Tag Archives: Terry Goodkind

Naked Empire by Terry Goodkind – a Review

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We continue our Sword of Truth 13 Night Marathon, with Naked Empire, which is the 8th book in this series.

 

Naked Empire by Terry Goodkind – a Review

I went into reading Naked Empire, knowing this from all kinds of feedback I had heard that this could be the worst of the series.  But surprisingly to me, I found this not to be the worst.  It was not Goodkind’s best by far, but not the worst.  I have mixed emotions on this book, some good and some bad, which I will note below.  My personal opinion is I liked Naked Empire better then Soul of the Fire, and Pillars of Creation.   At the end I will explain why I feel this way. 

The beginning of this book was slow picking up pretty much right after the Pillars of Creation, as it was in actuality sort of a continuation.  For a good part of the beginning of the book, Richard spent too much time explaining to Jennson his political views, and other repetitious stuff, such as the propaganda, speeches on freedom, especially to the Bandakar men.  This book had the possibility of being excellent, as the earlier ones, had this not been overdone.

But there were some good parts I really enjoyed. I loved spending the entire book with Richard, Kahlan, and Cara, especially after almost nothing in Pillars.  Loved spending more time with Zedd (though not good for Zedd and Adie).  Thought Zedd’s rescue was super, seeing Chase, Rachel, then Rikka and Captain Zimmer, each come on their own to rescue them.  That was fun. Nice to see Nathan again, even if it was for a short period.  Enjoyed Richard finally breaking through to the people and get them to help him fight the enemy.  Owen, Anson and the Bandakar men were good characters, and it is an excellent storyline that you do need to recognize & not blind yourself to evil, or you will lose in the end to that same evil.

Nicholas the Slide, was hideous, but an excellent villain.  I do not like Jagang, and look forward to the end when Jagang the Just, gets his justice from Richard & Kahlan.

Ok, why did I rate this book better then either Soul of the Fire or the Pillars of Creation.  Though it was not my favorite book, due the repetitious political speeches, it was a relaxing read. I did not like Soul of the Fire, hated the people of Anderith, and hated what they did to Kahlan.  Though nice to meet Jennson in Pillars, and some of the story was ok, I missed the main ingredient of SOT, Richard and Kahlan. In Naked Empire, there were many parts I found enjoyable, and interesting.  The end was very good; trying to find the antidote, winning the fight against the imperial order with the men of Bandakar, Richard finding the truth and learning to use his gift,  rescuing Kahlan, and the killing of Nicholas was exciting.  But most of all, I guess I am totally obsessed with Richard, Kahlan and Cara.  Just seeing them, spending almost the whole book with them, and reading nothing that stressed me out, made me rate this book higher then the other two.  

What did you think?

Reviewed by Barb

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The Pillars of Creation by Terry Goodkind – a Review

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We continue our Sword of Truth 13 Night Marathon. Tonight in our 7th night, the book we will discuss is ………The Pillars of Creation.

The Pillars of Creation by Terry Goodkind – a Review

The Pillars of Creation by Terry Goodkind, is the 7th book in his wonderful Sword of Truth series.  I have mixed feelings about this book.  So here we go.

The beginning of the book wasn’t bad, as we got to know Jennsen, as well as meet her mother.  Sebastian at the beginning seemed a nice guy, though I am always suspicious of nice strangers early on.  Early on you knew he belonged to Jagang, so no mystery there.  The voice Jennsen kept hearing, we knew it was not Richard and once we found out that Sebastian worked for Jagang, we then knew the Keeper was back. 

The story began to drag for me 1/3 into the book, as they traveled, hid, then Sebastian gets arrested, and Jennsen makes a trip in the swamp (where no one goes) to see Althea.  The only interesting part was the snake, when she talked to it and he let her go; then later he saves her.  Cool    Hated when Oba killed the snake.  (mind you I hate snakes). 

I liked Althea, but it was confusing at times when she tried to explain to Jennsen.  I did like Tom, and was happy she ended up with him at the end.  The part with her rescuing Sebastian was totally unrealistic.  Back to Jennsen in a minute.

As for Oba, couldn’t stand him.  Did not even like him as a villain, he was too crazy, killed anyone he came into contact with and was totally over the top.  Sure his mother was bad, and she made him the madman that he became later, when he thought he would rule the world.  Of course, it was the Keeper who gave him even more power.  Oba got his just due at the end.

Back to Jennsen, during the middle, I didn’t like her a bit, because she jumped to conclusion that Richard was the voice, and let her self be totally trusting of a total stranger, did not try to find out who Richard Rahl really was, and was willing to kill him with such fierce passion.

As much as I was not crazy about part of the book, I did very much enjoy the end.  A lot of excitement, Zedd and Adie were great, and Jennsen, though suspicious something was wrong, was stupid. Lol.   But the end was great, and I was happy to see Richard and Kahlan again.  This is what made this book not great.  Waiting til the end to see them both, and just when you see them, we lose Kahlan right away. But it all ended well, and I did enjoy the end, liked Jennsen better, and look forward to her being part of Richard’s family.  Cara was funny when she said another Rahl she had to watch. 

I will continue my journey with Richard & Kahlan by reviewing Naked Empire next.  Feel free to tell us your thoughts on the many negative reviews on The Pillars of Creation…did you agree or disagree? We really do want to hear your thoughts.

Reviewed by Barb

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Faith of the Fallen by Terry Goodkind – a Review

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We continue our Sword of Truth 13 Night Marathon. In our 6th night, we bring you what many consider the best book of the entire series……Faith of the Fallen

Faith of the Fallen by Terry Goodkind – a Review


Faith of the Fallen …..I loved this book.  What a difference from the last book (Soul of the Fire).  I loved almost everything about this book.  It was great right from the beginning, with Richard & Cara taking care of Kahlan, helping to bring her back to health.  The camaraderie of the three of them was super to see, and fun to watch them force Kahlan to fight back.  It was different from earlier books, enjoyable, relaxing, and fun (even when the men earlier came after them & Cara rescued Kahlan.  It was precious to be able to spend time with them. 

Then came Nicci, as Death’s Mistress.  As much as I did not like her, she made a good villain.  But later during their traveling to the Old World, she was not as interesting, and more annoying.  This part of the story was actually dull to a point.  At least until Richard began working with Victor and Ishtag (sp?), then it got better, and I liked the people, who became his friends including Kamil.

The best part of the book (other then the ending), belonged to Kahlan, Cara, Zedd and the others, as they fought one battle after another against the Imperial Order. 

Some of those scenes were awesome & memorable.  Loved them.

  • Kahlan & Cara working so good together, especially when they grabbed hold on each other as Kahlan jumped to Cara’s horse.
  • Kahlan & Verna with the disbursing of the glass.  Then them hugging later, when the enemy began to fall apart from that.
  • Warren & Verna – the wedding (so upset that he died).
  • Zedd finally breaking through to Kahlan, and her letting her emotions through. 
  • Kahlan pushing Cara with Benjamin- Cute.
  • The betrayal of her sister and brother was a nice twist.  The four gifted ones (one of whom killed Kahlan’s brother) and her response to them was great.
  • Gadi getting his due first from Verna, then from Cara for the punishment dealt by Verna
  • Though not during the battle, Kahlan’s fury at Ann was well done. Though we don’t know if there was any truth to that theory.  But Kahlan’s anger at that time was justified.

The storyline at the end was very exciting.  The statue theme was excellent. The wonderful message hits home…”Your Life is Yours Alone…Rise up and Live it”.  It was great to see all the people helping Richard. Of course it was Nicci, who started that by unveiling the statue to Victor & Ishtag, that led to others coming at night to see it.   Nicci’s revelation was surprising and good. But then all the people looking at the statue of Life had the same reaction, as Richard effected them all.  However, Nicci was already beginning to change, and where she fits in later books will interesting, as she now recognizes Kahlan as Richard’s true love and she is now “Just Nicci”. 

Loved the ending, Richard almost letting Kahlan kill him, Richard fighting Brother Narev (couldn’t stand him),Cara saving Nicci to save Richard, and all the people helping tear things down.  Funny scene with Victor not believing he was indeed the real Richard Rahl.

What I loved the most about this book, even with so many people dying throughout, Goodkind played it straight, and we did not have to witness a torture of either Richard or Kahlan, or any of our favorites.  We heard about them, but did not have to witness it.  Warren’s death was sad, and was not necessary.  It did nothing to change the story….this was a waste.   But overall this is one of the best books of this series.  I thoroughly enjoyed it. Bravo Terry Goodkind for this fantastic return to awesomeness.

So many people picked this book as their favorite, do you agree?

Reviewed by Barb

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Soul of the Fire by Terry Goodkind – a Review

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We are now on our 5th night of our Sword of Truth 13 Night Marathon. Let us begin with the next book in the series…..Soul of the Fire.

 

Soul of the Fire by Terry Goodkind – a Review

I enjoyed Soul of the Fire, but in my opinion I thought that this was the worst of the first 5 books of Sword of Truth.  There were some good parts, some boring parts and some exciting parts.  The beginning and probably much of the middle was a little slow.  But the beginning was nice to see Richard & Kahlan together, seeing the mud people, Cara, Zedd, Ann, Chandelan, the Bird man.  The chicken not a chicken was a bit silly, but you got the point about the chimes being loose.  I understand why Zedd & Ann lied to them, but are we ever going to have them work together.   They constantly say Richard knows nothing, but Richard is more powerful then any of them, and he didn’t even need the Sword of Truth in the end. 

When they left the mud people, even if that was a bit slow, I thought it went more downhill after that.  Too slow for them to finally agree to go to Anderith. For whatever reason, especially in this book, Richard and Kahlan seemed to be disagreeing too much.

Goodkind is great with bringing in new characters, but in this book I thought there was too many new characters, and none of them were likeable.  At first I liked Fitch, but ended up not liking him later. The scene with Fitch getting the Sword so easily, it was dumb, and having Cara chase him all the way back to Anderith was a bit unrealistic. I was happy in a way that he was killed.  Beata was the only one I really liked throughout. In fact, would love to see her character come back again, more with Cara to learn. Du Chailen was an extra add on, to me though she was ok throughout and helped Kahlan at the end, but it served no real purpose. 

I felt too much time was spent on these secondary characters, which actually became the main story.  I know Goodkind was trying to show social backgrounds, the prejudices, as well as the evil leaders.   Cranboor (both husband and wife) were bad, Dalton turned out to be one of the most baffling characters.  At times he seemed nice, other times he showed no remorse to kill innocent people, so that he could get ahead.  He truly was shocked at Franca’s death, turned into a hero (for a moment) when he scalped & killed Stein, and gave Richard his Sword back.  But redeeming him was stupid, because he was the one who caused the deaths, helped Cranboor advance, and had them try to kill Kahlan. Another part I felt was unnecessary…Kahlan being pregnant, then losing it.  What was the point???

I thought Zedd’s part as the raven was pretty good.  He tried to get clues to Richard, and did try to help Franca. Even his horse was cute. Ann’s part with the sisters was boring to me, and also not necessary, except to show one of the sisters finally going back to the light.  I enjoyed the ending, with Richard coming through without power or his sword. Overall, though I liked many parts, I was bored in too many parts, and did not enjoy reading so much about these unlikable characters. The end with Kahlan was so depressing…a real downer.  I did like the chime theme, but thought Terry could have done more with it.

What are your thoughts? We really do want to know.

Reviewed by Barb

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Temple of the Winds by Terry Goodkind – a Review

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We begin the 4th night of our Sword of Truth 13 Night Marathon. Tonight’s post is Temple of the Winds.

Temple of the Winds by Terry Goodkind – a Review

Temple of the Winds is Terry Goodkind’s 4th Sword of Truth book.  I absolutely loved Temple of the Winds.  What made this great was that it got my attention from the beginning, which I enjoyed and continued to move forward at a rapid pace, and a humdinger of an ending. I do have to note, for those who have not read this series, there are some spoilers in this review.  So if you don’t want to know, then do not read further.

I adored the beginning with Richard, Kahlan and the mord-sith girls.  I loved how he was able to soften them up with feeding the chipmunks..cute.  I loved their interaction with their sister of the agiel, Kahlan.  I have come to love Cara, as one of the strongest female characters that I have read.  In this case, Bravo to Goodkind for making such strong female leads as Kahlan, Cara, Berdine (I really like her), Raina, and even Denna (who I did not like early on).

I did not like Nadine, nor Drefan.   I knew she was a bitch.  On that same thought, I knew early on that he was bad.  I knew when Drefan violated Cara while she was out of it, that he was another villain under the disguise of being Richard’s nice guy brother. Kahlan sensed that early, but never let herself look deeply at the real Drefan.  

The plague was a good story, but I thought it was too long, with some new unnecessary characters. I guess the point was to show the devastation and grief.  I loved Nathan, and Zedd as usual.  Ann was ok, at times irritating.  Verna too was ok, not as good as in previous.  I really liked Shota in this book, and was happy Kahlan and her made peace..for now.  But all, including Zedd have come realize the awesome power of Richard.

Now we come to Richard and Kahlan once again being torn apart.   It is one thing when Goodkind separates them over and over again.  But to force them to marry another, then have them “consummate their marriage’ immediately was a fiasco. To make Kahlan who loved Richard more then life itself..do what she did and have Richard (& fans doubt her)… I felt bad for her, as she fought her horror with her soul the first time thinking it was Drefan….she was out of her mind, thinking all was lost forever & let her screwed up emotions rule her behavior.  Cara doing the switch..somehow, somewhere there should have been a warning…just me venting. Fortunately it wasn’t Drefan, so we can be happy about that. 

The ending was intense, exciting, totally awesome.  Though I hated the part where Drefan became the Lord Rahl. Again was thrilled when Nadine was killed after hearing her laugh and giggle thinking she was having sex with Richard.  Glad Deena helped again to push Richard back, and also Richard hopefully finally eliminating Darken Rahl, and nice touch for Raina to be the light to help Richard gain his strength to fight Drefan.  Kahlan suffering, yet doing everything she could to help her sister Cara.  At the end, Drefan was the main villain here, a certified madman. His torture of Cara with the rats, his stabbing Kahlan…and finally Richard….our magnificent Richard coming to his full power…healing Cara with what little strength he had …then though he had nothing left…healing the love of this life, Kahlan.  Then using his power to bring himself to full strength….killing the hated Drefan with raw power was great. 

I adored the ending…seeing Zedd, Shota coming to wish them luck and warn them; seeing the mud people (Chandelan, the Bird Man); finally to see them get married.   Also funny to ignore Zedd telling them that the mud people want their spirit house back..lol Cara making sure to close the door and push him away.  Classic…. Great book, great ending.

Tell us your own thoughts of Temple of the Winds.

Reviewed by Barb

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Blood of the Fold by Terry Goodkind – a Review

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This is the third night of our Sword of Truth 13 night Marathon.  Tonight we review the third book in this series…..Blood of the Fold.

 

Blood of the Fold by Terry Goodkind – a Review

Terry Goodkind’s Blood of the Fold, was a great book, as I liked this book as much as the first two.  I did feel though that the first half of this book was a little slow, and I wasn’t thrilled to have to wait until almost half of the book to see Kahlan again.  Not to mention I could not stand Tobias, and too much time in this book was devoted him and his sister.   I didn’t like either of them.  Tobias had his own power, used his sister, but he was bad, not even a good bad villain.  Glad he is dead. 

I do not like Jagang, but he fits in with all the other horrible villains that Terry Goodkind’s imagination runs wild with.  I did not like the Sisters of the Dark, but at least they are worthy villains, but when you feel sorry for a villain (who isn’t much better), then something is wrong.  I was actually close to being happy when they (sisters) got those men on the boat at the end. Lol Jagang is pathetic, and I know we will see him again. I do not look forward to what will happen in the future to Kahlan. 

But there were some great parts in the first half. I did like the part about Verna, it explains a lot.  I do like her as a character. It was a little confusing at first with Ann and Nathan, but this with Zedd added will lead I guess to Temple Of The Winds.  However, I think Ann is totally misguided about that stupid collar, at least Verna knows better.

The best part of the first half was the mord-sith girls.  Loved their interaction with Richard, it was great.  Loved Gratch, as he met the others in Richard’s life.  Of course needless to say, loved everything about Richard.  The way he deals with people, his compassion, his strength, his power that even he doesn’t realize how strong he is, his love for Kahlan, his love and friendship for Gratch. 

But as much as I did not like some parts in the first half, I loved almost everything in the second half.  Very well done.  In this I give Goodkind a lot of credit.  The second half was very exciting, emotional, intense and finally ended up with Kahlan and Richard together. 

One of the best parts of the book was the part with Berdine.  It was awesome, and very emotional that he was able to bring her back.  To get all three of these girls crying says something for Richard’s compassion. 

The interaction between the girls and Kahlan at the end was hysterical. Loved it.  Berdine especially with her “being his favorite, spending the nights, his holding her breast”  very funny and Kahlan’s response about Raina was great.  Loved the part where Kahlan had a bolt put on the door to keep them out. 

The battle at the Palace, the escape for Verna, and later Kahlan was super.  Then Richard to the rescue to destroy the Palace.  Then back in D’Hara to help the soldiers fighting the mriswith.  Richard & Kahlan fighting together, then Gratch to the rescue was a great way to end.  The book is left open, with Zedd and Ann looking for Nathan. Jagang is still there to be a horrible villain.  The Sisters of the Dark are still there. 

So as the first half had some things I did not like, the second half more then made up for it.  It made me love the book overall.   I absolutely love Richard & Kahlan.  Although this is not a love story, it is their story.  And without it, you have nothing.  Goodkind should have them fight and be together, rather then apart, more often.  But I know that is not the case in the future books.

Reviewed by Barb

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Stone of Tears by Terry Goodkind – a Review

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Moving to Night #2 of our Sword of Truth 13 night Marathon.  We will review the second novel of the series…..Stone of Tears.

 

Stone of Tears by Terry Goodkind – a Review

I loved Stone of Tears, loved the fact that I was able to continue to the next book without waiting, as most of you have had to do.   Being able to do this, makes you even more obsessed with the characters, if you become attached to them, like I have. Many of you have told me how you become obsessed with the characters that Terry Goodkind has created.  They were so right….Richard & Kahlan, are wonderful characters that I will get to enjoy for awhile longer. Perhaps even the best characters I will ever meet.

The book starts from the beginning with intense excitement with the escape of the screeling, and Zedd and the others trying to escape.  As always , Goodkind brings in many new secondary characters, which this book had quite a lot of.  Some great, some interesting, some others …were just added parts to the story.  However, I wasn’t crazy that we had to wait so long (chapter 6) to see Kahlan and Richard again.  Chandalen turns out to be a great secondary character and watching him and Kahlan get close at the end was great.  The time with the mud people was a bit slow, as you kept waiting for them to finally get together, which of course never happens.  But it did bring in the Sisters of the Light (Dark), and Verna.  By the time they reached the Palace, maybe even a bit before, I started to like Verna.  I knew she was good, though a bit too stern in her belief, which later changes. 

So quickly things changed to separate Richard and Kahlan again.  The part with Deena was good, as she did redeem herself to save Richard from Darken Rahl & the Keeper.  But it was so sad what Kahlan had to do to save Richard’s life.  That indeed was an emotional part of the book, changing the entire storyline.  But poor Richard & Kahlan, once again they are torn apart. 

Kahlan is fantastic, what a great female character.  Teaching the young men how to fight a war, the power she has within (which I am sure will grow even more powerful later on), her bravado at such trying times, simply amazes me.   When she makes the men and herself whitewash themselves and go nude was a classic trick.  Lol  bravo to her, not only to go naked as the lone women, but to think of something like that.  It was pretty scary, when they dragged her off the horse, and thankfully Orsk became one of hers to protect her (he was a funny character with his ax).  Also the scene earlier, when the young men brought their former friend to her (after they killed the others), and she forced him to tell them that he would have betrayed them, was also classic, as the soldiers saw her power, and realized how she saved them.  They became totally loyal to her then.  Prindin was a surprise, though I saw he wanted her throughout and should have expected he would turn.  Good points in this story, but still not as good as Richard’s.  Well at least until they came to Kahlan’s home and the council.  That was exciting, but a bit of a turnoff , the way they treated her, the guy (forgot his name) standing on the bed urinating (was this necessary lol), sending her to the pits, the horror, the wizard who did that to her.  Awful part, and perhaps in those days, that may be the way things were (when men like this thought little of women), but it was depressing.  Just when she gets away, Zedd betrays her (I know he lost his memory, and didn’t know her) to have her brought back to be beheaded.  Of course, we knew nothing will happen to Kahlan, she has a lot more books to go, not to mention one of the main characters. lol  Why didn’t they just have her escape, why go through that.  I guess to make Richard originally think she died.

On to Richard and the Sisters of the Light.  I thought the trip to the Palace was a bit too long, many unnecessary parts.  However, I loved seeing Richard meet Gratch.  Loved how they both played, & loved each other.  And how Gratch followed Richard to the Palace.  Lol Great character, even better then Scarlett, whom we did not see too much, but nice to see again later on.  Things got better, after they got to the Palace.  I thought despite my dislike of the sisters of the light, this was a very good storyline.  You knew he would discover things about his power, and what he was meant to do.  You knew about the sisters of the dark, and waited for them to come out.  The best parts of course was Gratch, and the most emotional when he forced himself to say goodbye to Gratch, to save his life.  I felt so bad, and hated Pasha and the sisters when they went to kill him.  Verna coming to tell him to save Gratch, was the final thing that made me like her even more.  But at the same time, this was the moment, I kept waiting for, when Richard realizes that Kahlan did love him.  She did to him, what he did to Gratch to save his life.  Great scenes. 

The time element (time moves slowly and hundreds of years would go by) was an excellent addition to the Sisters story.  It was great to watch Richard grow more powerful, believe in himself,  then to escape and get back to home and to try and save Kahlan.  Bringing Scarlett to fly him was great, Verna’s comments of him finding strange pets was hysterical.  His grief to find out that Kahlan was beheaded was sad, and Kahlan’s belief that Richard was lost for 300 years was also sad.  But I thought it was a nice touch for Denna to be the one to bring them together finally.   The only beef I have with that, is I would have preferred them together in their world, not elsewhere, where they still have to travel to meet up. 

I loved, loved Richard meeting up with Gratch again, and how he tells Gratch that he can stay with him and Kahlan, and she will love him too.  Great scene. 

Some parts I wasn’t crazy about were the torture scenes, that throughout the story tended to be extreme.  I also understand, but do not like the total separation, instead of short periods, of Richard and Kahlan being apart. I know this is not a romance, but without their love for one another, this story would not be as powerful as it is.  This is Richard & Kahlan’s story.  However, all said and done, I loved Stone of Tears.

Reviewed by Barb

 

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Wizard’s First Rule by Terry Goodkind – a Review

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This is the first night of our Sword of Truth 13 night Marathon.  We will begin where it all started…..Wizard’s First Rule.

 

Wizard’s First Rule by Terry Goodkind – a Review

In honor of the great Terry Goodkind, I will for the very first time, attempt a review of the book that began a journey so vast, that it changed the way I would read forever. Wizard’s First Rule. The harrowing first installment of the phenomenal Sword of Truth series. I would like to warn any who read this, that I could never find words adequate enough to express the immense joy this series has brought me throughout the fifteen years I have been reading them.

SoT represents far more than fantastic literature for me. Like many others whom have been lucky enough to discover this fine work, this series literally changed my life. Furthermore, it changed my entire outlook on the gift we are all given OF life, and showcases the inner core of strength we all possess, to live in any way, or means we deem as right.

Not only is this series one of the most innovative Fantasy Epic’s ever written…one that will live on generation upon generation, but it is also a work to inspire the heart, stir the senses, and invigorate the soul. If you have been on the fence as to whether or not you would enjoy a novel written of the Fantasy Genre….know that this is a wholly original series unlike anything you have read, or will ever read again. A rare work of literature that transcends genres flawlessly. With that, I will begin…..

If I was ever asked to name the most amazing single book I have ever read. The one novel, in my long repertoire that I will never forget as long as I live, no matter the number of books I complete….I would name Wizard’s First Rule. To this day, even the very first line of this superb novel stays with me, as I somehow knew I was embarking on a journey unlike any other I have experienced.

It is in this moment we meet a woods guide named Richard Cypher, whom lives in a place called Westland. A land without fantastical creatures, or magic. At first glance, you begin to ask yourself, if you are truly reading a fantasy, because Richard’s underwhelming World mirrors our own. In addition, Richard Cypher is as normal as any man you could meet in reality. He has lived a quiet, rustic life with his family. He is infallibly polite, kindhearted, compassionate, considerate, and hardworking. This is a man who would never tell an untruth. A man who could never conceptualize the darkness of evil, or thirst for power–because this is a man who would never even contemplate bringing harm unto another.

Richard Cypher, although by all appearances is not special, or gifted…is the type of hero little girls dream about, and hope to earn the love of upon becoming a woman. This is a type of hero boys idolize, and wish to emulate when becoming a man. As you may have guessed, readers learn more about Richard Cypher with every page we turn. With every book we complete, Richard transforms, and becomes MORE. Yet somehow, as we watch our hero grow, discovering his many strengths, abilities, and gifts, as we watch him change….so too does he somehow…stay exactly the same.

With a finesse few authors could achieve, this hero who is oft times honed in blood, darkness, and shadow–retains the innate goodness of heart, and purity of soul of which we were first introduced in the form of a simple woods guide. Richard is one of those rare characters in literature whom is incorruptible. Yet so too is he flawed, relatable, and REAL. His capacity for love, forgiveness, and understanding never wavers, no matter the horrors he suffers, or the betrayals he receives.

I told myself I would remain unbiased, and unemotional in my depictions of this phenomenal hero in literature….but if it was not already obvious, I will just come out and admit it. Richard Cypher is my most favorite male in all of fiction. None who preceded him could rival his greatness, and none to come, could ever take his place in my heart.

Once again I will reiterate that I can not express accurately with words, the talent of Terry Goodkind. Readers do not just see the world of Sword of Truth, learning its secrets through Richard’s eyes…but the meticulous attention to detail, and vividly bright descriptions, take us on the journey ourselves, walking alongside Richard.

A moment that will forever stay within my head–a brilliant, crystal clear mental image–is the moment when Richard is lounging in the woods early on in the book. Through the trees, glittering amongst the bright rays of sunshine, he glimpses flashes of white. This is a moment with which the reader almost feels as if time slows down, as Richard comes to the realization that the flashes of white is produced by a lone woman, fleeing four heavily armed men, chasing her through the woods. This is the moment that turns Richard’s world upside down, and changes his destiny forever.

Which brings me to our heroine. This is not a series with which a reviewer can offer many spoilers without ruining this incredible journey for others, so I cannot offer much information on the female lead. I will say she is from a place called the Midlands. The polar opposite of the land form which our hero comes from. A place ripe with powerful magic, fantastical beings, and brimming with the ambition of evil. A place where weaponry is forged from much more than steal. A place where darkness rubs elbows with light…and of which is beyond Richard wildest dreams…and nightmares.

In this moment that the lone woman is glimpsed in her flight through the trees, Richard makes the split second decision to offer the strange woman aid. Using his tracking skills as a woods guide to make up ground and reach the men before they can inflict bodily harm. He gives chase. This is the moment when our hero and heroine first meet. Enter Kahlan Amnell, our mystery woman. Dressed in strange attire, a simple, yet symbolic white dress, with fabric that flows with her every movement. A woman whom meets Richard’s eyes with a piercing green stare that is alive with staggering intelligence. One of which peers into his very soul, steeling his breath, and stirring something long hidden within him. No compulsion, no judgment, just a quiet regalness that urges Richard to make the decision to act, or to walk away….

Like her male counterpart, Kahlan Amnell for me, remains the most finely constructed female lead in fiction. This is a woman who will never compromise in what she believes is right and just. A woman who is dedicated to safeguarding the lives of the innocent. A woman whom never wavers in the pursuit of Truth. Possessing limitless integrity, and an unbreakable will. This is a woman whom is feared by the people she exists to protect, and of whom has never known the feel of a simple touch in kindness from another. A woman whom has never known friendship….and sadly….will never know love.

Wizard’s First Rule begins the journey of the Seeker of Truth, and the Mother Confessor. A journey entailing a yin yang of literature, equal parts light, and equal parts shadow. A journey that will address the classic question as to which entity is truly more powerful than the other. Showcasing a true testament to the strength of the human spirit. A literary gauntlet that will test the limits of any reader. Filled with laughing out loud humor, heart wrenching emotion, and unimaginable suffering. You will cry with these characters whom will steal your heart forever. You will hurt with them when they suffer. You will cheer with each triumph earned, and you will be left breathless with each thrilling end.

In closing, I cant promise this series will be easy read….but I can promise that it will be worth every hour spent doing so.

Reviewed by Miranda

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