Patrick Rothfuss

Patrick Rothfuss (born June 6, 1973, in Madison, Wisconsin) is a bestselling American fantasy author best known for The Kingkiller Chronicle, a lyrical and immersive series that has captivated readers worldwide. He studied at the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point for nine years before earning his B.A. in English. During that time, he began drafting the story that would eventually become The Name of the Wind.

Published in 2007, The Name of the Wind introduced readers to Kvothe—a gifted young man recounting his rise from orphaned street performer to magician and legend. Praised for its elegant prose and layered narrative, the novel won the Quill Award and was named among Amazon’s Best Books of the Year. Its sequel, The Wise Man’s Fear (2011), debuted at #1 on the New York Times bestseller list, further cementing Rothfuss’s reputation as one of modern fantasy’s literary standouts.

While fans await the long-anticipated final volume, The Doors of Stone, Rothfuss has expanded the world of Temerant through novellas like The Slow Regard of Silent Things (2014), a poetic character study of Auri, and short stories featured in anthologies.

Beyond fiction, Rothfuss is the founder of the charity organization Worldbuilders, which has raised millions for humanitarian causes by mobilizing the global fantasy community. He’s also a frequent podcast guest, game writer, and speaker at fantasy conventions, known for his wit, empathy, and advocacy.

He lives in Wisconsin with his family, continues to write, and maintains a close relationship with his fan base, engaging in livestreams and Q&A events.