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Wizard's First Rule
Summary
In the aftermath of the brutal murder of his father, Richard Cypher encounters a mysterious woman, Kahlan Amnell, in his forest sanctuary. She seeks his help...and more. His world, his very beliefs, are shattered when ancient debts come due with thundering violence.
In their darkest hour, Kahlan calls upon Richard to reach beyond his sword-to invoke within himself something more noble. Neither knows that the rules of battle have just changed...or that their time has run out.
This is the beginning. One book. One rule. Witness the birth of a legend.
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Reviews
Enjoyable book and a compelling series. Dialogue can occasionally be a little wooden. Goodkind is a bit of a sadist to his characters but the story is very compelling.
Wizard's First Rule is an amazing book for any reader. It is filled with witty humor and a wonderful cast of characters. Little bits of the story will definitely surprise the reader and what you think will happen may not entirely come true. The plot is engaging and provides a good debut book for the series. Terry Goodkind did a wonderful job crafting this wonderful book. The story follows the path of a young Richard Cypher, a young woods guide. His brother is a large political figure in the area, but Richard shuns the spotlight. He meets a young woman named Kahlan Amell, in the forest and his peaceful world gets shattered. He will be introduced to the world of magic, monsters, and face countless challenges and dangers. For the most part, we see the world of Wizard's First Rule through the eyes of Richard. We will learn more about him, his beliefs, and his secrets throughout the story. Each of the characters he interacts with have their own personal touch that singles themselves out from the rest, creating a lively group of adventurers. Each have their own dark secrets that are hinted throughout the book, making you want to keep on reading to find out. The story does a good job of keeping your attention. Just as you think they characters have finally had a break, some new thing will come and shatter that illusion. As the story goes on, we see how the characters grow and change. The plot thickens the further you are in, but still keeps it easy to understand what is going on. The book is written in its own style of writing. It feels humorous and lighthearted all throughout, even through the darkest of times. When things go good, it really emphasizes the mood that you feel. But when things good bad, it still keeps some of the humorous feel to it while still conveying the feeling of despair and sadness. Even though it may seem cheerful and good for young children, it may not be the best choice. There are events in the book that should not be read about by young children, so be aware. Wizard's First Rule is a wonderful book. The characters are witty and well thought out. The plot will keep you reading until the very last page. The way Goodkind has wrote the book gave it a very unique tone throughout and makes it all that much more interesting. Be aware of the events in the book that are not for a child's eyes. I really love this book and Goodkind has made a wonderful masterpiece of fantasy literature.
Surprising in more ways than one. The small details - Richard running his hands through his hair, namely - really add up in significant and unexpected ways. The abduction by the Mord-Sith really elevates the book from a simple linear adventure. It was a great surprising shift in tone and energy that recast the earlier pages in a way I didn't believe Goodkind could pull off. This doesn't excuse his god-awful dialogue, however.
The book is very reminiscent of Ayn Rand's novel in feeling (not in substance or subject matter or insane political ideas). I felt as though, at times, the characters seemed to merely be pawns spouting off philosophical viewpoints or painfully holding the reader's hand and exclaiming "Look! See here! I am making a statement about morality and the human condition! Pay attention!" The dialogue often feels forced.That aside, the books was fun to read. As it is only the first volume in a large series. I can only hope that the author's ability to engage the reader in thoughtful dialogue and present more earnest character development gets better (It is my observation that after a few novels this ends up happening). Therefore, although I give this book a mere 3 stars, rest assured that your time is not wasted on this tale. It is full of adventure, marvelous scenery, and a few new twists on the typical fantasy 'stuff' we're used to seeing.
Amazing. I'm awestruck.
Very enjoyable book with a slightly different take on magic, and a very interesting world.
This was just the sort of thing I was looking for. Swords and sorcery. Hot, mystical women. Brash heroes. Humorous side companions. Corrupt governments and ancient castle-ular conspiracies. And one really evil antagonist.What's interesting is how bad the writing style is, compared to today's standards. And by standards, I mean all the writing advice I hear these days. It's no wonder the thing is 300,000 words long. There's a lot of lines that are unnecessary. A lot of plot segments and sections that clutter up the prose. A lot of needless descriptors and sentences that are repeating what the dialogue suggests. There's lots of adverbs, and lots of scenes and characters that don't add anything to the story. I doubt you could get a work like this published these days.But you don't care because the story is easy to follow, and interesting. I don't know why. Maybe it's because of the little things, like the sausage & cheese and spice soup that add an air of world-building. Maybe it's the lovable characters (although Kahlan gets whiny and evasive with her *HORRIBLE SECRET* and Richard is a little too bulletproof and god-like smart). It makes them lovable because they're always "saving the cat", which is a standard, but cheap way to make a hero likable right off the bat (although you can also give them a dog). The world is complex, and there's a lot in the background that you need to know to understand the foreground. But it doesn't throw it all at you at once. It gives you what you need to stay satisfied.Then it got weird when we got to the dominatrix.I'm serious. The story takes a total 180 and we go to BDSM-land. The hero is unnecessarily kidnapped and forced into slavery as a part of this sect of S&M dominatrices who work for the evil ruler. And this goes on for about 1/6th of the book as the hero is sexually tortured beyond all measure of humanity. Then he escapes, but not before making his dom fall in love with him. Before, the tone of the book... well, it wasn't exactly kiddish, but it wasn't adult. It was general audiences. PG-13. But all of the sudden, he's getting some kind of magic cattle-prod pressed against his junk every day, and he apparently suffers no psychological damage. The next thing he does is befriend a mother dragon. Best WTF moment in a book.
Fun sword and sorcery stuff with heroic heroes (both male and female) and villainous bad guys. Overall an enjoyable book.
Good book, ended a little to dark for my taste
I read this one as a kid (I probably shouldn't have - there's a lot of graphic sex/violence; I would NOT recommend this for young readers) and thought it was wonderful, but I think it's telling that this is one of the first fantasy books I ever read, and for me it didn't stand up to re-reading. Upon re-reading, the story feels rather tired and cliched - it's like any other fantasy quest story, and the good guys and the bad guys are both one dimensional. The good guys are obviously super-good and the bad guys obviously super-bad. There's also the gratuitous violence and sex (and violent sex!) with a fairly extended BDSM portion that for me really didn't make sense with the rest of the story - it didn't seem like there was a reason for that to be there, other than that Goodkind felt like it at the time. I give it two stars because I don't think the writing was horrible, but overall the story is pretty generic.
I have read this book (series) countless times. In it I find wisdom and philosophies that I can apply to everyday life. I think we can all agree with Wizard's First Rule.
I know that some argue the series is derivative of other's work, but I would argue that most stories have kernels of other's truth. Look at Shakespeare or George Bernard Shaw, did they not base their works on other's ancient writing?
I believe that Goodkind created in Richard a person whom we all could both identify and strive to emulate. His descriptive writing pulls us into his world and I would even argue changing our perception of our own. It is not a perfect series. The Pillar book is practically useless except for the last bit. But as a whole I consider the Sword of Truth series a classic. The only thing that annoys me is Kahlan, her often defeatist and whiney attitude can be annoying.
Overall it is a great series. Enjoy.
I know that some argue the series is derivative of other's work, but I would argue that most stories have kernels of other's truth. Look at Shakespeare or George Bernard Shaw, did they not base their works on other's ancient writing?
I believe that Goodkind created in Richard a person whom we all could both identify and strive to emulate. His descriptive writing pulls us into his world and I would even argue changing our perception of our own. It is not a perfect series. The Pillar book is practically useless except for the last bit. But as a whole I consider the Sword of Truth series a classic. The only thing that annoys me is Kahlan, her often defeatist and whiney attitude can be annoying.
Overall it is a great series. Enjoy.
the first in his Sword of Truth series. Richard Cypher is a woodsmen who comes across a beautiful, mysterious woman, and they end up teaming up to help save the world from an evil tyrant. They meet many interesting people and have many exciting adventures. I had watched and loved the TV series, Legend of the Seeker, before I had read the book. I think I may have even liked the TV series better (hard to believe, that never happens, right?).
Very enjoyable book with a slightly different take on magic, and a very interesting world.
Normally, I despise the "epic fantasy" genre, but I was sucked in by the endearing characters.
The Premise: Richard Cypher's decision to help a woman in the Upper Ven near the Boundary between the Midlands and Westland sires more trouble than first appears. Kahlan Amnell seeks the help of a wizard in the Westland, and she brings with her dark news from the other side of the Boundary: Darken Rahl, Ruler of D'Hara, has brought down the other Boundary between D'Hara and the Midlands. This menacing ruler continues his dead father's quest for control by pressing war on the now vulnerable Midlands. Kahlan wants the wizard to name a Seeker of Truth who can try to stop Darken Rahl. When she finds the Old Wizard, he names Richard to be the Seeker and starts him on the quest that will forever alter the world. (from Wikipedia)My Take on the Book: This is one of those books - the kind that leaves you wanting more when you're finished. Lucky me, I think there are 10 more books in the series. This is also the type of book that has you wondering what to read next because it is hard for anything to measure up. The characters keep coming to mind, even in my dreams. That's a sure sign that a book has deeply affected me. I have a request for the 2nd book on paperbackswap.com - hopefully it will be coming soon, otherwise, I see a visit to Borders in my near future:) There is a lot of violence in this book, both mystical and natural. There is a war going on between the D'Harans and the people of the Midlands, and many of the atrocities of war show up here. There are also some sexual situations, most not by choice, so if that offends you, this may not be the book for you. One of the things I really liked is the intelligence Richard Cypher shows in his behavior and in the way he handles difficult experiences. He questions things rather than just accepting them. In one instance, rather than offending the people he is staying with by not accepting their customs because it goes against what he believes, he comes up with a unique solution that stops him from doing something he is morally against, while allowing his hosts to "save face".
Wizard's First Rule is the first book in the Sword of Truth series, written by Terry Goodkind. This is his debut novel.I recently reread this book. The first time I read it was in 2006 when a friend forced it on me. It sat on my desk for weeks. I had never read a fantasy before in my life, and I really didn't think it was something I could get into. I still have that same copy. I have read it multiple times and shared it with friends, family, and random people I hardly know. I always make sure I get it back. I am so glad that I finally chose to give it a chance. The reason I am rereading it again now is because I still haven't read the final book in the series, Confessor, and I would like to soon, but it has been too long, and I have lost many of the details of the series.Wizard's First Rule is the beginning of an epic journey, starting with a simple man named Richard who is thrown into a whirlwind adventure that he did not choose for himself. Much of the book is his struggle with accepting that the fate of the world rests on his shoulders, and all because he helped save a woman's life. Little does he know that Kahlan is more than a simple woman. An evil wizard named Darken Rahl is attempting to take over the world using dark magic from the Underworld and only one man can stop him - The Seeker of Truth. Will Richard find a way to stop Darken Rahl from opening the Boxes of Orden and ruling the world? How will he find a way for Kahlan and himself to be together?I don't want to give too much away. I consider this series to be one of my all-time favorites and would recommend them to anyone who knows how to read. My husband never read a book in his life and he read this series. Even the last one, which I haven't read yet!Terry Goodkind takes you into his world and makes you fall in love with the characters. Once you meet Richard, Kahlan, and Zedd - there is no going back. These books are each around 1000 pages and take some time to read, but every second is worth it!Some Sci-Fi/Fantasy fans do not like this series. Sorry, not everyone can be Tolkien, and if you expect this book to hold up to Lord of the Rings or The Wheel of Time, you may be disappointed. Terry Goodkind's writing style is very different. I think the difference is what makes it easier for non-fantasy folks like myself to get into this series.If you have an opportunity to pick this up - DO IT!
Although I'm not a regular reader of epic fantasy, occasionally I get a wild hair to read something different. This is what led me to pick up Wizard's First Rule, and I'm eternally grateful for it. This first volume of Terry Goodkind's epic Sword of Truth series delivers everything that the label of epic fantasy promises. There's a wide, sweeping struggle between good and evil, strongly written and well-developed characters, vivid worldbuilding, exotic creatures, and magic. It's also a hefty book, as are all the volumes in the series, and its resemblance to a doorstop might intimidate some readers, but don't let that stop you! It's fast-paced and engrossing, and it will take very little time to fall in love with the characters! I was shocked at how quickly I sped through it, and immediately started the second in the series. My one piece of advice: buy these two at a time. If you finish one in the middle of the night, and don't have the next one near, panic may ensue. You have been warned!
Perhaps the best $5 I have ever spent on a book. I was introduced to the series by the TV show. When I became aware that the show was based on a book series I was ecstatic and went to find the first book. Half Priced Books comes through again.I would say that this is the kickoff for one of the best fantasy series, Sword of Truth, that has been written. Spoiler alert!!! The entire series is fantastic and I will try to review each book independently but I am reviewing the entire series here.All I have to say is that the entire series is phenomenal as a whole. I appreciated the author's world view and was challenged by it. I'm not entirely sure the author was making political statements but from the American perspective he seems to attack mainstream belief of both parties in different books. I think that I one of the reasons that I liked the series; I had to think about things as I went through them.Perhaps the greatest drawback of the series is the fairly explicit scenes of intimacy between characters. I wish they would have been slightly more vague so the series was more appropriate for younger readers. Also there is a great deal of violence, including torture, which is good for the story but not so appropriate for younger readers.I would probably rate the book and series R, maybe PG-13.
Amazing first book. The plot keeps you engrossed, as do the characters. Very real emotion in a fantasy world. Recommended. Warning: sometimes it can be quite dark, particularly in the later books in the series.
The foreshadowing and characterization are heavy handed, but the plotting is not bad, and the conflicts have some heart in them. Not a bad read, but I doubt I'll bother with the already-numerous sequels.
The first of the Sword of Truth series, this one introduces Richard Cypher, Kahlan, Zedd, Chase, and Darken Rahl. It follows Richard as he's named the Seeker of Truth and goes on to fight Darken Rahl and the forces of D'Hara.
This book is a promising start to a long fantasy series, in the current mega-epic style. RIchard Cypher is a simple woods guide that is named the Seeker of Truth - one who unerringly finds the truth in others and in himself, and solves every problem set in his path. However, solving all of those problems proves quite difficult. This book has some original ideas and is well written. Warning - significant adult content in parts. This book is not for young readers, and maybe not young adults.
From the very beginning, the story of Richard Cypher is a mesmerizing and hypnotic roller coaster ride.A simple woodsman finds himself thrust into a life and death quest to stop a madman named Darken Rahl. With the help of his friends and a woman he desperately wants but cant have, Richard does what he needs to confront the true evil of this story. A great read - it was able to keep me from my video games, which is saying a lot.
I enjoyed all his works. In parts Wizard's First Rule is very descriptive, but it reads very well and keeps you hooked. It's a long book, but as I said, it kept me hooked. Characterisation is really good. Very inventive with lots of fresh ideas. I'd recommend this
Sci-fi's "Legend of the Seeker" was quirky and corny and almost ruined this book for me. I pressed through though and ended up enjoying the book enough to pick up the second in the series. I would compare it somewhat to Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time series, but this book, at least, moves at a much faster pace. There are a few rather graphic and uncomfortable scenes, be warned.
The very first "high fantasy" novel that I really got into as a teenager. I don't remember where I first heard of this series, but I knew that my father often read books like this and so I hoped it was in his collection, and it was! I read it fairly fast for an 800+ page novel, but was instantly hooked by the storyline. "Twilight has fallen upon the Three Kingdoms: a grey time that could foretell either dawn of descent into bitter night. Richard Cypher, woodsman and warrior, is chosen to bear the powerful Sword of Truth, but his enemy, Darken Rahl, is a royal mage who commands armies, hideous beasts and - more terrible by far - a twisted magic."Incredibly detailed plot, setting and characters, which is essential for a fantasy novel to succeed. Terry Goodkind seems to have this great ability to suck reader's into a series, as he has 13 novels in the Sword of Truth series.
I will admit, I first learned of this fantasy series through the short-lived TV series Legend of the Seeker. Intrigued by the premise, I found the books to be a much richer, detailed world and I look forward to continuing this series. In many ways, this is a classic epic fantasy series, with Richard Cypher coming from nothing to discover his destiny, embarking on a journey with a few trusted friends, finding love and betrayal along the way. A good fantasy novel, I can't wait to read the next in the series.
I read this book twice, a few years ago and just recently. I enjoyed it both times. I like the world and the magic. From his writing style I was able to sink into the book. great book and a great series.
An awesome read. If you like fantasy then you must read this book. I have read that 'Magician' by Raymond E. Feist is the tome to fantasy, and while I agree that it was a great read, this one was better.
I don't think I can put to words how this book makes me feel. This is my second time reading it, and nothing has changed. There are probably flaws hidden somewhere but if they are I never noticed, too engrossed in the book. Even if I had seen them, I don't think I would have cared. The story makes up for anything lacking. And the twists and turns! My God. I have never read a book, expect maybe George R R Martin's Game of Thrones series, that plays with you mind so thoroughly, urging you this way and then oops, no that way, but wait actually this way. I've read a lot so have begun to be able to predict some twists in stories. I am in always in the dark here. I get this dreadful feeling that there can't be anything Richard can do, that it's hopeless, that he can't help but fail, and then twist, he pulls through. And it doesn't seem like Goodkind shoved something there unannounced just so Richard would be victorious. It's all woven together. Reading it for a second time now, I was able to see clues five hundred pages before. Everything is connected; amazingly so. But now I'm just babbling. To summarize: I absolutely love this book. If you are a fantasy fan and have not read it yet, pick it up as soon as you have finished what you are currently reading. And maybe take a few days off of work so you can read uninterrupted. :)