Books in Order
Patrick Rothfuss Books in Order
About Patrick Rothfuss
Patrick Rothfuss (born 1973, Stevens Point, Wisconsin) published The Name of the Wind in 2007 after spending a decade refining the manuscript. It immediately became a landmark of epic fantasy, winning the Quill Award and launching the Kingkiller Chronicle — one of the most beloved (and most anticipated) fantasy series of the 21st century. Rothfuss teaches at the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point and runs Worldbuilders, a charity that raises millions for Heifer International. The third and final book, The Doors of Stone, has been awaited since the publication of The Wise Man's Fear in 2011. As of 2025 it remains unpublished.
Read the first two books. The Name of the Wind stands almost entirely on its own as a reading experience. Most readers describe it as the best fantasy novel they've ever read.
The Kingkiller Chronicle
Start with The Name of the Wind. The story of Kvothe — the most famous man who ever lived — told in his own words. Literary prose, musical magic system, and one of fantasy's most complex narrators.
Book 1![The Name of the Wind]()
The Name of the Wind
2007
Start hereKvothe, innkeeper, tells his life story — from street orphan to university student to legend.
Get this book →Book 2![The Wise Man's Fear]()
Book 3![The Doors of Stone]()
The Doors of Stone
TBA
AwaitedThe long-awaited conclusion. No publication date as of 2025.
Get this book →The Slow Regard of Silent Things
2014
A standalone novella following Auri during the events of Books 1–2. For devoted fans — read after Book 2.
Get this book →Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Name of the Wind a series?
Yes — it is the first book of the Kingkiller Chronicle trilogy. The Wise Man's Fear is Book 2 (2011). The Doors of Stone (Book 3) has not been published as of 2025.
Should I start the Kingkiller Chronicle given the third book isn't out?
Many readers argue The Name of the Wind is worth reading regardless — it is widely considered one of the finest fantasy novels ever written and delivers a nearly complete emotional arc within its pages. The Wise Man's Fear is more open-ended. The decision to start a potentially unfinished series is personal.
What is The Slow Regard of Silent Things?
A standalone novella (about 180 pages) following Auri — a side character from the main novels — during a week in her life beneath the University. It is unusual and experimental and not recommended as an entry point. Read it after The Wise Man's Fear.