Wizard's First Rule

Wizard's First Rule marks the debut of a brilliant new fantasy writer. Truly epic in scope and filled with burning intensity, it is the story of Richard Cypher, a modest woodsman in a world achingly beautiful, alive with the joys of nature: a world the reader comes to love as fiercely as do Richard and those around him. Though a mere woodsman, he is the one destined to battle the ultimate adversary—Darken Rahl, an evil mage who bids to destroy all that Richard holds good and beautiful, dooming him and the rest of the people of Westland to a living Hell of subjugation and degradation.

Richard's life is changed utterly when he saves Kahlan, a beautiful woman who is desperately fleeing Rahl's assassins as she tries to find Zedd, the last great Wizard. Only Zedd can anoint a Seeker of Truth, one pure of heart and strong of purpose, who must wield the terrible power of the legendary Sword of Truth. Only the Seeker can prevent Rahl from acquiring the three Boxes of Orden, which grant their possessor power over all living things. As Rahl's plan nears its fateful culmination, Zedd calls upon Richard to become the Seeker. At first reluctant to take up the Sword and dare the perils that lie ahead, Richard accepts the challenge when he realizes that his new-found love for Kahlan would wither under the lash of Rahl's dark dominion.

Rahl, a mage for whom no atrocity is too foul, has gained two of the three Boxes. Should he complete the set and unlock its magic, not even Richard, whose father long ago taught him the Boxes' secrets, will be able to keep Rahl from fulfilling his destiny.

Breathlessly exciting, told with the sure skill of a great storyteller, Wizard's First Rule is an unforgettable novel that will captivate readers as few fantasies have done before. Destined to become a classic, it marks but the beginning of a truly extraordinary fantasy cycle ...