Wizard's First Rule discussion

John wrote: "In book one, he has trouble killing even one person, he suffers for that act. It was part of his character and the mechanism of the sword of truth. Then, later, he cuts wide swaths of people in his way and feels no effect. Didn't make sense at all."
At first, he has trouble killing people, because he doesnt know what to expect. Once he learned that, and learned to deal with it, it becomes easier.
It is like saying you cannot get better at anything. That is job as any other. At first its hard, later it gets easier. Dont tell me, you suck at things and never get better with enough practice :-)

John wrote: "Oh, Richard, you could fix this all along because you're a WARRIOR wizard instead of a normal wizard. You could always fix this."
First of all he is WAR WIZARD not warrior. And secondly it was stated quite clearly, that war wizards were most powerful in SOT universe (even back when there were plenty of wizards to go around, war wizards were considered most powerful even then). So it shouldnt be so surprising he is able to figure things out and save (almost) everyone.

Veronika wrote: " So it shouldnt be so surprising he is able to figure things out and save (almost) everyone. "
in the final chapter, of course. Of nearly every book. And the mechanisms of WHY a war wizard can do it while others can't is not explained.

It is not explained in SOT series, because frankly, nobody knows, since he is first one born in 3 thousand years.

However it is explained in The First Confessor :-)

I really ejoyed the first 3 or 4 books in the series. After that each book seemed to get progressively worse. till the last 3 books which saved the series for me.

I really don't understand all this banter back and forth about left wing, right wing or no wing political BS. It's a fantasy people! It's TG's world and he can make it anyway he wants. I look at individual books in an epic fantasy series as chapters in a much larger single story. Not all of your chapters are going to be blockbusters but sometimes it takes an entire volume to develop a particular character or race of characters that will be needed at the final climax to the story. Some parts of the series were a little to much blood and guts for me but I loved all the creative ways Richard found to get out of the situations he found himself in. I read fantasies to escape the real world and this series did just that. Loved it.

Scassonio wrote: "I read a few enthusiastic reviews of Terry Goodkind's "Wizard First Rule" so, given that I'm a sucker for fantasy, I gave it a go and... it wasn't so good, actually I think it's an utter piece of j..."

I read all his books on this story - if it wasn't that good then they wouldn't have made 2 seasons of a series called "Legend of the Seeker" - which was very sad to see end. Give the author credit that even if there are small errors as happens in many new authors or with those that aren't English speaking. Hell, even the English don't speak it properly - lol. I am a writer myself and no matter what, you can never please everyone - so to those that enjoyed this series of books - fantastic. To those that didn't - well, you have a zillion other options out there to choose from till you find something that appeals to you. Good luck. To those that just want to grouch about anything - shame.

I have read all the books of the series except for the last one. I can't get a free copy, hehe. For me, i enjoyed it, although some books are dull, like "temple of the wind", but all-in-all it was good.

I rated this TG book a 4, but probably was being kind. It is closer to a 3, but scores aside, was a decent read. It was not an intellectual read, or something that changed my outlook on life. It simply engulfed me for a few days, and then I moved on. TG is not my favorite author, not even close. But the series is fair, if not a clone of several better authors, and worth a read if you have the time to spare and nothing better on hand. A sort of "meh+" in modern lingo.

I loved the tv-series, but didn't like the book much. Of course I know it's about "Truth", but all the talk about truth got me tired. The world isn't black and white.
I just read the first book, then dropped the rest. Besides, they are way too long.
To be honest, I've read this book for quite a long time. I don't exactly remember much about it, but what I said above was the impression left of it in my memory.

For the record, I liked the first book when I read it. but as the books continued, I felt that they were derivative (polite way of saying "borrowed") from Jordan's wheel of time series, and other books, and just became frustrating, because, like I said, it was like Wizard of Oz "Oh, Dorothy, you had the power ALL THE TIME to go home" at the end. If it had only been ONE book like that, ok. But they ALL were some form of massive mystery solved at the end by information the reader has no access to.

I will say that I think I was poorly written, but that's why I loved it. It was a nice break from the heavy literature I have to read (as a English/History university student)

Zoran wrote: "Scassonio wrote: "Apparently I gave up before that bit. "
Well, that was the high-point of the book, if you ask me."

It really was, and for me not the obvious reasons. It was an amazing piece of writing.

The series has it's loyal follower's, but I wouldn't say that it is well liked by any of the broader fantasy communities. Even the ones who liked his earlier books generally don't like the new ones.

Sheena Rose wrote: "I think TG writes a pretty epic fantasy that was quite refreshing when it first came out. I personally felt like the first 2 books mirrored the first 2 books of Wheel Of Time series and stopped rea..."

the tv series is just awful if you have read the book. you must believe in string theory to even begin to want to watch the tv series. Almost everything in the tv show is WRONG.

Because I dislike the heavy preaching, randian philosophy and Manichean politics from Goodkind, I actually liked the TV show a bit more, because all those elements were erased to make place for: light-heartened adventures, bad acting, and lots of cleavage.

Of course, if you're a big fan of Goodkind, you have to be disappointed by the adaptation.

I saw the TV show before the books and yes the show missing out tons of stuff and is way way different to the books, in its own right I thought the show was good fun, it started me on the Sword of truth series.

I was new to fantasy when I read the Sword of Truth series. With not much to compare it to, I thought they were great...at first. I loved the first 4 or 5 books. After that, they became redundant and I skimmed a lot just to get to the last book to see how it would end and it was disappointing. I have had no desire to buy and read the sequels, because I have read too many unimpressive reviews about them.

Nathan wrote: "Look at it another way. Wizard's First Rule was his 1st publication, ever. He was a woodworker most of his life. I know a lot of people wouldn't like his style/characters/philosophy/preaching. But ..."

Possibly the only review with which I can agree more than 30%. I also enjoyed the first two or three books in this series and was able to overlook/put aside the political views and enjoy the basic story and creativity. And then... wash, rinse, repeat...(no better way to describe it, really). If I wanted to read about somebody's imperfect relationship etc I would have read Danielle Steele.

Carrie wrote: "Fantasy novels shouldn't be about politics, thats not why I read them..."

So, any series with politics is out the window, then? Particularly: political thrillers/dramas, Dystopian, post-apocalyptic, historic epics and epic fantasy? Not to come off as rude, but it seems to be kind of limiting.

I tried reading this just a few months ago, as it was a standout permanent resident in my Amazon recommendation list, and then it also popped up here. I gave the book a shot, and found it not only dull, but proffered silly concepts, in terms of my personal preferences for entertainment in fantasy swords and sorcery tales. I don't believe I got much beyond 50 pages, and realized that I was almost looking for distractions to take my attention from the book. It reminded me of Brook's 'Shannara' and Andre Norton in general. It just couldn't draw me in.

Sebastian wrote: So, any series with politics is out the window, then? "
Pretty much leaves... well nothing (much). Everything seems to have politics these days.

One of the worst books I ever made the mistake of reading. Just horrid, but the author and his publisher know what sells and it had the sex to be popular.

the great thing about freedom is we are all free to choose what we like and do not like. I for one like what I have read in the SWORD OF TRUTH series so far. I am going to start book 4 TEMPLE OF THE WINDS and find out what happens in that book. I actually get to escape the real world I live in with the SWORD OF TRUTH series. Some people do not like the books and that is why there are hundreds or thousands of other authors out there. How even more boring this world we live in would be if there were no variety offered to us all. If we were all told we must watch or read or listen to the same thing and we all had to like it then what would be the need for more than one or two people to exist at one time? Terry Goodkind is more than good enough author to make a living at writing books.

I didn't like it either after reading the first book, but I think I see why others do.
Unlike some books where I hated but can not for the life of me fathom how thet gleaming reviews, like Bloodsong for example. Not knocking anyone that did like that book, but I just can't understand what I don't see that so many others do.

Sheena Rose wrote: "I think TG writes a pretty epic fantasy that was quite refreshing when it first came out. I personally felt like the first 2 books mirrored the first 2 books of Wheel Of Time series and stopped rea..."

I loved all these books, just was amazing and i watched the tv series, don't watch them there so messed up I turned it off on the opening scene, (book)Richard is the book of counted shadows his dad made him put it to memory then burn it, (TV) khlan has the book and is trying to go passed the barrier to give it to the wizard zorrander it just made me cry. you need to read all the books to understand the point iam making. the opening relates to the end of the last book

I read most of these many years ago and really enjoyed them. I read to escape and these did that for me. I can see why many don't like the wordiness. His ability to create character relationships is astounding in my opinion.

Only part i really enjoyed reading throughout the series was when richard is captured and is basically playing a 'beat up the other team' sport.

I feel that TG had a lot of ambition, his patience just fell short of achieving what he saw.

Terry Goodkind is in my top 10 authors "must read list". I think his writing is great. I've read everything he's written multiple times. I own a hardcover copy of all his books.

I'd recommend him to anyone that likes a good fantasy. He's one of the best in my opinion.

Anyone remember Goodkind's infamous rant, where comes across like his fans are suckers, and the fantasy genre is beneath him?

I keep reading people saying that but have not read that him saying that yet. I read once where he said that it didn't matter if he said they went north or south or whichever direction. Just because Goodkind might be a butthole doesn't mean he ain't a good story teller.

Found this FYI Travis

http://cgi1.usatoday.com/mchat/200308...

All hail The Yeard.

a nice read. Terry Goodkind is full of himself buy I respect that in a person. He is a very good storyteller. I do enjoy the sword of truth series. everyone should read the interview from the link. Thanks for the link.

Julien wrote: "Found this FYI Travis

http://cgi1.usatoday.com/mchat/200308...

All hail The Yeard."

Julien wrote: "Found this FYI Travis

http://cgi1.usatoday.com/mchat/200308...

All hail The Yeard."

Thanks for finding that article Julien. I don't think I'd ever got past the part where Goodkind says he doesn't write fantasy because fantasy is one dimensional... HAHAHAHA..and I see where he said he reads Ann Rand, I definitely see his belief in that philosophy influencing he writing and I only read Wizards 1st Rule

as much as I would like to take credit for finding the article it was in fact Julien who shared the link with me.

I really enjoy Goodkind's stories that I have read but boy is he conceited. yeah the first thing he read was his own book, or at least that is what I think he said, LMAO!

Kidgreg wrote: "Julien wrote: "Found this FYI Travis

http://cgi1.usatoday.com/mchat/200308...

All hail The Yeard."

Thanks for finding that article Travis. I don't think I'd ever got past the part ..."

I think I expected it would get better, his characters had such promise, I felt that maybe he would grow as a writer with his characters....but I was disapointed, it never happened.

I remember liking WFR, and I remember liking the 2nd book, but after that the story arc really took a dive.

It was later in the series that I actively started to dislike the writing, but by then I wanted some closure or something stupid. I also read Law of Nines, which was a truly awful book. His writing actually got worse with practice.

And he sounds like a total douchebag, if that interview linked here is anything to go by. "If you notice a similarity, then you probably aren't old enough to read my books." He's not just egotistical, he comes off as an asshole.

Short answer: if you don't like WFR, just stop. With the possible exception of book 2, it's not going to get better.

I agree Goodkind does come off as an ass in the way he puts things. I am on my first reading of the series and up to Soul of the fire and have enjoyed each book more than the last but so far temple of the winds is my favourite Goodkind book.

Mike wrote: "I remember liking WFR, and I remember liking the 2nd book, but after that the story arc really took a dive.

It was later in the series that I actively started to dislike the writing, but by then ..."

Travis wrote: "I am on my first reading of the series and up to Soul of the fire ..."

I want to say it was either #6 or #7 that I went from thinking they were OK to thinking they're not very good. Up until then I was carried along by the epicness and the magic. I am fairly sure I liked #2 the best out of all of them...

I gave it four stars back when I rated it 'cause I really did end up liking WFR, but I can definitely see why someone wouldn't like it too.

I started watching the series, which I liked, before reading this book and found it to be very long winded. I find it to be in dire need of editing but over all I do like the premise of the story.

I've tried to watch the tv series but it is completely wrong except the names. They butchered the story and ruined it. I was only able to get through the first 18 episodes because I believe in string theory, multiverses and the likes. the TV series from the very beginning starts off wrong and just does no justice to the books or story as a whole.

Douglas wrote: "I started watching the series, which I liked, before reading this book and found it to be very long winded. I find it to be in dire need of editing but over all I do like the premise of the story."

TV and Film never do books justice, this is just a given, but it did introduce me to Wizards First Rule, so it can't be all bad.

you are correct.

Douglas wrote: "TV and Film never do books justice, this is just a given, but it did introduce me to Wizards First Rule, so it can't be all bad."

I actually started at book 7, not knowing it was a series until i was halfway through, and really really enjoyed it. So I went back and read the others and it was quite enjoyable for someone new to the genre. They were easy, fast reads, which was good because they're all SO LONG. A few criticisms: Main character was given to extended diatribes in the later books, and the series ending was a bit weak. Also the constant re-hashing of past events got tedious -which is ironic because it's precisely that element that allowed me to read book 7 first and not be completely lost. At any rate, a fun seires.

Julien wrote: "Found this FYI Travis

http://cgi1.usatoday.com/mchat/200308...

All hail The Yeard."

As I suspected, he's a pompous ass.

Troy wrote: "Julien wrote: "Found this FYI Travis

http://cgi1.usatoday.com/mchat/200308...

All hail The Yeard."

As I suspected, he's a pompous ass."

Maybe I'm a pompous ass too. I totally agree with everything Terry Goodkind said in this Q&A session. I've also read and own hardcopy of every book he's written. I thoroughly enjoyed every one of them.

I hope he keeps right on doing what he's doing. I think he's a great writer.

Troy wrote: "Julien wrote: "Found this FYI Travis

http://cgi1.usatoday.com/mchat/200308...

All hail The Yeard."

As I suspected, he's a pompous ass."

I AGREE.

being a pompous ass doesn't take away from someones writing ability. I enjoy the sword of truth series. being able to write a good book doesn't take away from being a pompous ass.


Pudd'nhead wrote: "Troy wrote: "Julien wrote: "Found this FYI Travis

http://cgi1.usatoday.com/mchat/200308...

All hail The Yeard."

As I suspected, he's a pompous ass."

Maybe I'm a pompous ass too. I..."

I guess my point would be, he's both an ass, and the series is not that good. It has a few elements that I like, otherwise it's overly-written, poorly edited, and meandering. Without getting personal, I would argue that Goodkind is not in the same league as some of the greats in the genre--I'm thinking of Gene Wolfe, Michael Moorcock, Patrick Rothfuss--to name a few. Not that I really care, but as I don't want to be repetitive, I'll leave the field to the hardcore.

Pudd'nhead wrote: "Troy wrote: "Julien wrote: "Found this FYI Travis

http://cgi1.usatoday.com/mchat/200308...

All hail The Yeard."

As I suspected, he's a pompous ass."



Maybe I'm a pompous ass too. I..."

:) FTR, if I call someone a "pompous ass," it's not because of what he says, but how he says it. You could agree 100% with his ideas and be no kind of an ass as far as I'm concerned...

Wizzard's First Rule was not one of the best books, but the series as a whole was FANTASTIC!