Terry Goodkind ​

Terry Lee Goodkind was an American writer. He was known for the epic fantasy series The Sword of Truth as well as the contemporary suspense novel The Law of Nines, which ties into his fantasy series. He also wrote a series called The Nicci Chronicles.

Quick Facts ​

• Published the epic fantasy series The Sword of Truth, which sold over 25 million copies.
• His novels were translated into more than 20 languages.
• His first novel, Wizard's First Rule, took a year to complete.
• Several of his books were adapted into a television series called Legend of the Seeker, which ran for two seasons.
• Known for creating detailed, intricate fantasy worlds.

Background ​

Goodkind was born in 1948 in Omaha, Nebraska. He was the son of a factory worker and a school teacher. He started writing at a young age but his dyslexia made it difficult for him to spell correctly. However, he did not let this stop him. He worked as a woodworker and an artist before he became a full-time writer. His first novel, "Wizard's First Rule," was published in 1994. The success of this led to a series, "The Sword of Truth," which has sold millions of copies worldwide and been translated into multiple languages. There was also a television series adaptation "Legend of the Seeker" based on his books. Goodkind passed away in 2020 at the age of 72.

Writing Style and Impact ​

Goodkind, best known for his fantasy series "The Sword of Truth," exhibits a richly descriptive writing style. Characters in his works tend to have a deep philosophical conversation that infuses his work with a contemplative layer. His work has been criticized for being overly ideological and heavy-handed in expressing his philosophical and political beliefs, but his books have generally been popular, appealing especially to fans of epic fantasy who appreciate nuanced world-building. He has contributed to the fantasy genre by creating morally complex characters and displaying an intricate understanding of human nature and identity.

Notable Works ​

• Wizard's First Rule (1994)
• Stone of Tears (1995)
• Blood of the Fold (1996)
• Temple of the Winds (1997)
• Soul of the Fire (1999)
• Faith of the Fallen (2000)
• The Pillars of Creation (2001)
• Naked Empire (2003)
• Chainfire (2004)
• Phantom (2006)
• Confessor (2007)