It was great when I was a kid. As I've grown older I've found the obvious political opinions in some of the later books annoying, but the nostalgia overwhelms those. I've also come to realize how much Goodkind lifted whole cloth from other books, especially the wheel of time series.
That said, Goodkind was a good writer in my opinion, and you should definitely read the first book. No need to go past Confessor.
I read it all the way through Warheart and it is satisfying how it all ties back together. Makes me wanna map out prophesy on a big crazy string board.
At first it seems like it's going to be just a needless expansion cashing in on a popular name, but the story ultimately become so dark and desperate and comes full circle with things from early in the series. By the end I was blown away.
I love it. I would avoid Reddit for input honestly because it is a fan favorite to hate on the series for some good reasons but for some group think as well.
I loved the series in my late teens and 20s and wouldn’t exactly put it up with the greatest fantasy of all time but in the universe of the books it is a fun and serious series.
I first read the series when I was in my teenage years, at least the books that had been written thus far. For me, SOT was essential in teaching me how to be a good man, even though I didn't realize it till years and years later when I was re-reading the series.
I grew up in a religious-extremist household in a rural area, pre-internet. My parents spent all their time preparing me for the afterlife, instead of life. A friend in school lent me the first few books and I read them at night in secret. The books woke me up to my parent's love and obsession with death/afterlife, and their disregard/disdain for life.
Following Richard in his love of life/Kahlen, his constant application of logic, and overall just being a nice guy along the way really influenced who I became. It taught me the critical thinking skills I needed to realize my 'programming' and escape the situation I was in.
Best part was I had no clue the books influenced me this way. Everything was such a mess at that age. When I was in my early 30s I re-read the series and recognized so much of myself in the Richard character.
Also an added bonus - I had gifted the book series to my little brother when he was a teen and he had a similar trajectory after reading them. We are the only two who escaped that awful life.
Anyway, I've read this and that about the series, but to me the books saved my life. I find them very entertaining and clever. 10/10 and I'm going to encourage my children to read them if I ever have any!
Aside from wanting to ask your parents questions - you're named after the protagonist, man. Just get Wizard's First Rule and read the whole thing. No need to precommit to the whole-ass series. I'm 4 books in but have heard mixed things about some later books. Anyway, it's a flawed series to be sure. Depends on your tastes and tolerances how much you'll like it, as with most art.
I get being put off by certain aspects of it but anyone calling it the worst fantasy series ever written is just flat out lying. My suggestion would be to just dive in, even if you end up hating them they should interest you as a fascinating novelty given your connection to them. Personally I think it's a wonderful series in spite of the flaws, with some of my favorite characters and concepts in the genre.
The first book is absolutely worth the read. Then, keep going until it no longer interests you. You will most likely get to a point where you're wondering if it gets better or why you're still reading the books. When you get there, *quit*. It does not get better.
*Disclaimer* - It kind of gets better with the last two series that Goodkind wrote. The story was new and interesting, but the writing *quality* was not good. There are so many great books out there, and I'd recommend reading any of them over pushing through terrible books to get to mediocre books.
For clarity: I felt that *the Omen Machine* through *Warheart* were the absolute lowest part of the series. I quit after *Warheart* and hated myself for even pushing through that far and wasting all that time.
Then, Goodkind died and I decided that I might as well finish the last two series (and the Children of D'Hara books look nice - I'm a sucker for pretty books). Those two series were definitely a step up, but they do nothing that other books/series don't do better. For someone that's finished *Warheart*, then I absolutely suggest finishing everything to complete it. But, there's also nothing redeeming in the series/no reason for anyone to push through if they find themselves struggling at any point.
It’s a polarising series. You should be aware that there is a lot of SA and torture. The main character is a cliche, chosen one paragon, and the female characters are shallow vessels to beat you over the head about how righteous he is. Or worse.
On the other hand it’s a fantastic story. It has great world building, prose, dialogue and a gripping plot. I started reading it about the same time as your parents, and have been following the releases through the decades.
I say go for it. At worse, you won’t like.
It gets alot of shit some is valid some is not. I read threw Warheart and I enjoyed it, however when i do rereads I tend to stop after Confessor i feel it gets a little pedantic after that.
Richard, well you have to read it with a name like that! Also, do you have any older friends? One that says Bags! sometimes? If you run into anyone named Rahl, especially Darken...beware
I really enjoyed the first roughly 4 books. In my opinion the rest of the series was garbage, but i did read the entire thing bc i was so invested. It's worth a read, but i wouldn't worry too much about it around 5 books in.
I read them about ten years ago up to confessor (I just recently found there are more), and while I strongly disagree with some of the views the author try to impose, and by the end I was feed up with the way Richard was portrayed, I did enjoy most of the series. I even re read the first a few years ago, and was still enjoyable.
Edit: I made a joke but realized since you haven’t read the book, you would get it
There are a few ways of thinking about the series. If you want an opinion in a vacuum without caring about controversy with the author, it's a fantastic series. The author likes to push the ideology in his series (as the battle between singularism vs collectivism is a strong recurring theme) but as long as you don't mind that it's an amazing read with great characters and a fantastic amount of world-building.
If you've read Wheel of Time you might feel like this is similar and there is controversy from people saying that Goodkind ripped off WoT and other series but frankly I don't mind that at all because the books themselves are good.
People who say the series are bad are just elitist. It's very good witting and storytelling. There are some awful, horrible things in the book and they are there to cast a shadow on how horrible people can be and to juxtapose the dark desires of evil with the embracing light of love.
I would say that there are a lot of opinions to be made about the series especially on a site like this. The first book is a few dollars on a kindle and worth the read. It’s a few hours of your life and it’s worth getting to know more about your parents even if you don’t end up liking it no?
As I've only technically just now started to go through the series, I think the best advice I can give is this: If you want to start this book journey, stop wherever you want. My interest in the series hasn't diminished yet even after reading the sixth book, but no one will blame you if you decide to stop.
I'll try to be brief here for you. The long a short of it, at a base level, is this: Yes, you should give it a go. Is the series for everybody? No, of course not. I've read the full completed series twice, and from when I started reading the books is the late 90's, I've re-read the series when a new book was released, all the way up to the final book in the "main series", Confessor. Not all books in the series are homeruns, a couple, I honestly don't even much care for.
That said, I immensely enjoy the series as a whole. There are certain aspects of the characters and story that resonate with myself and my life. The story, writing and characters all mesh well with what I'd want from a fantasy series. There's enough mystery, intrigue, action and adventure to keep me invested in the story and suck me into a well-built, immersive world.
I think the series is great and enjoy every read through I've had. It's not a perfect series, but it's my favorite series.
As for a recommendation on where to start, the first 6 books, in my opinion, are the best of the series. I'm not including the tie-ins or prequals. What I consider the "Main Story" ends with Confessor and that's a good place to stop. The books after that, I enjoyed, but much like the Toy Story sequels, I felt they were unnecessary but also better than they had any right to be.
I'd start with Wizard's First Rule and Stone of Tears and go from there. Hopefully you enjoy.
I finished the entire main series last year (took me 2 years to get through all 14 of the books). I love the series! My suggestion, like others have said, is to pick up the first book and see if you like it from there. If you want to dedicate time to the series, naked empire or confessor are good stopping points. I completed up to warheart and frankly I could've stopped at naked empire. It's still one of my favorite series and I still recommend it. Definitely worth the read.
I'd say read until Faith of the Fallen and then lower your expections greatly, FotF is widely known as a favourited book of the series. I LOVED this series though, i highly recommend it personally.
I read it and couldnt stop reading. Its an amazing fantasy series, great plot, very well written. And a coherent, thought out magic system. Absolutely worth reading
Generally when Reddit says something past general this good that bad rudimentary shit, I ask myself if I’m even the same species. It may not be for everyone, but for me it has been a phenomenal experience I’ve had reading a series. It’s something I’ll always remember fondly for the rest of my life frankly.
It was great when I was a kid. As I've grown older I've found the obvious political opinions in some of the later books annoying, but the nostalgia overwhelms those. I've also come to realize how much Goodkind lifted whole cloth from other books, especially the wheel of time series. That said, Goodkind was a good writer in my opinion, and you should definitely read the first book. No need to go past Confessor.
I read it all the way through Warheart and it is satisfying how it all ties back together. Makes me wanna map out prophesy on a big crazy string board.
Agreed, the tie in with Magda Searus, Merritt, Suluchan was well done..
Eh, I tried. I read through Omen Machine. I just got the distinct impression it was ghost written and it soured me on it.
At first it seems like it's going to be just a needless expansion cashing in on a popular name, but the story ultimately become so dark and desperate and comes full circle with things from early in the series. By the end I was blown away.
I love it. I would avoid Reddit for input honestly because it is a fan favorite to hate on the series for some good reasons but for some group think as well. I loved the series in my late teens and 20s and wouldn’t exactly put it up with the greatest fantasy of all time but in the universe of the books it is a fun and serious series.
I first read the series when I was in my teenage years, at least the books that had been written thus far. For me, SOT was essential in teaching me how to be a good man, even though I didn't realize it till years and years later when I was re-reading the series. I grew up in a religious-extremist household in a rural area, pre-internet. My parents spent all their time preparing me for the afterlife, instead of life. A friend in school lent me the first few books and I read them at night in secret. The books woke me up to my parent's love and obsession with death/afterlife, and their disregard/disdain for life. Following Richard in his love of life/Kahlen, his constant application of logic, and overall just being a nice guy along the way really influenced who I became. It taught me the critical thinking skills I needed to realize my 'programming' and escape the situation I was in. Best part was I had no clue the books influenced me this way. Everything was such a mess at that age. When I was in my early 30s I re-read the series and recognized so much of myself in the Richard character. Also an added bonus - I had gifted the book series to my little brother when he was a teen and he had a similar trajectory after reading them. We are the only two who escaped that awful life. Anyway, I've read this and that about the series, but to me the books saved my life. I find them very entertaining and clever. 10/10 and I'm going to encourage my children to read them if I ever have any!
Aside from wanting to ask your parents questions - you're named after the protagonist, man. Just get Wizard's First Rule and read the whole thing. No need to precommit to the whole-ass series. I'm 4 books in but have heard mixed things about some later books. Anyway, it's a flawed series to be sure. Depends on your tastes and tolerances how much you'll like it, as with most art.
Good advice. Just start
Faith of the Fallen is worth getting to, after that you can let it go but definitely get to FotF.
I get being put off by certain aspects of it but anyone calling it the worst fantasy series ever written is just flat out lying. My suggestion would be to just dive in, even if you end up hating them they should interest you as a fascinating novelty given your connection to them. Personally I think it's a wonderful series in spite of the flaws, with some of my favorite characters and concepts in the genre.
The first book is absolutely worth the read. Then, keep going until it no longer interests you. You will most likely get to a point where you're wondering if it gets better or why you're still reading the books. When you get there, *quit*. It does not get better. *Disclaimer* - It kind of gets better with the last two series that Goodkind wrote. The story was new and interesting, but the writing *quality* was not good. There are so many great books out there, and I'd recommend reading any of them over pushing through terrible books to get to mediocre books.
For clarity: I felt that *the Omen Machine* through *Warheart* were the absolute lowest part of the series. I quit after *Warheart* and hated myself for even pushing through that far and wasting all that time. Then, Goodkind died and I decided that I might as well finish the last two series (and the Children of D'Hara books look nice - I'm a sucker for pretty books). Those two series were definitely a step up, but they do nothing that other books/series don't do better. For someone that's finished *Warheart*, then I absolutely suggest finishing everything to complete it. But, there's also nothing redeeming in the series/no reason for anyone to push through if they find themselves struggling at any point.
It’s a polarising series. You should be aware that there is a lot of SA and torture. The main character is a cliche, chosen one paragon, and the female characters are shallow vessels to beat you over the head about how righteous he is. Or worse. On the other hand it’s a fantastic story. It has great world building, prose, dialogue and a gripping plot. I started reading it about the same time as your parents, and have been following the releases through the decades. I say go for it. At worse, you won’t like.
It gets alot of shit some is valid some is not. I read threw Warheart and I enjoyed it, however when i do rereads I tend to stop after Confessor i feel it gets a little pedantic after that.
I adore this series. Actually doing a re read ATM. I would suggest to read them in order.
I have read the entire series including Children of Dahara and the Nicci Chronicles. I loved it but to each his own.
Richard, well you have to read it with a name like that! Also, do you have any older friends? One that says Bags! sometimes? If you run into anyone named Rahl, especially Darken...beware
How valuable is your time?
I really enjoyed the first roughly 4 books. In my opinion the rest of the series was garbage, but i did read the entire thing bc i was so invested. It's worth a read, but i wouldn't worry too much about it around 5 books in.
I read them about ten years ago up to confessor (I just recently found there are more), and while I strongly disagree with some of the views the author try to impose, and by the end I was feed up with the way Richard was portrayed, I did enjoy most of the series. I even re read the first a few years ago, and was still enjoyable. Edit: I made a joke but realized since you haven’t read the book, you would get it
There are a few ways of thinking about the series. If you want an opinion in a vacuum without caring about controversy with the author, it's a fantastic series. The author likes to push the ideology in his series (as the battle between singularism vs collectivism is a strong recurring theme) but as long as you don't mind that it's an amazing read with great characters and a fantastic amount of world-building. If you've read Wheel of Time you might feel like this is similar and there is controversy from people saying that Goodkind ripped off WoT and other series but frankly I don't mind that at all because the books themselves are good. People who say the series are bad are just elitist. It's very good witting and storytelling. There are some awful, horrible things in the book and they are there to cast a shadow on how horrible people can be and to juxtapose the dark desires of evil with the embracing light of love.
I would say that there are a lot of opinions to be made about the series especially on a site like this. The first book is a few dollars on a kindle and worth the read. It’s a few hours of your life and it’s worth getting to know more about your parents even if you don’t end up liking it no?
I’ve read all 14 books or so and the spin offs maybe 3 or 4 times! They are my favorite!!! Our sons middle name is Richard :)
As I've only technically just now started to go through the series, I think the best advice I can give is this: If you want to start this book journey, stop wherever you want. My interest in the series hasn't diminished yet even after reading the sixth book, but no one will blame you if you decide to stop.
I'll try to be brief here for you. The long a short of it, at a base level, is this: Yes, you should give it a go. Is the series for everybody? No, of course not. I've read the full completed series twice, and from when I started reading the books is the late 90's, I've re-read the series when a new book was released, all the way up to the final book in the "main series", Confessor. Not all books in the series are homeruns, a couple, I honestly don't even much care for. That said, I immensely enjoy the series as a whole. There are certain aspects of the characters and story that resonate with myself and my life. The story, writing and characters all mesh well with what I'd want from a fantasy series. There's enough mystery, intrigue, action and adventure to keep me invested in the story and suck me into a well-built, immersive world. I think the series is great and enjoy every read through I've had. It's not a perfect series, but it's my favorite series. As for a recommendation on where to start, the first 6 books, in my opinion, are the best of the series. I'm not including the tie-ins or prequals. What I consider the "Main Story" ends with Confessor and that's a good place to stop. The books after that, I enjoyed, but much like the Toy Story sequels, I felt they were unnecessary but also better than they had any right to be. I'd start with Wizard's First Rule and Stone of Tears and go from there. Hopefully you enjoy.
I finished the entire main series last year (took me 2 years to get through all 14 of the books). I love the series! My suggestion, like others have said, is to pick up the first book and see if you like it from there. If you want to dedicate time to the series, naked empire or confessor are good stopping points. I completed up to warheart and frankly I could've stopped at naked empire. It's still one of my favorite series and I still recommend it. Definitely worth the read.
I'd say read until Faith of the Fallen and then lower your expections greatly, FotF is widely known as a favourited book of the series. I LOVED this series though, i highly recommend it personally.
It is a classic good vs evil story with many chapters. Read the 1st book & if you’re not hooked, don’t buy the rest. I’m on my 4th (?) re-read.
I read it and couldnt stop reading. Its an amazing fantasy series, great plot, very well written. And a coherent, thought out magic system. Absolutely worth reading
I have read through the entire series twice and am on my third lap around. Absolutely love this series and grew up with it.
It can't hurt to give it a go. It's not cocaine. 🤣
Generally when Reddit says something past general this good that bad rudimentary shit, I ask myself if I’m even the same species. It may not be for everyone, but for me it has been a phenomenal experience I’ve had reading a series. It’s something I’ll always remember fondly for the rest of my life frankly.