Try free for 30 days

  • Wizard's First Rule

  • Sword of Truth, Book 1
  • By: Terry Goodkind
  • Narrated by: Sam Tsoutsouvas
  • Length: 34 hrs and 6 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (444 ratings)

1 credit a month to use on any title, yours to keep (you’ll use your first credit on this title).
Stream or download thousands of included titles.
Access to exclusive deals and discounts.
$16.45 a month after 30 day trial. Cancel anytime.
Wizard's First Rule cover art

Wizard's First Rule

By: Terry Goodkind
Narrated by: Sam Tsoutsouvas
Try for $0.00

$16.45 per month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy Now for $43.99

Buy Now for $43.99

Pay using voucher balance (if applicable) then card ending in
By confirming your purchase, you agree to Audible's Conditions Of Use and Privacy Notice and authorise Audible to charge your designated credit card or another available credit card on file.

Publisher's Summary

The masterpiece that started Terry Goodkind's New York Times bestselling epic Sword of Truth

In the aftermath of the brutal murder of his father, a mysterious woman, Kahlan Amnell, appears in Richard Cypher's forest sanctuary seeking help...and more. His world, his very beliefs, are shattered when ancient debts come due with thundering violence.

In a dark age it takes courage to live, and more than mere courage to challenge those who hold dominion, Richard and Kahlan must take up that challenge or become the next victims. Beyond awaits a bewitching land where even the best of their hearts could betray them. Yet, Richard fears nothing so much as what secrets his sword might reveal about his own soul. Falling in love would destroy them - for reasons Richard can't imagine and Kahlan dare not say.

In their darkest hour, hunted relentlessly, tormented by treachery and loss, Kahlan calls upon Richard to reach beyond his sword - to invoke within himself something more noble. Neither knows that the rules of battle have just changed...or that their time has run out.

Wizard's First Rule is the beginning. One book. One Rule. Witness the birth of a legend.

Epic edge: listen to more in the Sword of Truth series.
©1994 by Terry Goodkind. (P)2008 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

Critic Reviews

"Wonderfully creative, seamless, and stirring." ( Kirkus Review)

What listeners say about Wizard's First Rule

Average Customer Ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    325
  • 4 Stars
    75
  • 3 Stars
    25
  • 2 Stars
    8
  • 1 Stars
    11
Performance
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    274
  • 4 Stars
    92
  • 3 Stars
    30
  • 2 Stars
    7
  • 1 Stars
    8
Story
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    306
  • 4 Stars
    68
  • 3 Stars
    19
  • 2 Stars
    5
  • 1 Stars
    13

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Sort by:
Filter by:
  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

A brilliant start to a series or stand alone book.

What did you like most about Wizard's First Rule?

I loved the detailed descriptions and three dimensional characters.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Princess Violet. I just got so angry at her. I loved the way she was written,

Which scene did you most enjoy?

The scenes between Richard and Deanne. Beautiful descriptions of the change of power.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes! I would have too if I didn't have to sleep and work!

Any additional comments?

The Reader had brilliant character voices. Just wonderful.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Brilliant

Captivating story. Excellent performance. I would Recommend this to all who love the Sword of Truth

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

the twists I the story line

there were lots of unexpected twist to the story, which was good. the world was very unique which is enjoyable. I liked it very much. thankyou to the author.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Brilliant!

Loved it even more than the first time I read the book. The narrators range of voice and tone was great and really added to the depth of the story.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Amazing Story, Meh Performance

As an avid fan of the series for years I was very excited to be able to have this wonderful story at my side at all times. Yet I find that I struggle to get use to the performance. Sam Tsoutsouvas does a marvellous job as Zedd, yet I find his performance for everyone else grating and hard to get through especially when it comes to Richard (the main character) as Tsoutsouvas's voice just feels to old and wispy for a character like Richard.
If they ever do a dramatised version of the book hire Sam to do Zedd but keep him away from the rest.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

A wonderful telling!!

Sam (narrator) and Lisa (director), have brought to life the Houses of Rahl, Amnell and Zorander in this wonderful telling! Thank you

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Very impressed

The narrator sounds like Robert Stack, bonus! Goodkind drones a bit, but definitely worth it.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
  • sue
  • 09-03-2019

Sue

The reader was very good the storyline was good. Worth listening too.recommend the book.worthwhile listen

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Sensational read

One of the best fantasy epics I have read in 40years. Great characters, a well developed story and great plot twists. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Hard to listen to, wrong inflection

the Reader is talented however its like he wasnt even trying. he yells when people hiss, he speaks normally during whispers. he often uses the wrong voice for characters.

he has the range. it is obvious he did not ply himself to this book.

love the book will listen again.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.