• Wizard's First Rule

  • Sword of Truth, Book 1
  • By: Terry Goodkind
  • Narrated by: Sam Tsoutsouvas
  • Length: 34 hrs and 6 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (20,938 ratings)

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Wizard's First Rule  By  cover art

Wizard's First Rule

By: Terry Goodkind
Narrated by: Sam Tsoutsouvas
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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)

What listeners say about Wizard's First Rule

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    14,750
  • 4 Stars
    3,786
  • 3 Stars
    1,319
  • 2 Stars
    562
  • 1 Stars
    521
Performance
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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    12,670
  • 4 Stars
    3,401
  • 3 Stars
    1,169
  • 2 Stars
    354
  • 1 Stars
    285
Story
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    13,029
  • 4 Stars
    2,923
  • 3 Stars
    1,065
  • 2 Stars
    425
  • 1 Stars
    489

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    5 out of 5 stars

Great book and well narrated.

Great book and well narrated. The plot will keep you going to the end! Welcome the seeker into your life.

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great book!

I enjoyed it very much and didn't realize what it was at first. I am a fan of the tv series too

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grade a story telling

this is a wonderfully crafted tale and both the author and narator deserve praise can't wait to do the next one!

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Loved it!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I'm not sure - the first book was great and I was so excited to hear the second but the reader of the second book absolutely ruined it for me. When I saw the reviews that the third had a reader who was even worse, I gave up the series.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Wizard's First Rule?

Little Rachel's escape

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

Sam did a great job with Zeb

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

both

Any additional comments?

I hope the producers of the recorded versions realize how critical the reader is to the story. These are adult listeners. Sam Tsoutsouvas was amazing and set a precedent that none of the subsequent readers could even come close to.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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Loved it.

Absolutely loved it. One of the best stories I have had the pleasure of enjoying since Tolkien. Looking forward to the next in the series!

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Big fan

I’m not going to finish a book very fast but this book keep my attention!

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

A Good Story, Quite Dark Sometimes

I enjoyed the book and story overall but struggled through the darker chapters (don't want to say too much... spoilers). I also could notice similarities to the Lord of the Rings, not necessarily a bad thing though.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Very good Book 1

This was a good listen for a genre that I only dabble in. It placed the hook and I will keep going with the series until it loses me. I didn't agree with one reviewer... I don't need to be overwhelmed with adjectives to be engaged in a story, sometimes less is even better. So I would say if you like this genre and like lighthearted hero/suspense stories this will fit your bill.

Performance wise, I thought it was a little over done but that's just me. The guy scared the "you know" out of me a couple of times when he shouted, made me laugh!

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Great book.

love this story. I've read it before. The narrator did a good job. Highly recommend!!!

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    5 out of 5 stars
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One of my favorite books

Great characters, plot, and setting. The details used help to paint a mental picture of things as they happen in the book.

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