Wizard's First Rule

by Terry Goodkind
Wizard's First Rule cover
Good Books rating 3.5
Fantasy
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Waterstones
Paperback • £14.99
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Technical
  • ID: 4618
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • ISBN: 9780312857059
  • Publisher: Macmillan
  • Published: 1994-08-15
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

Wizard's First Rule is the first book in the epic Sword of Truth series, introducing readers to a richly imagined world filled with magic, danger, and moral complexity. The story follows Richard Cypher, a simple woods guide who uncovers his destiny as a powerful wizard and must confront the tyrannical Darken Rahl. /n/n As Richard's journey unfolds, he grapples with the consequences of his newfound abilities and the weight of his decisions. The novel explores themes of power, responsibility, and the blurred line between good and evil, all set against a backdrop of thrilling adventure and high-stakes conflict.

Reviews
Reddit - r/Fantasy · 2025-10-22
great 4.00

The book is well-written and follows a classical hero's journey, with a protagonist of humble origins. The world-building is atmospheric and detailed.

Reddit's review of 'Wizard's First Rule' praises its well-crafted storytelling and classical hero's journey. The protagonist's humble origins and the atmospheric world-building are highlighted as key strengths. The review suggests that while the book follows familiar tropes, it does so in a way that is engaging and enjoyable. The detailed world-building adds depth to the story, making it a compelling read for fantasy enthusiasts.

Quick quotes

    In general I found the book to be well written.

    It's a very classical hero's journey fantasy.

    The world-building is atmospheric and detailed.

Fantasy Faction · 2025-10-22
good 3.00

The narrative is fluid and the descriptions are well-crafted, making the action scenes engaging. The heroes are well-developed, adding depth to the story.

The reviewer appreciates the fluid narrative and good descriptions that make the action scenes engaging. They find the heroes well-developed, which adds depth to the story. However, they also note that the book has its flaws, such as some slow parts and a bit of a slow start. Overall, they give it a 3 out of 5 rating, indicating a mixed but generally positive view.

Quick quotes

    Narrative: Fluid enough for the story that it tells.

    Descriptions are good, and the action works well.

    Heroes: The characters are well-developed and add depth to the story.

The Reader · 2008-09-16
excellent 5.00

This book is a benchmark in the Fantasy genre, with a gripping story that hooks readers from beginning to end. The reviewer highly recommends it.

The reviewer from The Reader considers Wizard's First Rule a benchmark in the Fantasy genre. They were hooked from beginning to end, indicating a very positive experience. The reviewer highly recommends this book, suggesting it's a must-read for fantasy lovers. The enthusiasm and praise are evident, making it clear that they found the book exceptional. Overall, they give it a 5 out of 5 rating, indicating a highly positive view.

Quick quotes

    Wizard's First Rule is a benchmark in the Fantasy genre.

    It had me hooked from beginning to end.

    If there is one book you should read if you are a fantasy fan, this is it.

Kara Reviews · Kara Babcock · 2008-07-22
good 2.00

This book is a good read for fantasy lovers, especially those who enjoy deeper themes. It stands out with its original and interesting uses of magic and more adult character conflicts.

Kara Babcock highlights that Wizard's First Rule is a good book, particularly for those who enjoy fantasy. She appreciates the original and interesting uses of magic, as well as the more adult character conflicts. The book feels more mature compared to others in the genre, which she finds refreshing. However, she also notes that it has its flaws, such as some slow parts and a bit of a slow start. Overall, she gives it a 2 out of 5 rating, indicating a mixed but generally positive view.

Quick quotes

    Wizard's First Rule is a good book.

    If you like fantasy that acts as a vehicle for more profound themes, you would probably enjoy it.

    It has more original and interesting uses of magic, more interesting character conflicts and generally feels more adult.

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