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
Wonderful review, Miranda. Wizards First Rule was a wonderful start to this great series by Terry. So many characters are still to come, but WFR gave us Richard, Kahlan and Zedd. Three of the most magnificent characters that are still with us in The Omen Machine. Speaking of which, Goodkind is work on TOM #2 now.
I am ecstatic to know this Ms. Barb. I know some SoT fans were disappointed with Omen Machine, because of the difference of Terry’s style. But personally, I needed something fresh. After fifteen years of reading his work, I needed Terry to show me he could write a book where Richard and Kahlan were not fighting some force attempting to drag them apart. I needed to know he could write a book where they weren’t seperated AGAIN.
After the Chainfire trilogy which ended the Sword of Truth storyarc, they deserved some time to just BE, while he builds the next premise for this world. I loved all of our favorite characters working together in Omen Machine. And again, The ending of the latest installment, in classic TG fashion–was phenomenal. I personally cannot wait to see where we are taken next.
Miranda, great job. Looking forward to taking this journey and reading Terry Goodkind’s books. I could see Richard relaxing in the forest looking into the sky and I could see Kahlan running in her flowing white gown. All I can say is WOW! looking forward to more.
Excellent analysis ‘Miranda’ …..your love of the series and Richard shines through with your review.
Thanks Sandy! Just keep in mind when I keep rambling on and on and ON about Richard for thirteen days straight…..this marathon was Ms. Barb’s idea! LoL
Great review Miranda… I so loved this book… loved how they all came together to begin their journey. I spent a lot of time arguing with #1 bro that this was a better series than Wheel of Time… I still think I am right.
I never read the Wheel of Time by Jordan. However, I can’t imaging a better male and female character in fantasy better then Richard & Kahlan. We are only starting with WFR, but what they go through in the next 10 books or so is amazing, and there love always remains strong. Great super characters.
I had this argument with my own brother Mary Ann. *laughing* Not about Wheel of Time, but about his favorite series written by RA Salvatore. Took me forever to convince him to read SoT. To this day he will not admit that SoT is the best Fantasy series we have discovered…but he will admit it is equal in greatness to his favorite. 🙂
My bro won’t admit it either, but he will put down his “favorite” for a copy of SOT…:D
Miranda that was beautiful. I have to say WFR has to be one of my favorites. The grasp of everything in the story just pulls you in so deep you almost can’t breath until the book ends.
I have a question what is your favorite part in this book ?
great question, so many great parts, I would have to think about it. What is yours, while we wait for Miranda to answer
I love Scarlet! Goodkind has a unique gift for bringing to life unusual characters.
I loved Scarlett, but after meeting Gratch, my heart went elsewhere. lol
Actually there were many great parts as I said, finding out that Zedd was the first wizard, meeting Shota, whom i did not like until almost the end of the series, Denna redeeming herself somewhat, and Richard tricking Lord Rahl to open the box of orden in the wrong order. But again, it was the start of the relationship between Richard and Kahlan that made it so great.
Denna…..wretched woman. She does redeem herself a tiny bit, but that part in the book was the hardest I ever had to read. I almost quit reading the book during that part. Lol, I’m a wimp! Fantasy is not my normal genre to read, so that part was tough for me.
LOL true, but it gave us a chance to learn torture after Denna, since each book gave us more and more.
but this comes later, I loved loved Cara
I have to agree with you Barb, so many wonderful moments, but I too held a special place in my heart for Gratch. He always made me smile when he was in a scene. I also loved Scarlet, but my fav part in the book is watching Richard and Kahlan begin to build their bond and relationship that takes us through the series. Mr. Goodkind did a wonderful job with those two characters, even though there were times I wanted to throw my book out the window for the obstacles he kept putting in their path.
Thank you very much Crowgoddess. My favorite moment of the book is certainly difficult to call. I was so taken with each and every moment.
If I had to choose I would have to say Richard’s staggering intelligence in the end. Without spoiling anything for those whom have not read….the way he uses Wizard’s first Rule….the way he comes to the realization about his impossible love for Kahlan….the entire culmination of the end left me literally breathless.
Mind blowing endings are signature Goodkind…..but seriously, the end of WFR lives on as one of my favorites of the entire series. Great question!
What a great way to start the Terry Goodkind marathon!! Bravo on your review, your love of this book comes shining through.
Wonderful review Miranda, your love of this book really shines through. I have to say this book did start it all for the series, but will always hold a special place in my heart. I really enjoyed it and fell in love with Richard, Kahlan and Zedd. Three amazing characters ever in literature IMO.
I’m sorry for responding so late. I had to do a few things. So as to say with out giving much away. When Richard and Denna have that thing it is so captivating. You just want to scream, cry and just take care of it yourself. I kept asking myself why oh why but i knew in the end something good would come out of it. I hope that dosn’t give to much away there is more i would say but that would just take all the intensity of the story away.
But in the end just the book it’s self is just in awe.
I say that with all my heart because this is the first book I truly read all the way through I have a hard time reading so i never got into it I was 22 when I first read this and i haven’t stopped reading his books since then.
frankly you can say all you want. Most people who will follow this, should already have read SOT. They can read the review, but the comments should not have to be spoiler free, as most people want to express themselves 🙂 go ahead, we want to know.
Ill move ahead. I hated Denna. What she did to Richard, but when she somewhat redeemed herself, you knew she had to step beyond her training to do so.
As we will see, the mord-sith were brainwashed to be what they were, until Richard changed them.
I would have to agree Crowgoddess. The scenes of Denna torturing Richard in an attempt to break him, so that Darken Rahl may learn the knowledge inside of his head–can only be described as horrifically captivating. Like a terrible accident, I wanted to look away, but couldnt. I had to know how it all ended.
What makes the suffering showcased in this book bearable, is what comes after. I have to say how incredibly profound it was in that moment when Richard was reciting the words to the book of counted shadows….when he spoke the word Confessor, and remembered Kahlan’s name. I had chills when the door to his partitioned mind swung open. Seriously, Goodkind’s imagination is unlike an other author in literary history in my opinion.
I detested Denna, but at the same time, began to feel sad for her, and through Richard’s eyes, I was able to understand that she was MADE into the monster she had become. It was never her choice. Not going to lie, I had tears in my eyes when Richard turned the blade of the Sword of Truth white….
Great review Miranda
I have to say you put your whole heart into this review and i can almost see why you love this series . Now i’m sorry to say that i have yet to read any of Terry Goodkinds books .But i have put him on my list ,I have found that there is always a great chance that i too will love these people as you do . I believe it was Sandy who talked me into reading J.R.Wards The Back Dagger Brotherhood and right now i am half way through Lover MIne and i soooooooooo Love love these men and can’t wait to get to the next book , I find with any new series i start and enjoy the playing catch up is the greatest and learning all the ins and out of each story .So with that said i am so looking forward to reading this novel that has ment so much to you .So thank you for your great review
Thank you Lori. As with any great work in literature, this is a series that is driven forward by its characters. Not simply location and plot as we have seen with other highly popular work in fantasy. As far as I am cocerned, and any who has read this series would agree, Terry Goodkind’s characterization is unmatched, and unsurpassed.
I have no doubt you would love these characters as I do. Not simply Richard and Kahlan, although this series revolves around them–but there are so many fantastic, multi-faceted, fleshed out side characters that could rival any lead role in books. As Barb mentions above WFR gives us three of the most magnificent characters in literature, but later we meet who I consider the most complex female character ever.
Cara. The sole person in Richard’s life who NEVER betrays him, no matter what she must endure. Love her. Cannot express how much. She and Zedd are certainly much of the comic relief of this series. You cannot imagine her attitude. Her irreverence. Her fierce loyalty, and sheer one minded focus of protecting Richard no matter what is going on around them. What is so comical about this you ask? Well, for one, Richard is perhaps the most bad a$$ powerful hero in literature. The man does NOT need protection from anyone. And to Cara’s way of thinking, no one can protect Richard better than she. Cara is his shadow. heehee
I cannot wait for Ms. Barb’s Stone of Tears review. We will discuss another phenomenal side character in this series. Chandelen of the Mud People. *sigh* So many great characters Lori. I hope you come to love this series as much as I have.
Well you have talked me into it with this much passion i figured it had to be more then just a name on my long list of Author to get to,But like all good thing we have to wait i just checked my library and they did’nt have this one but i will take it in and i’m sure they will get it from a out of town library, I’m looking forward to reading Wizard’s First Rule .
Great review Miranda!! I’ve never read this author, but I do believe he has to be added to my TBR!!!!!! Sounds like you really really like this series!!!
Wonderful review, Miranda. I have not read this series, as I have never tried Fantasy. But your review was so heartfelt, I think perhaps I should look into giving this book a try. Though it does make me leery about torture in these books, not to mention they are very big books.
Miranda, all I can say is WOW! Your description of SOT was great. I could visualize everything. Looking forward to beginning this journey.
Barb, great idea on this marathon. I’ll have to go to Terry Goodkind’s website and check everything out.
I love this book. Great review!
great review, miranda. I read this book and i enjoyed it. but i am not a big fantasy reader and the books were big. i am not a fast reader, but one day i should go back.
Thank you ladies. I adore the entire series, but I have my absolute favorites. WFR is one of them. Clearly. LoL. I am glad so many enjoyed my review. I was quite nervous writing it….I have never attempted to review GoodKind’s work, although I could discuss them with people for days.
Miranda I really enjoyed your review on this series. I read the SOT series much by accident. It all happen when I walked into a thrift shop and picked up these big big books for a co-worker, I think WFR was over 1000 pages in paperback. I haven’t been read for over twenty years. I just started reading again and thought well I’ve read Steve King and he writes fantasy. But he’s from Maine where I live by the way. But that was really my only fantasy reading in the past and thought maybe I’ll see what’s up with this book. Hooked and from there I have read the who series plus the law of nines.
The three main characters and the dept of what they go through just keeps you going and interested. I also like Cara very much and the part about Denea and what she puts Richard through was not hard but to me very painful I could actually feel the pain.
Again thanks for the great review!!
A little trivia the books were written while Terry was living in Maine
Boothy, thanks for filling us in how you started with SOT. Once you get through the first book, you will never look back. Interesting about Terry living in Maine at that time.
Thank you so much Boothy. I enjoy discussing these books so much with other people whom love them as much as I do. I was honored when asked to provide a review for the marathon by TRC. 🙂
Please be sure to check out Ms. Barb’s fantastic reviews on each of the other works of this series! We love hearing the thoughts of others.