Customer Reviews

Wizard's First Rule (Sword of Truth, Book 1)

5 star:		(37)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Okay, okay, I understand where some of the previous editorials are comming from, BUT to say the book is stupid, bad, or a rip off from other books is just plain wrong! I will not bore you with a long winded explanation of the book, if you are reading this, you have ether already read the book, or are thinking about buying it ( dont want to spoil it for you). Anyway, the book is a very good read, the storie is entertaining, and I thougth very origonal (at least there were no dwarfs, elves, or trolls). I would recomend this book to anyone that is a lover of fantasy novels. I enjoyed the second book in the series just as well, and am eagerly looking forward to the third.

I purchased this audio book for a family driving trip in thehope that it would give the kids something to do rather than [bug] each other. Not only did we all listen, but we often found ourselves driving considerable distance out of our way simple to continue listening. We have since listened to all of the books and especially enjoyed 2,4 & 5. Still, this was BY FAR the best. The story carries you, the characters are people you'd like to know and the man who narrates gives each a unique character. I highly recommend Wizard's First Rule.

This is by far one of the best fantasy books I have ever read. Goodkind keeps you breathless with anticipation. I simply could not put it down! He rates up there with Piers Anthony, one of the great masters! The entire series is great but this one is best of them all.

I bought this for my husband b/c he enjoyed listening to the Harry Potter's so much. Jim Dale is an awesome narrator. But, Jim Bond is terrible. It's hard to just focus on the story b/c his narrating is so bland. He puts no emotion into the story and no life into the characters. If not for him this audio cd would get 5 stars.

you wont be able to put it down. Its better than Harry Potter or the Lord of the Rings combine. Overall, its awesome. Lots of action, and some interesting and complicated plot...

THis book was awesome. Being the first in the Sword of Truthnovels, I was greatly pleased. He rolls through the book with a non-stop plot. He takes you from beginning to end without a pause, he gives you answers ahead of times, and then leaves clues till you figure it out. My friends loved this book, we were all vying for who got to read it next, for each of us kept rattling on about Richard, Zedd, Kahlan, and Darken Rahl. It was awesome!

There are a lot of negative reviews from people who dislike Terry Goodkind's writing, but this will not be one of them. I am a big fan of the Sword of Truth series, and I recommend this book to anyone who is willing to open their minds to a story that is imaginitive and enthralling. There may be moments that are predictable, but I have yet to read one story in which that is untrue. Even the common favorites of J.R.R. Tolkien, Robert Jordon (who at times blatantly copies Tolkien), David Eddings, etc. have their moments of predictability. And no one is immune to "borrowing" ideas from anyone, not even Tolkien. We can only write what we know, even if in allegory.

Wizard's First Rule is a strong beginning for the Sword of Truth series and one of my favorites (along with #6, Faith of the Fallen). Within all of his stories, Goodkind projects themes that he wishes to write about. His motives for writing are not necessarily to make the most money, but are more to express a message that he feels needs to be thrust out into the world. Everyone writes with his or her own desires--some to sell, and some to teach. Goodkind is a teacher at the heart of the matter and shows this throughout his whole series. You will most enjoy his writing if you are willing to learn. If you're looking for your regular fantasy, there are pleanty of other books on the shelf. If you're looking for a story where women are overpoweringly strong, go read Melanie Rawn's Exiles, the Ruins of Ambrais. If you want quality, open the pages of Goodkind's work and dive into the world he has created.

As for the book itself, it has a diverse cast of invitiing characters. The story is mostly told from the perspective of Richard Cypher, a commoner who has recently suffered the tragic loss of his father. The greatest heros often come from the most humble of places, though, and he is soon thrust into a world-wide conflict involving real magic that he has been a stranger to his whole life. Once he finds himself in the company of a strange, mysterious woman whom he chooses to help out of danger, his life is disrupted with a perilous adventure to protect the world from a maniacal tyrant who seeks to claim dark magic from the underworld itself.

Give it a try. If you don't like it, then you're no worse off than when you started. If you enjoy this book, though, keep reading. The series goes on for what will be 11 books (currently at 9--Chainfire). I have the Dick Hill version of this book on tape and have listened to it twice. I don't typically enjoy Jim Bond's readings, but I haven't heard this one. I recommend reading the story for yourself if it's your first time.

I have never been an avid reader of fantasy novels, yet Goodkind has spellbounded me with his wondorous writing style and magnificent characters. You begin your read with such appreciation for the pace and direction of the story, that putting it down is almost painful. His characters are strong, intelligent yet not above pain and suffering. They are each representative of who we are in so many ways, and who we fantasize to be in our minds. The story itself never stops moving, not for a second. I loved that best of all! Terry does not write this book as a screenplay for Hollywood (as so many authors I find do today) he writes this as a true storyteller. I cannot say enough positive things about this book. Treat yourself by engulfing your mind into a fantastic story of love, hate, strength, weakness, and best of all magic!

Excellent, very original the whole series was Fantastic. Cant wait until the newest book to come out. Narrator did a good job and the story is just awesome!

MY FAVORITE book EVER... At first my favorite book was in the eyes of a dragon by steven king...then someone let me borrow this one and I must say it is the BEST fantasy book ever. If you like fantasy this is a MUST READ. It just amazes me where he gets his imagination from. I have read the whole series and can not wait for the next book to come out.