The Wise Man's Fear
David Gemmell Legend Award 2012. Locus Award nominee 2012.
"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.
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 the tale of a hero 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, an escalating rivalry with a powerful member of the nobility forces Kvothe to leave the University and seek his fortune abroad. Adrift, penniless, and alone, he travels to Vintas, where he quickly becomes entangled in the politics of courtly society. While attempting to curry favor with a powerful noble, Kvothe uncovers an assassination attempt, comes into conflict with a rival arcanist, and leads a group of mercenaries into the wild, in an attempt to solve the mystery of who (or what) is waylaying travelers on the King's road.
All the while, Kvothe searches for answers, attempting to uncover the truth about the mysterious Amyr, the Chandrian, and the death of his parents. Along the way, Kvothe is put on trial by the legendary Adem mercenaries, is forced to reclaim the honor of the Edema Ruh, and travels into the Fae realm. There he meets Felurian, the faerie woman no man can resist, and who no man has ever survived... until Kvothe.
In The Wise Man's Fear, 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.
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Patrick Rothfuss
In the ever-evolving realm of modern fantasy, Patrick Rothfuss stands out not by the breadth of his bibliography, but by the depth of it. His name is nearly synonymous with The Kingkiller Chronicle, a series that didn’t just launch a story—it carved out a world, intimate and aching, one slow note at a time.
Rothfuss didn’t crash onto the literary scene so much as he unfolded, like a long-forgotten song remembered line by line. The Name of the Wind, his debut novel, emerged in 2007 after over a decade of behind-the-scenes refinement. Rather than racing to meet the market, he waited until the story was ready—fully formed, precise, and profoundly human. Readers met Kvothe, a man of myth and music, whose tale is told not in a blaze of glory but in the hush of candlelight. What began as a simple narrative about a young boy at a university for magic evolved into a reflection on power, loss, and the unreliability of memory.
The Kingkiller Chronicle
The Kingkiller Chronicle is a bestselling fantasy series that has captivated readers worldwide with its deep world-building, lyrical prose, and complex characters. Written by Patrick Rothfuss, this epic saga follows the life of Kvothe, a legendary figure whose tale is recounted through a narrative filled with mystery, adventure, and emotional depth. Blending elements of high fantasy with rich character studies, this series has become a landmark in modern fantasy literature.
The Kingkiller Chronicle consists of two primary books, and includes two additional books that complement the series but are not considered mandatory reads and series is set to expand with the upcoming release of two more books. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.
Reviews and Comments
I love this! The story goes on so well. Usually you almost know what might happen next, but then there is something so out of corner. It have been long time since I last time smiled and even laughed while reading a book. I have read many good book which leaves you a good feeling. But this really entertain you, so many ways. Clever, funny, serious.. The story is so close. Maincharacter is so ´simple´ but so clever made. ( I don’t know how to explain). The young boy with childlike thinking, so proud and ready to rule whole world. But same time so wise. In most parts there really happening nothing. No ´action´. But still it is so attractive. You really want to know more. More! Those interlude parts. They give you nice time to breath, rest and think. You have read so deeply the story itself, and only noticed that, when you finally get to interlude. And same time you read the story so hungrily to get quickly in those interlude parts, hoping that they reveals some big secrets. In total this book and serie is so clever and entertaining. How can I wait until the final part will be released! I will starve. This waiting is torture!
I really enjoyed reading this story, it was quite long, but held my interest well. The relationship between Bast and Kvothe is intriguing :) Wish we'd hear more about now instead of memories... I think there must be a reason for all the detours Kvothe takes to learn skills he'll probably need in the final book! I'm glad I read the first one again before reading this, so the beginning was fresh in my mind. And now we wait for the part 3! Looking forward to it.
After absolutely loving The Name of the Wind, I couldn’t wait to dive into the second book in the series, and it did not disappoint. Rothfuss continues to build on Kvothe’s incredible journey, adding more depth to his character and the world around him.
In this book, Kvothe faces even more challenges, from navigating the complexities of love and friendship to dealing with dangerous political intrigue and magical mysteries. The story takes him on new adventures, and I loved how the pacing allowed for both thrilling action scenes and introspective moments that really show Kvothe’s growth. The magic system becomes even more fascinating, and Rothfuss’s writing makes it all feel so immersive.
a great follow on book that expands on the great start of book one