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Sword of Truth #1-3
The Sword of Truth, Boxed Set I, Books 1-3: Wizard's First Rule, Blood of the Fold ,Stone of Tears
Book 1: Wizards First Rule
After the brutal murder of his father, a mysterious woman, Kahlan Amnell, appears in Richard Cypher's forest sanctuary seeking help…and more. His world and beliefs are shattered when ancient debts come due with thundering violence.
In a dark age it takes courage to live, and more than courage to challenge those who hold dominion. Richard and Kahlan must take up that challenge or become the next victims. 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, Kahlan calls upon Richard to reach beyond his sword to invoke within himself something nobler. Neither knows that the rules of battle have just changed…or that their time has run out.
Book 2: Stone of Tears
Kahlan has gained the one goal she always thought was beyond her grasp―love. Against the ancient bonds of secret oaths and the dark talents of men long dead, Richard has won her heart.
Amid sudden and disastrous events, Richard's life is called due to satisfy those treacherous oaths. To save his life, Kahlan must forsake Richard's love and cast him into the chains of slavery, knowing there could be no sin worse than such a betrayal.
Richard is determined to unlock the secrets bound in the magic of ancient oaths and to again be free. Kahlan must set about altering the course of a world thrown into war, but even that may be easier than ever winning back the heart of the only man she will ever love.
Book 3: Blood of the Fold
Richard and Kahlan stand against the ancient forces which besiege the New World―forces so terrible that when last they threatened, they could only be withstood by sealing off the Old World from whence they came. Now the barrier has been breached, and the New World is again beset by their evil power.
War and treachery plague the world, and only Richard and Kahlan can save it from an armageddon of savagery and destruction.
After the brutal murder of his father, a mysterious woman, Kahlan Amnell, appears in Richard Cypher's forest sanctuary seeking help…and more. His world and beliefs are shattered when ancient debts come due with thundering violence.
In a dark age it takes courage to live, and more than courage to challenge those who hold dominion. Richard and Kahlan must take up that challenge or become the next victims. 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, Kahlan calls upon Richard to reach beyond his sword to invoke within himself something nobler. Neither knows that the rules of battle have just changed…or that their time has run out.
Book 2: Stone of Tears
Kahlan has gained the one goal she always thought was beyond her grasp―love. Against the ancient bonds of secret oaths and the dark talents of men long dead, Richard has won her heart.
Amid sudden and disastrous events, Richard's life is called due to satisfy those treacherous oaths. To save his life, Kahlan must forsake Richard's love and cast him into the chains of slavery, knowing there could be no sin worse than such a betrayal.
Richard is determined to unlock the secrets bound in the magic of ancient oaths and to again be free. Kahlan must set about altering the course of a world thrown into war, but even that may be easier than ever winning back the heart of the only man she will ever love.
Book 3: Blood of the Fold
Richard and Kahlan stand against the ancient forces which besiege the New World―forces so terrible that when last they threatened, they could only be withstood by sealing off the Old World from whence they came. Now the barrier has been breached, and the New World is again beset by their evil power.
War and treachery plague the world, and only Richard and Kahlan can save it from an armageddon of savagery and destruction.
Kindle Edition
First published November 26, 1998
78 people are currently reading
1841 people want to read
About the author
Terry Goodkind
277 books12.3k followersTerry Lee Goodkind was an American writer. He was known for the epic fantasy series The Sword of Truth as well as the contemporary suspense novel The Law of Nines (2009), which has ties to his fantasy series. The Sword of Truth series sold 25 million copies worldwide and was translated into more than 20 languages. Additionally, it was adapted into a television series called Legend of the Seeker, which premiered on November 1, 2008, and ran for two seasons, ending in May 2010.
Goodkind was a proponent of Ayn Rand's philosophical approach of Objectivism, and made references to Rand's ideas and novels in his works.
Goodkind was a proponent of Ayn Rand's philosophical approach of Objectivism, and made references to Rand's ideas and novels in his works.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
September 7, 2012
I am shocked by the number of people putting unmarked 'spoliers' in their reviews! A review is NOT a book report. In the future, I will not read the reviews. I am not interested in a synopsis of the entire book. Anyone putting 'spoilers' in their review should clearly, in capital, bold-faced font write SPOILER! at the beginning of their post. Or simply use .
I have read the first book completely, Wizards First Rule. It is fast moving with deeply developed characters who have consistent personalities. The characters are so well developed that when a crisis occurs, your mind reels with how each character will react. The book is engrossing. It is difficult to put down. Vivid descriptions of the setting blend into the interplay of the characters making the action never seem to stop. This is one of the very best books I've ever read.
I am about 1/3 of the way through the second book, Stone of Tears. it picks up where the first book ended without missing a beat. There are some slow areas in the first few pages where the author puts the setting into perspective for a reader who may not have read the first book but it is brief and not at all inconvenient. So far, characters stay consistent. ... more to follow after reading the rest of the novel.
Wizard's First Rule
Excellent but slowly becomes less interesting as things wind up.
I have read the first book completely, Wizards First Rule. It is fast moving with deeply developed characters who have consistent personalities. The characters are so well developed that when a crisis occurs, your mind reels with how each character will react. The book is engrossing. It is difficult to put down. Vivid descriptions of the setting blend into the interplay of the characters making the action never seem to stop. This is one of the very best books I've ever read.
I am about 1/3 of the way through the second book, Stone of Tears. it picks up where the first book ended without missing a beat. There are some slow areas in the first few pages where the author puts the setting into perspective for a reader who may not have read the first book but it is brief and not at all inconvenient. So far, characters stay consistent. ... more to follow after reading the rest of the novel.
Wizard's First Rule
Excellent but slowly becomes less interesting as things wind up.
September 27, 2018
Poorly written series, tropey and repetitive. Heavily misogynistic
October 13, 2010
Wizard's First Rule
I really enjoyed reading this book. The TV series known as Legend of the Seeker got me to read the books they were based upon. I really enjoyed the TV show. It very exiting. I started reading this book. It was so good I never wanted to put it down, and continue it later. The author created many characters. A lot of these characters you don't hear about in other series. This series has it's own spice to it. Kahlan and sworn to protect the life of Richard Cypher the seeker. He may be more than seeker when Zedd thinks Richard might possibly be a wizard of the first order. I found this book to be very intriguing. Cypher is an interesting character. He wants nothing to do with magic, but it is a strong possibility he is a wizard. Darken Rahl is crazy man. He is just pure evil. People believe he is there to bring peace but that is law. It is selfish and cruel when he attacks to allies to make them stay with them. This book is very strange. It is one of the best epics I have ever read. The author is very creative with his characters. This author puts the darkest things out there in this book. Some parts of the book make you afraid. Denna seems all bad at the beginning. She falls in love with Richard. I admire Denna in a way. She won't let him die. She protects him the worst pain he can possibly experience. But she in return hurts him too. She seems cruel at the beginning, but once you know her history you begin to sympathize with her. I keep thinking while Richard is with Denna she will become to not want to hurt him anymore. The wizard Zedd only believes using his powers for good. Zedd is smart and wise. When Darken Rahl tries to trap him he can't, because Kahlan touches Zedd. Her powers don't work on wizards. I like how Richard uses the first rule against Darken Rahl when he tries to gain all the powers from the boxes of Orden. One part is unclear. I don;t understand how Darken Rahl got the box Rachel had. The only way I could think of is she gave to Chase, and then Chase gave it to Micheal, who then passes it to Darken Rahl.
Stone of Tears
Wow I really loved this book too. It is an awesome epic fantasy. This book is by far one of the darkest books I have ever read.More truth about the Boxes of Orden is revealed. Richard is forced into a collar and taken Palace of the Prophets by Sister Verna. While at the palace Richards finds out how to defeat the Keeper. This a long epic journey for Richard. He must accept who he is even though he may not like it. Kahlan Amnell in the meantime goes looking for Zedd in Aydindril. She becomes distracted and later learns she is not doing the right thing, when she hears Darken Rahl laugh. She soon realizes her true duty. Through many mistakes good still comes. I never read anything quite like this. This is very original. I really like how the author writes. He does such a great job with descriptions. This book is graphic. I do caution you if you read it. You will see stuff you don't like. I recommend that everyone should read this.
Blood of the Fold
I really enjoyed this book. This one was not quite so dark as the others. Goodkind makes it very dark. I never seen books quite like these. My favorite part of the hole thing is the end. Oh-Yeah Richard and Crew totally kicked butt. The further I got into it, the more I had to read. I was hungry for more. I watched the TV show, which I was totally bummed about, but hey I will still watch it. Gratch makes like Gars. I do miss Darken Rahl though. He was a more interesting guy then the Dreamwalker. The characters are very complex. There are a ton of characters. I never got bored with this book. I didn't feel like I needed to scan the pages. I like how Goodkind creates this magic in the book. It is a lot different than what I have read. The emperor I'm not very fond of. Brogan I want to hit him so hard, and then send him to the underworld. The man gets on my nerves. Lunetta does too. Lunetta is very strange. Prelate Annalina I think id very rude, but with a good purpose. She uses everyone and puts any wizard she can find a collar. What is Ann's problem. She is a crazy woman. Nathan Rahl you don't really know so much about. You know he is a prophet and very loyal to the Prelate. I was quite impressed with Prelate Verna. She has changed so much since when she was first introduced in Stone of Tears. The plot is very detailed. A lot of stuff goes on.
I really enjoyed reading this book. The TV series known as Legend of the Seeker got me to read the books they were based upon. I really enjoyed the TV show. It very exiting. I started reading this book. It was so good I never wanted to put it down, and continue it later. The author created many characters. A lot of these characters you don't hear about in other series. This series has it's own spice to it. Kahlan and sworn to protect the life of Richard Cypher the seeker. He may be more than seeker when Zedd thinks Richard might possibly be a wizard of the first order. I found this book to be very intriguing. Cypher is an interesting character. He wants nothing to do with magic, but it is a strong possibility he is a wizard. Darken Rahl is crazy man. He is just pure evil. People believe he is there to bring peace but that is law. It is selfish and cruel when he attacks to allies to make them stay with them. This book is very strange. It is one of the best epics I have ever read. The author is very creative with his characters. This author puts the darkest things out there in this book. Some parts of the book make you afraid. Denna seems all bad at the beginning. She falls in love with Richard. I admire Denna in a way. She won't let him die. She protects him the worst pain he can possibly experience. But she in return hurts him too. She seems cruel at the beginning, but once you know her history you begin to sympathize with her. I keep thinking while Richard is with Denna she will become to not want to hurt him anymore. The wizard Zedd only believes using his powers for good. Zedd is smart and wise. When Darken Rahl tries to trap him he can't, because Kahlan touches Zedd. Her powers don't work on wizards. I like how Richard uses the first rule against Darken Rahl when he tries to gain all the powers from the boxes of Orden. One part is unclear. I don;t understand how Darken Rahl got the box Rachel had. The only way I could think of is she gave to Chase, and then Chase gave it to Micheal, who then passes it to Darken Rahl.
Stone of Tears
Wow I really loved this book too. It is an awesome epic fantasy. This book is by far one of the darkest books I have ever read.More truth about the Boxes of Orden is revealed. Richard is forced into a collar and taken Palace of the Prophets by Sister Verna. While at the palace Richards finds out how to defeat the Keeper. This a long epic journey for Richard. He must accept who he is even though he may not like it. Kahlan Amnell in the meantime goes looking for Zedd in Aydindril. She becomes distracted and later learns she is not doing the right thing, when she hears Darken Rahl laugh. She soon realizes her true duty. Through many mistakes good still comes. I never read anything quite like this. This is very original. I really like how the author writes. He does such a great job with descriptions. This book is graphic. I do caution you if you read it. You will see stuff you don't like. I recommend that everyone should read this.
Blood of the Fold
I really enjoyed this book. This one was not quite so dark as the others. Goodkind makes it very dark. I never seen books quite like these. My favorite part of the hole thing is the end. Oh-Yeah Richard and Crew totally kicked butt. The further I got into it, the more I had to read. I was hungry for more. I watched the TV show, which I was totally bummed about, but hey I will still watch it. Gratch makes like Gars. I do miss Darken Rahl though. He was a more interesting guy then the Dreamwalker. The characters are very complex. There are a ton of characters. I never got bored with this book. I didn't feel like I needed to scan the pages. I like how Goodkind creates this magic in the book. It is a lot different than what I have read. The emperor I'm not very fond of. Brogan I want to hit him so hard, and then send him to the underworld. The man gets on my nerves. Lunetta does too. Lunetta is very strange. Prelate Annalina I think id very rude, but with a good purpose. She uses everyone and puts any wizard she can find a collar. What is Ann's problem. She is a crazy woman. Nathan Rahl you don't really know so much about. You know he is a prophet and very loyal to the Prelate. I was quite impressed with Prelate Verna. She has changed so much since when she was first introduced in Stone of Tears. The plot is very detailed. A lot of stuff goes on.
June 22, 2024
One of my favorite series of all time!
This is probably my 3rd or 4th read and I’m still astonished by Goodkind’s ability to teach you something about humanity and morality. Richard’s thought process as well as conversations with Zedd and others help you to see the world a little more clearly.
A great epic of love, survival, fear, and magic the Wizards first Rule has a little something for ever fantasy lover. In a world of darkness the good can still prevail!
This is probably my 3rd or 4th read and I’m still astonished by Goodkind’s ability to teach you something about humanity and morality. Richard’s thought process as well as conversations with Zedd and others help you to see the world a little more clearly.
A great epic of love, survival, fear, and magic the Wizards first Rule has a little something for ever fantasy lover. In a world of darkness the good can still prevail!
May 3, 2019
I loved this series. I fell in love with all the characters as they evolved! I finished the series at the Confessor and haven’t been able to read beyond it in fear that the other books have just been a money grab and will ruin it for me. The Confessor ended so perfectly for me.
This series is long and in parts can be a little dry but it’s a great read!
This series is long and in parts can be a little dry but it’s a great read!
April 20, 2020
This is a review of all the books in the series (yes, all of them, including the sequels and prequels). As such, some books are better than others, but my overall rating for the series is a solid three stars. I liked it and I don't feel like I had time stolen from me. But for me there's not much more to it either. The writing is ok; really good at times, pretty average at times, and forced at times.
The biggest issue I have with the series is it's cohesion. It doesn't feel like a series at times, but rather a collection of books with the same characters - not unlike one of the slew of crime novel series out there (ok, Goodkind manages a little more cohesion than that, but you catch my drift).
All that said, again, i liked reading the books. So don't let this review stop you on your way to sword play and leather pants!
The biggest issue I have with the series is it's cohesion. It doesn't feel like a series at times, but rather a collection of books with the same characters - not unlike one of the slew of crime novel series out there (ok, Goodkind manages a little more cohesion than that, but you catch my drift).
All that said, again, i liked reading the books. So don't let this review stop you on your way to sword play and leather pants!
October 21, 2013
Hoo boy, the Sword of Truth. This is certainly one of the most divisive series I've ever read. I picked this one up the first time on a school trip in High School, sometime after getting through the Shannara series. Wizard's First Rule is pretty typical Tolkienian fantasy, with some interesting concepts on magic. With blood. Lots of blood. And sex. LOTS of sex. They wasted their time adapting this one for basic cable, it belonged on Showtime or HBO.
Overall I found these first few volumes quite enjoyable. Goodkind was still focusing on writing FANTASY and hadn't gone all preachy yet (but that's coming...) and did a great job establishing his fantasy world. He does have a tendency to accelerate things RAPIDLY for the climax, but that does help drive it through to its conclusion.
Overall I found these first few volumes quite enjoyable. Goodkind was still focusing on writing FANTASY and hadn't gone all preachy yet (but that's coming...) and did a great job establishing his fantasy world. He does have a tendency to accelerate things RAPIDLY for the climax, but that does help drive it through to its conclusion.
January 1, 2010
This was fun light reading. I loved the first three books then felt like the series went to hell after book 4. By the time i got around to book 6 i wanted to reach into the page and kill several characters myself.
February 5, 2014
Amazing! One or two parts are quite....gross but still brilliant
January 24, 2009
What can I say. It's like junk food for the brain. I still enjoyed them a great deal.
July 15, 2017
This was an epic adventure wrapped around a tale of true love. I most enjoyed the contrast in the characters whether they were good or evil as well as those trapped somewhere in between. Even the very powerful had their limitations and the most powerful of all had no idea how to utilize the power he possessed by birthright. The series could have stopped after the first two novels and I would have been completely satisfied. I believe the series went on to fill 13 or more novels and I stopped sometime before that. There are many enjoyable moments in each of these volumes but there will be work to get to the good bits. I do not want to pan the series because I did enjoy a great deal of it but I think Mr. Goodkind could have benefited from a more aggressive editor.
December 28, 2017
I first watched the Legend of the Seeker TV show and then eagerly picked up the first 3 books in the series. As expected, the TV show takes liberties with the original stories, but I think for any person who started with the TV show and then reads the books, they will be in for a real treat! I'm amazed that so much can be packed each of the first three novels, and if they were written like many other fantasy series - it would have been 10 books already!
I've just started reading book 4 of the second boxed set, and it's already hard to stop reading. My biggest complaint - why aren't these novels available for the Nook???
I've just started reading book 4 of the second boxed set, and it's already hard to stop reading. My biggest complaint - why aren't these novels available for the Nook???
November 23, 2023
After watching Legend of the Seeker, I picked up these books. I don't know how far I got into the series, it has been awhile since I read them. I thought I finished them, but it looks like he might have written more since then.
The plot of the books is different than the television series, although the main characters are the same.
Overall I enjoyed the way the love story between the main characters was written so beautifully, and the way Goodkind built a world that is magical, but clearly illustrates what a society looks like when they give up their freedom. It resembles our own world in that way.
Intriguing.
The plot of the books is different than the television series, although the main characters are the same.
Overall I enjoyed the way the love story between the main characters was written so beautifully, and the way Goodkind built a world that is magical, but clearly illustrates what a society looks like when they give up their freedom. It resembles our own world in that way.
Intriguing.
January 4, 2022
The first book was fine, the second ok, the third just tolerable, and halfway through the fourth I decided there were way better ways to spend my time. Hence, this review will be short.
If you want to read about a man always succeeding and a woman always failing/causing even bigger trouble, then this series is for you. If you don't, there's plenty of less misogynistic fantasy around.
If you want to read about a man always succeeding and a woman always failing/causing even bigger trouble, then this series is for you. If you don't, there's plenty of less misogynistic fantasy around.
July 13, 2024
An amazing fantasy escapade into alluring thrills, subtle female domination and cuckolding, even though it is not a femdom cuckolding series, it has such themes interwoven in it which make it a classic of this underground genre. Kahlan, the white symbol of purity and Denna, the deadly Mord Sith, both train the hero Richard in their own ways, so that he emerges as the mature seeker of truth.
July 16, 2025
pretty graphic after the first book. compared to the gimp suit sub/dom first book the second book is a lot more intense. I liked it when I was 14 but a second reread and exposure to other books made realize this books is a little lazy. it's a good series but I wouldn't recommend it over a lot of other great series.
April 7, 2018
An outstanding tale. Unfortunately, the first couple books are great for any age, but the last one is entirely too disturbing for children. Too bad I cannot share this read with my kids.
April 1, 2020
Keeps you always wanting more. Characters are super lovable. Great Messages
April 6, 2021
It was okay...
November 16, 2021
Absolutely loved these books!!!
March 8, 2023
Only books that are worth reading out of the decology.
March 15, 2023
Excellent amazing world building and storytelling
January 10, 2024
The first book is my favorite.
May 8, 2024
My favorite in the series. The adventure is enjoyable and the wisdom is essential.
May 23, 2025
Fantasy is not normally my go-to genre, but this series was recommended by the wife of a business associate. It was quite enjoyable and I may even try the next book.
December 19, 2022
This autor is exceptionally amazing
December 2, 2013
This is currently my favorite series and it will continue to be my favorite for a long while. The series is everything you could ever want in a fantasy book: Adventure, magic, mystery, love, struggle, and chaos. First the good about the series. The plot is very well written and, I can tell, was very well-thought out. The characters are believable and sometimes do unexpected things, although you might disagree with their decisions. Now, the not-so-good things. Terry Goodkind is a master of Deus Ex Machina, which is not necessarily a good thing. You may find yourself wondering in the middle of an event what someone is going to decide on doing, but someone or something almost always steps in to guide them along the right path. It's annoying to say the least. You expect the characters to actually think through their problem instead of blindly following a stranger that they just met a few pages ago. That is definitely forgivable because Goodkind draws you into the story with such incessant ferocity that you barely notice the mistakes or the things that could've been done better. Overall, this book is fantastic and I recommend this series to anyone that likes a good fantasy story.
February 26, 2008
Terry Goodkind is nothing short of amazing!! His characters are very real ...not wholly good nor bad...but people you want to know better. Mr. Goodkind creates a world were even the worst of us can have some redeaming qualities. The Sword of truth series is a must read for the serious student of mankind. I cannot wait until the Disney TV Series based on Wizards First Rule is available for viewing!!!
WIZARD'S FIRST RULE: 'People are stupid; given proper motivation almost anyone will believe almost anything. Because people are stupid they believe a lie because they want to believe it's true or because they are afraid it might be true" (Chapter 36, Page 397 US Hard Cover.
Read all 12 books and find out what the other 11 Wizards Rules are.
You will find The Sword of Truth series in Fantasy but the truth is these books are very much about our present...the here and now!
WIZARD'S FIRST RULE: 'People are stupid; given proper motivation almost anyone will believe almost anything. Because people are stupid they believe a lie because they want to believe it's true or because they are afraid it might be true" (Chapter 36, Page 397 US Hard Cover.
Read all 12 books and find out what the other 11 Wizards Rules are.
You will find The Sword of Truth series in Fantasy but the truth is these books are very much about our present...the here and now!
June 3, 2013
Terry Goodkind’s first book, Wizard’s First Rule, was entertaining many years ago when I was a relatively new adult epic fantasy reader. Except for the actual First Rule ("People are Stupid"), which was... stupid. The story had some fascinating characters (mostly the secondary ones — I could never muster up much care for Kahlan) and Richard started out as a pretty good hero. The next couple of books of The Sword of Truth were also fun for someone who is not particularly demanding (which I wasn't at the time).
Then, Terry Goodkind totally lost it when Richard started preaching his Ayn Rand-ish humanistic philosophy -- constant rants about the nobility of the human spirit. It's not that I didn't agree with Richard, but that I didn't need to be continually hit over the head with it to understand... Read More:
http://www.fantasyliterature.com/revi...
Then, Terry Goodkind totally lost it when Richard started preaching his Ayn Rand-ish humanistic philosophy -- constant rants about the nobility of the human spirit. It's not that I didn't agree with Richard, but that I didn't need to be continually hit over the head with it to understand... Read More:
http://www.fantasyliterature.com/revi...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews