Wizard's First Rule cover art

Wizard's First Rule

Sword of Truth, Book 1

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Wizard's First Rule

By: Terry Goodkind
Narrated by: Sam Tsoutsouvas
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About this listen

The masterpiece that started Terry Goodkind's New York Times bestselling epic Sword of Truth

In the aftermath of the brutal murder of his father, a mysterious woman, Kahlan Amnell, appears in Richard Cypher's forest sanctuary seeking help...and more. His world, his very beliefs, are shattered when ancient debts come due with thundering violence.

In a dark age it takes courage to live, and more than mere courage to challenge those who hold dominion, Richard and Kahlan must take up that challenge or become the next victims. Beyond awaits a bewitching land where even the best of their hearts could betray them. Yet, Richard fears nothing so much as what secrets his sword might reveal about his own soul. Falling in love would destroy them - for reasons Richard can't imagine and Kahlan dare not say.

In their darkest hour, hunted relentlessly, tormented by treachery and loss, 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.

Wizard's First Rule is the beginning. One book. One Rule. Witness the birth of a legend.

Epic edge: listen to more in the Sword of Truth series.©1994 by Terry Goodkind. (P)2008 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.
Action & Adventure Epic Epic Fantasy Fantasy Fiction Genre Fiction Movie, TV & Video Game Tie-Ins Tie-in Wizardry Magic Users Heartfelt Scary Dragons

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Critic reviews

"Wonderfully creative, seamless, and stirring." ( Kirkus Review)
All stars
Most relevant

If you could sum up Wizard's First Rule in three words, what would they be?

Big, dramatic, enthralling

What was one of the most memorable moments of Wizard's First Rule?

Richard and Kahlens first meeting.

What does Sam Tsoutsouvas bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

Zeds voice - perfect!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Richard and Kahlens developing love and the realisation they could never be truly together.

Any additional comments?

I was not really expecting a huge amount from this book. The reviews all said it dragged on and the narrative was just too in depth. The narrator brought everything to life, especially Zed whose portrayal he nailed exactly! I love this series and an on a mission to complete all 11 books one way or another.

Unexpectedly good!

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I bought this without knowing it was the base story for 'The Seaker' on TV. It started off pretty good and I only realised what it was after chapter 2. The characters are good and well defined but the descriptions and emotive painting gets very tedious. I wouldn't buy another one I'm afraid.

Nick G.

Good story line, boring story length

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Firstly this book is derivative and isn't particularly beautifully written, but it is well structured, has enough plot ingenuity to keep you interested to the end (not bad for such a long book!) and has charcters that you can care about, even if they are rather too 'perfect'. I don't listen to/read a lot of SF Fantasy, but love Tolkein, so didn't get too distracted by this being too like lots of other books in the genre. So, as a simple listen, that will entertain you for several hours, this is a good choice, I was quite gripped several times, and I am now reading book two.
Only one major gripe in that the reader is only just good enough. He puts in a B- effort to make it possible to not be too irritated. I've heard worse, but Sir Ian Mckellen he aint!

not tolkein, but gripping, worth a listen

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Loved it!

After watching the series before reading the books I am pleased to pick out the differences... and the book is so so good!! better in a few ways!

Kitchard

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Such a fabulous series of books spoiled by awful narrators. This one has a strange rhythm and does dreadful random voices for characters.

Great book spoiled

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The reader was a good storyteller with a nice voice. But he overplayed many situations with screams and voices.
I hate when readers try to hard. It is cringe and insulting!

Great book, tryhard reader

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This is a refreshing take on a fantasy novel, although the wizard reminds you of Gandalf, that is where the similarity to other books in this genre end. The characters are likeable and believable, their quest is epic, and the baddie is perfect.

Though the books are long, I was gripped from beginning to end and when I finished this one I went back, bought the second, and listened to it immediately after... 72 hours of one story and still not bored, how many series can you say that of? After a short break I'll be going back for more!

I'll definitely be reading more Goodkind!

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This was one of my favourite books as a teenager; it's unpredictable, excellently paced, has tons of characters you just fall in love with, and it is excellently narrated here. If you love fantasy, this will instantly become a favourite.

A brilliant tale done justice

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What made the experience of listening to Wizard's First Rule the most enjoyable?

My first impressions of this book is that I thought it was going to be more geared towards the younger listeners but I stuck with it and I'm so glad I did. This book is definitely NOT for the sensitive imaginations!!

Part 4 of the book had me absolutely enthralled.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Of all the characters, I would say Zed is my favourite as he brings a little light relief when the book gets a little too serious.

What does Sam Tsoutsouvas bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

I wasn't too sure about the narrator at first but he does grow on you and his reading of part 4 was particularly sympathetic.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Part 4 really did make me cry...not good whilst trying to drive down the M1!!

Any additional comments?

Overall, a surprising great listen and I've already bought book 2.

Be warned though, there are parts of this book that can make for an uncomfortable listen. Make no mistake, this book is for adults.

A surprising listen!

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This is a truly great beginning to an epic journey. I have never been so engrossed in a story as I have with this, the characters are believable, the emotions are real and the story is as thrilling as it is gritty. I would highly recommend this to anyone who likes a splash of darkness to their fantasy.

Swept away in a compelling story

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