Helpful Score: 2
My cousin recommended this series, and as soon as I started it, I was hooked. The book is long, but I just couldn't put it down. The story is exciting, alarming, suspenseful... I really enjoyed it. I was a bit shocked by some of the graphic depictions of violence in the book, especially the violence done to a child. I was really upset by that depiction, and considered stopping reading, but I was too hooked by the storyline to give up. I'm glad I finished it--it was great. I wish it were a little less graphic in some parts, but it was still a good read.
Helpful Score: 2
This book may be long but is solid and worth the read. There were a few parts that were tedious but overall, the plot was excellent. So far, this series is matching the hype that I've heard about it.
I'm sure other reviews have covered that this series follows Richard Cypher - a Seeker of truth, Kahlan Amnell - his Confessor, and a wizard named Zed, in their attempts to thwart Darken Rahl from taking over the world. I got interested in this series because of the TV show, "Legend of the Seeker". I must warn you that, although the characters and a few elements remain the same, the books and show are nothing alike! The TV show has lots of thrilling battles and fights with most of the material turned 'G' rated (understandably). The book focuses more on characterization, has a much more complicated plot and is definitely less innocent than it's TV counterpart.
This would lead me to the only negative I found - I could have done without so much written detail for some of the more gruesome matters. There was so much description given during some of the torture scenes that I was tempted to skip a few paragraphs. And a few sexual encounters were so well described that it made me blush ;) I could envision what Mr. Goodkind was describing quite well without those details. But that's how the entire book is written - he paints an incredible visual scene for you in your head - so I realize that all included scenes will be just a detailed.
I'm sure other reviews have covered that this series follows Richard Cypher - a Seeker of truth, Kahlan Amnell - his Confessor, and a wizard named Zed, in their attempts to thwart Darken Rahl from taking over the world. I got interested in this series because of the TV show, "Legend of the Seeker". I must warn you that, although the characters and a few elements remain the same, the books and show are nothing alike! The TV show has lots of thrilling battles and fights with most of the material turned 'G' rated (understandably). The book focuses more on characterization, has a much more complicated plot and is definitely less innocent than it's TV counterpart.
This would lead me to the only negative I found - I could have done without so much written detail for some of the more gruesome matters. There was so much description given during some of the torture scenes that I was tempted to skip a few paragraphs. And a few sexual encounters were so well described that it made me blush ;) I could envision what Mr. Goodkind was describing quite well without those details. But that's how the entire book is written - he paints an incredible visual scene for you in your head - so I realize that all included scenes will be just a detailed.
Helpful Score: 1
Excellently put together. The first few books were definitely the best in the series.
I have to admit that the tv series "Legend of the Seeker" (based LOOSELY on this book) is one of my guilty pleasures. I want to hate it because of its cheesiness, but I tried the same thing with Xena and just couldn't shake her either.
The first book in this series was a fun, fast read. I like the characters and the story flows well. The concept and the character relationships are well executed for the most part. I enjoyed it enough that I'll keep going and read the second in the series, "Stone of Tears."
The first book in this series was a fun, fast read. I like the characters and the story flows well. The concept and the character relationships are well executed for the most part. I enjoyed it enough that I'll keep going and read the second in the series, "Stone of Tears."
Helpful Score: 1
Awesome first book Best fantasy series I have ever read
ichard Cypher's decision to help a woman in the Upper Ven near the Boundary between the Midlands and Westland creates more trouble than first appears. The woman, Kahlan Amnell, seeks the help of a wizard in the Westland, and she brings with her dark news from the other side of the Boundary: Darken Rahl, Ruler of D'Hara, has brought down the Boundary between D'Hara and the Midlands. This menacing ruler continues his dead father's quest for control by pressing war on the now vulnerable Midlands. Kahlan is attempting to find the great wizard who had left the Midlands for the Magic free Westlands due to the corruption of the government in his eyes, so as to have him Name a Seeker of Truth. The great wizard turns out to be Zeddicus Zu'l Zorrander, Richard's longtime friend, who then proceeds to name Richard the Seeker.
ichard Cypher's decision to help a woman in the Upper Ven near the Boundary between the Midlands and Westland creates more trouble than first appears. The woman, Kahlan Amnell, seeks the help of a wizard in the Westland, and she brings with her dark news from the other side of the Boundary: Darken Rahl, Ruler of D'Hara, has brought down the Boundary between D'Hara and the Midlands. This menacing ruler continues his dead father's quest for control by pressing war on the now vulnerable Midlands. Kahlan is attempting to find the great wizard who had left the Midlands for the Magic free Westlands due to the corruption of the government in his eyes, so as to have him Name a Seeker of Truth. The great wizard turns out to be Zeddicus Zu'l Zorrander, Richard's longtime friend, who then proceeds to name Richard the Seeker.
