Wizard's First Rule

infobox Book |
name = Wizard's First Rule
title_orig =
translator =


author = Terry Goodkind
cover_artist = Doug Beekman
country = United States
language = English
series = The Sword of Truth
genre = Epic fantasy
publisher = Tor Fantasy
release_date = August 1994
media_type = Print (Hardback)
pages = 479
isbn = ISBN 0-312-85705-5
preceded_by = Debt of Bones
followed_by = Stone of Tears

"Wizard's First Rule", written by Terry Goodkind, is the first book in the epic fantasy series The Sword of Truth. Published by Tor Books, it was released on August 15, 1994 in hardcover and in paperback on July 15, 1997. The book also was re-released with new cover artwork by Keith Parkinson in paperback on June 23, 2001.

Plot introduction

Richard Cypher's decision to help a woman in the Upper Ven near the Boundary between the Midlands and Westland sires more trouble than first appears. 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 other 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 wants the wizard to name a Seeker of Truth who can try to stop Darken Rahl. When she finds the Old Wizard, he names Richard to be the Seeker and starts him on the quest that will forever alter the world.

Plot summary

The primary protagonist in "Wizard’s First Rule" is Richard Cypher, a young woods guide. Richard lives in an area of the world known as Westland, which is the only part of the world that at the time contained no magic. The Westland is separated from the other lands by a dangerous magical boundary that prevents anyone without powerful magic from passing through it. On the other side of the boundary lie many sovereign nations, jointly known as the Midlands, and the empire of D'Hara. Richard works as a woods guide leading important political figures through dangerous forests, while his brother's interests lie entirely in politics.

Richard is naturally compelled to investigate the mysterious murder of his father when he happens upon a woman named Kahlan Amnell, whom he helps keep alive as she is being hunted by a group of four men known as a quad.

After saving Kahlan’s life, it is revealed that Kahlan has somehow come through the boundary and is now searching for the First Wizard, who is rumored to have crossed into the Westland before the creation of the boundaries. Richard feels that this woman is in need of protection and takes her to the only man he can trust, his best friend and mentor, Zedd.

Richard discovers that this close friend of his has kept many secrets from him for his entire life; Zedd is not the simple man that Richard had presumed him to be, but rather the wizard for whom Kahlan is looking.

Kahlan tells him of the events taking place on the other side of the boundary. An evil leader called Darken Rahl is leading his army against the Midlands. At the same time, Zedd comes to the decision that Richard is the one Seeker of Truth and gives him the Sword of Truth. They begin their journey together to stop Darken Rahl and prevent him from opening the boxes of Orden, magical devices which can give absolute power over life and death.

However, due to a series of events, Richard and Kahlan are forced to cross the boundary alone and go on to the village of the Mud People in hopes of finding out where the third box of Orden is hidden. From there, they learn that only the witch woman, Shota, in Agaden Reach, has the power to reveal to them the location of the last box of Orden.

The story continues as it follows the team of Richard, Kahlan, Zedd and Chase as they attempt to collect one of the mysterious boxes of Orden and prevent Darken Rahl from gaining absolute power.

TV Series

Currently, there is a [http://imdb.com/title/tt0844653/ television series] in the works, produced by Sam Raimi. Craig Horner will star as Richard and Bridget Regan has been cast as Kahlan. To expand upon the themes of the epic storyline, the show has been renamed "Legend of the Seeker". The series will air in broadcast syndication, beginning November 1, 2008.

Characters in "Wizard's First Rule"

*Richard Cypher
*Kahlan Amnell
*Zeddicus Zu'l Zorander
*Adie
*George Cypher
*Michael Cypher
*Darken Rahl
*Demmin Nass
*Chase
*The Mud People
*Giller
*Queen Milena
*Princess Violet
*Rachel
*Denna
*Shota
*Samuel
*Brophy
*Scarlet
*Panis Rahl

Wizard's First Rule

This volume reveals the Wizard's First Rule: "People will believe a lie either because they want to believe it's true or because they are afraid it might be true." [Goodkind, Terry. "Wizard's First Rule" : p528]

References

External links

* [http://www.terrygoodkind.com Official Terry Goodkind website]
* [http://www.terrygoodkind.net Unofficial Terry Goodkind website] (endorsed by Terry Goodkind)
* [http://sot.wikia.com/wiki/Main_Page Welcome to the Sword of Truth Wiki] , including characters, places, items, etc.
* [http://www.sword-of-truth.com Sword of Truth website]
* [http://www.legendoftheseeker-plus.com Journey of the Seeker - Series fan website]
* [http://www.legendoftheseeker.com Official TV series website]