Jul 8, 2009 Posted by goose on Jul 8, 2009 in Reading | 0 comments

Wizard’s First Rule

Wizard’s First Rule (Sword of Truth, Book 1) by Terry Goodkind

Published by Tor Books, it was released on August 15, 1994 in hardcover and in paperback on July 15, 1997.

At A Glance: In the aftermath of the brutal murder of his father, a mysterious woman, Kahlan Amnell, appears in Richard Cypher’s forest sanctuary seeking help… and more. His world, his very beliefs, are shattered when ancient debts come due with thundering violence.

In a dark age it takes courage to live, and more than mere courage to challenge those who hold dominion, Richard and Kahlan must take up that challenge or become the next victims. Beyond awaits a bewitching land where even the best of their hearts could betray them. Yet, Richard fears nothing so much as what secrets his sword might reveal about his own soul. Falling in love would destroy them – for reasons Richard can’t imagine and Kahlan dare not say.

In their darkest hour, hunted relentlessly, tormented by treachery and loss, Kahlan calls upon Richard to reach beyond his sword – to invoke within himself something more noble. Neither knows that the rules of battle have just changed… or that their time has run out.

This is the beginning. One book. One Rule. Witness the birth of a legend.

What The Goose?: About 9 years ago, I read my first Terry Goodkind “Sword of Truth” novel, and it wasn’t this one. It was actually Faith of the Fallen (Sword of Truth, Book 6).Why? I had a weekly commute of 4-5 hours, and I enjoyed audiobooks. This was the only one I could find at the time, so I decided to snag it. Though much of the story went over my head, it was still enjoyable enough that I had wanted to read the first book for quite some time. And finally, I found the time.

And I wasn’t disappointed.

This was Goodkind’s first novel, and I have to admit to being very impressed with it. The writing was solid and never bored me. I always knew where I was and who was talking. All the characters seemed very real to me, rich in depth, meaning and feeling, with real motivation.

The only bone I could find to really pick at was near the beginning, when Richard first encounters, and falls in love with, Kahlan. Perhaps it was just too late at night for me to be reading, but that was the only part where it seemed contrived. From there on, I enjoyed it. But the immediate love just didn’t do it for me right away. Of course, it could very well be that I just wasn’t getting into Richard’s head yet, either.

This was a solid, enjoyable read that I think anyone who enjoys fantasy should pick up. Yes, this is the first book in a long, long series, but at the same time, it was a book or story all neatly told in one sitting. Hooks have been offered for the sequels, but I don’t feel the reaction of having to grab the next book just to know what happens next.

Thank you, Mr. Goodkind, for opening this world up to the rest of us.

My verdict? This book Really Doesn’t Suck!