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)

slow

it was good, but it was very slow. I actually liked the TV show better.

One of the best!

I read this when I was in high school, and coming back to it more than ten years later it still is as good! Terry is a master of his craft. I look forward to finishing the journey this time!

Not for the faint of heart.

Very well written and so well performed, but be prepared for a lot of violence.

Finally! Someone that knows how to write a good book!

I have listened to some of the most disappointing and disturbing books written! I have attempted to find a writer that writes with finesse and I have actually found one!

Thank you Terry Goodkind for a wonderfully written piece of literature that I call a master piece!

loved the narrator!

loved it! great book and narator reminded me of what i though each character sounded like when id read the book in the past

First in a long series, Adult content later, GREAT

WARNING: This is book one in a long series. Do not start this book in earnest if you are anything like me and MUST know how it ends unless your willing to put some time into it. I believe he's over 20 books with this run, and Goodkind enjoys 1,000+ pages in his books...

I must say though this is on my top 5 series list. The characters are amazing and feel organic. He is lacking the character that is on the parties side that you hate, a despised trope for me. I actually got very upset when I discovered (when I began reading it) that the series wasn't finished yet! Should have checked first I know, impatient I know, but true. The story was so engaging I didn't want to stop.

Another warning. This is NOT a series for children, or even young adults in my opinion. This book (book 1) isn't terrible for younger people, but as the series progresses subject matter does tend to include things like torture (a good amount actually), rape, dark magic rituals, etc... none of it is done in a disgusting or gratuitous way, but it can be graphic. It's fitting with the story, an essential part of several characters.

A great read as a complete series, for those with the time and stomach for it.

I would not recommend reading this series out of order.

One of the best storylines out there!

I cannot recommend this book or series enough. I have read the books a while ago and loved it. I have never did an audio book and wanted to try it out. I was very surprised at how much I enjoyed listening to one of my favorite stories!

Good story

Be aware there is strong sexual content at times - dominatrix behaviors, child molestation is inferred, rape, and gross acts of violence.

Overall the story is great missis these parts which skipped over.

Fantastic Reader!

Favorite book series of all time and this narrator was incredible! I am very sad he doesn't read the next book...

Terry knows how grip you emotionally.

It's been a long time since I became so emotionally involved in a book. He knows how to gently caress you into caring about the characters and what happens to them.

His world becomes your world, and all their joys, triumphs, sad moments and fears, become yours. There are times when your hand will fly to your mouth in shock, but there are also times of real happiness and joy and love.