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The Kingkiller Chronicle Reading Order.

Authorby Patrick Rothfuss
3 Entries
Quick Answer

Start with The Name of the Wind (2007).

The Kingkiller Chronicle centers on Kvothe, an infamous adventurer and musician, who tells the story of his life to a scribe over three days. The narrative utilizes a story-within-a-story format, contrasting the present-day frame narrative where Kvothe runs an inn under an assumed name, with the detailed first-person account of his notorious past.

Where to start

Start with The Name of the Wind (2007).

  • •The third book, The Doors of Stone, has no release date.
  • •The Slow Regard of Silent Things is a short, unusual novella about Auri; read it after The Wise Man's Fear.
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Community Consensus

Low Debate

"There is no single 'correct' reading order, as multiple commenters emphasize flexibility and personal preference. The consensus advises starting with an accessible, highly-regarded, and preferably completed series to gauge interest in the genre. Frequently recommended starting points include Mistborn and Lies of Locke Lamora. Complex, genre-bending, or massive series (Malazan, Wheel of Time, First Law) or unfinished series (The Kingkiller Chronicle) are generally advised to be left until later, after the reader has built a foundation. The Dresden Files or American Gods are recommended as easy 'in-between' reads."

Key Reddit Advice

Start with Brandon Sanderson's Mistborn Trilogy or Scott Lynch's Lies of Locke Lamora (Gentleman Bastards). Avoid starting with Malazan, The Wheel of Time, or the unfinished Kingkiller Chronicle.

Complete Series Reading Order

Publication Reading Order3 Titles

Why Publication Order?We recommend reading in Publication Order (default). This follows the author's release schedule, ensuring you experience plot twists, character growth, and world-building exactly as intended without spoilers.
Best Start Here
1

The Name of the Wind

Pub: 2007

The Name of the Wind, also called The Kingkiller Chronicle: Day One, is a heroic fantasy novel written by American author Patrick Rothfuss. It is the first book in the ongoing fantasy trilogy The Kingkiller Chronicle. It was published on March 27, 2007, by DAW Books, the novel has been hailed as a masterpiece of high fantasy. The story begins the tale of Kvothe (pronounced "quothe"), a young man who becomes the most notorious magician his world has ever known. Kvothe narrates his own journey, from his childhood in a troupe of traveling players to his years as a near-feral orphan in a crime-ridden city, and his daring entrance into a prestigious and perilous school of magic. Patrick Rothfuss's debut novel has been praised for its fresh and earthy originality, transporting readers into the mind of a wizard and the world that shaped him. It explores the truth behind the legend of a hero and how one can become entangled in their own mythology. Rothfuss's powerful storytelling and robust writing have earned him comparisons to renowned fantasy authors such as [Tad Williams][1], [George R. R. Martin][2], and [Robert Jordan][3]. Followed by: [The Wise Man's Fear][4] ([Source: special note from the publisher][5])

2

The Wise Man's Fear

Pub: 2011

Plot details hidden until you finish "The Name of the Wind".

Preceded by: [The Name of the Wind][1] In The Wise Man's Fear, 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, 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. Now, 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. ([source][2])

3

The Slow Regard of Silent Things

Pub: 2014Optional

Plot details hidden until you finish "The Wise Man's Fear".

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Frequently Asked Questions

What order should I read The Kingkiller Chronicle in?

Start with The Name of the Wind (2007).

How many books are in The Kingkiller Chronicle?

2 main books, published 2007–2011, plus 1 side story.

Can I read The Kingkiller Chronicle out of order?

It's best not to. The books build on each other, so reading out of order spoils earlier twists.

Which books in The Kingkiller Chronicle are prequels, novellas or side stories?

"The Slow Regard of Silent Things" (novella). Each is placed in the reading order below.