Wizard's First Rule: Terry Goodkind - Review
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- Опубліковано 27 лип 2024
- This is a book review of Wizard's First Rule, the first book in the Sword of truth series, published in 1994. This book is classic fantasy, but it has modern application. the lessons that it teaches you, and goes on to teach you with each new book in the series, are ones which stay with the you and affect you long after you put the book away.
Goodkind's classic style is perfectly executed, making a familiar story new and exciting, and introducing the reader to characters who capture the imagination and who, as the series develops, you grow to love and admire.
There are some technical problems to do with style and narration, soft magic systems, exposition, and overarching allegory, but these fade into the background as the story unfolds.
7.5/10
Art credited to:
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All I have to say is thank you especially the part where you remarkably put that some of the negative reviews were from people who have not actually read the book! I agree with you Wizards first rule is definitely nostalgic and a great book to read one I've read multiple times and still don't get bored reading it.
I found stone of tears to be better then the first tbh
I read the first book but couldn’t put it down. It is a really good read!!!
Its too bad you don't do videos any more. You are a very positive person and do a great job talking about the books and breaking down the issues that other people have with it. And I agree, the books are easy to read and entertaining.
I know this video has been on for years, but well done I have read and listened to a good 20 or 30 times and it's as exciting as it was the first time
I've watched this video several times since its been posted
"A Seeker has to be the *right* person..." not the same thing as being perfect, which no one really is.
I love the vibe of your paperbacks; I love how my books look after reading them, as much as I take care of them, there's always wear and damage that can't be avoided, and that tells a story by itself.
In 1994 I read the Vampire Chronicles. This book I listened to on yt. 10weeks to complete a book is unheard of. He must have written 500 books by now. I am now listening to The first Confessor to understand the very beginning.
Similar interests in books. Refreshing channel with great reviews - giving me the idea to explore other books, series etc. and now I've subscribed. Thanks Amy.
Thank you so much for this review. I absolutely love this series Faith of the Fallen being my favourite (I love Nicci so much). It was the first fanasty book that I ever read, and because of that I'm rather heartbroken with all the negativity around it. You review had made me feel so much better 😀
Don't be heartbroken, the haters are servants of the keeper.
Agreed!! Never forget.. people are stupid. Wizards first rule!
I am reading the first book now. Yes it has issues, but I am still enjoying it.
best objective review i found from those damn books, (which i enjoyed so much btw, just 3 first ones of course...) thanks!
Denna changed everything about this book for me , took it to another level in my eyes.
Currently 3 quarters way through BOTF
hope you finished the series :) it got a little hard to keep reading it for a couple books but it had some very good parts too
@@brianwieberg8526 I did , loved it - Faith of the Fallen was incredible
That was an excellent review Amy! So good, I'm going to follow you now on Twitter. Thanks!
One of my favorite series!! Thank u!! 💜
I really liked the first three books but the series went downhill after that for me. I saw more and more filler and it got more preachy as the series went on. I enjoyed your review better than some of the negative ones I have seen so far though.
Unfortunately Wizard's First Rule doesn't really represent the Terry Goodkind, person and author of 1994.
Influential author once? Yes.
Terry nowaways finds himself in an awkward place, refusing to accept the nature of his own work and talking down his contemporaries at any chance he gets.
Fame gets to your head
Great review, insightful, eloquent, intelligent
This was well done. I enjoy this style of reviewing.
I love all his books and always will.
got this book as a present when it was released...the struggle was real waiting for the next books to come out
He turned one of the most evil characters to some one really good and special that I fell in love with. Lol Please do another video on the Nicci chronicles. She definitely in my opinion is more interesting than any of the other characters.
Aaron Devink I agree Nicci is a wonderful character!
Ooh finally someone who thinks the same way as I do XD I love Niccis character development. Definitely the best character goodkind has written
Gives me a different perspective on book! I do like my heros having flaws. Just like us. Hope to see more of your reviews.
Richard is flawed in many aspects, I don't understand why people think that Terry is writing about an unflawed character. He makes loads of mistakes throughout the series which tells of his flawed characteristics one of being he's far to trusting. He trusts this guy John in the first book which turns out to be an aborision of magic, trusts the sisters of dark in the second book, and trusts the mirithswith in the 3rd book
Um. New sub. You're so we'll spoken and I love how you're videos are set up! This still? Awesome. I just got wizards first rule and stone of tears and blood of the fold for .10 a piece so I'm very excited to read it now!!!
On a scale of 1-10 how close is this to Name of the wind?
@@jessib3922 about 1
I'm fascinated you can like the books and yet disregard their core message as "american". As somebody who never even visited United States and personaly experienced socialism in my own country I don't see Goodkind's love for individualism and rejection of collectivism being tied to his country of origin. He didn't show you the worst aspects of communism, he showed you where the ugliness of it's ideas can, and many times in history did, lead to. Faith of the Fallen is my favourite because it reminds me of our own revolution and how beautiful freedom can be.
Weirdly, it seems like his series mirrors a world view that is closer to Native American philosophy than it is to a strict adherence to Ayn Rand Objectivism & ever since I realized that, I've been trying to figure out how & why that happened. Even down to the basic fact of using storytelling as a deep & explicit teaching medium &/ or to shame those who don't fall in line. It's weird. But, trust me, the series does not show an overtly American worldview (honestly, most Americans have an unnatural fear of Communism mixed with an unfortunate misunderstanding of what it is or how nations like Russia & China happened, which kind of appears to be the American norm on everything, now.). However, the books, overall, show a worldview I've honestly never heard anywhere else in my entire life, but one that is applicable & makes sense at just about every turn. The only downside of his philosophy I've been able to find is the intellectual abilities & wisdom of the individual trying to implement it.
I grew up with this series and it along with the Lord of the Rings helped me a lot. Eventually I realized the POV of these characters. Many of the characters are very proud and accomplished and, rather realistically, they like to hear themselves talk and explain to Richard things at length. Richard himself is what I would call an intuitive person. He admits himself that he has no idea what he’s doing most of the time! 😂 That’s how his magic works and why I think many people get confused.
The politics is a complaint I’ve heard a lot, as if every chosen one story character doesn’t tell the government off at some point. But I appreciated the exploration of the extremes of all the systems. Too much democracy leads to beurocratic complacency. Too much monarchy leads to despotism. Too much communism leads to slavery. Being somewhat independent is the only system that works, especially in a world with magic!
Thank you ! Luv Terry Goodkind's books
then why the FUCK are you even on here? This is a boomreview DUMMY. If you know you dont like Goidkind then dont click on reviews of his books. If anybody on here is an idiit its YOU troll
Nice video! Merry Christmas!
Ahh you have the original cover art copy of WFR!!! The FIRST TIME I read this I had that copy as well, if it was mine I would still have it but it was public property. I listened to audio books now of this series.
😇😎😈
What a great review.
Great review, thanks!
What is your favourite book in the series? Mine is Faith of The Fallen
Hello. Who would you pick play play the main characters if a MOVIE series were to be made? (Richard, Kahlan, Zed, Cara, Nicci, Chase, Darken Rahl, Jagang .)
Think they already tried sth like that with Legend of the Seeker.
Nice review, not sure if I will read the book since it's a very long series of books, but I'm certanly more excited to eventually start
Each book has its own conclusion. You never feel like you absolutely have to read the next book to continue the story. From the readers perspective the story is over every single time a book finishes. You could honestly read the first one and stop and then read the next one and stop. And so on and so on.
I read "Blood of the Fold" first and then the rest of the series in order (about a dozen) and could NOT put the books down. Terry Goodkind is my all-time favorite author.
Lol and wheel of time isn’t original, it’s a rip off from Lord of the Rings
Can’t get into it, and it could be argued wheel of time is just ripping off all fantasy books up until that time. Jordan didn’t make up magic. Trollocs? Yea very original. I very much enjoyed Wizards First Rule, eye of the world bores me with the overly descriptive writing. Like after a half a page I forget wtf he’s even talking about. The way the magic works male and female side is silly, and I don’t care for it at all.
Matthew C well I don’t get your logic, I’d say your bad it takes that much more to amuse you, I’m easily amused. Maybe it’s that Neanderthal DNA in me. I just feel like saying he rips off fantasy isn’t a fair criticism b/c all modern fantasy books are rip offs one way or another. I will say the way the magic works in Richard favor to an annoying point is understandable, but than again that happens a lot to main characters. Harry Potter is one of them.
Oh don’t get me wrong, I think he’s a total piece of shit, but like actors, directors and music artist, I honestly could care less about there moral compass. A good story is a good story. But yea like how he dunked on that guy who did the cover art for him was totally un called for but I guarantee Terry prob secretly hates himself.
Excellent review. Thank you for sharing.
Jerry
I started reading this book today and was looking for some background information when I happened upon your video.
The reason that I was looking into the background is that, in a way, the bad things that happened in the story are happening in my nation today. So I wanted to know more about the book. By the way he was talking about the flower bearers, the killing of people who didn't agree with the movement and the like. I thought that this was a new novel. But written in 1994? I was very surprised.
I know that you don't agree with the communist being a bad thing. But I am starting to experience it, firsthand and believe me when I say that you do not want that in your life. I wish that it wasn't in mine.
It is ruining the nation I love and I am sickened by it.
I look forward to reading the rest of the book. I am hoping that like the book, my nation will also have a good ending.
You pronounce Kahlan Exactly like me. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate that lol because that’s exactly how it reads. Also, I loved your review. I feel like this was the first review that I’ve watched on this book that was actually open, honest, and genuine. These are my thoughts exactly. I’m on book 7 currently, and I’m curious to know which books for you were a High Point in the series and which books you felt brought the series down to the point where he would give it seven out of 10.
I’m a 90s girl. I LOVE classic. It’s tropish as hell but it was the 1990s.
these are my fave books of all time. nice review!
Agreed I love this series!
The only thing I didn't like about the book were the torture scenes.I thought Stone of Tears was the best in the series.
They were dark! But I do like the concept of the Mord'sith, and especially their later development. I think they were introduced a bit abruptly, we didn't understand why this random woman was doing all those horrible things to him. But that added to Richard's confusion and fear I think, so I can forgive him...
I have the very same experience with that, I even skipped most of those pages...
Stone of Tears? Isn't that a Wheel of Time reference. Goodkind plagiarizing as usual.
Me personally, I didn’t care for them. I understand why people enjoy them but for my personal taste I felt I’d seen a lot of the plot elements before in other fantasy - Tolkien for example. I like your enthusiasm for the book non the less! Enjoy your videos!
Good book review.
I listen to the audiobook of book1 a few times. I need to continue to listen to book2.
The torture portion of the book is difficult to get through. There’s a lesson there about how Richard can control his power… So some good came from it? I’m conflicted lol
debt of bones explains why the wall went up.... its a prequel :)
yes. yes it does
Timothy Hathaway
Since it's a prequel written after the first few books, does it distract from some of the mystery of the first book? Not sure whether to read the first book or the prequel (novella)
zen underground well I read the first book before I knew there was a prequel and loved it that way.
@@zenunderground9893 yes it does distract from the mystery of the first book, debt of bones should be read after the wizards first rule
maddas13 I just read it a few days ago. Excellent story. I have to agree, having read even at least the first half of Wizard's First Rule, made for Debt of Bones all that much more better. Excellent book. But it was more enjoyable having further character development of one of the main characters of the first book.
I was surprised at the “classic” fantasy inclusions, myself, because I thought each writer would make up their own fantasy creatures and magic rules. It felt strange that I could guess how things work based on other authors’ works I’ve read. It reminds me of the Star Trek universe...anybody can write a novel, but they have to work within some established facts and rules. I didn’t know classic fantasy had the same principle going on, and that disturbed me. I’ve gotten more used to it now, but I think that’s what people objecting to things like dragons are coming from. If TG could invent gars, why did he borrow dragons? Why not make up some other creature?
That being said, this series is one of my all-time favorite, and is somewhat of a spiritual text to me; and yours is the first review of it I ever saw or heard, and I consider your review outstanding! Makes me want to read it again.
I actually really loved the dragon parts. Esp the dragon who was supposed to be his enemy but became his friend. I really don't see a problem with it.
Thank you for a great objective review.
You've convinced me to give this book ago, I don't like Terrys personality but separating the man from the work is important I suppose. Apart from Stephen King, George RR Martin and Joe abercrombie there's no author I really like that can see myself agreeing with most of the time.
you got a lot of books.good video thanks.
I read it ages ago and agree 100% what you are saying.
Thanks, really enjoyed it!
You would think by the comments that she disliked the book.
I read Wizards First Rule in high school and I liked it a lot. I read the first four book in the series. I plan to read the rest and the companion books.
Terry Goodkind does not think he is a fantasy author ironically enough. He is always talking poorly about fantasy as a whole and other authors. He even hated on an artist that made a cover for his because it looked like a fantasy book cover. Terry hates fantasy to him these book are like morality epics.
how ironic that he is a self-hating fantasy author. LOL.
He's just delusional. He steals a lot from other fantasy authors. The political ideology he stuffs his books with isn't even his own, but borrowed from Ayn Rand's books. He's like a college student who copy-pasted his friend's homework then paraphrased most things to pass the plagiarizm software.
Sword of Truth is my favorite book series! I loved your review!
@@matthewc5747 I saw and read a few interviews with Goodkind and have to admit that I was surprised at his character and not in a positive way.
I also have to admit that I've read the entire Sword of Truth series and really liked it a lot. I especially love Zedd, the old wizard.
I am also a big Sanderson fan and have read (almost) all of his books.
Sword of Truth is in my opinion the Star Wars (Lucas stole from so many other artists) to Star Trek when compared to LOTR, Wheel Of Time or Stormlight. But hey, I like both styles. Actually Sword of Truth has one big advantage over all the "Legends": The much much faster pace of at least the first few books. Sure the latter books get kinda get old with the main protagonists getting separated again and again and again....Another thing that I really like is that (at least in the early books) he did not introduce 20 different characters, each with their on POV. That is my main or better only problem with Sanderson and Robert Jordan. At some point I just get annoyed by that.
I also failed to pick up the political tones that other readers complain about. I am far from being a Rebublican BTW. I'm a Bernie Sanders guy and consider even Biden too conservative. That being said, other than the "moral" lessons we always get in such books, I had no problems.
I was more annoyed by Robert Jordan making his hero another very tall, very handsome nordic looking dude. Why must such heroes, who are nobodys until they find their amazing powers, all look like male supermodels ? But hey it's a book and I sometimes just change some characters in my mind to keep on enjoying the story.
I find the hate that his books receive absolutely unfair. Sure he stole a lot but who doesn't ?
I love Sanderson and like Insaid, I read all adult books and after I was through I recently decided to read WOT and midway into the first book I thought I was reading a Sanderson book, their styles are very similar ! Every great writer will copy others like every sports legend took something from the ones that came before. Not that I would call Goodkind a legend but you get my drift...I think he wrote entertaining books and I think most of the hate is based on his douchebag behaviour not really the books.
Richard was never made to be perfect he was just prophesied as "the one to lead them" it never said he was perfect. In the book he learns the best lessons from his failures or stories of failures he's learned from others. And the book always had a huge political view it just wasn't as pronounced as in faith of the fallen which is a favorite of mine. Appreciate your option though
where can i find you on social media?
jon abril I'm on Twitter, @amy7metcalfe
I'm surprised that people like Nicci from later in the series. She's worse than Richard in the as you said "too perfect" department. She has all the answers to basically everything and is all powerful in magic (Leaving Zedd to be worthless in the stories). I still have a couple books to go, but I'll definitely pass on the Nicci Chronicles.
There are quite a lot of obvious stuff like certain developments, including the Seeker, Wizard, etc.
i get what you are saying. he is the superman/richard rahl/ned stark. but the series is probably one of the best i've read. but then all of the female characters are also more beautiful than the next... nicci is my favorite. its a bit cookie cutter but its dark as shit but a lot of strong characters.
Richard is the Ubermench: he loves Ayn Rand.
Zedd is my favorite character by far! I am currently reading this book right now. I am loving it. If you're interested, I have posted my own commentary about this book on my channel.
By the way, you are right about the first rule.
6:30 ish. I had to stop it there. Spoilers, I plan to read all the books. But yes, he is a tad perfect, but the Mord Sith stuff helps me there. Plus he's annoying in a way that makes me think. My fav charter is Rachael, but then I'm a sucker. On chapter 1 book 2 and it's Rachael the hero again. So happy. PS your hair looks cool.
Stone of Tears is 🔥 Had to stop at book #2
Since your latest vid appears to be 4 years ago it is likely you’ve given up posting ...this is a shame as your channel is one of the better ones i’ve come across. Your comments are balanced, insightful and eloquently delivered....we could benefit from more of this on You Tube. I rarely bother leaving comments but I wanted to commend you on your review of the late Terry Goodkind’s work in the above video. While there are problematic elements to the authors personal outlook (Rand’s Objectivism etc) The Sword of Truth series is bizarrrly singled out for somewhat hysterical criticism from certain sections of the fantasy fan base (notably its younger proponents) ...it’s good to see someone from this demographic taking a more reflective approach. I came to WFR on the back of Stephen Donaldsons Thomas Covenant series from a decade or more earlier and consider it to be on a par with any of the established fantasy series of the last 40 years ...it’s not perfect by any means, and there are better, however it’s a significant work which does not deserve the somewhat contrived approbrium it has had heaped upon it. As for the violence and “dark” content well it is hard fantasy do i’m not quite sure what the problem is...let’s face it we have since had GoT which developed precisely these darker aspects and was explicitly praised ( often by the same elements of fandom frowning upon Goodkinds graphic content) ) for doing so. Wizards First Rule was for me and exhilarating (and yes...disturbing) read ...it’s no more derivitive than most other epic fantasy works (show me a totally original one post LOTR) ...in fact if anything it was in the vanguard of darker, grittier fantasy that is now commonplace (but which was not in 1994). Anyway...hope you are still enjoying fantasy and that all is well.
Good review, thx!
There is indeed a bit to much Ayn Rand in it and Richard and Kahlan are Goodkinds champions of Objectivism.
But still, its one of the best and most epic fantasy series ever written! A must read!
I don't think Richard is perfect. I think Zed help with the way Richard works out a problem. Also him growing up as a guild gives him certain characteristics which helps him make some of the decisions he makes.
I think the reason he is the chosen one is because he can use additive and subtractive magic. All the other magic users in this book can only use additive magic
I just stumbled upon your video and honestly, so many people aren't even aware of this series. This is one of the best fantasy series I have ever read. I actually came across it because I started watching the TV show Legend of the Seeker but as soon as I read the books, I realised the show just dulls in comparison. I loved Richard's character development throughout the entire series, how he just goes from simple woods guide to one of the most powerful and cunning wizards. This series will always hold a special place in my heart and I'm so glad to see there are others who see its value.
Amazing review :) I love the novel. I've read all of his books. I'm just waiting for the new book to come out :)
what "new book"?
The book is amazing...love the relationship between Richard and Kaylin or however you spell her name...I did think the plot was unique even if Terry may have taken cues from other books... later in the series the perverted parts of the series repelled me and I would look past that and skip past those horrid parts...I got to 4th book temple of the winds and almost completely stopped reading altogether because Kaylin and Richard had to marry other ppl to satisfy some type of ritual and were to consummated the marriage, which compelled me to put the book down for a while and afterwards pick it back up because I had the thought of the author throwing in a twist that would keep the couple true and pure with each other, to go to the temple of the winds...which was devastating because marriage is my core value as a person and as a Christian...I personally would not have compromised that relationship for the world!...however Terry goodkind pulls it off by allowing kaylin and Richard to maintain their purity before their marriage...which was wonderful!
Jesus, it's a fantasy book for fucks sake why do you biblebashers always make it about your pathetic faith.!? Get over yourself.
Cause the bible so happens to be true God "Jesus" really existed He actually did miracles cured the blind, healed the sick, raised the dead and on the third day after being crucified rose from the grave, and anyone who repents and believes the gospel will be saved. What's the bid deal! Are you fighting with your own conscience?
Greatest writer of all time
Thank you for giving an honest review. I was a bit taken aback by the very extreme vitriol this book gets. The “too perfect” thing might bug me a bit, but at least it’s tied into the story. Also as a red-blooded American I hate communism so I don’t see that bother me 😂
People make it sound like the most evil fantasy book ever written, but it clearly isn’t. Will definitely be checking it out.
The hate this series gets is basically a social media bandwagon that tons of people have jumped on. And most haven't even given the books a chance. Fantastic series, give it a try. The books do get better as they go along but book 1 is still great.
@@blacknwhitecookie8967 there might be some truth to that, but people who have read them also seem to agee that they're bad. also terry was a pretty shitty person, so that might have had an influence
review eye of the world. im on chapter 3.
It was mentioned that Richard was too perfect but he had a major flaw, although Richard was the most powerful wizard born in 3 thousand years, he did not know how to use that power, he had to learn as he went through the series, not knowing how to use his potential power was his weakness.
Not a character flaw, though... I think that is what most people mean if they say that some hero had no flaw. Just my 2p
You rock...
Never read this but heard horrible things. I refuse to believe this can be as rip off-ish to WoT as people say
It's not. I've read both debuts and they are *nothing* alike. It just so happens that some of the circumstances are similar, which, in the "classic age" of fantasy makes sense, since most fantasy at the time was very formulaic. Hero doesn't want his destiny, hero meets heroine, hero has an old wise mentor and a staunch and strong ally. The basic stuff.
People have found someone they can say horrible things about, all because they took out of context a quote of his. In my opinion, that has become one of the biggest overreactions in the history of writing.
Too many people don't really read books anymore, because they are to busy judging them. They use words like Trope and Cliche as the sole reason to dislike a book or series. Most fantasy series start off with a nobody, that is destined to beat all odds and save the world. There will be incredible objects of power, magic, or fighting styles, etc.
For someone to read a fantasy novel and criticize it for these things is just ridiculous. The reason why many people read fantasy, is it's usually entertaining story, that's fun, and will usually end in a upbeat way. They know the hero of the book series will come out on top in the end, it's just how it all comes about. It's not just the ending, it's the journey that we appreciate.
When I read a book, I create sort of a bubble world for that book or series. The author creates the rules for that bubble world, and you know only what's in that bubble world, all other bubble worlds you created by reading other books don't exist.
You only know what the characters know, you only know as much as the character knows about the world. It's extremely important, to put yourself in the shoes of the character, and try to evaluate everything that happens as if you were that character. If you don't try to empathize with the character, you are what I call, only surface reading, your reading with no depth to it. If you read The Sword of Truth series by only surface reading, you aren't really going to like it that much. If you read like this, you're basically taking the heart out the story, and are somehow surprised that you didn't like it. smh
There are no real original books anymore. Majority of all authors steal ideas from other authors, and try to create something new with that idea. You'll find, a few reused ideas from other series in The Sword of Truth. You could say, that fantasy books have built their own Stereotypes, these Stereotypes, ideas, character constructs, are created in every book, and are added to the pool of ideas, that the next author is going to play with. Like every author seems to put their own spin on what a Vampire is, and what they are capable of. Fantasy is famous for reusing idea's over and over again, and just changing the details enough to be something different than another series. To criticize this, is just being overly judgmental. Learn to read a book for what it is, and not what you wish it was.
Usually people will tear a book apart, just because it wasn't the way they wished it was, yet, they never could have created 1/4 of what that author just did. They set in judgment, when they could never do what that author did. They will destroy the book because they think it has a few errors in the writing. It's like being given a house, and trashing it, just because the front porch light doesn't turn on. 5 Years from now, you will think back on that book, and not remember the things you disliked, and only remember the story.
@Adam Cosper and I worry for you....
Man, I agree with everything you just said. I see some of the best books ending ripped apart on Book tube and I'm like, "If you don't like it, don't read it.'
These books turned into a political condescending rant after book four or five. they lost their imagination in place of a moral dialogue. i can't believe you liked them after that! i got to about book 8 or 9 idk. but they were becoming a chore by then lol - i'm really slow reader. I do agree with your comments on communism - all taken out of context and imagination completely. unfair political propagandistic rant. and he got paid for it.
The sword of truth series is my most favorite fantasy book of all time. period.
@@matthewc5747 Your first sentence kind of disqualifies you from throwing stones at Goodkind who is not a good person either.
@@matthewc5747 I understand the problems with Goodkind. I also think people who lead a conversation calling somebody stupid are in a glass house if they are attacking the morality of another.
@@matthewc5747 I strongly recommend you to form your own opinion instead of trusting it to a booktuber.
@@matthewc5747 I dislike Goodkind as well, but telling someone you disagree with their taste by insulting them is just childish.
Liked the books, the show, and the review. Although I think you handled the criticism poorly. Rather than addressing the criticism and making valid arguments you just assumed nobody read the books. The series have a lot of massive flaws and most of the criticism I’ve read have some measures of truth. But that’s the same with every book series. Even my favorite book series has major criticisms and I accept them and it doesn’t make the books any less meaningful and great to me.
Also i have never seen anyone criticize wizards first rule as too fantasy. Those are just dumb hard fantasy fans who can’t stay in their sub genres, don’t listen to them.
it took you a really long time to read this,, didn't it?
Why do people keep calling Wizards Firts Rule a fantasy? Terry Goodking certainly does not :D
The authors he stole from certainly were.
I think it is because it is a certain kind of fantasy, the kind of Tolkien-lite fantasy, which people are tired off now. Anyway, I wont read the series. I've goten into the tv series now and will watch it instead.
Personally I don't care much if the author has another political/religious worldview than mine, as long as they don't preach in black and white all the time. Terry does though, so no thanks for me.
While I enjoyed the book, it certainly had its flaws.
The author uses Magic in a very confusing way. When it appears the characters are in a bad situation and facing certain death, the author shows how this previously introduced magical concept saves the day.
Richards's development is odd; he is met with a tremendous change in his life and him just kind of goes with it. His girlfriend is a savage witch, his mentor is a lying wizard, his brother is a terrorist, his father is Joesph Stalin, and he is tortured for 20% of the book.
Page 421. The plot conveniently needed somebody to save them. While I enjoyed the explanation of Brophy's story, the way he entered the book felt very Forced.
Con dar p544
Kahlan stood no chance and was about ready to die. Thankfully this new magic was created to save the day. She is now conveniently able to override any magic against her at this time.
His wife is not a witch xD and zed never really lied in most things he just want entirely honest on certain things which is something Richard used in the very first book against his real father
I enjoyed the book and the series. Great review! subbed!
A pretty much agree, I love the series and I found it to be very original. Surely, dragons were heard of before, but then again the notion of a dragon goes back way before the first printed books ever. So does the Good v.s. Evil scheme... Also, high fantasy is supposed to have it's own religious system, so if we talk monotheistic approaches, there are only God and God + Devil (creator and big bad guy) as options, which goes back all the way back to Zoroaster... So there is only so much stuff of which high fantasy can be composed of ,while still being identifiable as such, and Terry Goodkind combined it in a very original way. Also the concept of Denna or Nicci does not fit into the classical good v.s. evil scheme, they both are extremely interesting characters. First, you hate Denna, then you begin to understand why she is so nuts. A book later, you like her (or her spirit rather) and finally in temple of the winds you hear Cara's story and begin to feel sorry for them.... Also, I admire the lessons he teaches, a lot of young people nowadays (aka Snowflakes) can definitely profit there. Agree, the explaining is sometimes a little bit too long. I disagree only on her perception of communism, which is real nightmare (just read the gulag archipelago or ask someone who lived in the CCCP) and Terry Goodkind is right to point out the fundamental, sociological flaws of it.
Wow, and here I was thinking it was cliched garbage, what do I know?
I appreciate your review. It was decently broken down. Bravo. Though I have to say I disagree. I recently read the first book. I think his writing is sloppy, lazy and frankly uninspired. Well, what I mean is heavily "inspired" with every other successful fantasy authors work. Like a quilt. That aside, he isn't a good person, either. I will not be reading the next. Again, thanks for the video.
really good review. if you get a chance do me a small favour. read beautiful creatures it's a teen type book but very good. Your like it. This guy dreams of a women.
Turns out that Rey from Jakku enjoys fantasy novels.
I love the themes of Objectivism in the books. Objectivism has changed my life from the beginning, and the characters of The Sword of Truth are lovable.
@Adam Cosper I'm a libertarian and don't love objectivism lol,
@Adam Cosper I'm sorry believe in the system that has created the best result when tried...get back to me when you learn history and economics.
@Adam Cosper your lack of education makes me laugh as well.
Zedd, Zedd, Zedd…
For some who is “perfect”, Richard certainly makes many mistakes during the series. In terms of his solutions to problems, he is able to come up with them because, due to his background, he is not confined to what has been taught and he can think outside of the box creatively, like any other genius.
I mostly agree with this review. I've read the SoT series and the first few books are worth reading, particularly First Rule. The trouble is that as the series goes on Goodkind uses the same tropes over and over. In every book Richard and Kahlan are forced apart. He's kidnapped, she's kidnapped, again and again. It gets tiring.
Then there is Shota the Witch Woman, a powerful and knowledgeable person. But she is also very annoying. Disaster is looming and it's 100% in her best interest to help Richard, but she refuses, hesitates and makes huge demands.
There is a huge million man army ravaging the countryside. No regard as to how it feeds itself is given. There is no discipline beyond fear of torture from those above. At one point the equivalent of a nuclear bomb goes off in the middle of it. That event is hardly noticed and is ignored by the next book.
In one book Richard is looking for a solution to the main problem and a little magical bird drops it in front of him.
The last three books are the worst and form their own trilogy. Richard and Kahlan are forced apart, again, and his solution is to join the evil army and play on a sports team. (I kid you not.)
It all ends with (spoiler alert!) Richard temporarily becoming a god and using Ultimate Magic to teleport the baddies to another world and set everything right.
The key problem is Terry Goodkind is an objectivist, a follower of the "philosophy" of Ayn Rand. In short: extreme libertarianism, which is already extreme. Anarchist stuff. Zero government and zero taxes is preferable. "Greed is good" and a virtue everyone should practice. Nothing matters but your own well-being, there is no morality beyond that. Anything less than 100% freedom is evil and slavery and death. So, quietly, he makes Richard and his friends exemplars of this ideology, and it all works well for him. Hence the reviewer's mention of Richard being "perfect." Yes, he is, and the other characters comment on it, often.
If you can stomach that, then you'll enjoy the Sword of Truth series. I recommend stopping after 3-5 though.
Because plot
Personally, I initially liked the series and thought it was original with much potential. Two things made new stop after book 5.
1. Every evil character was into rape. How do you show that someone is evil? Rape... shallow and unnecessary.
2. The blatant and shallow view on society. This was not too much of a problem when it was not yet central to the story. But as it is central to the author, or became more and more to the foreground of his stories. It disrupted the flow and the suspension of disbelieve. Perhaps by giving me the impression I wasn't really reading a story, but a political rant. And a good rant can be fun. ButAne an alternative world view can be insightful and interesting. But this quickly became just shallow and boring.
Just my view. If you loved it, good for you.
I stopped reading after pillars of heaven. It took me out of the series. I think I’ll go back and finish it
Great review, however..!
9:21 - It was not a real communism, let us try again :v
my favorite book ever. please respond
Kah...lan xD
It is just Wizards First rule feels very derivative. I love classic fantasy and have read a lot of fantasy so Wizards First rule was only ok also the wetlands and midlands his world building and magic are lazy. Idk l am glad you like the book and the series but I do understand why people don’t like it. They don’t dislike because it has dragons but because terry doesn’t add much to these tropes besides adding lots of rape. Also the nineties had a lot of authors changing the fantasy landscape it was a time with more originality than you give it credit for.