Helpful Score: 2
This book may be long but is solid and worth the read. There were a few parts that were tedious but overall, the plot was excellent. So far, this series is matching the hype that I've heard about it.
I'm sure other reviews have covered that this series follows Richard Cypher - a Seeker of truth, Kahlan Amnell - his Confessor, and a wizard named Zed, in their attempts to thwart Darken Rahl from taking over the world. I got interested in this series because of the TV show, "Legend of the Seeker". I must warn you that, although the characters and a few elements remain the same, the books and show are nothing alike! The TV show has lots of thrilling battles and fights with most of the material turned 'G' rated (understandably). The book focuses more on characterization, has a much more complicated plot and is definitely less innocent than it's TV counterpart.
This would lead me to the only negative I found - I could have done without so much written detail for some of the more gruesome matters. There was so much description given during some of the torture scenes that I was tempted to skip a few paragraphs. And a few sexual encounters were so well described that it made me blush ;) I could envision what Mr. Goodkind was describing quite well without those details. But that's how the entire book is written - he paints an incredible visual scene for you in your head - so I realize that all included scenes will be just a detailed.
I'm sure other reviews have covered that this series follows Richard Cypher - a Seeker of truth, Kahlan Amnell - his Confessor, and a wizard named Zed, in their attempts to thwart Darken Rahl from taking over the world. I got interested in this series because of the TV show, "Legend of the Seeker". I must warn you that, although the characters and a few elements remain the same, the books and show are nothing alike! The TV show has lots of thrilling battles and fights with most of the material turned 'G' rated (understandably). The book focuses more on characterization, has a much more complicated plot and is definitely less innocent than it's TV counterpart.
This would lead me to the only negative I found - I could have done without so much written detail for some of the more gruesome matters. There was so much description given during some of the torture scenes that I was tempted to skip a few paragraphs. And a few sexual encounters were so well described that it made me blush ;) I could envision what Mr. Goodkind was describing quite well without those details. But that's how the entire book is written - he paints an incredible visual scene for you in your head - so I realize that all included scenes will be just a detailed.
Helpful Score: 2
My cousin recommended this series, and as soon as I started it, I was hooked. The book is long, but I just couldn't put it down. The story is exciting, alarming, suspenseful... I really enjoyed it. I was a bit shocked by some of the graphic depictions of violence in the book, especially the violence done to a child. I was really upset by that depiction, and considered stopping reading, but I was too hooked by the storyline to give up. I'm glad I finished it--it was great. I wish it were a little less graphic in some parts, but it was still a good read.
Helpful Score: 1
Awesome first book Best fantasy series I have ever read
ichard Cypher's decision to help a woman in the Upper Ven near the Boundary between the Midlands and Westland creates more trouble than first appears. The woman, 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 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 is attempting to find the great wizard who had left the Midlands for the Magic free Westlands due to the corruption of the government in his eyes, so as to have him Name a Seeker of Truth. The great wizard turns out to be Zeddicus Zu'l Zorrander, Richard's longtime friend, who then proceeds to name Richard the Seeker.
ichard Cypher's decision to help a woman in the Upper Ven near the Boundary between the Midlands and Westland creates more trouble than first appears. The woman, 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 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 is attempting to find the great wizard who had left the Midlands for the Magic free Westlands due to the corruption of the government in his eyes, so as to have him Name a Seeker of Truth. The great wizard turns out to be Zeddicus Zu'l Zorrander, Richard's longtime friend, who then proceeds to name Richard the Seeker.
I have to admit that the tv series "Legend of the Seeker" (based LOOSELY on this book) is one of my guilty pleasures. I want to hate it because of its cheesiness, but I tried the same thing with Xena and just couldn't shake her either.
The first book in this series was a fun, fast read. I like the characters and the story flows well. The concept and the character relationships are well executed for the most part. I enjoyed it enough that I'll keep going and read the second in the series, "Stone of Tears."
The first book in this series was a fun, fast read. I like the characters and the story flows well. The concept and the character relationships are well executed for the most part. I enjoyed it enough that I'll keep going and read the second in the series, "Stone of Tears."
Helpful Score: 1
Excellently put together. The first few books were definitely the best in the series.
I'm hooked on this series! I can totally see this being made into a movie.
excellent series!!!! i cant tell you how much i loved this series. you fall in love with richard. he can do no wrong. all the books continue where the last one left off. such an adventure. there is always something going on. no rest for richard and kahlan.
This is the best book of the series, and it's only so so. It's the story of a young hero who is given a magical sword from a sage who eventually trains him in the ways of the force, er magic. His father is the dark lord of the sith who also wields a magical force.
Through the series there are also a number of completely unrelated orders of mystical BDSM nuns who use sexual torment to enforce the will of their order.
Essentially, take the plot of starwars and throw in elements from the belgariad. Despite all of this the book wasn't a bad read. OK, the 100 page long scene where Richard Rahl (Rick Roll?) is raped by a BDSM warrior woman could have easily been removed without harming the story whatsoever.
The writing style isn't bad though. Think about it this way. I have almost nothing good to say about the book and I still gave it two and a half stars and went on to read most of the series before it devolved into a political rant.
Through the series there are also a number of completely unrelated orders of mystical BDSM nuns who use sexual torment to enforce the will of their order.
Essentially, take the plot of starwars and throw in elements from the belgariad. Despite all of this the book wasn't a bad read. OK, the 100 page long scene where Richard Rahl (Rick Roll?) is raped by a BDSM warrior woman could have easily been removed without harming the story whatsoever.
The writing style isn't bad though. Think about it this way. I have almost nothing good to say about the book and I still gave it two and a half stars and went on to read most of the series before it devolved into a political rant.
I couldn't put it down!
fun, but i don't want to get going on another 8 book series
Really enjoyed the book. Great start to the series.
This is a wonderful series. The Sword of Truth grabs you in the first book and doesn't let go until the 13th book. I couldn't put this one down. As good if now better than the Wheel of Time series. The characters are vivid and alive, you can see them in your minds eye as Terry Goodkind describes them to you. This one is a keep on your shelf book because you will want to read it again.
From the back cover: In the aftermath of the brutal murder of his father, a mysterious woman, Kahlan Amnell, appears in Richard Cypher's forest sanctuary seeking help...and more. His world, his very beliefs, are shattered when ancient debts come due with thundering violence.
An uncle recommended this book to me. It was alright, I prefer the Magician series.
An uncle recommended this book to me. It was alright, I prefer the Magician series.
In the aftermath of the brutal murder of his father, a mysterious woman, Kahlan Amnell, appears in Richard Cypher's forest sanctuary seeking help..and more. His world, his very beliefs, are shattered when ancient debts come due with thundering violence.
In their darkest hour, hunted relentlessly, tormented by treachery and loss, 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.
In their darkest hour, hunted relentlessly, tormented by treachery and loss, 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.
Excellent book by Terry Goodkind. Wizard's First Rule has made me a fan and will be looking to read the rest of the series! Great author!
Great book, and the first of this series...
I picked up this book in 1995 in the public library! I fell in love immediately and have been reading it since!!! Great series! I cannot wait for the final book - I already have it on my reserve list. However, I would never trade these books on this site (if that tells you how much I love it!).
Definitely a recommend. A little different than a lot of fantasy I am used to but definitely great!
Definitely a recommend. A little different than a lot of fantasy I am used to but definitely great!
