[Ancalagon the Black]

Hello everybody, this is my first time on this site. I just registered, and this is my first post.

Recently I was having a discussion on the merits of Terry Goodkind as an author. I was of the opinion that the man is not much of a writer, my friend held steadfast to his viewpoint that Goodkind is the greatest author to ever write fantasy. My points: Weak plots (very super hero style, with each villian being stronger then the last, only to be defeated by the always-good Richard Rahl), some poor writing (the bit in the second book with Richard telling Gratch to fly away, only to realize that Khalan was doing the exact same thing), and finally some questionable choices for things like setting (world seems to be created only for themian character). Does any one agree/ disagree? Comments are welcome.

By the way, can anyone guess where I took my name from? Just want to see how obscure your knowledge really is...

[Cadfael]

To the Dragon of Angband... welcome to the forum... I know where your name is from... but we will leave them guessing.

Okay... okay... I admit it! I like the SoT books from Terry Goodkind. I am aware of all the shortcomings, but I still like them.

Underneath all that is a bloody entertaining tale, that has managed to keep my interest (as you can tell, I am trying not to state the obvious here), but other books in this style have started to bore me. But, I know this is just my personal taste.

[FitzChivalry]

I agree, Angalacon, bad writing, bad plot, bad characters, very bad world building.

[Rob B]

Wizard's First Rule and Stone of Tears were both entertaining quick reads. That's about as nice as I can put it.

Most, if not all, fantasy writers borrow themes from other places but Goodkinds BLATANT copying of the Aes Sedai from Wheel of Time was too much.

Richard is an idiot and Kahlan is not much smarter, how old are they? 12? 13?

He has some...very interesting views on fantasy and writing that I've seen in chat and interview archives on his site. He basically says World building is crap and that all other fantasy out on the shelves is not good, though he says he doesn't read other fantasy so how could he know?

I gave up after 3 books.

My two cents.

Welcom Ancalagon, check out the Who/Why fantasy SciFi & Whatca ya all reading threads for a flavor of the board members.

You change from Jr. member to member at 30 posts.

[wastra]

well, I think Wizard's first Rule was one of the worst fantasy books I ever read.

My complaints
*2-dimensional, unrealistic, inconsistant characters

*overblown, contrived, overused, unoriginal, PREDICTABLE plots where the conflicts are too easily resolved

*a terrible setting with no feel of reality whatsoever

*terrible dialogue that sounds like it should come from a high school kid

[Ancalagon the Black]

I'm glad to here that quite a few people feel as I do. Any Goodkind defenders out there? Feel like telling us how you feel?

[wolfshead]

I think he is one of the worst, if not THE worst, fantasy author I've ever read. I mean...a killer chicken?? C'mon, don't insult our intelligence! I was interested to read that Goodkind claims he doesn't read fantasy. i think that really says it all. You need to study others working in the genre, as well as--even more importantly--the roots of the genre (history, myth, legend) etc. I get the feeling Goodkind's roots for his series comes from movies/TV...

[Rob B]

"Luke.. ahem I mean Richard, I am your father"

[FitzChivalry]

Actually, when i read Wizard's First Rule
i had to check the over again and again to see that his last book is really Goodkind and not Brooks...
Swords of Truth.. Sword of Shannara...hmm?
Shows the truth about yourself?

[DarthV]

FF:

Don't blaspheme! http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/smile.gif (DarthV = Darth Vader)


Back on topic:

I read the 1rst 4 books... I enjoyed TWFR and some of the stuff in the later books... I started reading Soul of the Fire and couldn't get past page 1. All I remember from that page was something about keeping the chickens up all night with Kahlan and Richard's lovemaking... very cheesy... I guess Goodkind has been doing his research in the Harlquin Book of the Week Club.

Back off topic:

Lucasfilms has finally officially announced The Phantom Menace DVD for release on October 16. Even though it was definitely the weakest film out of the 4, it's good to see George Lucas finally getting onto the DVD bandwagon. If rumors are true, they should also be announcing the release of Legend on dvd as well !

[This message has been edited by DarthV (edited June 19, 2001).]