Terry Goodkind (The Sword Of Truth Series)

If you like fantasy that's dark and gripping, but is more than just a hack-fest of blood and gore, I'd highly recommend investigating Terry Goodkind.

A few years ago, I picked up a cheap promotionally priced copy of "Wizard's First Rule", the first book in this epic series. It wasn't blazing with wonder and fantasy from the first page, but there was something about the writing style that interested me. After a few chapters in, I was very interested, and by the end of the first book, I was hooked.

The series revolves around two main characters: Richard and Kahlan. Richard is a man from a quiet "medieval-type" town devoid of magic or wonder, who discovers another world full of danger and plenty of the mystical. Kahlan is the last living "Confessor", women with the power to turn anyone into a mindless babbling fool that will forever-more think only of pleasing her.

Over the course of the series, Richard learns more about his heritage and power in this new world he has come to call home. His love for Kahlan develops and matures, making their epic romance a centerpiece of the series.

And don't let that word "romance" turn you off. If you want intense, life-or-death storytelling, you'll find it here in spades. Goodkind really likes to put his characters through the wringer. Emotionally and without a doubt, physically. Pain and torture are commonplace. And while not gratuitous (in my opinion), you'll no doubt be squirming from time to time.

The good news is that all of this pain makes victory so much sweeter. The series has a high regard for the concepts of truth and justice, although if you're not interested in processing some of those and other philosophical themes, a few passages here and there may not hold as much interest for you.

You'll also notice repeated spelling errors in all of the books. Frustrating at first, they've either decreased in number, or I've gotten more used to them. The errors may be a result of the author's dyslexia, but a good editor should know to do more than just run "spell-check".

You may also notice two of the books near the middle of the series have very little to do with Richard and Kahlan. This frustrated me because I didn't know that would be the casein advance, but looking back, they were still excellent reads and certainly had impact on the over-all series.

Aside from those minor issues, if you're looking for an epic fantasy series with a hefty page count to sink your teeth into. Give this one a try!

"Confessor" marks the 11th and (reportedly) final book in the series.