The Sword of Truth series

[Soulrev]

So, I was in Barnes And Noble a month or two ago, and this series of books caught my eye. I picked up the first book of the series, went off to a corner and started reading it for a few minutes. After about 10 minutes and 25 pages into it, I decided I had to buy this book. The first one is called "Wizard's First Rule" . . .

This series is a set of 12 books, each between 700-1,000 pages each. It's definitely an "epic" series. I am about halfway through book 3, and so far, these books are the best I have ever read. That's saying a lot, if you knew how many books I've read in my time...

Basically, the main character, Richard, who is a woods guide in the small town of Hartland, comes to find out he's more than just a simple woods guide. His best friend since he was a small boy, an older man by the name of Zedd, reveals to Richard that he is special. After the brutal murder of Richard's father, Zedd names Richard "The Seeker of Truth" and gives Richard a magical sword, called The Sword of Truth. Come to find out, Zedd is actually a very powerful wizard, who had been hiding in the Westland area of the world, where Richard lives. Now, there is no magic in Westland. It is separated from the rest of the world by a great, powerful boundary that nobody is able to cross. All of the magic, wizards, sorceresses, etc. are located to the east of Westland. However, Zedd, who had been in Westland since Richard was born, had magic, but never revealed his secret to anyone, until now.

There is an evil wizard far off to the east, by the name of Darken Rahl, who is trying to take over the world. Richard learns that, as the Seeker of Truth, he is to stop this evil wizard.

I could go on, and on, telling more of these books, but I don't want to spoil it for any of you, if you choose to take them up for a bit of "light reading" heh heh heh...

But, I will quote the book descriptions from the back of the books. Ok, here goes.

Book One, "Wizard's First Rule" -

"A legend begins. In the aftermath of the brutal murder of his father, Richard Cypher encounters a mysterious woman, Kahlan Amnell, in his forest sanctuary. She seeks his help . . . and more. His world, his very beliefs, are shattered when ancient debts come due with thundering violence.

In their darkest hour, 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.

This is the beginning. One book. One Rule. Witness the birth of a legend."

Book Two, "Stone Of Tears" -

"The veil of the underworld has been torn. And Darken Rahl, from beyond the veil, has begun to summon a sinister power worse than any he has wielded before.

Armed with the Sword of Truth, Richard Cypher, now become Richard Rahl, must learn to control his own new-found power, or the world will spin into darkness unending.

The Sisters of Light promise help. While Richard journeys to their forbidden city, his beloved Kahlan sets out for Ayindril, citadel of the old wizards, in search of Zedd and the help only he can lend. War, suffering, torture, and deceit lie in their paths. So, also, does their destiny. . . "

Book Three, "Blood Of The Fold" -

"Richard Rahl and Kahlan Amnell stand against the forces which besiege the New World - forces so terrible that when they last threatened, the wizards of long-ago sealed off the Old World from the New.

Now that barrier has been breached. The fanatical Blood of the Fold, sworn enemies of magic, roam the New World, unwitting pawns of the sorcerous evil at the heart of the Old.

To save their world, Richard and Kahlan must become one with the power of their love - and their Truth."

Praise for Terry Goodkind, a New York Times #1 Bestseller -

"Mr. Goodkind's compelling prose weaves a magical spell over readers" - Romantic Times BOOKreviews

"Outstanding . . . Characters who actually behave like adults. Highly recommended." - The San Diego Union-Tribune

"Few writers have Goodkind's power of creation . . . a phenomenal piece of imaginative writing, exhaustive in it's scope and riveting in it's detail." - Publishing News

So, I highly recommend these books to anyone looking for a good story. Also, there was a TV show loosely based off of these books, called "Legend of the Seeker". Remember, loosely based. The show is nowhere near as good as the books, obviously, but still not bad to watch.

You can watch all 48 episodes for free, on Hulu, at http://www.hulu.com/watch/48323#i0,p0,d0

[EagleRose]

Wow! Sounds similar to a story I wrote years ago in high school. My curiosity is peaked.

[Shaun]

Ah, I remember when I discovered the sword of truth . I blew through the first 3-4 in record time. After that I had to take break and read something else though and a couple years later I just finished naked empire (book 9 I think). They definitely lose something towards the end of the series. Still worth reading though.

[Soulrev]

Yeah, I heard that after book 5, books 6,7,8 and 9 are a little bit slower, I heard that Terry Goodkind made those 3 or 4 books as sort of a recap to the first 5, so readers could start reading the series around book 6 and not be lost as to what happened in the first 5 books.Then the last few books pick back up and are just as good as the first few. Like I said, I am on book 3, so I don't know much about the entire series, but I'll get to it When I finished book 2, I ran out and bought books 3-12, so I could continue reading without delay