Wizard's First Rule: Sword of Truth series
by Terry Goodkind
Published by Tor Books
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Reviewed by Kaitlin Burkard
Terry Goodkind's Sword of Truth novels may leave their readers with mixed feelings. They feature an original cast of characters in a complex and fascinating world, but the sheer length of the series drags it down.
Richard Cypher is a humble and unassuming woodsguide in a quiet, rural town. Kahlan Amnell, Mother Confessor of the Midlands, is on a desperate mission to save her world from a powerful evil sorcerer. Neither could have guessed their chance meeting would change the course of history; nor could they have foreseen the potent love that would bind them for eternity, sweeping them to the darkest corners of their world....
In this novel, Goodkind displays his talent for creating well-rounded characters. His dialogue is witty and entertaining, and the magical world he introduces to his readers is full of interesting creatures that are all his own invention.
However, there are a few drawbacks to the series. Though the first novel begins innocently, later the author inserts an unprecedented level of violence. Most disturbing is his penchant for having his female characters sexually molested in one form or another.
Also, the series stretches on for an incredible length. Currently there are eight published Sword of Truth novels, each 800-1000 pages, as well as several spin-offs. I read to the fourth novel, and then quit the series because the books are repetitive. It seems like the author recycles the same plot for each novel. Each book also suffers from a lack of closure; like a bad soap opera, the drama never ends.
However, if any readers are sick and tired of prissy elves, surly dwarves, and other stereotypical fantasy conventions, this series may be right for you. I recommend the first novel of the Sword of Truth series.
Armchair Interviews says: Readers should feel free to pretend its sequels do not exist--they will find nothing in them that they cannot find in Wizard's First Rule.