The Wise Man’s Fear is the second novel in The Kingkiller Chronicle, preceded by The Name of the Wind and anticipated to be succeeded by The Doors of Stone (working title). It is noted to be the second “day” because the series is broken up into the days Kvothe takes to tell his story. While the first day detailed the death of his family, his struggle to survive as an orphan, and his eventual admittance into University, the second day covers his continuing education and the growth of his reputation. His increasing musical ability, arcane prowess, and notoriety begin to make it clear how he has gained the legend-like status he holds in the novel’s present.

The Wise Man’s Fear is a heroic fantasy novel. Kvothe meets many of the criteria of a so-called hero in this context, matching familiar tropes of similar fantasy novels. He is a young person who is of humble background as a member of a traveling troupe of performers. He is forced into a position of responsibility and self-reliance after his family is murdered, leaving him alone and in need of a place to belong. Despite his humble origins, he possesses significant power, not the least of which stems from his superior magical abilities.