Great read

Fantastic and engaging story with just enough mystery to keep you wanting to read more. Cant wait to read the next one ( )

Very good fantasy about a search for a 3rd magic box that could bring the end of the world. Probably pretty standard fantasy plot, but this guy writes really well. Makes story seem like talking about guys in the neighborhood who just happen to be wizards, sorceresses, etc. Will continue with the series.

From the very first page of the series, I found myself plunged into a world so richly crafted and meticulously detailed that I couldn't help but be captivated. This series blends elements of violence, revenge, nobility, and everything in between. I love this series so much! ( )

*eyes other reviews and wonders if she can get that cute actor from the series to come read it to her and perhaps act out the racier parts of the books..* :D
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ETA 2 Sept 2011 -- well now I'm in a quandary. I've just read Stephen's scathing review of Vol 8 and while I've got this on my TBR for this weekend I'm not sure I should begin this series now. Apparently it is just terrible after the first volume and I've watched the TV series (well parts of it) Not to mention that apparently Richard and Kahlen get married somewhere between Vol 6 & 7 as well (isn't that like verboten?!). Now I don't know whether to waste the time or not...

So many books.. so little time...

I decided to take the plunge. So far it is engaging and quite a decent read. (p 140)

ok.. I've read this. *cough* *double cough* there are interesting bits and the writing flows easily for the reader. There is cheesy and angsty teen type romance between Richard and Kahlen (seriously.. they might not have much experience but they aren't THAT young), there are some seriously steamy scenes.. and then there's the end bit with Denna.. *raises eyebrow* Working off some tension, and BDSM fantasy were we Mr. Goodkind?

Overall it was an easy simplistic read. Some characters stood out - Rachel comes to mind. Others tread along in the usual veins. Which isn't to say they don't have their moments. I'd say for a first novel his character development is fairly good. (However that bit with Following the guy [not Samuel] into Shota's place however is just stupid - I mean seriously his characters must have drunk the idiot water on the prior page) There is some interesting inventiveness, and lots of cliches, and some neat philosophical insights for the characters.

Why is Darken Rahl blond? That was a surprise. I mean.. it's. it's.. Ok I just giggled over that image for way too many pages... (it didn't help that I also gave him funny eyebrows)

Because I have high standards for Fantasy novels this gets a 2.8. I've been spoiled by great writers. I'm going to venture on at some point because
A - I was given the novels and
B - I'm curious to know how Richard and Kahlen manage to get hitched with that confessor thing and all.
C - and well let's face it imagining the cute actor as I read isn't half bad either. ;)

Now.. Who remembers what the Wizard's First Rule is? :D ( )

Couldn't put it down! ( )