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. There he meets Felurian, the faerie woman no man can resist, and who no man has ever survived. 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. 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.Īll the while, Kvothe searches for answers, attempting to uncover the truth about the mysterious Amyr, the Chandrian, and the death of his parents. Adrift, penniless, and alone, he travels to Vintas, where he quickly becomes entangled in the politics of courtly society. Now in The Wise Man's Fear, an escalating rivalry with a powerful member of the nobility forces Kvothe to leave the University and seek his fortune abroad. So begins the tale of a hero told from his own point of view - a story unequaled in fantasy literature. I have talked to Gods, loved women, and written songs that make the minstrels weep. I tread paths by moonlight that others fear to speak of during day. I was expelled from the University at a younger age than most people are allowed in.

I have spent the night with Felurian and left with both my sanity and my life.

I have stolen princesses back from sleeping barrow kings. “ There are three things all wise men fear: the sea in storm, a night with no moon, and the anger of a gentle man.”

Patrick rothfuss the wise man's fear