The Wise Man's Fear
Magnetic
Complex
Intense

The Wise Man's Fear The Kingkiller Chronicle: Book 2

'I just love the world of Patrick Rothfuss' Lin-Manuel Miranda 'He's bloody good, this Rothfuss guy' George R R Martin Sequel to the extraordinary THE NAME OF THE WIND, THE WISE MAN'S FEAR is the second instalment of this superb fantasy trilogy from Patrick Rothfuss. This is the most exciting fantasy series since George R. R. Martin's A SONG OF ICE AND FIRE, and a must-read for all fans of HBO's GAME OF THRONES. Picking up the tale of Kvothe Kingkiller once again, we follow him into exile, into political intrigue, courtship, adventure, love and magic ... and further along the path that has turned Kvothe, the mightiest magician of his age, a legend in his own time, into Kote, the unassuming pub landlord. Packed with as much magic, adventure and home-grown drama as THE NAME OF THE WIND, this is a sequel in every way the equal to its predecessor and a must-read for all fantasy fans. Readable, engaging and gripping THE WISE MAN'S FEAR is the biggest and the best new fantasy novel out there.
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Reviews

Photo of Emily Richards
Emily Richards@emireads
3 stars
Nov 7, 2024

Enjoyed the storylines with the University and severen but I found the storyline with the felurian to be rather uncomfortable to read. Almost dnf'd but was so far through.

This review contains a spoiler
+2
Photo of Drew Nerbas
Drew Nerbas@drew_cn
4 stars
Jul 24, 2024

A great follow up to The Name of the Wind. Although amazing mostly all the way through, the length felt a bit taxing at times and there were parts that felt unnecessary, specifically after the section about bandits (iykyk). Overall very good and I hope we get a third book.

Photo of ploral
ploral@ploral
2 stars
Jul 1, 2024

2.5/5 The best character of the series has to be Auri. That girl always brightened my mood. She brought the most interesting gifts and was simply a sunshine. I hate denna and hate kvothe's obsession with her. Their love story is non-existent. The plot was pretty non-existent too. Despite the annoying things, I liked this book. It was fun and I liked how the legend is growing.

Photo of Pepper
Pepper@storysworled
4 stars
Dec 9, 2023

I should write a review but what can one say except: when's the next one coming out? http://never-evil.livejournal.com/134...

Photo of Aaron J Mitchell
Aaron J Mitchell@captainacrab
3 stars
Dec 5, 2023

It's a fun book but not nearly as good as the original. After a slow first half the second half goes into over drive and our hero Kvothe somehow becomes not only one of the greatest swordsmen in the world but also the greatest lover in the world after some time in bed with a fae goddess. It seems like the chosen one fantasy tropes the first book subverted by having their chosen hero put through the absolute ringer are tossed out for a bunch of wish fulfillment quick leveling by the character and rather than him using his existing talents and guile to escape danger it just kind of throws new talents into the blender so he succeeds because now he is just that great at the fighting/sexing. What really bummed me out was the complete lack of development or exploration of any of the dark secrets foreshadowed in the first book and even in the series title. Even a decent tease of an answer would have been great. But the lack of anything makes me suspicious the answers haven't been sorted out yet.

Photo of Jaden Nelson
Jaden Nelson@unojaden
5 stars
Nov 30, 2023

I am going to try to keep this review as short and sweet as I can, but to be honest I don't know if I can hold back from rambling. This book was spectacular. It had everything good that the first book was, and if I dare say, better. It is exceptionally clever and outstandingly written. (See 84% review)Honestly I think that I will start thinking differently. I want to read more books like this. Books that make you stop and think. Books that change the way you think about things. This isn't just some silly story a guy made up either, there is research that went into this book( for example the mention of the Molyneux's problem on(page 131). It is the book of a knowledgeable man(Patrick Rothfuss) and this knowledge he writes with resonates perfectly with the personality of the main character, Kvothe. (I encourage you to read Patrick Rothfuss's Goodreads bio to show just how many things he is knowledgeable in). The intricate details and facts are fit into the book so well, and is one thing that makes this book truly spectacular. Like mentioned in The name of the wind review, these books taught me a ton of vocabulary that I would have never otherwise probably ever known. The book is written so well that you almost fall into the story, you feel like you are watching the whole thing happen right before your eyes. I think this is my new favorite book, which is saying something. It was 1000 pages, the longest book I have ever read, and while it did take me about 17 days(a little less), I could have easily read this in a about a week, because it is so enthralling and flows beautifully. Just a few disclaimers if you're going to read it, there are a good number of explicit scenes, but please don't let that stop you, because it added to the book and character development so well. I would recommend this to all of my friends to read sometime in their life. See, not rambly at all! Reread in 2019 (2 years later): Well I certainly have a lot less to say about this book on my second read/review. I was sort of afraid that when I reread it, I wouldn't like it as much as the first time, but I am glad to say that that it was just as good on the second run. This is the book that I tell people is my favorite book (even though that is a very complicated question). The reason for this is, I have decided, is because it's entertaining on every single page (most books have iffy bits), the characters and plot are written so well and well thought out, and most of all there is just sooo much to this book. When I look back after finishing it, it's like I have literally read someone's entire life story. This is getting kind of boring, so basically I'll just say that it was great, it is probably still what I will say is my "favorite book"(even though I don't have a real answer to that question), and reading this helps me remember why fantasy, fiction, etc. aren't "pointless" to read when I get in a book snobby mood. That's all for now and I assume I will read this again someday maybe (maybe when the 3rd book comes out in 40 years--sorry Rothfuss).

Photo of Sara
Sara@saraemily
4 stars
Nov 30, 2023

Quite possibly the worst book I have ever read on my stay on earth. No details, page turners. Don't read this or you may as well plan your funeral now.

Photo of Elliot
Elliot@madeinmothh
4 stars
Sep 30, 2023

no estoy listo para hablar del tema

Photo of Coleman McCormick
Coleman McCormick@coleman
4 stars
Aug 13, 2023

This one was a lot slower read for me than the first in the series. I did enjoy it, just wasn't as captivated as by The Name of the Wind. I'm becoming less interested in Kvothe's backstory, and a lot more intrigued by the present-day activities going on with Bast and Chronicler in the inn. That's fascinating stuff. Hopefully the third round will end up revealing some more about the mystery of the Waystone Inn.

Photo of José Sousa
José Sousa@jose_sousa
5 stars
Jul 17, 2023

Won't read a better book for a very long time for sure.

Photo of Annabelle Gauthier
Annabelle Gauthier@annagoatcheese
5 stars
Jun 24, 2023

Literally what tf is happening.

kvothe would be a redditor. Thank you and goodnight

Photo of Alec Karlen
Alec Karlen@alec-karlen
4.5 stars
May 16, 2023

Not as good as first but still very good.

Photo of Anthony
Anthony@amorriscode
5 stars
Mar 25, 2023

I came into this series late (something I’m grateful for). Here’s hoping the series is concluded in the next few years... but if not, don’t worry Patrick, I haven’t been waiting long. 😂

Photo of Andrea Navarrete
Andrea Navarrete@amdinav
5 stars
Feb 21, 2023

** spoiler alert ** I love this story. Seriously, Rothfuss really did something special here. I enjoyed this reread so much, i remembered why they are my favorite books. For starters, the writing is so beautiful, in my opinion, the quality of it improved a lot in this second book. Also the characters. They are so well written. Yes, Denna frustrates me too, but I mean, isn't she supposed to? I loved how the author wrote the characters, like I said in my review of the first book, he gives you enough details to connect and understand the characters (specially kvothe) but leaves out also enough to make you think. I like books and characters that make me think, that are complex. I read this book now in such a different mindset than when I first read it, and I appreciate it more this time around. Sure the book has its problems, the plot may be a little wavering and yes, there are times where It's not very clear why we are spending so much time someplace in the story. But overall, it's a masterpiece. Also, Teccam, he knows what's up...

Photo of Charlotte Dann
Charlotte Dann@chareads
3 stars
Feb 6, 2023

I did enjoy this book a lot, just not as much as the first one. Could have lived without Ketan and Felurian to be honest, but I loved all the Maer parts and Kvothe's general badassery, itching for #3.

Photo of Charlotte Dann
Charlotte Dann@chareads
3 stars
Feb 6, 2023

I did enjoy this book a lot, just not as much as the first one. Could have lived without Ketan and Felurian to be honest, but I loved all the Maer parts and Kvothe's general badassery, itching for #3.

Photo of Shiveen Pandita
Shiveen Pandita@shiveenp
4 stars
Feb 6, 2023

Good follow-up to the first one, a bit windy in certain places but gets the point across in the end.

Photo of Prashanth Srivatsa
Prashanth Srivatsa@prashanthsrivatsa
5 stars
Feb 2, 2023

A gripping tale of fantasy that will surely stand the test of time, Patrick Rothfuss takes a step ahead with his Kingkiller Chronicles' second instalment, The Wise Man's Fear. The tale of Kvothe continues from where it stopped in the much impressive debut, the Name of the Wind, and rides through high paced action entangled with delicate prose and true fantasy. Much recommended.

Photo of Hunter Loftis
Hunter Loftis@hunterloftis
1 star
Dec 19, 2022

This is the middle arc of what could have been a nice story. Unfortunately, its author has abandoned the series.

Photo of Ryan LaFerney
Ryan LaFerney@ryantlaferney
4 stars
Dec 15, 2022

In The Wise Man's Fear, we find Kvothe searching 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, forced to reclaim the honor of his family, 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. Basically, this is Kvothe taking his first steps on the path of the hero and becoming somewhat of a troubled legend. As always, Rothfuss' writing is wonderful. He is a wordsmith but allows the story to come first before any embellishment. The story does feel a little lengthy but in conclusion, I feel that the story might be incomplete if he subtracted from it. The middle journey (time away from the University) often dragged but this in reflection aided the joyous homecoming when Kvothe, our unreliable, irritating, yet charming narrator does finally return to the University. Like many, I'm eagerly anticipating Rothfuss' final entry.

Photo of Ruby Soho
Ruby Soho@rubysoho
3 stars
Dec 11, 2022

Was pretty interesting minus all the sudden need to mention Kvothe’s sexual prowess constantly for the latter third of the book.

If a series has a focus on sexual content, that’s fine. But to make it completely absent a topic for a book and a half and then suddenly throw it in all the time (I know that the justification would be that he was a virgin up until that point) but it’s jarring and a complete change in writing style.

I did love learning about the Adem though, and the Cthaeh, his friendship with Auri, his return to Tarbean to repay all those who helped him when he most needed it, and many other aspects of the book though. I just felt the switch in tone and focus was a bit strange (it felt like a different book or writer) towards the end.

I do hope, that if the third book is released, the writing style will return to a more cohesive state.

This review contains a spoiler
Photo of Izza
Izza@m0thermayi
4 stars
Dec 9, 2022

4 stars | Amazing sequel to "The Name of the Wind". I found this one to be a little slow towards the middle, but still very entertaining.

Photo of Jamal Jones
Jamal Jones @jamalisher
5 stars
Oct 26, 2022

Beautiful

Photo of Natalie
Natalie@gigameow
3 stars
Oct 17, 2022

It was worth the wait. Coming back to this after a few years--I find I am decidedly meh on this series now, mainly due to the depictions of the women characters.

Highlights

Photo of Jas 🐸
Jas 🐸@jasminekloe

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

Page 401
Photo of Jas 🐸
Jas 🐸@jasminekloe

In many ways, unwise love is the truest love. Anyone can love a thing because. That's as easy as puting a penny in your pocket. But to love something despite. To know the flaws and love them too. That is rare and pure and perfect.

Page 56
Photo of Jas 🐸
Jas 🐸@jasminekloe

"I don't wonder why they talk," I said. “I wonder what they say."

Page 31
Photo of Jas 🐸
Jas 🐸@jasminekloe

Chronicler looked puzzled. “Anyone in town could have told you that." The innkeeper frowned."If it's something everyone knows, I can't afford to ask." he said.

Page 13
Photo of Annabelle Gauthier
Annabelle Gauthier@annagoatcheese

Then, since all my other options seemed to be exhausted, I decided it would be best if I fell off the roof.

Photo of Annabelle Gauthier
Annabelle Gauthier@annagoatcheese

"Whose rooms are these?" I repeated numbly. He showed me all his teeth in a sudden grin. "Master Hemme's." "Why are you burning all of Hemme's clothes?" I asked, trying to ignore the fact that the room was rapidly filling with bitter smoke. Elodin looked at me as if I were an idiot. "Because I hate him."

Photo of Annabelle Gauthier
Annabelle Gauthier@annagoatcheese

First came the bread. He mixed flour and sugar and salt with his hands, not bothering to measure. He added a piece of starter from the clay jar in the pantry, kneaded the dough, then rounded the loaves and set them to rise. He shoveled ash from the stove in the kitchen and kindled a fire.

God I wish that were me

Photo of Annabelle Gauthier
Annabelle Gauthier@annagoatcheese

It was menacing, in a way.The same way a tall cliff is menacing. It was grey and un-blemished and cold to the touch. It was sharp as shattered glass.

Photo of Camryn Lang
Camryn Lang@camrynlangreads

"I am not sure what the appropriate gesture is to make toward the family of the woman who bit off your ear, but if you felt absolutely compelled, I certainly wouldn't take food.”