The Sword of Truth, Boxed Set I, Books 1-3: Wizard's First Rule, Blood of the Fold ,Stone of Tears [BOX SET] (Paperback)

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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Wonderfully creative, seamless, and stirring."--Kirkus Reviews on Wizard's First Rule

Product Description

The Sword of Truth, Boxed Set I, Books 1-3
Wizard's First Rule, Stone of Tears, and Blood of the Fold

Book 1: Wizards First Rule
The masterpiece that started The New York Times bestselling epic Sword of Truth

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.

Book 2: Stone of Tears
An Epic of Awesome Power

Kahlan has at last gained the one goal she had always thought was beyond her grasp ... love. Against all odds, the ancient bonds of secret oaths, and the dark talents of men long dead, Richard has won her heart.

Amid sudden and disastrous events, Richard's life is called due to satisfy those treacherous oaths. To save his life, Kahlan must forsake Richard's love and cast him into the chains of slavery, knowing there could be no sin worse than such a betrayal.

Richard is determined to unlock the secrets bound in the magic of ancient oaths and to again be free. Kahlan, alone with the terrible truth of what she has done, must set about altering the course of a world thrown into war. But even that may be easier than ever winning back the heart of the only man she will ever love.

Book 3: Blood of the Fold
An Epic of Two Worlds

In a world as rich and real as our own, Richard Rahl and Kahlan Amnell stand against the ancient forces which besiege the New World-- forces so terrible that when last they threatened, they could only be withstood by sealing off the Old World from whence they came. Now the barrier has been breached, and the New World is again beset by their evil power.

War and treachery plague the world, and only Richard and Kahlan can save it from an armageddon of unimaginable savagery and destruction.

Terry Goodkind, author of the brilliant bestsellers Wizard's First Rule and Stone of Tears, has created his most masterful epic yet, a sumptuous feast of magic and excitement replete with the wonders of his unique fantasy vision.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 2480 pages
• Publisher: Tor Books; Reprint edition (November 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0812575601
• ISBN-13: 978-0812575606
• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 5.7 x 4.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (83 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #371 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

42 of 45 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best start to any Fantasy series of the past 30 years EASY..., May 8, 2006

By	Jeff Edwards "RadioJeff" (Twin Falls, Idaho) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

I discovered Fantasy early on when I was about 12 or 13 when a friend of mine introduced me to The Sword of Shannara by Terry Brooks. I have been hopelessly addicted ever since. Unfortunately, even though it very well may be my favorite genre I have been unable to find very many authors who wrote with the *Style* that just clicked with me the proper way. Tolkien was one, and on a whim, I bought Wizard's First Rule some 8 years ago or so and I was captivated from very nearly the first page and I've been hooked ever since.

Now this series has grown and even though some have accused Goodkind of suffering a little 'Jordanitis' when they believed the storyline didn't advance as far as hoped (and I admit that I have wondered this myself after reading 'Soul of the Fire' and 'Pillars of Creation') -- but when all is said and done, Goodkind has done what Robert Jordan has either refused to do, or simply cannot do: come back with utterly captivating stories. Since this boxed set contains the first three books in the series, I should limit my comments to them specifically, so here goes...

I cannot find fault with a single page of all three of these books. I just can't. I admit that after finishing 'Blood of the Fold' the first time, I was a bit disappointed -- although I cannot recall why these many years later I did. All I can say about it is I went ahead and re-read it about 4 years ago and simply couldn't figure out why I hadn't loved every page the first time around. Maybe because it was much shorter than the first two...but suffice it to say that this series contains a great deal of controversy regarding the plotting and it would seem that you either love it or you don't. Most who have finished the first three books however and dislike some of the novels that followed agree that the absolute best came first. I don't think that Goodkind has been able to equal his first outing with WFR -- in MY opinion he has come close a few times, most notably with 'Stone of Tears', 'Faith of the Fallen' and most recently with 'Chainfire' but again, that is just my opinion. If you take any time to read the individual reviews of the 'Sword of Truth' series you will discover a hotly debated group of books that some have dearly loved, and some associate with pure drivel. But if I could leave you with anything, if you haven't read any of the books just yet, give them a try and judge for YOURSELF and not because you believed any one person's review over another...because you know what they say about opinions don't you? Read what YOU like...I personally love the series, but YOUR opinion may vary. Good luck!

26 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful, Just Wonderful., January 18, 2007

By	S. Mortimer (Canada) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I have had a few friends recommend this series to me when I was younger, but I shrugged it off, as I wasn't a huge fantasy-genre fan. I found Tolkein (Lord of the Rings & Hobbit) a bit tedious, taking too long to get anything said, even being... a little boring sometimes. I tried to read Robert Jordan's book (1st one in the 'Wheel of Time' series), but ran into the same problems, just compounded: A whole lot a weird fantasy names and places, all thrown at you at the beginning. This almost alienated me, making it hard to get into the storyline (one of the main reasons I'm not a huge fantasy fan).

When I started reading the first book, it began wonderfully with one character, named Richard (that was easy to remember!), who knows as much as the reader does about the world. As you read, you immerse yourself in the world with him, learning and discovering this fantastic world of magic, adventure, romance, etc.

I've read all ten now, and as the last three or four came out, I re-read all of them to refresh myself. That's right, RE-READ. This was the first book(s) I've ever re-read, and if you can believe it, they were just as good (in some places much better) the second and third time around.

The first three were flawless. If you want some books that are perfect for the rainy day (with some tea), the day off (also with tea), or the summer afternoon (with iced-tea), these books were the most enjoyable I have ever read. I recommend it to anyone and everyone. (note: some sections not appropriate for readers under 13-14)

The only downside is that there will only be 11 books.

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellently written.. but not 'for all ages', October 24, 2005

By	Some Dude - See all my reviews

I thoroughly enjoyed each and every one of these books and would recommend them to any ADULT. But, while these books show many of life's most estimable traits, there remains a darker vision. The books mirror a stark reality which, in my opinion, seem too vivid for younger minds. Between the bloodshed and villainy there also lie scenes of rape and sado-masochism. While not EXPLICIT, I would not allow my nephew of ten years to read it until he's much more matured. Just my two cents, enjoy the books.