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3.78 AVERAGE
3.78 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Goodkind falls into the unfortunate space of fantasy and adventure books that involve every woman experiencing some form of SA. It is one of my favorite series, but the assault is something I could do without.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Torture, Toxic relationship, Murder, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Death, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Slavery, Suicide, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, Murder, Sexual harassment, War, Classism
Minor: Child abuse
SA is an unfortunate theme, either actively or passively, through the entire series.
Okay, I have been bugged for years from numerous people to read this book, been told what an excellent book it is. My son even gave me a copy of it and told me how highly he thought of it. Normally this would either make me run in the opposite direction thinking I would need a PhD to understand it, be intrigueed or be a bit nervous. None of those really applied here.
Its not that there isn't a good story here. There is. And I have to also take into consideration that I "read" it by listening to an audio book on it. The reader, though he read well, did not add much to the story. The voices he gave people were either whiny or monochromatic. The basic story is decent, the characters not unique, but interesting. Its a sort of fantasy knight's tale with wizards and enchantresses and people using and afraid of magic.
Nevertheless, the main thing that needs to be done with this book is for a good editor to take an industrial wordwhacker to it! Its absolute biggest failing is its overwhelming and unnecessary wordiness. You could probably cut the book in half by eliminating the times you are reminded (in detail, long drawn out, exhausting detail) scenes you had already read in detail (almost the same long drawn out exhausting detail) Then there is the excessive telling and lack of showing. You are instructed why the character feels the way they do, complete with a history (often a repeat of something else identical discussed earlier)
However, the story was interesting enough that I did suffer through all the pain and frustrations of its unnecessary length. I doubt that I would have made it to the end if I had read it as opposed to having it read on my car stereo. I looked at other reviews when I was nearing the end of the book and found that I was not the only one that held the opinions I did on the book. Maybe if the writer had invested the time he used to write all those excessive passages to rewriting the ones he was duplicating in a more memorable way, the reader could have figured it out on their own without being brow beat with the same information dozens of time and could have stayed immersed in the world he was creating instead of cursing, "Not this AGAIN!"
I'm still trying to decide if I am going to attempt the second book to see how much was the reader versus the book, but I doubt I will find it to be significant. I'm not too worried about giving such a poor review on this book. Its been around for a long time and there's enough fans that I doubt my thoughts will harm his reputation.
Its not that there isn't a good story here. There is. And I have to also take into consideration that I "read" it by listening to an audio book on it. The reader, though he read well, did not add much to the story. The voices he gave people were either whiny or monochromatic. The basic story is decent, the characters not unique, but interesting. Its a sort of fantasy knight's tale with wizards and enchantresses and people using and afraid of magic.
Nevertheless, the main thing that needs to be done with this book is for a good editor to take an industrial wordwhacker to it! Its absolute biggest failing is its overwhelming and unnecessary wordiness. You could probably cut the book in half by eliminating the times you are reminded (in detail, long drawn out, exhausting detail) scenes you had already read in detail (almost the same long drawn out exhausting detail) Then there is the excessive telling and lack of showing. You are instructed why the character feels the way they do, complete with a history (often a repeat of something else identical discussed earlier)
However, the story was interesting enough that I did suffer through all the pain and frustrations of its unnecessary length. I doubt that I would have made it to the end if I had read it as opposed to having it read on my car stereo. I looked at other reviews when I was nearing the end of the book and found that I was not the only one that held the opinions I did on the book. Maybe if the writer had invested the time he used to write all those excessive passages to rewriting the ones he was duplicating in a more memorable way, the reader could have figured it out on their own without being brow beat with the same information dozens of time and could have stayed immersed in the world he was creating instead of cursing, "Not this AGAIN!"
I'm still trying to decide if I am going to attempt the second book to see how much was the reader versus the book, but I doubt I will find it to be significant. I'm not too worried about giving such a poor review on this book. Its been around for a long time and there's enough fans that I doubt my thoughts will harm his reputation.
adventurous
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Good story. It kept my attention and wasn't terribly predictable. I enjoyed the characters and the plot. I will probably continue the series eventually, but I'm not hooked as of yet.
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I vaguely remember reading these books, at least the first eight, decades ago. No strong emotions well up in me when I review the synopses, just a vague recollection. I re-read a little of his work just to spark some memories or enthusiasm... nothing stirred. Make of that what you will.
**3.5 stars**
Compelled to read Wizard's First Rule by the plethora of rave reviews, endless recommendations from my family, and a personal interest in the description, I finally picked up the first Sword of Truth book. What I discovered was a world rich with magic and prophecies untold, wizards and sorcerers fighting an age-old battle. However, as I grew to love numerous aspects of this book, I did find many parts to be fairly underwhelming, earning a solid 3.5 stars.
To deny the positive characteristics of Wizard's First Rule would be a grievous mistake. Goodkind is skilled in creating easily empathetic characters, a useful tactic in establishing a fantasy world so large. These characters, however flawed, offer unique dynamics to the plot as it unfolds. Based on their capabilities, magical establishments, and societal positions, these beings help to support the universe created, adding credibility to the setting. Khalan, for example, uses her position as Mother Confessor both to her advantage and demise, attempting to learn how to navigate the Midlands and D'Hara with the power she holds. This also plays deeply into her emotional bond with Richard, advancing their connection that drives their motives. Goodkind also utilizes irony within this relationship to prolong Khalan's admission as Mother Confessor to Richard, an anticipated and suspenseful profession that feels fulfilling when it finally happens.
Other characters are perhaps even more compelling, offering unique perspectives that are unexpected. Denna and Rachel best exemplify this quality, though in starkly different ways. Rachel offers readers insight towards Giller, Princess Violet, and the general functionality of D'Hara, as it contrasts Westland and the Midlands. Denna, on the other hand, is both antagonistic and easy to pity, ultimately creating a strange but captivating perspective during her time with Richard.
Additionally, the fast-paced plot ensures that the story is constantly changing, adding new characters, obstacles, and conundrums into the mix as the characters' quest continues. Although not entirely, this aspect mainly compensates for the length of the novel, using numerous events to maintain readers' interests. Goodkind often stimulated this outcome by steadily developing the world. On a myriad of occasions, during which characters were formulating how to proceed, the author would discuss the fundamentals of the magic system, or how different creatures play into the structure of the lands. This motivated the world-building process to happen naturally, which was ultimately very easy to follow.
However, there were, unfortunately, various components of the story that lowered my overall rating. The magic system, for example, feels very sporadic at times. While the basic origin of the magic system is explained by Zedd, much is left to suspicion and uncertainty. This gives Goodkind the freedom to envoke a new magical power or convenience at will to help characters evade their "inevitable" ends. It lowered the stakes of the journey. I love when authors can take a known piece of magic, foreshadow its use at the beginning of the novel, and call on it later in order to help the characters. This, however, was not accomplished; just as a character was facing mortal danger, Zedd would explain how a certain spell or ancient legend could be used to remedy the situation. This occurred with the night stone, Con Dar, the sudden existence of the Mord-Sith, as well as many other instances.
I also would have liked to have seen more development from Richard. Richard is the perfect character; he is intelligent, easy to root for, and generally entertaining to read. That being said, I wanted more from him. I wanted to see him question his true morals, struggle with inner development, try to understand how he fit into the world he was so hastily thrown in to. He is constant throughout the whole novel - potentially an excellent quality in a character to present, but one that may also lead to a lack of development.
Nearing the end of the book, there were times where I thought a bit of revision or condensation would have been of great value. The plot did feel like it was lagging occasionally, which could have been averted through the editorial process.
Lastly, there were few twists and turns throughout the book, which is more a personal preference than a critique of the author's skill. I would have liked to have read at least one big unexpected reveal, but finished the book feeling fairly content and expectant of the ending.
Conclusively, while I did greatly enjoy diving into Goodkind's Wizard's First Rule, some aspects simply fell short. While I am not sure if I will progress with this series, I am curious as to how Goodkind may continue to develop the story.
**Trigger Warnings**
Rape, child abuse, sexual abuse, torture, trauma
Compelled to read Wizard's First Rule by the plethora of rave reviews, endless recommendations from my family, and a personal interest in the description, I finally picked up the first Sword of Truth book. What I discovered was a world rich with magic and prophecies untold, wizards and sorcerers fighting an age-old battle. However, as I grew to love numerous aspects of this book, I did find many parts to be fairly underwhelming, earning a solid 3.5 stars.
To deny the positive characteristics of Wizard's First Rule would be a grievous mistake. Goodkind is skilled in creating easily empathetic characters, a useful tactic in establishing a fantasy world so large. These characters, however flawed, offer unique dynamics to the plot as it unfolds. Based on their capabilities, magical establishments, and societal positions, these beings help to support the universe created, adding credibility to the setting. Khalan, for example, uses her position as Mother Confessor both to her advantage and demise, attempting to learn how to navigate the Midlands and D'Hara with the power she holds. This also plays deeply into her emotional bond with Richard, advancing their connection that drives their motives. Goodkind also utilizes irony within this relationship to prolong Khalan's admission as Mother Confessor to Richard, an anticipated and suspenseful profession that feels fulfilling when it finally happens.
Other characters are perhaps even more compelling, offering unique perspectives that are unexpected. Denna and Rachel best exemplify this quality, though in starkly different ways. Rachel offers readers insight towards Giller, Princess Violet, and the general functionality of D'Hara, as it contrasts Westland and the Midlands. Denna, on the other hand, is both antagonistic and easy to pity, ultimately creating a strange but captivating perspective during her time with Richard.
Additionally, the fast-paced plot ensures that the story is constantly changing, adding new characters, obstacles, and conundrums into the mix as the characters' quest continues. Although not entirely, this aspect mainly compensates for the length of the novel, using numerous events to maintain readers' interests. Goodkind often stimulated this outcome by steadily developing the world. On a myriad of occasions, during which characters were formulating how to proceed, the author would discuss the fundamentals of the magic system, or how different creatures play into the structure of the lands. This motivated the world-building process to happen naturally, which was ultimately very easy to follow.
However, there were, unfortunately, various components of the story that lowered my overall rating. The magic system, for example, feels very sporadic at times. While the basic origin of the magic system is explained by Zedd, much is left to suspicion and uncertainty. This gives Goodkind the freedom to envoke a new magical power or convenience at will to help characters evade their "inevitable" ends. It lowered the stakes of the journey. I love when authors can take a known piece of magic, foreshadow its use at the beginning of the novel, and call on it later in order to help the characters. This, however, was not accomplished; just as a character was facing mortal danger, Zedd would explain how a certain spell or ancient legend could be used to remedy the situation. This occurred with the night stone, Con Dar, the sudden existence of the Mord-Sith, as well as many other instances.
I also would have liked to have seen more development from Richard. Richard is the perfect character; he is intelligent, easy to root for, and generally entertaining to read. That being said, I wanted more from him. I wanted to see him question his true morals, struggle with inner development, try to understand how he fit into the world he was so hastily thrown in to. He is constant throughout the whole novel - potentially an excellent quality in a character to present, but one that may also lead to a lack of development.
Nearing the end of the book, there were times where I thought a bit of revision or condensation would have been of great value. The plot did feel like it was lagging occasionally, which could have been averted through the editorial process.
Lastly, there were few twists and turns throughout the book, which is more a personal preference than a critique of the author's skill. I would have liked to have read at least one big unexpected reveal, but finished the book feeling fairly content and expectant of the ending.
Conclusively, while I did greatly enjoy diving into Goodkind's Wizard's First Rule, some aspects simply fell short. While I am not sure if I will progress with this series, I am curious as to how Goodkind may continue to develop the story.
**Trigger Warnings**
Rape, child abuse, sexual abuse, torture, trauma
I'm sorry, Chris, I just couldn't get through this. It seemed to have some potential, though.
A pretty fun fantasy adventure with a likable cast of characters and an interesting world. I found the pacing to be pretty inconsistent; sometimes I'd get whiplash with the book moving from one scene to the next without much time for the characters to react to or discuss the previous events. And as much as I love Richard (I really do love that his primary character trait is just being a good person), at some points, it felt like everyone else around him was going on their own journeys and rounded arcs while he remained pretty static for most of the story. And for how much the book was building up for the final battle at the end, it all wrapped up way quicker and smoother than I was expecting. And also Overall though I really did enjoy this, after so much Game of Thrones where everybody's morally grey and there's no one you can easily root for, it was really refreshing to read a fantasy novel where the main cast are just genuinely good people and are actually friends with each other.
Spoiler
extremely minor gripe, but why did Scarlet suddenly come back at the end? She leaves Richard saying that their agreement was fulfilled and that she'd eat him next they spoke, but then not that long later she's eagerly taking Richard and his friends around D'Hara and saying that she'd do anything he'd tell her to? Idk just kinda contributed to the entire super-happy-perfect ending thing I was talking about.
We both tried to like the story, since we enjoy the tv series (hubby more than me), but we couldn't get into it.