Debt of Bones

This is a prequel novella to the Sword of Truth series. I haven't read the series before, but I saw free audible fantasy, and I said yes. 
Firstly, I think this would have been more enjoyable (and made more sense) if I had read any of the series before. This is one of those novellas that came out after the series was releasing (a lot like The Wheel of Times ‘New Spring'), so it's not written with too much of the lore or world building in mind. It's really only setting out to tell a singular tale. I'm pretty curious if this is mentioned in the series itself and then the author later wrote it out as a novella? 
Secondly, the thing that this one does the best is tell a single concise tale. It's only 150 pages (or 3.5hrs audio) and that really worked for me here. I didn't feel bogged down by series references or name drops (although I'm sure there are some) and I actually think this adds up to a good starting point for the story chronologically. 
Thirdly, if you're wondering if this is for you...it has heart, love, anger, and twists all packed into a little storyline. Family ties, kidnappings, war, and magic all wrapped up into one. The only reason I think I'll hold off on the series is my mind, body, and soul are not ready to start another 12+ book series right now.