Wizard's First Rule

Sword of Truth, Book 1

By: Terry Goodkind

Narrated by: Sam Tsoutsouvas

Length: 34 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

Critic reviews

"Wonderfully creative, seamless, and stirring." ( Kirkus Review)

A Good Listen, a Fun Series

I have the first six Sword of Truth audios on tape and am now going back through them a second time and enjoying them thoroughly (again). Is Goodkind the best wordsmith out there? No, especially in his first two books. And, from time to time, he goes off on a libertarian jag (especially in book 6). As with most series, the first book bears the weight of introducing and developing the most new characters while keeping the action moving. Still, I think Goodkind has set up an imaginative and fun world to explore, and populated it with some fun, if occasionally two dimensional, characters. Although it may be sacrilege to say so, I find these books much easier to listen to than Tolkien.

For me, the ultimate test of an audio book is whether I'd listen to it again. As noted, I already am. If you like the fantasy genre, you should at least give Wizard's First Rule a try.

5 stars

I've read this book several times. Hearing it though, it was like the first time! Excellent book!

Amazing.

Do it, you wont be let down.

This book is amazing even after reading it mulitple times.

It sucks you in

You want to know what happens. I invented road trips and errands in order to not stop listening. The 4⭐for performance hurt to give but I could not help but notice the inconsistent voice used for one character.

Brilliant

An emotional rollercoaster, in a good way... in a great way rather. Sometimes brutal sometimes beautiful, happy and sad tears aplenty.

TV Show Excitement Times a Million.

Had me laughing, crying, and yelling. No regrets, worth every minute and penny. Now I have to get the rest. The TV Show is a nice prerequisite.

Entertaining and Captivating

My first audiobook experience was well worth it. Having been caught up in the watered-down television series, "Legends of the Seeker", I found that the brilliant narration by Tsoutsouvas made my mind's eye a much better venue for Goodkind's fascinating tale. I find it difficult to stop listening.

amazing story

narrator was wonderful! read the book already wanted to experience the audio version. wasn't disappointed in the slightest

Gripping story - Excellent storyteller

The storyteller allows the characters to come alive each with their own personality shining through. The story remains one of my top ten books.

Fantasy book readers & listeners MUST Read

Wizard's First Rule
Sword of Truth, Book 1
Terry GoodKind
34 hours and 6 minutes
*****Five Stars*****


If there is ever a story to listen to or read it would be Terry Goodkind's Wizard's First Rule. This series should be on everyone's bucket list. It has mystery, suspense, drama, murder and even a tad bit of love. This delightfully written story has so many great elements wrapped up into a magnificent 34 hour listen! The book is large so you know you really have a good sturdy story.

This is the first book of the Sword of Truth series. The story unfolds a wonderful mystical land, unique people and a great mission of course. The pure hearted hero of the story is a very human man, he is likable and of course makes mistakes like all of us. Richard is certainly relatable. The characters within this book are alluring and interesting. The trials they have to withstand are turbulent and exciting.

The story is interesting and well thought out, it was executed flawlessly and is a fascinating base to build the future of the series.

I recommend it to anyone that likes a great story.