Wizard's First Rule

By Terry Goodkind

Deep in the upper Ven Forest, close to the Boundry, woodsman Richard Cypher is intent on tracking down his father's killers. Richard has no idea of how far his quest will take him from home, nor that his world, his very beliefs, are about to be shattered...

Kahlan Amnell, tormented by treachery and loss, is being hunted, pursued remorselessly by a bloodthirsty tyrant's assassins. A monstrous evil is about to be unleashed upon the world and she knows her one hope of halting it is to find the last great Wizard...

Together, Richard and Kahlan have a destiny that will not be denied, a destiny that will embroil them in a war three-millennia past... a war that is about to re-ignite with world-devouring violence.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Head of Zeus
• Release date: Jul 29, 2015
• ISBN: 9781784971861

Terry Goodkind

Goodkind was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska, where he also attended art school, one of his many interests on the way to becoming a writer. Besides a career in wildlife art, he has been a cabinet maker, violin maker, and he has done restoration work on rare and exotic artifacts from around the world. In 1983 Goodkind moved to the forested mountains he loves. There, in the woods near the ocean, he built the house where he and his wife, Jeri, live, and came at last to tell his own stories.

Reviews for Wizard's First Rule

[jeff123321 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

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.

[tillywern · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

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.

[qarae · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Wizard's First Rule is the first book in Terry Goodkind's series The Sword of Truth. There are currently 11 books in this series which follows a young man, Richard Cypher, on a journey to find out who killed his father. Enemies, friends, and love all find him along his journey. Incredibly well written and a must read for any self respecting fantasy-loving geek.

[danielalgara · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Booooring. Kind of a good idea in its opening pages, but then we get into these plot devices, one upon another and the whole thing just gets boring while you're waiting for something to happen that you didn't see coming. There are pages of things no one can possibly care about.

While I agree with Goodkind philosophically, his representation of anger as a catalyst for heroic acts was to me contrived and a bit far-reaching as a means of power.

I understand the mastery of the anger and the conflict just fine, but it was inconsistent and sort of made me dislike the hero as not a mere character with flaws to resolve, but as one that lacked the fortitude and genius to master anything with his own 'inner' strength.

Ultimately, I just thought it was boring and full of trite devices that forced the story along unnaturally instead of it coming alive through story and character definition.

In my opinion a good yarn is present when one never thinks of the technicality of a story while one IS READING IT.

[pabkins · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved at least the first 4 books of this series - hence why I give the first few 5 stars. I was sucked right in. However, after that I started to feel the plot lines were getting a bit repetitive. How many times can someone need rescuing? All in all I still enjoyed them and maybe I might even consider picking it up again to finish off the series - but only if I found them in a second hand shop.

[daniel5estes · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Recently I discovered this quote from writer and literary critic Jorge Luis Borges:“If you like the book, fine; if you don’t, don’t read it. The idea of compulsory reading is absurd; it’s only worthwhile to speak of compulsory happiness. I believe that poetry is something one feels. If you don’t feel poetry, if you have no sense of beauty, if a story doesn’t make you want to know what happened next, then the author has not written for you. Put it aside. Literature is rich enough to offer you some other author worthy of your attention — or one today unworthy of your attention whom you will read tomorrow.”Terry Goodkind is a talented writer—I started reading Wizard's First Rule based on a recommendation—but to put it simply, this story is not for me. Neither is much of fantasy for that matter. It's taken me a long time to realize this. There are exceptions of course, but I've plodded through too many multi-hundred page novels before making peace with the above sentiment expressed by Mr. Borges.

[janemarieprice · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I was a bit nervous going into this book because I know there are so many sequels and it is so large. Towards the end I did feel it was stretched out but the plot wrapped up nicely and I feel one could read this as a stand alone as well as getting pulled into the world and continuing with it.

[joseph_scifres-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

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.

[patentnonsense · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

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.

[crackberrybooks · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Fantastic, I loved every page :) Proper old fashioned fun fantasy, wizards..dragons..magic swords, the works. There’s a brilliant kind of minimalism to the way Goodkind writes, compared to say Jordan it’s bliss to read, fast paced and no faffing. He also doesn’t mince about with a thousand subplots, which for my personal taste is a breath of fresh air. No messing! The characters are engaging, the plot is sound, and on the whole it’s a thoroughly entertaining read. I can’t fault it to be honest with you.

[amajor_17 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

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!

[chris_el-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Frankly I was surprised by the number of people that either hated or loved this book. Not to many people in the middle.

I do have to say as draw backs that the bad guys are usually very much so evil. Definitely some wrenching torture in parts.

I thought the story was diverting and there was enough originality to keep me interested. The first book sets the main characters.

I personally happen to like the ethics of personal responsibility and freedom the author clearly champions. I realize it scares people to allow great freedom because then you also have the opportunity for great transgression. But that is what God allows is it not?

[micalhut · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

the writing is okay at best, the story is contrived . . . and I couldn't put it down. Whatever. I drink too much coffee too knowing it's bad for me.

[cuviper · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I have mixed feelings about Wizard's First Rule. The writing lacks a degree of subtlety, leaving little room for the reader to draw their own conclusions, and sometimes changing directions in a jarring way. And yet, there's still enough story there that I did enjoy it.If you're looking for something amazing, this isn't it. But as a casual read, it does just fine. And while I will check out more of this series, I don't feel rushed to do so.

[karlstar_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

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.

[michael_rose-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This series was introduced to me by a then girlfriend (my first serious one). My review applies to all of his books that I've read.His stories are engaging enough, so that's not an issue. They are extremely pornographic in their depictions of sex, rape, torture, and war...if that's your thing. It's just the fantasy element has been attached. They're also very masturbatory (or "autoerotic", if you prefer) when it comes to all things Ayn Rand ("objectivism"). One book in particular (I forget which one) was decidedly anti-democracy in its ethos. There was also the author's justifications for the slaughter of innocent people (because, in his eyes, they're not innocent, even if they're non-combatants). I enjoyed the books well enough as a high schooler, though I've since grown up (and grown beyond them, though I still enjoy the fantasy genre).

[dbhutch_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I've read this several times before, and am going thru the series once again, mixed in with other books. I've heard many things about Goodkind's writings, often relating to his political interests and/or motivations. While I don't deny they are a part of him, and therefore a part of his writing, I tend to look at this from a more basic level.To me, Goodkind writes along the lines of Stephen King. Incredible details. Depth of characters and settings, as well as breadth for the grand tale to evolve. Goodkind is one of those authors that can grab your imagination, and pull it into the pages, taking you easily to that world in his mind and words.The 1st of 11 books, Wizard's First Rule introduces us to Richard, a simple woods guide, knowing nothing of magic and power, and thrusts him into a conflict where he ends up protecting the world. He meets Kahlan, and assists her, saving her from a possible death, and she becomes one of his centers or cores of himself, falling in love with her, and determined to keep the world safe for her and her love, that for most of the book, he belives he cannot have.from lifelong friends, to new ones, strange lands, power hungry people, and terrifying magic, he treks across the world as he knows it to kill a man, not with his raw strength, or power so to speak, but with his wits, and reason.Which is one of the things I truly love about Goodkind's epic. its not abot power, speed, might, or magic, even though they all are part of it, but all of it boild down to the power of common sense, and doing what is right.

[radaghast_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A compelling start to Goodkind's epic series. This is a new take on the genre and it shows in Goodkind's unique writing and storytelling. Goodkind has tried to paint this as allegory rather than fantasy, but it's undeniable that fantasy fans will be the most appreciative audience. A lot has been made of the connection between this series and Objectivism. As someone who sees Objectivism as a foolish ideology, I can promise you that in the first few installments at least, you will find little if any hint of the deeper allegory Goodkind is reaching for.

[meggie_3 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

This book was recommended to me by a friend who also read a number of fantasy novels. Though the basic plot was fairly interesting, I was disappointed by how closely this particular book resembles The Lord of the Rings - not only was The Hero's Journey an obvious inspiration, but nearly all aspects of the characterization and plot seemed to be lifted directly from Tolkien, and hasn't prompted a re-read for me. This novel would be better for younger readers who haven't yet been introduced to the full spectrum of the Lord of the Rings, or for readers who don't mind a "Tolkien-lite" version of the same story. The sequels which followed were only marginally more interesting; after about three books, it simply failed to hold interest. A decent attempt, but overall uninspiring.

[the_ram_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It catches you and won't let you go. A pageturner. The first is definantly the best in the series. After that the books lose some their originality and far to much pages are used for irrelevant conversation explaining the different beliefs of the characters in detail. Also, in the rest of the series most of the characters are either 'dark' or 'white', but there are not many 'greys'.

[marybeth494 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

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".

[clstaff · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

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.

[weelinda · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book is one of a whole series amazing book and the books to follow only get better as you read them you are drawn in to the story and the roller coaster ride of a life time begins and you will love ever page you read my thanks to the wonderful author Terry Goodkind & it was a pleasure to read all the Sword of Truth series with that said happy reading to all with love from wee me. xxxxx

[oracleofdoom · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I had fun with this book, but I've begun to have an increasing distaste for this author's arrogance and his using these books as a vehicle to express his objectivist beliefs. I regret having ever given him any of my money.

[wealhtheowwylfing · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A really fantastic beginning to a very long series. Richard is a simple woodsman who just wants to live in peace, but when a woman in distress crashes into his life he's forced to use all his skills to survive. I loved the clash of cultures and assumptions that ensue between Richard and Kahlan, and I love the growing respect between them. Richard's crash-course in how the outer world works is a great read; it's informative without being an infodump, and tells as much about Richard's character as it does Kahlan's country. This is a true adventure story.

[booksfordinner · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

 Enjoyed this book, but the whole BDSM vibe was a little heavy for me. Fun, but not enough to read more.

[jenreidreads · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A very entertaining book. I've probably read better fantasy, but isn't entertainment the main thing we want from this genre? Goodkind delivers, and I will be reading the rest of this series.

[tstarnes-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I want to start off by saying I did actually enjoy reading this book, although the following review might make you think otherwise. Yes, this book does have some things going against it but in spite all of those I enjoyed my time reading it and that is all that really matters. I rated this book a 4 out of 5 purely on my emotional connection to it, and I do recognize the large number of fantasy readers who feel the structural and technical problems with the book can’t be overlooked. To them I say this book was still a fun read even if it is not perfect.For starters you can’t help but like Richard. He is sort of an uber-every man, which seems like a contradiction in terms but Goodkind somehow pulls that off. I found it easy to sympathize with him and I was in his corner from day one. Some of his supporting cast also really pulls this book out for me. Zed is entirely lovable and the relationship between chase and his kids really hit me as a parent. Unfortunately not all the characters reach these levels. The villains are so ridiculously evil that it stretches the bounds of believability. It seems unlikely they would have been able to reach the lofty heights that they did in the story. Also the love story is incredibly weak and juvenile. Richard and Khalan go from just meeting to being totally in love after spending hardly any time together. It is quite possibly the least convincing and moving love story of all time. My shear apathy at how this part of the book plays made me generally dislike Khalan overall as a character, which isn’t 100% fair as she does have some enjoyable moments outside of their childishly written love story.That is the main problem with this book. The writing is fairly childish. I don’t mean technically how it is written, although it will not win any awards for its prose, but instead the structure, plot, and overall tone of the book. Much of the plot is highly formulaic and derivative of other well-known fantasy titles. Very little of this book feels fresh and original. The world building seems very shallow and when they explain the past and how things came to be the way they are, the events either come off as poorly sketched out, uninteresting, or just bad. The journey itself also makes little sense. The characters make intuitive leaps that seem more author ex machine then clever plotting. The twists are telegraphed a mile away and are generally uninteresting when they do show up. The pacing is pretty solid, I will give that to Goodkind, and the book doesn’t really drag at any point.Like I said at the beginning this review may sound like I did not like the book, which isn’t true. The characters of Richard and Zed really worked for me and every time they were “on screen”, which was pretty much the entire book, they were enough to keep me reading. Goodkind managed a weird feat in that he wrote I book I did not like but still enjoyed reading it. Not a situation I would have thought possible.

[eilantha_le_fay · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I’m still to find out why loads of people don’t like Terry Goodkin. I really liked this book. It’s full of adventures and magic and loveable characters who always get in trouble but always get out of it. It’s a happy book with a “to be continued” happy ending.It never gets boring, there’s always something happening for sure. I guess that’s what makes 820 pages fly by. Richard, Kahlan and Zedd joined my imaginary friends so quickly and I think I’ll never forget them.

[nesum_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Terry Goodkind would become one of my favorite authors, but I must admit that I found much of this first book dull. There were too many similarities to Robert Jordan’s WHEEL OF TIME books, and the conversations went on several pages longer than I thought they should have. At the same time, Goodkind sprinkles his plots with moments of startling originality and intelligence. One such moment is the solution to the Confessor problem. How can Richard be with Kahlan when the very nature of her magic would make him a mindless slave? Goodkind creates a plausible and interesting solution to this problem and several others. It was that originality that caused me to continue with the series, and I’m glad I did. The problems with his writing worked themselves out in time, but that wit has remained.