Sample
  • 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 (21,174 ratings)

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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
    14,924
  • 4 Stars
    3,815
  • 3 Stars
    1,335
  • 2 Stars
    570
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    530
Performance
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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    12,839
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    3,423
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    1,189
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    360
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Story
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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    13,202
  • 4 Stars
    2,943
  • 3 Stars
    1,077
  • 2 Stars
    433
  • 1 Stars
    497

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Amazing

This is the third time I am reading this series and it is better each time. I actually planned on just skimming through it but found that I couldn't make myself push the fast forward button. I'm not a fan of in depth descriptions since I like to form my own pictures in my mind, but Mr. Goodkind does it so well that I am enthralled. His characters are incredible and I love the way he builds each one and gives them backgrounds to make them feel so real. I also love the way he deals with the politics of the different lands and how the people behave in each realm. I would definitely recommend reading the entire series. As for some of the comments about the terrible writing here...I don't get it...IMHO it is outstanding. I don't even like this genre, but The Sword of Truth series found it's way to my CD player a few years ago from the library and I've been hooked ever since.

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18 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Engaging story but the author

Spent such a long and detailed amount of time on sadistic torture that it became tedious, overwhelming and annoying at one very long stretch. I don’t mind some violence but when it is overdone to the point of becoming gratuitous, one wonders about the subconscious of the author.

Excellent narration. Strong female character appreciated.

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11 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

More sexual fantasy than anything else

The book devolved into a “bondage fan fiction”, for a good percentage of the book. Really just a jumble of fantasy themes melded together, with sadistic bad guys thrown in for effect. Moving on to a different series.

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7 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

love the book, not the narrator

the only thing I didnt like about this book is that the narrator made all the voices sound the same

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Very Good

This series is very very good. Keeps you attention and you can "see" the story in you mind.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Begin the adventure!

Follow Richard as he becomes the true SEEKER and discovers the power of truth and loyalty in this adventure into magic and magical lands.
His humble life unfolds with each character, those he has known his entire life and those new to him. Secrets in every pocket and strength of character will keep you entranced!

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Truly timeless

Goodkinds story was breathtaking and far far better version than that of the show and the narrator brought the fantasy masterpiece to life!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

awesome

very well done in so many aspects, don't miss out on this well woven web

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Highly recommend!

Woah what a great book. At first I didn’t like the narrators performance and almost stopped listening, but I am so glad I did. This was my first audible book and I really loved it and paid for the audible membership just so I could keep reading this series. It has magic, adventure, and a great storyline. I looked forward to having free time to listen rather then watch a tv show.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Very good!

If you like a story of wizards and dragons and other creatures of the night, you don’t want to miss this one! The hardest part was trying to find a stopping point so you can catch a couple hours of sleep! Superbly written and read!

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