Wizard's First Rule

While there are a number of aspects I would change about this book, it gets me thinking about things that are true. Not just fact and fiction, but about being true to one's self and being true with others. One can be trite to another without giving all factual information. These are ideas and thoughts that I need to sirens more time with. Goodkind's illustration gives these ideas a fun vehicle for the experience. Though the story doesn't have the same emotional impact as when I read it twenty years ago, it was still well worth the read to me.

There are some disturbing scenes in this book, however. They vividly paint the distinction of these natures of the characters in the story. I struggle with this part of the book. It accomplishes the task of showing character and evil, however it is disturbing to read. Not unlike reading the news these days. Readers who do not want graphic violence and evil will not appreciate several scenes in this story.

The story has a number of elements commonly found in fantasy literature, but I found I greatly looked or disliked most of the characters. There story without all the thought provoking ideas would still be enjoyable but would not achieve the five stars that are reserved for books that impact me personally and challenge my thinking.