Who is Terry Goodkind

The Sword of Truth, Boxed Set I, Books 1-3: Wizard's First Rule, Blood of the Fold ,Stone of Tears

by: Terry Goodkind

Best start to any Fantasy series of the past 30 years EASY...,
I discovered Fantasy early on when I was about 12 or 13 when a friend of mine introduced me to The Sword of Shannara by Terry Brooks. I have been hopelessly addicted ever since. Unfortunately, even though it very well may be my favorite genre I have been unable to find very many authors who wrote with the *Style* that just clicked with me the proper way. Tolkien was one, and on a whim, I bought Wizard's First Rule some 8 years ago or so and I was captivated from very nearly the first page and I've been hooked ever since.

Now this series has grown and even though some have accused Goodkind of suffering a little 'Jordanitis' when they believed the storyline didn't advance as far as hoped (and I admit that I have wondered this myself after reading 'Soul of the Fire' and 'Pillars of Creation') -- but when all is said and done, Goodkind has done what Robert Jordan has either refused to do, or simply cannot do: come back with utterly captivating stories. Since this boxed set contains the first three books in the series, I should limit my comments to them specifically, so here goes...

I cannot find fault with a single page of all three of these books. I just can't. I admit that after finishing 'Blood of the Fold' the first time, I was a bit disappointed -- although I cannot recall why these many years later I did. All I can say about it is I went ahead and re-read it about 4 years ago and simply couldn't figure out why I hadn't loved every page the first time around. Maybe because it was much shorter than the first two...but suffice it to say that this series contains a great deal of controversy regarding the plotting and it would seem that you either love it or you don't. Most who have finished the first three books however and dislike some of the novels that followed agree that the absolute best came first. I don't think that Goodkind has been able to equal his first outing with WFR -- in MY opinion he has come close a few times, most notably with 'Stone of Tears', 'Faith of the Fallen' and most recently with 'Chainfire' but again, that is just my opinion. If you take any time to read the individual reviews of the 'Sword of Truth' series you will discover a hotly debated group of books that some have dearly loved, and some associate with pure drivel. But if I could leave you with anything, if you haven't read any of the books just yet, give them a try and judge for YOURSELF and not because you believed any one person's review over another...because you know what they say about opinions don't you? Read what YOU like...I personally love the series, but YOUR opinion may vary. Good luck! - Jeff Edwards "RadioJeff" (Twin Falls, Idaho)

Amazon Price: $15.19 (as of 12/17/2009)

The Sword of Truth Box Set, Books 4-6: Temple of the Winds; Soul of the Fire; Faith of the Fallen

by: Terry Goodkind

A very good series with a very rich world
Terry Goodkind has created a great many wonderfully original creatures throughout his Sword of Truth series.

Rather than knock-off something from Tolkien like so many other fantasy novels, the author takes us into a completely original world. The only thing with a feel akin to Tolkien is Wizards. The rest of the magic is totally new: Creatures that hunt using biting flies as tools, A silvery being that you breath in to quickly travel great distances, Beautiful women that gain their power to inflict magical pain by surviving torture for years - just to name a few. This is no series for the little ones.
Everything from lesbian encounters to murder to rape happens throughout the series, and some very disturbing things are described in great depth in some cases from both perspectives. I would bet that the Christian right-wing fanatics hate it. I loved it!!!

Not often enough do I find fiction that I can just immerse myself into, this was one of those rare pieces.
Though the editing missed a few misspellings here and there, I enjoyed these books and would recommend them to anybody with a strong enough constitution.
Keep it up Terry I think you deserve a better publisher than TOR. -- G. T. C. (The Center)

Release Date: 08/29/2002

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Amazon Price: $15.19 (as of 12/17/2009)

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