The Law of Nines

Written by Terry Goodkind

Narrated by Mark Deakins

Turning twenty-seven may be terrifying for some, but for Alex, a struggling artist living in the Midwest, it is cataclysmic. Something about this birthday, his name, and the beautiful woman whose life he has just saved has suddenly made him-and everyone he loves-a target. A target for extreme and uncompromising violence...


From the Paperback edition.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Penguin Random House Audio
• Release date: Aug 18, 2009
• ISBN: 9781101079454

Terry Goodkind

Terry Goodkind's Sword of Truth series has sold over 26 million copies in 20 languages. Before becoming a full-time writer Terry worked as a wildlife artist, a cabinetmaker and a violin maker. terrygoodkind.com @terrygoodkind facebook.com/terrygoodkind

Reviews for The Law of Nines

[book.nug · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Was not different enough from Sword of Truth. Same characters, same story, different universe. Yawn.

[edwinkort · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Een nieuwe serie van Goodkind, die zich afspeelt op onze aarde, die via een 'poort' in verbinding staat met de wereld van Richard en Kahlan, die echter al geruime tijd dood zijn.

Deel 1 van ??

[delightedlibrarian · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Interesting blending of fantasy and reality and the psychological mishaps that can happen along the way.

[kentuckycats19 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

For an Adult Learning class, I chose to review a book from this author. This was my first sci-fi and I was immediately hooked from the first few paragraphs. I listened to the audio book on my work commute and hung onto every word, desiring to hear just a little bit more about the adventures of Jax and Alex. My only disappointment was how the book ended - I was left wanting more of a closure. However, I greatly liked the language that Mr Goodkind used and had even more of an admiration of him after learning about him as a person in my class. I'm definitely going to be picking up another one of his books very soon!

[nateshow · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

new author for me, good book.

[guide2_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Fantasy mixed with the real modern world. Fairly well written, only a few points to pick with the prophecy aspect as usual.

[jasonwmayfield · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

While I generally enjoyed the Sword of Truth series (though less so as time went on), there were two major problems with The Law of Nines for me:1. The jacket cover and author dedication make repeated reference to this being a "new direction" or "new road," but it simply isn't. Yes, it's set in modern-day America, and yes it has guns and cars and things, but fundamentally the book is a continuation of the Sword of Truth series. The first time I saw the name Rahl and Orden, I thought, can't this guy come up with any new names? Then I realized what was happening -- that this book was a many-centuries-later followup and I was somewhat disappointed. Why advertise this as a new kind of effort when it's not?2. I realize that an author's philosophy/morals/ethics are probably going to influence their writing in one way or another. Many authors are aware of this and take pains to limit this influence or to conciously weave it into the story in a subtle way, to the betterment of the story as a whole. Lately, Goodkind takes great pains to hammer his readers over the head with Randian objectivism spewing from the mouths of all of the good guys.As a thriller, the book is amateurish, and could have used a heavier-handed editor. All in all, glad I got it from the library and didn't have to pay $27.95 for it. Probably the last Goodkind book I'll pick up.

[andy_dimartino · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Kind of a spin-off from the Sword Of Truth series. Wasn't too bad although the fight scenes were a little drawn out and simplistic. Have to see if he takes this anywhere.

[skraft001 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

An enjoyable read with some points in the story where it was easily discernible what was going to happen next. A bit of Clive Cussler / James Bond in the way the Alex and Jax escape the most grim situations, but overall satisfying.

[claudia.anderson · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

good narrator, story somewhat predicatable but entertaining, good from another world comes to our world to find a man who is predicted to save her world and of course they fall in love

[jwmayfield · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

While I generally enjoyed the Sword of Truth series (though less so as time went on), there were two major problems with The Law of Nines for me:1. The jacket cover and author dedication make repeated reference to this being a "new direction" or "new road," but it simply isn't. Yes, it's set in modern-day America, and yes it has guns and cars and things, but fundamentally the book is a continuation of the Sword of Truth series. The first time I saw the name Rahl and Orden, I thought, can't this guy come up with any new names? Then I realized what was happening -- that this book was a many-centuries-later followup and I was somewhat disappointed. Why advertise this as a new kind of effort when it's not?2. I realize that an author's philosophy/morals/ethics are probably going to influence their writing in one way or another. Many authors are aware of this and take pains to limit this influence or to conciously weave it into the story in a subtle way, to the betterment of the story as a whole. Lately, Goodkind takes great pains to hammer his readers over the head with Randian objectivism spewing from the mouths of all of the good guys.As a thriller, the book is amateurish, and could have used a heavier-handed editor. All in all, glad I got it from the library and didn't have to pay $27.95 for it. Probably the last Goodkind book I'll pick up.

[darcy36 · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

I abandoned the book on page 77. The writing was boring and amateurish, with lots of unnecessary detail that did not add to the story. Since I had never read Terry Goodkind before, I wasn't sure if this was typical for him. I went to Amazon to read the reviews. Sure enough, there were lots of loyal Goodkind fans who hated this book. They were full of praise for his Sword of Truth series, so I will probably try that in the future, but don't waste your time on this one!

[__lindsey__ · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Although those who have never read any of Terry Goodkind's work can still easily follow and probably enjoy this book, those who HAVE read the Sword of Truth series will get much more out of it.

[barb_h_1 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Audiobook. The story itself was okay, however it was so repetitive that it became annoying. It seemed like the author had to meet some quota for a word count. There was just far too much rehashing and explaining things that had just happened. It's a problem I noticed happening in the Sword of Truth series as well. This book could have easily been half it's size and far more enjoyable and smooth.

[alclay-1 · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

I was keenly reminded upon finishing this book that I should have remembered my vow to never read Terry Goodkind ever again.

[deathsmistress · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Ive loved Terry Goodkind's Sword of Truth series for a long time and couldn't wait to read this companion novel. Its set in "our" universe with a descendent of the Rahl line.I admit that it wasnt a super great read, but I still liked it.I'd recommend it to someone who wants to see how "our" universe has developed and what happened to he Rahl/Amnell lineage.

[isamoor_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Sep12:Characters: It's no Richard or Kaylan. Maybe more importantly, there's no bad-ass villain. They're okay though.Plot: I totally thought this was a stand-alone novel. It's not. The damn lead's name is Alex Rahl. I was looking for something original.Style: He does keep the adrenaline flowing. For that, I give him an okay score overall.

[kassilem · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I finally got this book. Ever since Goodkind published it I've been meaning to read it. I prefer his Sword of Truth series, but his writing is great and I thought I'd give it a try. This is more of a thriller than an urban fantasy, and while it 'nod's it's head' at Goodkind's Sword of Truth series, it's a great stand alone. Some reviewers said the book had a slow start but I didn't notice. It gave me a chance to get to know Alex Rahl. It was an interesting book. Now I'm back on track for reading anything of Goodkind's. :)

[stefany_6 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I picked this one up on a whim because I had a few dollars left on a gift card and I had never read any Terry Goodkind, although I had heard quite a bit about his books. After reading the blurb on the back, I was intrigued enough to add it to my stack of selections and make my purchases, it then got set aside and I forgot about it for a while.Imagine how thrilled I was when I ran across this book on the shelf one day, started to read it and could not put it down. I don't know how I never read any of Mr. Goodkinds books before this one, but I was immediately hooked. His characters were great and the story moved along beautifully full of action, suspense and mystery. I liked that in this particular novel, Mr. Goodkind mixed the world that we all live in with peril and mystery moving in and out of it from the fantasy world. I found that mix to be quite refreshing and even though it was a bit predictable at points, the rest of the story and the characters just made me want to continue reading even when I had figured certain things out along the way.All in all, a great (mostly) blind purchase that now will cost me many more dollars and enjoyable hours catching up on the rest of the series. I look forward to getting started on Wizard's First Rule soon!

[tinydancer11_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I think that if I hadn't read the Sword of Truth series I would not have liked this book nearly as much. But since I have, I enjoyed it thoroughly. I've missed the Rahl family (some of them) and was glad to stay "connected" to them even through entirely new characters. Although slow at times, the fast-paced parts make up for it.

[ladyjai_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

If you've read Terry Goodkind's Sword of Truth Series, you will be familiar with the premise of this book. At the end of Confessor, Richard Rahl opens a gateway to another world where those without the spark of magic and those who wish to live in a world without magic can live without the continued corruption of Richard's world. Richard's sister decided to join this new world, thus continuing the Rahl line in the new world.In The Law of Nines, we are introduced to Alexander Rahl, an artist. The book's setting is present day Earth, with all the technological advantages we have, without any magic, or so we think. We are thrown into the story when a young, beautiful woman (Jax) "pops" into Alex's life and turns his world, and what he knows of the world, upside down. With Alex's mother locked away in a mental institution, Alex quickly begins to doubt his own sanity. As events unfold and "magic" happens before his eyes, Alex's sanity is no longer questioned and he begins the quest to fulfill the prophecy from another world. Just as The Fellowship of the Order in The Sword of Truth series wanted to eradicate all magic, it seems that history is doomed to repeat itself. A new "order" has formed and is threatening magic once more. It is said that the one named in The Law of Nines prophesy shall save their world, but that man is not of their world. Jax must go and find him. Over the course of a millennia, those who with magic have managed to bridge the void and enter the world without magic. The Law of Nines is a classic conflict of good versus evil, where The Sword of Truth left off, The Law of Nines brings to light the continual history repeats itself issue. Life is a dichotomy and when there is a happy ending, there will always be a sad beginning. History always seems to repeat. And, as with any of Terry Goodkind's books, it is such a slow build up to the action. All of his books I have read seem to start anything really good about midway through the book. This is no different. Another issue I have with this is the name of the heroine of this book (Jax). In the Sword of Truth series, Terry Goodkind embedded the love story of Richard Rahl and Kahlen Amnell. In The Law of Nines, the lineage is kind of odd. I understand that Alexander Rahl is descended from Richard's sister, Jennsen Rahl. But, Jax is supposed to be descended from Kahlen as Jax holds the name Amnell. Unless Kahlen kept the name of Amnell, and thus her children inherited that name...I cannot see how Jax would be descended from Kahlen, more like her father's house...Prince Harold, her half-brother, and thus her Confessor line would be void. But, in The Law of Nines, it is alluded to that Jax is a Confessor, based on the length of her hair and the fact she doesn't let anyone cut it. I love the continuation of the storyline. So, I must overlook the problem. Just as I had to overlook the serious plot issue with Nathal Rahl in The Sword of Truth Series. Maybe this point will be explained deeper in Goodkind's new book, The Omen Machine, where he will continue the Richard and Kahlen story. One can only hope.

[harpua_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This hasn't gotten good reviews from many people. I actually enjoyed this book, but I also enjoyed the entire Sword of Truth series also. I suspect that if you bailed on Sword of Truth without finishing the series, then this book will not be of much interest to you. I suspect that many of the negative reviews are those who aren't familiar with or enjoyed the SoT series. In The Law of Nines however, Terry pulls together his Sword of Truth series and ties it to our modern world. Not his greatest novel by far, but enjoyable just the same and a quick weekend read.

[exvivre · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

This is my first and, I can confidently say, last Terry Goodkind book. This wasn't a novel so much as a script for a mediocre summer fantasy action film. Cue the long-winded, expository monologues posing as dialogue. Cue the never-before-utilized, expert-level weapons proficiency based on training by a conveniently-murdered father figure with a special forces background. Cue the harrowing escape from a towering inferno, during which our protagonist saves innocent lives while risking his own. Cue the jamming 1980s fight prep scene with a trainer, a small gym, and Pat Benatar. Cue the rapid motion final fight sequence that leaves all enemies vanquished, the mystery solved, and promises enduring love.OK, so I'm lying about the gym and Pat Benatar. She would have merited an addition star, and now I actually feel bad associating her with this stinking flop of a book.

[lisamaria_c · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

This book is being billed as a thriller, and starts out as a present-day story, but the fantasy element is hinted at in the early chapters, and eventually it ties into Goodkind's popular fantasy Sword of Truth series.I liked the first six books or so of Goodkind's series. At first I found the characters and the world-building great. But while some authors (Bujold, Pierce) simply get better with successive books, others (Tom Clancy, Mercedes Lackey, LKHamilton) get bloated, self-indulgent, get tired blood. In Goodkind's case his at first appealing hero became the worst Marty Stu I have read in professional fiction, and his world-building, narrative and dialogue got more and more bogged down by Ayn Rand polemic. (He makes no bones about being a devotee if you look on his website.)I'm not going to sneer. Ayn Rand was an early influence, and if these days I don't swear by her by chapter and verse, neither am I someone to think she didn't have some valuable ideas to offer. But especially because I went through my fangirl days, I can see the Randian influence in this book--and it's not to the good. The tie into his fantasy series could have been a chance at a fresh start, but by the third chapter of this book we're right into the heavy-handed Randian polemic on aesthetics--that no abstract art has any value. Mind you, it's not even a view I don't have sympathy with, but the way it is presented through the artist hero and the gallery owner--well, real people don't talk like this. Real enthusiasts of modern art don't talk like the straw man Goodkind creates. And that's a lot of the problem with Goodkind's characters in this book: cardboard. I couldn't make myself read beyond the first ten chapters of the book (although I flipped though some of the rest). Also, Sword of Truth kept me as long as it did because the characters created and developed in the first books: Richard, Kahlan, Zed, Cara among others were characters I liked.Alex and Jax of The Law of Nines though couldn't hold me. They seemed watered down version of Richard and Kahlan, and very, very square-jawed romance aisle versions at that. Alex started annoying me just about from the first when he complains about his girlfriend Bethany texting him all the time. He doesn't like her. He doesn't look at the text messages, but apparently he can't get up the nerve to simply say, "Look, I'm just not that into you." (And man, I just met a blonde Hottie and you're so yesterday).It's a shame. Goodkind is capable of much better, as the first several books in his series proved.

[kmv_7 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

If I were to pick one word to describe this book, it would be "lame." I would expect Sword of Truth fan-fiction to be better than this.

[bezoar44 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

What a dreadful book. Partway through, I became convinced that the title referred to the author's habit of repeating every piece of information nine times, but no, it's just the frequently-referenced but never explained MacGuffin that drives the plot. What's there to dislike about this book? Well, the plot is a paranoid libertarian fantasy; the aesthetic pairs cynical, graphic violence with treacley, starry-eyed romance; and the writing is just plain bad. For example, the male protagonist meets the romantic interest when he yanks her out of the path of a pickup truck that is then pulled over by nearby cops: "As he turned his glare from the men being frisked, he found the woman's gaze fixed on him. Her eyes were the luscious color of his finest sable artist brushes. It was clearly evident to him that behind those sensuous brown eyes she appraised the world around her with an incisive intellect." I suppose it must have been her pain(t)ed expression...The bad writing plays havoc with the story's pacing. Labored exposition, conversations, and trains of thoughts all loop back over themselves as though the author doesn't trust his readers to absorb anything they read once. Often the loops are supposed to happen instantaneously within narrative time, but sometimes days or weeks pass, and the ambiguity creates incoherence. At points, even the characters seem confused -- in conversation, they'll start describing a scene from one point in the plot, and suddenly are recalling details from another as though it were part of the first scene. This is a book well worth skipping.

[sruszala · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

This is one of those books that infuriates me: the writing isn't great, the plot's full of holes, and yet it's so compelling once you let yourself get drawn into it that I read it in a single night. (I feel the same way about Stephanie Meyers.)