I think Terry Goodkind is an awesome writer! However, some parts of the book were too intense for me. For instance, he was way too graphic in describing the rape scenes. And in my opinion there are just too many rape scenes.

Also, I kept waiting for Richard to be tortured by the Sisters of Light but that never happens. I really thought that since there is a big torture scene in Book I, so there should be similar torture scenes. Oh well!

Anyhow, I would recommend you reading it if fantasy isn't your type of books because these series are definite NOT Fantasy.

Terry Goodkind is SUCH a great author with such a great imagination. This book is so compelling it takes you to a different world. You'll forget where you are. The way Mr. Goodkind has thought of all of these strange characters and events is incredible!

These first two books (I'm about to start the third.)
have spellbound me. And as a 13 year old, I recommend that other people my age should read these books. It has increased my vocabulary and leaves me always thinking about something. Thanks a lot, Mr. Goodkind!

This book was by far one of the better books in the series. While the other books were interesting, the first two (particularly this one) caught my attention as suspensful and not all about the romance. Yes, Richard's relationships were important and caused most of the plot to occur, this book had far more happening than "Kahalan, I love you. I need to find you. I'm nothing without you." Richard was still finding so much out about himself and his past which made for a far better read.