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.
Download and start listening now!
"While the book has a childish start and the villains are non-traditional, the plot, unlike many fantasy books today, is very straightforward.The character dynamic between the main characters is tense, funny, and even frightening. Perhaps a positive and a negative of the book is that secrets within each character give an essence of mystery until circumstances reveal them, though they do seem convenient at times. This book has ups and downs, but if your a reader who is getting a little tried of convoluted plots and back stories, this series will have you read one book and then immediately crave the next."
— Alvin (5 out of 5 stars)
" I read this book shortly after it came out and loved it. This was the opening novel in the Sword of Truth series and it set the stage wonderfully for the rest of the series. Goodkind is not afraid to put his characters in really troubling situations (more so in later books) and this adds to the suspense as you read or listen. Fine narration makes this a very enjoyable listen. The story doesn't bog down and the listener never gets tired of the story. Well done. "
— JMP, 5/19/2021" the whole book is captivating, from the start till the end. it is very exciting to read specially when kahlan releases her ConDar for Richard. many can relate to this kind of book. it is so fascinating. "
— Dndevil0929, 2/20/2014" I love magic. I love this story. It's way better than the TV series that it was based upon. It's about a 12 book series with a prequel too! "
— Mara, 1/21/2014" OMG what an amazing book!!!!!!!!! I have never read anything as great as this. I am not sure what to write about this book, other than, if you are into Fantasy then this is for you. "
— Saranar, 1/11/2014" I enjoyed this book a lot. It has good characters and an entertaining storyline. Some parts are a little predictable but I wasn't bothered by that because the writing is very good. This book does its job well. It is the first book of The Sword of Truth series and as soon as I was done with that book I went on to read the rest of the series. A very satisfying read and a quick read too considering the thickness of the book. "
— Rupa, 1/2/2014" Most of the books I read were SF and had only read one Fantasy book by Piers Anthony. After reading WFR I read more fantasy and have completed the Sword of Truth series. The series is an excellent read. "
— Marquis, 12/20/2013" Surprisingly good book! looking forward to the rest of the series! "
— Mike, 11/30/2013" A good read. I look forward to reading the next in the series. "
— Patrick, 11/27/2013" Man, this book blew me away in seventh grade. It was the first fantasy book I'd read on my own and I followed the series for a long time. This is one of those books that gets people into reading. "
— Thecowman32, 11/23/2013" A great tale of discovery of what the mind is capable of!!! "
— Darren, 11/22/2013" enjoyed it, but had a hard time with the extreme descriptions of torture. went on much too long for me. and had to skim over it. didn't seem to fit into the book. will not read the rest now as it appears that this very dark theme will recur in some form. not for me. "
— beth, 11/21/2013" I think this is the series I have re-read the most. I love it. I absolutely HAD to read it again since watching "Legend of the Seeker" since they did such a blasphemous job with the screenplay. "
— Mcljess, 11/19/2013" Essential fantasy reading. (However, the series derails quickly. Ideally, don't read past this book; books 2 and 3 are decent. By the fourth book, the series is visibly derailing, and by the sixth it's become a blend of pulp fiction and Objectivist philosophy.) "
— Ryan, 11/19/2013" Great book and series would to read more like it strong male and female charters "
— Jim, 9/14/2013" We see the first rule every four years. It is called election time when people's brains go to sleep. "
— Mike, 7/3/2013" Absolute favorite series of all. loved every minute of the collection and this book was the best of all in my opinion "
— Justin, 10/30/2012" love this book 1 of the best books I've ever read love the entire series good job Terry "
— Jackie, 10/29/2012" Exciting. A shockingly happy ending. Innovative use of old tropes. I like it. "
— Liam, 10/10/2012" Awful, awful, awful book. Can not stress enough that this book is....well really awful. "
— Jeanie, 9/23/2012" Wow, I'm glad I purchased book 2 & 3 last night. Now I can keep reading about Richard and Kahlan and everyone else. "
— Soklinda, 5/30/2012" Son of a ruler. Child of the forest. Saves a girl. Everything is a lie. Really good! "
— Caleb, 5/16/2012" A series I love as much as the Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan. "
— Robin, 1/13/2012" He should've just left it at this one or made a trilogy. I got really sick of the arrogance and preachiness this series dwindled into. "
— Sarah, 10/4/2011" Loved this book, even with its long length! It's like season 2 of the show, but MORE!! Can't wait to keep reading since the show is no longer on the air. "
— Stacy, 5/21/2011" epic adventure with fun plot<br/>a little predictable "
— Winona, 5/13/2011" A good book. It was incredibly long but I didn't seem to get impatient with the length like I do some. I kept wanting to read. "
— Jake, 5/6/2011" Still enjoying the series. I have to admit that Richard's ethical diatribes are starting to get on my nerves. "
— Susie, 4/27/2011" I love this series and I always get lost not only in the characters but the world. It changes me every time I read it. "
— Wanda, 4/26/2011" The great sage continues . . . . "
— Julie, 4/25/2011" I gave up on this book. Too much evil and skin stripping. I really liked one book by this author, but I will not complete this series. "
— Carol, 4/2/2011" 980 page-turning epic, intense, excellent end with just a tease for next one "
— Helen, 3/31/2011" This was also amazing, it will keep you on the edge of your seat till the very end. "
— Christine, 3/30/2011" (Tom)<br/><br/>Good vs Evil Life vs Death<br/>Richard(Wizard in training) and Kahlan(Mother Confessor) save THEIR world. "
— Toni, 3/29/2011Terry Goodkind is the author of the Sword of Truth series and the #1 New York Times bestsellers The Omen Machine and Phantom.
Sam Tsoutsouvas is a veteran actor and lyricist with experience on the stage and in television, films, and audiobook narration. He has acted in regional theater and on Broadway in everything from Shakespeare plays to musical comedy. His television appearances include Law & Order and Soldier of Fortune, Inc. His film roles include the minister in Ghost, and he provided voice for two film documentaries, Ezra Pound: American Odyssey and Lodz Ghetto, which was nominated for several awards. He has narrated more than a dozen audiobooks, and his reading of Journeys of Socrates was a finalist for the 2006 Audie Award for Best Narration in the inspirational/spiritual category, a narration that AudioFile magazine praised as “masterful.”