told. As for the narrator, brilliant. I found him lovely to listen to. 10/10 would recommend.

Profile Avatar Jennifer Aug 2020

Love this book. The narrator was enjoyable

Profile Avatar Anonymous Jul 2020

love this book!

Profile Avatar Anonymous Jun 2020

The first time that I've listened to this writing style and it was really perfect.

Profile Avatar Shawn P. Jun 2020

Best in class!

Profile Avatar Ian T. May 2020

Such mixed feelings about this book. At its best, it is a compelling and well-crafted story ornamented with beautiful imagery, creative metaphor, and an exciting take on the mechanics of magic. I am also very intrigued to discover what will grow from the seeds the author has planted concerning the mistold history of a religion, the secret motivations of key characters, and the darkness just starting creep over the horizon. However, the vast bulk of the story, with exposition that goes on and on and on.... and on..., the mildly irritating not-so-humble bragging, and the persistent refrain of "you wouldn't understand," it feels like it is being told by a boastful fifteen year old, not just about one. But again, the good parts are truly stirring and I look forward to many more of those when I begin the next book.

Profile Avatar Emily M. May 2020

Such an amazing book. The narrator pulls you deeply into the story.

Profile Avatar Terresa Apr 2020

Awesome book!

Profile Avatar Kevin H. Jan 2020

Outstanding!

Profile Avatar Diana R. Oct 2019

I just discovered Patrick Rothfuss about a week and a half ago and have already read almost everything by him. I’m an instant fan! I LOVE his writing style. THIS is what I have been missing from other authors and I didn’t even know. It’s inside view of empathetic characters will keep me coming back until the end.

Profile Avatar Anonymous Oct 2019

Loved this book. The story was intriguing and kept you wanting more. The narrator had an amazing way of portraying the characters and I would love to hear more from him.

Profile Avatar Rebecca P. May 2019

This book started off slow, but once it picked up, an amazing story unfolded.

Profile Avatar Amritdeep M. Jan 2019

I’ve read this book four times and listened to the audiobook once . By far my favourite author and series, can’t wait for book 3

Profile Avatar Michael E. Jan 2019

This is the lord of the rings of today. If you enjoy a little fantasy you will love this world that Rothfuss built in the name of the wind. This is an amazing page turner that should be listened to more than once.

Profile Avatar Kevin C. Oct 2018

My favorite book of all time. Amazing narration as well.

Profile Avatar Alexander R. Jul 2018

Pretty Good book - interesting ideas and an okay pace converging towards slow. Worth a read, but note that the 2nd book is very long and tedious and the third is nowhere near out yet. I’d recommend reading something else.

Profile Avatar Aaron D. Jun 2018

Absolutely love this series..

Profile Avatar Eduardo C. May 2018

The story is incredible. I have the book, but you can only go so far on imagining the accents. Well the narrator preforms the accents and voices in a way that brings this story to life.

Profile Avatar Joseph O. May 2018

Hard to put down and even harder when it ends. Can’t wait for the third installment.

Profile Avatar Jesus M Mar 2018

i have not been so absorbed in such a story in a very long time.. I highly recommend this book.

Profile Avatar jeroen k Mar 2018

The damn book kept me up all night. What an amazing story!

Profile Avatar Daniel J Jun 2017

Great book. Fantastic narration.

Profile Avatar Bruce A Jun 2017

Great book, very well written. The descriptions provided by the author make you close your eyes for a brief moment attempting to place yourself in that scene. So much mystery and questions surround this booking leaving you yearning for more.

Profile Avatar Anthony Pfeiffer Dec 2016

Beautiful narration.

Profile Avatar David Miller Dec 2016

I enjoyed getting to know the characters. That is all

Profile Avatar James Krause Dec 2016

I am shocked that this book has as great of a following as it does. Perhaps I am a bit premature to judge because I'm yet to read Book 2, but as a stand alone book this isn't all that interesting of a story. It follows many familiar tropes within the Fantasy genre. The truly groundbreaking parts that Rothfuss has accomplished all relate to his world building. From the currency to his magic system, the world he creates is amazing. Additionally, Rothfuss is incredible at describing a scene and putting you in the story. Unfortunately, most of the time I don't really care to be in the story. If I need to reassess after book two I will. For now I'll break down my rating: ***** Writing Skill ----** Overall Story -**** World-building ----* Story Originality --*** Narration Overall a 2.5 but perhaps that will change after TWMF

Profile Avatar Josh Eschlboeck Jul 2016

Love the series. Keeps me attentive all day. Love listening to books at work and can't wait for the next one.

Profile Avatar Stewart Knight Apr 2016

Imgur.com had a post that suggested this book... knew nothing about it, did not read summary or anything-- just trusted it was good. It's AMAZING. I've suggested it to all my friends. Slow start but picks up after 2 hours or so. Narrator took a sec to get used to, but ended up doing voices really well.

Profile Avatar Bryan Bazinet Jan 2016

Overall a very good read. If you are like me and you have been growing tired of the classic protagonist from most fantasy novels (a not so special boy gets thrown by fate into a mystical adventure and through luck, some magic item, and a strong moral compass, he saves the world), you may find this novel refreshing. If your looking for constant swords clanking, blood spilling and other gallant war scenes, you'll find this book lacking. I was looking for just that when I started this series but still found this book to be one of my favorite fantasy novels.

Profile Avatar Mariah Mccleskey Nov 2015

amazing, can't wait to start book two! Best narrative.

Profile Avatar steve mclain Oct 2015

it's great. narrator is great. the next book is just as freakin great. love this series

Profile Avatar Melissa Andries Oct 2015

Awesome!! Loved the book from the first page to the last and thought the narrator did an excellent job!

Profile Avatar Trenton Brott Jul 2015

My favorite book of all time... truely grips your emotions and kept me on the edge of my seat the whole way through.

Profile Avatar tom Rebelo May 2015

didn't know it was a trilogy. a mite slow in places ... I quit 3/4 in when I realized there were 2 more books.

Profile Avatar Erik Bergesen Oct 2014

A friend recommended this book to me, and I'm glad he did. The adventures are amazing, uplifting and tragic, the voice is alternately buoyant and vibrant or from and lonely, but always appropriate to the scene, always musical with a master's faculty with language. The audio narrator is a wonderful match for the book, and I look forward to listening to more stories narrated by him. He's engaging, and seems to enjoy the story, like a friend sharing a tale to a loved one before bedtime. Also, the opening and closing music is ethereal, transporting the listener to a world of magic and heroes and wonders.

Profile Avatar Kieran M. Apr 2025

Better than Harry Potter. Wish the author would release the last book!

Profile Avatar Colton Oct 2024

Great book. It’s now one of my favorites.

Profile Avatar Chris H. Jun 2024

It’s my favourite fantasy series of all time! I loved all the hidden details- Patrick Rothfuss has packed so much into the story. I loved Nick Podehl’s narration and it made me look up other titles he’s read. Check out “captured in words” and “the eolian” on YouTube for lore videos and to find details you missed. I’ll say it’s the most rereadable series and I’ve given this book to people I love .

Profile Avatar Jordan M. May 2024

The story was great but it took me forever to get through because the narrator was so boring.

Profile Avatar Anonymous May 2024

as fantastic as the day I first read it

Profile Avatar Sonofnothing May 2024

Great book. Very excited to start day 2. The first few hours didn't draw me in, but once Kvothe started telling his story, I was immediately hooked. By the end, I realised how the beginning was more important than I realised. I will go back and listen again, as the book is so verbose it is easy to miss a single word or line, which could be detrimental.There's a lot of unfinished business, and u a swerved questions, and scenes with characters that disappeared, which I am hoping we get to hear more about.

Profile Avatar Jessica N. Mar 2024

EXCELLENT book. The narrator has a tendency to lower his voice at times, making it near impossible to hear him.

Profile Avatar Jeffery J. Dec 2023

Amazing book Rothfuss has a magical way of writing. I can forever reread his work. and Nick Podehl is a god among humans with his narration. incredible

Profile Avatar Kelsey Sep 2023

Amazing book and was able to keep up with it when I had to take breaks between it. Narrator did a wonderful job with all the voices. Can’t wait to read the second one!

Profile Avatar Stacie A. Aug 2023

Excellent series, up there in the top 3 best fantasy book series IMO.

Profile Avatar Jamie B. Jun 2023

My favorite fantasy adventure audiobook. Both author and narrator are enthralling.

Profile Avatar Christina H. Jun 2023

I absolutely loved this book, kept you guessing and rooting for the characters, can't wait to read the second one!! Brilliant!

Profile Avatar Jeff S. May 2023

Fantastic listen started book two already

Profile Avatar Anonymous May 2023

This book is a work of art, but the author seems to have lost interest in finishing the series. If you don’t like reading series that may never be completed, give this one a pass. I personally think it’s worth reading, but get it from the library. Rothfuss is not only a best selling author who is not struggling with money, but had actually had the audacity to do crowdfunding rounds to work on chapters the last book— then produced nothing. When I read Name of the Wind as a newly-published series debut, the author had recently claimed to have already finished the entire series. He also trashed authors who don’t have the work ethic to sit down and finish their series. Fans have now been waiting for a decade and a half for the final book, which Rothfuss’s publisher says she hasn’t ever seen a single word written for the third and final book in the series.

Profile Avatar Cyrus R. Nov 2022

Great story. Narrator is competent, but a poor fit for the story. His voice annoyed and distracted me.

Profile Avatar Sierra C. Nov 2022

A pretty great set-up book for an Epic style series

Profile Avatar Anonymous Sep 2018

ok this is a good book but makeing us wait 7 year for the last book and then calling then prequels is just bs. to wrap it up wait till book 3 comes out(if ever) or it will just piss u off

Profile Avatar Ronald W. Aug 2018

The story was slow to start but picked up nicely. The only real thing I disliked is how it ended. No real cliff hanger or big thing to ponder, just stops. I know it’s a series but make me want to buy the book now and continue on!!

Profile Avatar Micah D. Aug 2018

I had just finished a Song of Ice and Fire (for the hundreth time) and figured I’d try something new. While it is world’s away from ASOIAF, I didn’t like it any less. The narrator chooses some odd accents for different people groups from time to time, but eventually you’ll grow to love it like I did.

Profile Avatar Preston Locker Mar 2017

Main character is too much like super man for my taste but still a good book

The Name of the Wind

The Name of the Wind

Author: Patrick Rothfuss
Read by: Nick Podehl
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