Wizard's First Rule

Sword of Truth, Book 1

By: Terry Goodkind

Narrated by: Sam Tsoutsouvas

Length: 34 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's summary

The masterpiece that started Terry Goodkind's 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.

Wizard's First Rule is the beginning. One book. One Rule. Witness the birth of a legend.

Epic edge: listen to more in the Sword of Truth series.

©1994 by Terry Goodkind. (P)2008 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

"Wonderfully creative, seamless, and stirring." ( Kirkus Review)

Excellent fantasy

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

I would - I love the character development which is enhanced by the narration.

What did you like best about this story?

The characters

Which character – as performed by Sam Tsoutsouvas – was your favorite?

Zed and Rachel. He also made the bad guys creepy.

Did Wizard's First Rule inspire you to do anything?

No - LOL - wizards first rule actually does explain why some people follow charismatic leaders, Who in the long run cannot keep their promises to society. It was apropos considering the current election year and the candidates in the United States. The book is quite the Everyman's tale which is why it is such a compelling story with larger-than-life characters.

Any additional comments?

I normally recommend that books not be abridged.. However the authors writing style at times detracts from the story and slows the action down to a crawl. I understand that the author may have been trying to add emotional intensity to the plot, but it was truly unnecessary and I found myself fast forwarding through his tedious explanations for example, Richard emotions. If I had been reading it as a book, I would've skipped many pages to get back to the action. Given that the story is an excellent story, the author's regression into strong emotional outbursts was distracting; the action And the characters were able to stand on their own merit.

Surprisingly enjoyable

Don't usually read this genre but I loved this book! The narrator was also great!

Great start to series

This is a great book, and so far my favorite series that I have read/ listened to. The story draws you into the life and lands of the Middlands. I really felt for the characters and was cheering them on. The narrator gave life and soul the characters. I highly recommend this book.

Almost a five

The story is great, the execution was good. The reader is good. I listened to this while at work and the story was gripping. Overall the book is worth a listen. I liked it better than most.

Wizard's First Rule

Well written and original story! Sam's used his entire varied voice to keep me tuned in to this intriguing story! Well done Terry Goodkind!

Amazing!

One of the best series out there, you can't go wrong with the start of a great adventure!

Much Richer than the TV Series

As a mild fan of the TV series, I gave TWFR a listen, hoping it would provide more insight into a world that seemed fascinating. I wasn't disappointed. It provides a great deal of depth and detail, a rich world that is familiar to those who have watched the series, but much deeper and darker.

Although the prose was straight-forward and an "easy listen," please note that the subject matter can at times be extremely dark, even perverse. It's been a while since I've read a fantasy novel (or listened to one, I suppose) but this one really grabbed me. Especially the final 15 hours or so (second half of the book).

As others have mentioned, well narrated. Recommended.

Loved the narrator, loved most of the book.

I enjoyed this book and would have easily given it 5 stars if I had not had to endure two chapters of literal torture.

Great listen

It's a great listen. A little on the long side for me but that just me. Everything about the story brings you the want for more. I would recommend this to anyone.

one of the best fantasy books I've eve read

I love this book. the story was brilliant although the narrator could have done better the charactervoices kind of Blended together