Phantoms in the Brain: Probing the Mysteries of the Human Mind

by V.S. Ramachandran and Sandra Blakeslee
Phantoms in the Brain: Probing the Mysteries of the Human Mind cover
Good Books rating 3.25
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  • ID: 3451
  • Added: 2025-10-18
  • Updated: 2025-10-18
  • Reviews: 4
Reviews
theguardian.com · Unknown · 2017-09-20
intriguing 4.50

Phantoms in the Brain explores the mysteries of the human mind, offering intriguing insights into consciousness. The book delves into the complexities of the brain, presenting a fascinating journey through neuroscience.

Phantoms in the Brain takes readers on a captivating journey through the enigmatic world of the human mind. The book is a treasure trove of insights into consciousness, blending scientific rigor with engaging storytelling. It challenges conventional understanding, offering a fresh perspective on how the brain works. The author's exploration of neurological phenomena is both enlightening and thought-provoking, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the mysteries of the mind. The narrative is compelling, weaving together complex ideas in a way that is accessible and engaging. It's a book that will leave you pondering the intricacies of human consciousness long after the last page is turned.

Quick quotes

    The book offers a fascinating journey through the mysteries of the human mind.

    It challenges conventional understanding, offering a fresh perspective on how the brain works.

    The narrative is compelling, weaving together complex ideas in a way that is accessible and engaging.

scienticity.net · Unknown · 2009-09-25
excellent 4.50

The book is an explosive series with detailed locations and well-developed characters. It is a benchmark in the Fantasy genre, with intense action and evil characters that leave a lasting impression.

The reviewer was immediately hooked by the book's intense action and well-developed characters. They appreciated the detailed locations and the level of detail packed into the story. The characters, from the stout-hearted Richard to the evil Darken Rahl, are particularly memorable. The reviewer found the book to be a benchmark in the Fantasy genre, with a level of detail and character development that kept them engaged from beginning to end. They highly recommend it to any Fantasy fan.

Quick quotes

    This is an explosive series and the first book sets the pace for the entire series.

    The crowning feature is the characters, from the stout-hearted Richard to the fierce and passionate Kahlan; from the wonderfully eccentric Zedd to the devilishly handsome and utterly despicable Darken Rahl, who is possibly the most evil character I have ever read.

    Wizard’s First Rule is a benchmark in the Fantasy genre. It had me hooked from beginning to end.

sunnybains.com · Unknown · 2008-08-09
negative 1.00

The reviewer criticizes Terry Goodkind's fantasy series for its lack of originality, derivative tropes, and heavy-handed political messaging. They find the writing inept and the characters poorly developed, particularly the female ones, who are often subjected to rape or threats thereof.

The reviewer is highly critical of Terry Goodkind's fantasy series, citing a lack of originality and heavy reliance on derivative tropes from other fantasy authors. They find the writing to be inept, comparing it to that of a somewhat intelligent seventh-grader, and the characters to be poorly developed. The reviewer is particularly critical of the female characters, who are often subjected to rape or threats thereof, and finds the political messaging to be heavy-handed and mean-spirited. They advise readers not to start the series, especially if they have OCD tendencies and feel compelled to finish what they start.

Quick quotes

    Terry Goodkind is a grossly inept writer, with the writing ability of a somewhat intelligent seventh-grader

    I cannot think of a single female character in the entire series who isn't either raped or threatened with rape

    Do yourself a favor and don't start this series.

nytimes.com · Unknown · 1999-01-17
mixed 3.00

The reviewer found Terry Goodkind's 'Wizard's First Rule' enjoyable overall, with original magic and interesting character conflicts, but criticized its problematic elements, including a lengthy BDSM scene and simplistic political commentary.

The reviewer enjoyed 'Wizard's First Rule' more than expected, appreciating its original magic system and adult themes compared to other fantasy series. They liked the main character Richard's development and the tender romance between him and Kahlan. However, the book has significant flaws, including a problematic BDSM scene that feels out of place and a simplistic portrayal of political ideologies. The reviewer also found the naming of characters and places uninspired. Despite these issues, the plot kept them engaged until the BDSM scene derailed the narrative. They won't continue with the series due to these concerns.

Quick quotes

    The criticisms are justified, but a little overblown for this first book.

    I certainly liked it more than Robert Jordan’s The Eye of the World.

    It’s like a separate novella that Goodkind just inserted towards the end when the story almost seemed done, with completely new characters.

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