Tonight we come to the end of our 13 Night Sword of Truth Marathon. It has been a glorious ride down memory lane, as we started with Miranda’s review of where it all began…Wizard’s First Rule. Now we end once again with Miranda’s review on Terry Goodkind’s newest release…..The First Confessor. Thank you to the wonderful Terry Goodkind for this maginificent series.
The First Confessor by Terry Goodkind
I was more than intrigued when Terry Goodkind posted that cryptic message on his twitter feed, upon The Omen Machine reaching number 1 on the NYT bestselling list….“every Legend starts with another, and every hero…has a Mother.” Speculation ran wild instantly. Would this novel be about Richard’s mother–the mysterious, and vaguely mentioned daughter of Zeddicus Zu’l Zorrander? Would this be about Kahlan’s mother? A glimpse into the future, with a story about Richard and Kahlan’s child? The predictions went on and on….I could not help but wonder myself what grand tale Terry would tell us this time. When asked, the only guess that came to my mind, was the very first Mother Confessor ever. I was actually surprised upon learning I had guessed accurately, because trying to predict the nature of a story from Terry, is like trying to predict precisely where lightning will strike.
The First Confessor: The Legend of Magda Searus…I must first advise that readers who are newly embarking on the journey of the Sword of Truth series–should NOT read this novel beforehand–even though Terry meant this as a prequel. Why? For me, there were far too many moments that would be HUGE spoilers prior to the navigation of Sword of Truth. The two things that are most prominent in my mind, is the “Key” to controlling the power of Orden–which plays such a vital role. Also, the unveiling of the main purpose to the Sword of Truth upon its creation–an element that we truly did not fathom until the very last novel of the series; Confessor.
Fans of the Sword of Truth series, will LOVE this book….However, I was truly baffled by Terry’s statement that new readers of the series would have a more “enriched” experience by having the ability to read this novel beforehand. To me, new readers will have two vital twists ruined by this novel, before they could even begin to try and discover these secrets for themselves. And so, as someone who immensely enjoys hearing the thoughts of people newly reading this series, attempting to process all the twists and turns of this harrowing journey, I felt compelled to issue this warning. Those who have finished the story arc of SoT, like myself, will feel beyond fascinated, and stand in utter awe of this author.
Terry Goodkind is one of those rare authors, who does not simply show us extraordinary magic, wholly original weaponry, and uniquely gifted people….but who goes the next step further, to write a novel showcasing the conception of these things. Describing how they came into existence in such brilliant, vivid detail, that one can almost believe these things could be found in reality. One of my favorites, is the moment when Magda first met Merritt. She notices a Sword laying across a piece of red velvet fabric…and the breath caught in my throat, as I knew it HAD to be the Sword of Truth. Also, when Magda felt compelled to cross the room, when she witnesses the majesty and beauty of the blade, the wire woven into the hilt….when she wraps her fingers around it in wonder, and feels the word TRUTH pressing into her palm. What a breathtaking mental image, for a long time fan like myself.
In addition, and in classic TG fashion, readers are awarded with two very strong, larger than life main characters, and a highly original, multi-layered, interesting plotline. I have read some reviewers stating that essentially; Magda is Kahlan, and Merritt is Richard…that these characters are not special, or unique in any way. I find myself wondering if they read the same book as I have. This is similar to how I felt during Law of Nines, having great trouble thinking of Alex as Richard in my head, and thinking of Jax as Kahlan–but for me, the soul, and personalities of Magda and Merritt had no trouble shining through. I found in Magda’ the mettle, backbone, conviction, and unbreakable will required to follow a heroine such as Kahlan Amnell. I found in Merritt; the compassion, integrity, honor, and high level of intelligence–required of a male protagonist–to follow a hero that is the caliber of Richard Rahl.
While I cannot claim this truly at par with my favorites of the Sword of Truth series, I am astounded, and utterly blown away with the lore, and history packed within this novel. Minus the two very long winded chatting scenes that nearly put me to sleep, I enjoyed every moment spent reading this finely constructed tale. I am looking greatly forward to the continuation of Magda and Merritt’s story, and cannot help but wonder if they will be the mysterious couple that Zedd briefly mentions in Wizard’s First Rule…when Kahlan and Richard question him on the subject of any others in history, figuring out “how” to love a Confessor.
Bravo Terry Goodkind, and thank you for this true “love letter” to your numerous fans.
Reviewed by Miranda
