Genres existed in all forms of creation. A master's work is to creat innovation within the genre, so th audience will find no difficulty in understanding and relating to the subject. Total originality does not exist.Therefore, I give a rating of 8 on this book. The two deduction points were for some weak sentence structures. Basically, the storyline is solid and logic, with some surprising turns thrown in for good measure. Personally, I enjoyed the part of the Mord-Sith, for it is quite refreshing. I am also impressed by the author's effort in the psychology analysis to create a sensitive being, rather than allowing Denna to fade into a brutally cruel character. Also, the anotomy-eating part was appreciated as it was fitting. I found the First Rule to be hilarious but true. The real power lies in the agility of mind, rather than in might is a lesson all will do well to learn. WFR is a simple, mind- relaxing novel, without leaving the readers in after-reading emotion turmoil. In the category of traditional fantasy books, this qualifies as an above average work. Since WFR is the first major work of the author, perhaps it would be unfair to judge it by all the rigors expected of an experienced writer.

This is the first fantasy novel I've ever read (actually I listened to an unabridged audio version). I'm now hooked on fantasy novels, and considering I began the book half convincing myself that it might be a waste of time, that's no small feat! From the beginning of the book, I was pulled into the world of Richard and Kahlan. Goodkind's descriptions created a world that was easy for me to "see," and characters that are easy to care about. And, the book had enough action to keep my interest. In fact, I hated for it to end! Because of all the comparisons I've read about between Goodkind and Jordan, I also read Jordan's first book in the Wheel of Time series. While I found that book highly enjoyable and I have already purchased book two, I prefer Goodkind's writing style. I felt closer to his characters than I did those of Jordan's. BUT, I will continue to read Jordan as well, and I'm now looking for book 3 in Goodkind's series since I just finished book 2 (Stone of Tears).

I was really surprised by the all of the nasty reviews that some of Terry Goodkind's books have recieved. I just finished this book and absolutely loved it! While laid up, I'm also going through Jordan's WoT stuff too so I can probably make a couple of good comparisons. 1) The whole relationship between Richard and Kahlan was one of those things that kept me reading this story. It didn't seem to be the run of the mill story where you know that they are going to get together. Their relationship seemed doomed from the start. 2) Unlike Rand al Thor, Richard does not seem to constantly be screaming into the sky and is willing to suck it up and accept what cards are dealt to him. 3)There is a definite sense of humor that doesn't distract from the story. The lighter moments were spaced enough to be enjoyable without taking away from the sense of urgency on the quest. The fact that both series seem be outpacing three trilogies does make me wonder about quality of the writing as you near book 8. The criticism's about copying plot devices abound in fantasy settings (how different are basic plots in Conan stories vs. Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser?). Terry Goodkind is able to spin his tale and make you forget about the fact that are sitting in a chair rather than standing in a forest in the Westland. If you find that happening (and I do!), then he has done an admirable job.