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  • The Name of the Wind

  • Kingkiller Chronicle, Book 1
  • Written by: Patrick Rothfuss
  • Narrated by: Nick Podehl
  • Length: 27 hrs and 55 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (3,788 ratings)

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The Name of the Wind cover art

The Name of the Wind

Written by: Patrick Rothfuss
Narrated by: Nick Podehl
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Publisher's Summary


Kvothe, is he a warrior or a foe? Understand the fantasy novel story behind the rebellious child who was banned from the university he attended.

In The Name of the Wind, the first book in the Kingkiller Chronicle trilogy, writer Patrick Rothfuss tells Kvothe’s unabridged journey as the English innkeeper who finds himself in situations that he can overcome by any means and beyond what is known, including the mysteries of gods, magic, love, and deceit. With a rebellious spirit, bravery, and self-reliance, Kvothe gets involved in encounters of a different kind and seeks to enter a realm of perilous magic.

The story journeys through Kvothe’s life as he grows into adulthood, facing the world alone but trying to bring and keep people together. He gains relationships that he values. Through exhilarating yet fascinating life events, Kvothe has become a person of multiple skills and abilities–regardless of the lack of money he had in his lifetime. He continues to seek and experience more in this epic fantasy, irrespective of what is involved. Rupert Degas narrates this exciting audiobook.

In The Name of the Wind, the listener will hear more about the levels of magic involved, and be prepared to take fascination to another level. Add the second and third book of the Kingkiller Chronicle to your Audible Wish List, and be prepared to be captivated by this trilogy.

What the critics say

“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)

Featured Article: 10 Books Like The Game of Thrones

George R.R. Martin’s epic series A Song of Ice and Fire was already a big name in the fantasy world prior to its television adaptation, after which it became a worldwide phenomenon and one of the most-watched shows in history. The TV series inspired a new wave of interest and love for the original works, but with the show well and truly finished and just two titles left to release in the series, fantasy fans are asking: What’s next? Whether you’re a longtime fan of A Song of Ice and Fire or a newcomer to the fantasy genre who fell in love with its HBO adaptation, these books like Game of Thrones are sure to enthrall, thrill, and delight.

What listeners say about The Name of the Wind

Average Customer Ratings
Overall
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

My Absolute Favorite!!!

I've read/listened to this series seven times now. Each time I'm captivated and can't wait to pick it back up. The more I listen to it the more little details I notice and the more in depth the universe becomes. I'm excited for the third book and will continue to wait patiently for its release. I'll also happily listen to it a few more times before then!

Patrick Rothfuss is a genius. I would love to write exactly why I think that but I can't find the words. His world is unique and fascinating and his characters feel so real. There are so many dimensions. I'm interested to see how they will capture that on tv or in the movie.

I've listened to many audiobooks and to many narrators. Nick Podehl is hands down my favorite. He's multidimensional and his character voices are such that I always know who is speaking. He is so expressive and captures the emotions perfectly. He has set the bar by which I judge all other narrators.

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22 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

A good read yet not edited perfectly

This is a good story though it gets stuck at some point and too long. The plot wont progress. Also at chapter 89 or 87 the recording gets cut and you miss a part of the book.

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21 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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one of my favorites

I loved the book, so I was thrilled to find the audio version. At first I wasn't sure about the speaker Nick Podehl but after the intro chapters and Kovthe begins his tale I really enjoyed his style a flare for reading. I recommend getting this if you loved the book, or if you have never read name of the wind. It is truly a modern classic for Fantasy.

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12 people found this helpful

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

Incredible story and performance

The story is well written and then well told. The performance is unlike any other in that Nick Podehl manages to encapsulate each character in their voices and mannerisms so well I constantly found myself lost in this world so well created.

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10 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Good Story, Unlikeable Main Character

The main character is just so damn unlikeable. From endlessly bragging about what a genius he is, to his every interaction with the women he meets, I found myself hoping he'd just die already.

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8 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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Incredible Narration!!

Extremely gifted narrator brings this mystical, magical, love story/ mystery/thriller to life. I can't wait to bite into Book 2!!

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5 people found this helpful

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

Underwhelming story and narrator

I heard a lot of good things about Kingkiller before picking it up, but all I can come away with after this first book is "it's okay." The narrator doesn't have a great "voice for audiobooks", but delivery was acceptable.

It's clear lots of worldbuilding went into this, but it's just not that interesting of a world.

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5 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Not a fan of the narration

I read the paper copy and loved it, but couldn't get in to listening to it due to the narration.

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5 people found this helpful

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

Narrator just wasn't right

The narrator sounded about as big around as a broom stick and just couldn't sell the story for me. Maybe the story is ok in the end, but I wouldn't know. I couldn't make it past the first two chapters.

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5 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

I don't get what everyone else does...

There's a whole lotta world building, and not much else. If world building is your thing, then this book is right up your alley. Don't get my wrong: well written and well performed, it's just that there isn't a whole lotta story going on.

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4 people found this helpful