The Name of the Wind cover art

The Name of the Wind

Kingkiller Chronicle, Book 1

Preview

Try for $0.00
Pick 1 audiobook a month from our unmatched collection.
Listen all you want to thousands of included audiobooks, Originals, and podcasts.
Premium Plus auto-renews for $14.95/mo + applicable taxes after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

The Name of the Wind

Written by: Patrick Rothfuss
Narrated by: Nick Podehl
Try for $0.00

$14.95 a month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy Now for $37.58

Buy Now for $37.58

Confirm purchase
Pay using card ending in
By confirming your purchase, you agree to Audible's Conditions of Use and Amazon's Privacy Notice. Tax where applicable.
Cancel

About this listen

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.
Epic Epic Fantasy Fantasy Fiction Literary Fiction Royalty Paranormal Celebrity King Magic Users Classics
activate_Holiday_promo_in_buybox_DT_T2

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
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    3,132
  • 4 Stars
    492
  • 3 Stars
    125
  • 2 Stars
    57
  • 1 Stars
    45
Performance
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    2,675
  • 4 Stars
    568
  • 3 Stars
    127
  • 2 Stars
    37
  • 1 Stars
    30
Story
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    2,790
  • 4 Stars
    416
  • 3 Stars
    121
  • 2 Stars
    55
  • 1 Stars
    48

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Sort by:
Filter by:
  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

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.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

12 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Simply stunning

the book was very well written engaging and well paced. the reader inflectiin and emotions came through well.
very impressed, can't wait to read more.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Amazing

best book I've read, rivaled only by the sequel and the legendary work of R.A.Salvatore

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Top notch

The narration was superb. Really amazing work! Book is well written and detailed beyond expectations

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

generally good

overall this book was a good book. it was a slower start. I found it a good book to start with. the really good stuff didn't occur until the last one and a half hours. to me it sounded like the second book was already being written instead of the second book being written after the sales of this book. it wasn't quite deep enough in the magic teachings or aspect of the story

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

A Must Read/Listen

Such an epic story and very moving. the narration was phenomenal and voice acting top notch. This book easily hits #1 on my reading list and falls high in priority for future rereads. it's that good.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Fantastic

Simply excellent, well written and pleasing. The story pulled me in through every chapter. The adventure the book took me on was terrific, and I could hardly put it down. By far one of the best fantasy books I have read to date and undoubtedly one of my favourites. The name of the wind lived up to the hype!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Masterpiece

My favourite series of all time. Couldn't have asked for a more fitting narrator. He really brings the work to life.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Amazing voice acting!

Not only is this a great book (especially for a first time fantasy reader like me), the narrator really impressed me! So many different accents and mannerisms captured masterfully! I was pleasantly surprised and listened at 1x instead of the usual 2x just to enjoy and relax.

Will definitely get the next book

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Such a detailed and wonderful story.

It was captivating until the very end. Cannot wait to listen to the next book.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!