Wizard’s First Rule by Terry Goodkind
Richard Cypher is your average woodsman. He knows how to hunt, track animals, and survive in the wild. Most of his time is spent helping people traverse the forests near his home in the Westlands. This changes one day when he encounters Kahlan, a beautiful woman dressed in white. He helps defend her against a quad of fearsome looking ruffians. She informs him that there is a wizard nearby that she must find. It turns out that the wizard is Richard’s old friend Zedd. Kahlan asks Zedd to name a Seeker, a warrior who holds a magical sword. She warns him that she will use her magic on him if he refuses. Kahlan’s magic is that she can turn anyone into her love struck slave with one touch. Richard intervenes on Zedd’s behalf. Eventually Zedd decides that he will name a Seeker because the need is so great. An evil force led by Darken Rahl is quickly taking over the Midlands and soon will be attacking the Westlands. Zedd’s choice in Seeker is none other than Richard. So begins the trio’s quest to defeat the forces of evil. But in order to do so Richard needs to stay focused and not be distracted by his crush on Kahlan.
Recently a new show has appeared on television called Legend of the Seeker that loosely adapts Terry Goodkind’s Sword of Truth fantasy series (Wizard’s First Rule is the first book). The show is in syndication so it comes on at odd times, but it is well worth watching. If you like adventure or fantasy check it out. The show is probably suitable for anyone 12 and up (but check its website to find out more information). I say probably because while there is action and swordplay, there is no blood. If you compare it to the Lord of the Rings movies, the show is much less intense. Legend of the Seeker is a leisurely stroll through familiar fantasy tropes, but its campy fun makes for an enjoyable television experience.
The book on the other hand is much more intense, and has more intense scenes of violence and cruelty. It is also a very long book. Each book in the Sword of Truth series is a few inches thick. The thing I enjoy most though is that Richard is continually growing as a person. He keeps learning and applies what he has previously experienced to each new obstacle he faces. Kahlan is a very strong heroine and therefore I could see the series being attractive to female readers as well. This series is appropriate for anyone 16 and up. You will find a solid epic fantasy covering 11 books so far.
Posted under a librarian reads, review
This post was written by John Gillette on December 24, 2008
The series’s prose captures the historical time period extremely well. It has the right mixture of detail and action that creates for a semi-quick read. I really enjoy how each book in the series provides greater insight on dragons and their culture. Dragons are just as complex and intelligent as humans, although humans in the western world tend to treat them as they would a horse or a ship. I would recommend this series to anyone who likes dragons, or historical high seas adventure. It is appropriate for advanced readers, 14 and up.
