Terry Goodkind
Newest Release - Phantom - July 18, 2006.
Author Terry Goodkind published his first Sword of Truth series novel, Wizard's First Rule, in 1994, and his books have remained on the fantasy bestseller lists ever since. One of the most popular fantasy series in the world, the Sword of Truth books have captured the hearts and minds of readers worldwide.
Amazingly, these are Terry Goodkind's only books. Apparently, as Goodkind was working on the home he and his wife, Jeri, have built in the forests of the northeast, the character of Kahlan came to him and there evolved in his mind the world of the three lands - a world so many readers now share.
As with many favorite fantasy authors, Goodkind is not particularly adept at writing per se (too much long-winded recapping, heavy-handed and pedantic narrative), but his vision and his complete dedication to the world he has created overcome these drawbacks for his many fans. The Sword of Truth novels resonate with innumerable readers and, fortunately, Goodkind seems commited to continuing this series so that fans can expect more books to appear.
These are slow-paced, lengthy novels, and contain a great deal of graphic violence. We strongly suggest you read the books in order, as they tell a continuous story. The following bibliography includes very brief plot summaries of the Sword of Truth books.
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The
Sword of Truth Series by Terry Goodkind Wizard's First Rule (Sword of Truth, Book 1) The evil wizard Darken Rahl must be stopped in his efforts to take over the three lands. Richard Cypher, unassuming woodsman and soon to be wielder of the Sword of Truth, is introduced as the hero on a quest to prevent Rahl's acquisition of a box (needed to consummate Rahl's horrid plan), with the aid of magician Zedd and lady Kahlan Amnell (Richard's true love), among others. A detailed introduction to the characters and history of the world. |
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Stone
of Tears (Sword of Truth, Book 2) Richard Cypher battles Darken Rahl with his magic and the power of the sword, while Kahlan, in her role as last Mother Confessor, leads the land's armies against the evil hordes. We discover there is a deeper evil behind Darken Rahl, which will have to be dealt with eventually. A strong second outing. |
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Blood
of the Fold (Sword of Truth, Book 3) Book three contains a great deal of bloody action and moves along more quickly than the first two of the series. Focusing closely on the activities of Richard, Kahlan and Zedd, and less on the previous world-building, this is a terrific read for those who are already into the series and know what's going on. Richard and Kahlan are separated, as they each fight enemies in their own way, and Kahlan's strength and power become even more evident. |
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Temple
of the Winds (Sword of Truth, Book 4) The evil dreamwalker, Emperor Jagang, is alive and kicking and out to destroy Richard in this fourth installment. Meanwhile, a magical, deadly plague is killing thousands and the only way to stop it involves a perilous journey to the Temple of the Winds. Will the marriage between Richard and Kahlan ever take place? More than up to par, there is no flagging in the series so far. |
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Soul
of the Fire (Sword of Truth, Book 5) Love the concept of this one. In book four, Kahlan looses the destructive power of the three chimes, chaotic elementals who now are stealing souls and disrupting the magic that protects and serves the lands. They must be contained before the world is destroyed - but our heroes and heroines must guard against the threat from the Imperial Order at the same time. |
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Faith
of the Fallen (Sword of Truth, Book 6) Richard and Kahlan are separated once again when Richard is kidnapped by a sorceress and taken to the Old World. Kahlan must lead the armies in defense of the lands against the Imperial Order - in spite of Richard's vision that all is in vain. The comtemporary parallels of people unwilling to see the truth and eager for peace at all costs are made clear. |
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The
Pillars of Creation (Sword of Truth, Book 7) Rather than a continuation of the series, this novel tells the story of Jennsen, Darken Rahl's illegitimate daughter, her search for identity and a way out of madness - which she feels can come only with the death of Richard Rahl. Filled with lots of grisly action and adventure, the New World is seen from a different perspective. A powerful, gripping tale sure to please fans of the series. |
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Debt
of Bones This short novella (128 pages) is a prequel to the Sword of Truth series. In the time before the Boundaries, First Wizard Zedd, mired in grief and bitterness, is besought by young Abby to protect her family and community. A touching story, a must-have for fans. |
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Naked
Empire (Sword of Truth, Book 8) by Terry Goodkind "You knew they were there, didn't you?" Kahlan asked in a hushed tone as she leaned closer. Against the darkening sky, she could just make out the shapes of three black-tipped races taking to wing, beginning their nightly hunt. That was why he'd stopped. That was what he'd been watching as the rest of them waited in uneasy silence..." |
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Chainfire
(Sword of Truth, Book 9) by Terry Goodkind "With Wizard's First Rule and seven subsequent masterpieces, Terry Goodkind has thrilled readers worldwide with the unique sweep of his storytelling. Now Goodkind returns with a new novel of Richard and Kahlan, the beginning of a sequence of three novels that will bring their epic story to its culmination. After being gravely injured in battle, Richard awakes to discover Kahlan missing. To his disbelief, no one remembers the woman he is frantically trying to find. Worse, no one believes that she really exists, or that he was ever married. Alone as never before, he must find the woman he loves more than life itself....if she is even still alive. If she was ever even real." book description. |
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Phantom
(Sword of Truth, Book 10) by Terry Goodkind "On the day she awoke remembering nothing but her name, Kahlan Amnell became the most dangerous woman alive. For everyone else, that was the day that the world began to end. As her husband, Richard, desperately searches for his beloved, whom only he remembers, he knows that if she doesn't soon discover who she really is, she will unwittingly become the instrument that will unleash annihilation. But Kahlan learns that if she ever were to unlock the truth of her lost identity, then evil itself would finally possess her, body and soul. If she is to survive in a murky world of deception and betrayal, where life is not only cheap but fleeting, Kahlan must find out why she is such a central figure in the war-torn world swirling around her. What she uncovers are secrets darker than she could ever have imagined." - book description. |