Rating: 
Summary: First, to all the little Jordanites out there.
Review: Get over it. The sun does not rise and set on the Wheel of Time series. To accuse Goodkind of ripping off Jordan is ridiculous in light of all the parallels that can be drawn between Jordan's work and that of Tolkien and various stories based on Arthurian legend. People that hold this opinion obviously aren't very well versed in fantasy literature; the fantasy genre did not begin with the WoT. Any similiarities that can be drawn between Goodkind and Jordan result from them having the same influences. In fact, Goodkind borrows much less from Tolkien than Jordan does and his work overall is more original. Now that I got THAT off my chest, on with the review...Wizard's First Rule is good stuff, though not without it's problems. The primary problem is Goodkind's prose. It's admittedly clumsy at times. But I also have to say, that this is strangely refreshing. WFR was Goodkind's first novel. He'd never written anything prior to it, so I'd say for a first time author, he really did one heck of a job. And his passion for his characters really shows through. I really get the sense that he cares about the people he's created. This makes me really care about them. Goodkind is one of the few authors who can rip a tear from me, and that's saying a lot. There were a couple of times when I first read this book that my lower lip was quivering. That's not something easily accomplished with me. Another problem - and this is more of an issue with the series as a whole - is that Goodkind's world isn't too well thought out. He seems to be making a lot of it up as he goes along. Obviously he didn't put too much work into the world's history and backstory. But this is a forgivable flaw as The Sword of Truth series is a much more character driven series than, say, the ever overrated Wheel of Time. Goodkind is more concerned with taking us on an emotional journey than giving us a million little details about how magic works. Goodkind can also get a little too descriptive when describing many of the violent acts in the book. While this does a good job of making the reader feel the horror of the situation, I feel he goes a little overboard at times. I don't need to know exactly how many pieces of bone and brain are flying through the air and what they sound like when they hit the ground. Another issue is that good and evil are by and large divided along very black and white lines. But this is one of the reasons I read fantasy. We live in a world that can be so nasty at times that it's nice to escape into world where there are truely noble characters. If you're looking for a more realistic experience, George RR Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series comes HIGHLY recommended. So while the book is far from perfect, it gets four stars from me because rarely has a book been able to rip this much raw emotion from me. Goodkind might not be the most technically proficient writer out there, but he really nows how to connect with a reader emotionally. And that's really what it's all about isn't it? If you care more about tiny little technical details and debating what would happen if you opened one gateway under another, then go jump on the Wheel of Time band wagon with all of Jordan's flat, horribly written cast of characters.
Rating: 
Summary: above and beyond
Review: Wizards First Rule is one of better fantasy books I have ever read. First the characters are unique and quite inventive along with exceptional dialoge and emotions. You will find yourself feeling for the characters in a way that most books don't.The plot though long is quite enthralling to the point were you will find it hard to put it down. This book is a great representation of the genre and a must have for any fantasy reader reader.
Rating:
Summary: It was great but...I am glad it is in the ADULT section!
Review: I have recently made the leap from young adult to adult reading and, I am glad that some of my friends haven't read this book. Some of the parts are VERY MUCH ADULT and many of my friends would have started to laugh uncontrollably without grasping what was actually happening. If I had read this book even just a year ago, I would have been doing the same thing! Fantasy is about the only thing I read. I know that I could be reading other books that may interest me, but aren't in the fantasy section, but I don't. I love jumping into a new world and pretending that I'm there. Goodkind creates an interesting world by the end of his book, but at the beginning I wasn't too impressed. His descriptions are wonderful and I become totally engrossed in his book! Since this is his first book, I can understand why his writing isn't as defined as other writers, but the content and description definitely make up for this! I cannot wait until I read his next book.
Rating:
Summary: Couldn't put it down!
Review: Honestly, I couldn't put this book down. I've been a fan of the Robert Jordan's series for a while now, and needed something to tide me over until the tenth book comes out. A friend of mine told me to buy this book by Terry Goodkind, and I absolutely loved it. The action flows non-stop throughout this book. My heart was pounding almost the whole time. I actually cried in some parts! Amazing! Go buy it. You'll be so happy you did!
Rating:
Summary: Excellent
Review: I just finished the second in this series and had to come here and give a review. So far this one of the best series of books I have read in a long time. I enjoy SF, Fantasy, and American History when I read. I hadn't read a fantasy book in some time when this book was recommended to me. I loved it. I thought the plot was original and fulfilling, the characters are engaging, and the setting is very well thought out. Once you have read this one, definitely pick up the second in the series "Stone of Tears".
Rating:
Summary: AWESOME BOOK
Review: I havent read a book in about a year and when my niece told me about the Sword Of Truth series, i thought id give it a try... so i did, and let me tell you... this is one of the best books ive ever read! i would be up until 2:00AM reading this book, letting it pull me in. the character description, the action, all are described perfectly! i finished this book in a week it was so good, and now im halfway through the second book! if you like action, this is the book you want
Rating:
Summary: great!
Review: realy good book, you will not be able to put it down.... enjoy!
Rating:
Summary: One of the best series by far.
Review: Actually I just wanted to respond to the guy who gave the whole series zero. WHY DID YOU READ THEM ALL IF THEY ARE ALL SO BAD?? WOW! Just admit that you liked them.
Rating:
Summary: Not the best of the series, but highly recommended
Review: If you're looking for an enthralling fantasy epic, look no further than the Sword of Truth series. Though Wizard's First Rule isn't the best of the series, it's a must-read because it sets the background for the rest of the series. Richard Cypher, a simple woods guide from the land of Hartland, has a chance encounter with a mysterious woman and soon finds himself at the center of quest to prevent a magic box of vast power from falling into the hands of Darken Rahl, a "dark" wizard of with unimaginable power and unsurpassed cruelty. Richard is guided by beautiful Kahlan, who possesses a mysterious but deadly ability, and Zedd, a kindly, eccentric old wizard who is more powerful than he seems. He is also bestowed with a magic sword powered by unbridled fury. Along the way, which crosses his rustic Westland into the magical Midlands and dark D'Hara, he encounters sorceresses, otherworldly beasts, dangerous magical creatures, a savage cannibalistic people, and deadly spells. Richard has to learn how to use the magic of his sword and his inborn magic, as well as the eponymous wizard's rule, if he is to succeed. Will he survive the encounter with a Mord-Sith, a leather-clad torturer who inflicts terrible pain or death as easily as the flick of a wrist, in order to even have a chance to stop Rahl, who commands the powers of the underworld? In this debut, Goodkind did a good job of painting his magical universe and introducing the protagonists. The first half proceeds slowly, filled with trivial adventures and rather poorly realized characters. At times his dialogues are so bland and sappy that they may induce squirms. If you find yourself feeling that way, stick with it; the series, and the writing, vastly improves with subsequent books. In the second half of the book, the pace picks up significantly. Goodkind is an expert at crafting plots. The fast-paced, furious actions and the heart-pounding thrills of the climax may leave you emotionally spent, yet satisfied, at the end. Believe it or not, the climax will resolve most major plot threads, something I wish other authors (read: Jordan) would do more often, while leaving enough open for the next installment. Goodkind's world is less complex than others. The New World, composed of Westland, Midlands, and D'Hara, is where magic still has a hold, while the much more vast, mostly unknown, Old World is devoid of magic. Most of Richard's adventures take place in Midlands, though its geography and people aren't all known at first; new kingdoms and realms are introduced along the way. Like many other fantasy realms, Goodkind-land of the present has but a shell of the richness and splendor of the past, in this case 3000 years ago before the time of the Great War. The number of magic wielders diminishes with each passing generation, and the magic that remains is no longer as powerful as it once was. Goodkind's "magic" is a complex and mysterious entity, not as well characterized as, say, Robert Jordan's One Power. Wizards and sorceresses call on their "Han" to cast "webs" of magic, or they can conjure spells and embed them in or invoke them from magical objects. Some aspects of the "gift" are unexpected, such as the ability to see or interpret prophecy. It's not always clear what magic can or cannot accomplish. Adding to that are the humans and creatures, created with or warped by magic and themselves possess unique magical abilities. The resulting mix can be confusing, but leads to exciting, unexpected possibilities. Unlike many other fantasy epics, Goodkind's heroes are threatened by a variety of evil characters. The Sauron/Dark One archetype is represented here by the Keeper of the Underworld; besides that there are the evil wizard, Darken Rahl, evil spirits, evil underworld forces, evil beasts, evil humans. In the latter part of the series, the principal antagonist is an evil emperor with a deadly power. Added to the mix are secondary entities who are no less dangerous and disruptive, such as the Blood of the Fold and the Sisters of the Dark. Good-doers are never completely safe in this world. One appealing aspect of the series is the human relationship between the characters. Complex, profound, and very human emotions are always there, bubbling beneath the surface, ready to burst open. Readers can't help but find themselves taking a personal interest in the well-being of many characters. On the flip side, Goodkind also fashion many twisted villains who can exasperate and infuriate -- a tribute to his craftsmanship. Goodkind brings a mix of many adult themes to the story. This is not a series for young readers, though I don't think Goodkind's writings is as graphically perverse as some reviewers have claimed. He crosses the line occasionally, but for the most part doesn't do more than is necessary for advancing the plot. The inclusion of themes can make his world "darker" than kinder, gentler places such as Jordan's. Aside from the usual mix of love, lust, sexuality, loyalty, treachery, there are touches on infidelity, homosexuality, human sacrifice, prostitution, slavery, pedophelic practice, misogyny. Goodkind's world is also violent, one in which blood is spilled copiously and without remorse. Nevertheless, these attributes make Goodkind's world more realistic and potentially appealing to the mature reader.
Rating: 
Summary: A negative role-model.
Review: To be fair, it's been about two years since I've read the book, but I hold it in high esteem. Simply put, Wizard's First Rule is one of the worst books I've ever read, and a fine example of everything a writer should avoid in good fiction. The prose is decent, though generally unmemorable... Which is the closest thing to a compliment I can pay Mr. Goodkind. The first hundred and fifty pages of the book are spent introducing characterless characters and transparent mysteries. The main character, Richard Cypher is "some dude" whose one and only personality trait is a fear of fire. Guiding the intrepid non-character is a stereotypically grumpy old wizard, who Mr. Goodkind holds off revealing as the "legendary old wizard" for nigh unto 60 pages. There's also some chick... Fast forward an agonizing 300-400 pages of adventurous nonsense, and we find the generic protagonist (now given the seemingly meaningless title "Seeker") enslaved by a mystic dominatrix. Though ridiculous, the concept is at least original. Of course, the situation is stretched out entirely too long, and overcome without any cunning or cleverness. (note: I suppose your main character can never be more intelligent than yourself as an author.) There's a villain somewhere. He appears to delight in cruelty and disembowelings... Oh, and his first name is "Darken". Well, what a fine piece of literature. If you intend to write fantasy, you owe it to yourself to read this book. If anything, it'll prove to you that there's a publisher somewhere interested in your work.
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