6 reviews for The Law Of Nines
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The Law Of Nines
by Terry Goodkind
Description:
Turning twenty-seven may be terrifying for some, but for Alex, a struggling artist living in the midwestern United States, it is cataclysmic. Inheriting a huge expanse of land should have made him a rich and happy man; but something about this birthday, his name, and the beautiful woman whose life he just saved, has suddenly made him-and everyone he loves-into a target. A target for extreme and uncompromising violence . . . In Alex, Terry Goodkind brings to life a modern hero in a whole new kind of high-octane thriller.
About The Author
Terry Goodkind (born in 1948) is an American writer. He is known for the epic fantasy series The Sword of Truth as well as the contemporary suspense novel The Law of Nines (2009), which has ties to his fantasy series. The Sword of Truth series sold 25 million copies worldwide and was translated into more than 20 languages. Additionally, it was adapted into a television series called Legend of the Seeker, which premiered on November 1, 2008 and ran for two seasons, ending in May 2010.
Goodkind is a proponent of Ayn Rand’s philosophical approach of Objectivism, and makes references to Rand’s ideas and novels in his works.
Skryf Review
“Excellent Reading”
Tisha
The reason I mention this is because I’ve heard two things about this book. One is that this book was supposed to be accessible to all people (even the ones who haven’t read anything of his before). The other is that there is supposed to be a slight tie in with his Sword of Truth series, despite this book being a stand alone novel from his other works. Apparently it’s supposed to be a nod towards the other series but as I’ve never read any of the other works I have no way of verifying this. Now if you were one of those people like me who was worried that you wouldn’t be able to enjoy this book, put your mind at ease. For the most part you can easily read this book and enjoy it without reading his other works.So in short, I liked this book. It took me a while to get used to the book’s flow but once I did the book was great. I really recommend that anyone starting in on this book keep reading for at least the first 100-150 pages. It takes Alex a while to realize the danger he’s in & act, but it’s in keeping with the character. All in all, I think that it’s a pretty darn good first attempt at writing a novel that isn’t predominantly fantasy. Some may argue that this book isn’t fantasy, but like one forum poster said on Goodkind’s site- do we really need to label books by genre? Can’t we just enjoy the ride & let the book take us where it will? I do have to say that I’d like to see a book by Goodkind that wasn’t fantasy related.
Anmol
If you’ve read Terry Goodkind’s Sword of Truth Series, you will be familiar with the premise of this book. At the end of Confessor, Richard Rahl opens a gateway to another world where those without the spark of magic and those who wish to live in a world without magic can live without the continued corruption of Richard’s world. Richard’s sister decided to join this new world, thus continuing the Rahl line in the new world.And, as with any of Terry Goodkind’s books, it is such a slow build up to the action. All of his books I have read seem to start anything really good about midway through the book. This is no different. Another issue I have with this is the name of the heroine of this book (Jax). In the Sword of Truth series, Terry Goodkind embedded the love story of Richard Rahl and Kahlen Amnell. In The Law of Nines, the lineage is kind of odd. I understand that Alexander Rahl is descended from Richard’s sister, Jennsen Rahl. But, Jax is supposed to be descended from Kahlen as Jax holds the name Amnell. Unless Kahlen kept the name of Amnell, and thus her children inherited that name…I cannot see how Jax would be descended from Kahlen, more like her father’s house…Prince Harold, her half-brother, and thus her Confessor line would be void. But, in The Law of Nines, it is alluded to that Jax is a Confessor, based on the length of her hair and the fact she doesn’t let anyone cut it.I love the continuation of the storyline. So, I must overlook the problem. Just as I had to overlook the serious plot issue with Nathal Rahl in The Sword of Truth Series. Maybe this point will be explained deeper in Goodkind’s new book, The Omen Machine, where he will continue the Richard and Kahlen story. One can only hope.
parth
I am usually reluctant to read what I call “changeover” books – authors who cross their specialty writing to another. Terry Goodkind wrote a new book, but it’s a mystery thriller type of book. Oh, it has magic and the Terry Goodkind guy who doesn’t know he’s to save the world kind of formula. I was getting really engrossed, but then the “hero’s” last name was Rahl. As in Darken Rahl, Richard Rahl…??? sword of truth anyone? And I’m not even going to tell you the last name of the woman of magic who crosses the barrier to save/help him.Pretty good story, but falls back on the Sword of Truth series a little too much for me. I’d rather read more our Richard and Kahlan.And Goodkind really looks different – from when he first started writing with his long blond hair – and just a writer-looking guy. On this book jacket, he’s shaved his head and wears a black turtleneck and stands like he’s a clothes model. In fact, the description of the villian in the book reminds me of the picture of the author on the back cover.
Shrawan
I would like it if every reviewer would say whether they’ve read The Sword of Truth Series or not. It might indicate interesting trends in how people enjoy the book. I would love to compare my experience as a fan of Sword to those who didn’t like it as much, and even more to those who are reading Goodkind in a new genre for the first time. Might make a good discussion for the sci-fi/ fantasy group as more people get the book and start reading. I bet the author and publisher would also like to know how newbies and fans react differently or the same. Could be interesting! Well that was weird. I really have no idea what people who haven’t read The Sword of Truth will think. My main motivation in reading so quickly was to see what the connections were. It was a fast-paced action/fantasy/adventure more than a thriller, as it is billed. It certainly wasn’t scary-suspenseful, although it was often exciting and occasionally violent, but not gory or anything. What it was is almost an exact carbon-copy of Wizard’s First Rule set in our world in a modern time. Same guy, same girl, same story, same philosophy and rants. Still interesting to some degree, although I’d guess that the philosophizing would be a lot more interesting to someone who hasn’t already read 11 long books of it. Goodkind is still a very strong writer who turns a terrific phrase and writes a vivid and engaging story. Alex and Jax are as likable as Richard and Kahlan, probably because they are clones. Goodkind used the modern American setting to full advantage, illustrating some of the scariest horrors our world offers to helpless victims. It really was a 3.5 star book at best, but because I really liked a few of his descriptions and language, I had to round up.I do think it’s funny that Goodkind is such a mix of tough guy and softy. He seems to believe in love at first sight. His guys are warriors and brainiacs, his women are lovely fighting machines. It’s really very Heinleinesque.
Krushali
Alex is an artist who just wants to paint the beautiful landscapes that reveal his hope for mankind. But he is at the heart of an ancient prophecy that turns his world upside down, and is forced to see it through by whatever means necessary. Through it all, Alex doesn’t waver from the core of who he really is. And like his ancestor from another world, neither does he waver from the woman he loves.I thoroughly enjoyed this contemporary fantasy novel by Terry Goodkind. It was a page turner from the very start. While it works as a standalone story, readers will miss something if they’re not familiar with Goodkind’s Sword of Truth series. There are references both direct and remote that allude to these novels. If you’ve really got some time, and you truly want to appreciate all the nuances in this book, read all eleven novels in the Sword of Truth series beginning with Wizard’s First Rule. The series creates an epic saga of good triumphing over evil. And by the way, don’t look to the TV series, Legend of the Seeker, to provide you with a Cliffs Notes version. It has definitely lost a lot in the translation.