"Wizard’s First Rule," Terry Goodkind, 1994 (No Spoilers)

Several years ago, I belonged to a writers’ group located in a small town near the northwest edge of the “Lower 48.”  During a discussion about plot structure, another member mentioned a blockbuster fantasy novel called Wizard’s First Rule and suggested that everyone check it out.  I scribbled the title and author in the margin of my notes.  The conversation barreled along, and I promptly forgot about that little detour.  Time, as they say, passed…

Recently, one of Terry Goodkind’s newer books appeared in the “You May Enjoy This” feed from my library, so I decided to give it a try.  A few days later, completely by coincidence, I was going through some of my old notes and came across that earlier reference to Wizard’s First Rule.  Clearly, cosmic forces were in play.  Resistance was futile: I reserved a copy of the ebook from my local library.  

According to the preface, this book sold over a million copies in its initial release and continues to sell 100,000 copies a year.  My impression is that this book, plus its (multiple) sequels earned Goodkind a solid place near the top of the New York Times bestsellers list.

Like many novels that stay true to the genre, Wizard’s First Rule largely adheres to archetypal themes.  In this case, the story arc centers on “The Hero’s Journey” archetype  (as explained by Joesph Campbell, for instance).  The protagonist, Richard Cypher, begins the story more-or-less content with his lot in life.  He is ignorant of his destiny and unaware of the traits, both good and bad, that will be uncovered in the challenges ahead.  His familiar life is shattered by a terrible event.  Existential challenges pile up faster than he can possibly address them, and he is transformed, essentially remade, by the trials he faces.

The story is fast-paced, with problems increasing in scope as the plot unfolds.  The climax of the story occurs when all seems grim — at a point where dark prophesies have seemingly been fulfilled and hope is all but gone.

The title is explained in the middle of the book and subsequently referenced multiple times.

I found the book to be, for the most part, engaging and can certainly see why it was (and, evidently remains) such a popular example of the fantasy genre.  The next time you have a craving for 800+ pages of swords & sorcery, you might want to take a look at Wizard’s First Rule.