I must confess that I am fascinated by the wide assortment of opinions expressed in the reviews; I've read enough of them to get a good cross section of the reader's thoughts and can only wonder how all of those comments could be about the same book; it certainly re-affirms the old adage that beauty is in the eye of the beholder!

I will also confess that I am a fan of the Sword of Truth books and appreciate the stories told and the philosophies expounded by Mr. Goodkind. The twelve volume set that makes up this series is generally exciting reading and I can say that in most cases I had difficulty in putting them down in order to continue doing anything else with my life.

I am a devoted science fiction fan and had not been tempted by the fantasy genre until the Sword of Truth series was recommended to me by a friend. I ordered "Wizards First Rule" and after that was completely hooked on the series.

Having read them added a special dimension to "The law of Nines;" I agree with the other reviewers that while it is not essential to have read the "Sword of Truth" series it definitely enriches the experience. If one had not read the Sword of Truth series the impact that Alex's last name was Rahl would have been lost; it was interesting that Goodkind didn't reveal this until page 39, if my memory is correct.

In the last part of the12th book of the series, "Confessor," after a bitter world war the entire population is divided into two groups, those who had magical abilities and an interest in magic, and those who had no magical abilities or no appreciation of magic. Those in the latter group are transported by a powerful war wizard named Richard Rahl off the world to a new world where there would be no magic; although it was not specified, it was rather clear that the new world was Earth. One of the things that would happen was the population on the new world would forget about magic and their past life. A sister of Richard Rahl, Jenna Rahl had no magical ability, so she and her husband Tom, who had changed his last name to Rahl in honor of what Richard had done, started the Rahl line on Earth; Alexander is presumably a descendent of that line.

This event, referred to in The Law of Nines" as the separation, took place an unspecified amount of time in the past, likely millennia. Our story starts somewhere around this time and gives us glimpses of what may have happened to the magical population who remained on the home planet. Apparently history had repeated itself; a tyrant had again gained sufficient power to threaten the stability of the world and was again seeking to eliminate magic.

The forces of the evil tyrant had developed the capability of transporting themselves to the new world, Earth, and were using that ability to help them gain the power they needed to control their home world.

Our hero, Alexander Rahl, is unwillingly caught up in this struggle and must be both clever and strong to avoid being used by the tyrant or killed.

As with the others, I found this book hard to put down and looked forward to when I could pick it up again and continue the story. I'm still not a fantasy fan but I have become a Terry Goodkind fan and look forward to his next book, "The Omen Machine," which continues the Richard and Kahlan story picking up right where "Confessor" leaves off.

Most of the reviews here I've read seem to indicate that people think this is a sequel or a continuation of the other series, and its not so their expectations have not been met, thus the poor reviews. He includes elements from the other series just to make fans of that series smile in recognition. Kind of like how characters in tv shows might share a name to give a nod to something like star wars, purely for the fans.

For the actual book, Im not big on thrillers, but it does its job there. I read it in 3 nights simply because I didnt want to have to wait to see how it continued and ended, Im actually waiting for the sequel to this book now. That is mainly due that Terry Goodkind has a way to make you care about the characters. You do have to suspend disbelief for it, but that's why you're going to read the book in the first place. The story is solid, the characters have depth and are relatable, and it also keeps concepts and themes alive that the author puts into all his books.

He successfully wrote this book outside the confines of fantasy, yet kept his same writing style and concepts. Great book for its purpose, and thats fun and entertainment and escaping away to another world.

At 502 pages, this will not be a quick read, and I consider the time well spent if I have been entertained - meaning the book is interesting and I am not able to guess the ending 100 pages in. I am happy to characterize this read as time well spent. For those who have never read Terry Goodkind but come across this book because it is a bargain, knowledge of his Sword of Truth series is not essential to enjoying it - maybe. You will find the concept of a "parallel" earth is the only sci-fi, there is no magic, no ones goes to other planets, no aliens (the visitors from the other planet are entirely human, they have no super-powers), so if you expect fantasy, you won't find it here. On the other hand, the life threatening person on person battles in the action thriller genre, with the sci-fi twist on the dead bad guys kept my attention, I finished up the last 100 pages way too late into the night. For the SOT fans, of which I am a somewhat lukewarm one, having read the entire series, I found this novel to be entertaining in showing what happened to the non-gifted, presuming they came to "our" earth where there is no magic. I already knew about the split, so I understood all references to that event. The main female character was Kahlan reincarnated, so it was not surprising to find her last name was "Amnell" late in the book, although the word "confessor" was not used once. Seeing Alex come into his strength was reminscent of Richard's growth into his destiny, without any magic. If you have read the SOT series, you might find this more of the same - Terry does seem to repeat himself - and boring for that reason. The SOT series ran hot and cold - the first few books were absolute page turners I could not put down, the "Pillars of Creation" was an awful bore, the first and last 50 pages all anyone needs to read. Confessor, the final book was disappointing - really, was it necessary to spend 200 pages on a stupid made up game but only 3 pages on what should have been the most exciting part - Richard getting from outside to inside? The last 20 pages were 10 pages repeated over again. At least all the loose ends were tied up and the series ended, which is more than others managed to do (yeah, I mean you Robert Jordan and you George R.R. Martin, wrap it up for crying out loud!). So, I personally enjoyed the book, which is why it got 4 stars.

As usual Terry doesn't disappoint with the story telling the only thing that sucks is that we won't get anymore stories from him.

A master story teller for sure.

This is one of my favorite Goodkind novels. It takes place a thousand (or more) years after the Sword of Truth series, but instead of taking place in that world, it takes place right *here*, on Earth, and in modern day! Once again, we are met with charismatic and principled protagonists, and evil, brutish villains. As always, the protagonists are defenders of life and freedom, while the villains are warmongers and terrorists who wish to subjugate the masses to claim power.

But a huge difference is that there is no magic in this world, so people must rely on their intellect, wit, and strength (both in spirit and in body) to solve the problems that are thrown at them. But, fortunately, the playing field is even in that regard, since the villains cannot use magic, either.

I remember feeling super excited while reading Wizard's First Rule, and I'm sure that part of it was the newness of the story. I felt something similar while reading The Law of Nines. I'd say that this book is the most fast-paced of all of the Goodkind novels (so far) and it definitely leaves me wanting more. I hope he continues this story as a series, but he wraps things up fairly well enough so that this one can stand as a single installment if that's all he intends it to be.

I noticed that there is quite a bit of criticism about this one, and I cannot figure out why. Maybe most readers cling too much to preconception. This is really not a fantasy novel, and since it takes place in this world, there is really no magic here. But all of his books have not concentrated primarily on magic anyway, but on human spirit, and the struggle of good vs. evil. Anyone who enjoys a story like that, and anyone who does not cling to preconceptions about what a Goodkind novel should be will love this book.

I read the Sword of Truth series several years ago, starting with the paperbacks of the earlier volumes and eventually catching up so that I had to read the rest as they came out. This book is best viewed as a companion volume that explores a seemingly throw-away comment made by Nathan Rahl near the end of the final book of the Sword of Truth's "main cycle" (more on that expression in a second). I found this story entertaining but not really comparable to the main Sword of Truth series, though I also don't think Terry Goodkind ever intended it to be on the level of the main series.

Things I liked: (a) Quick read--I read this on my Kindle in less than a week. (b) Fast-moving plot--even though the story was less-developed than the main series and even though I could tell a few things about where it was going, I still wanted to keep reading to see how he'd resolve some of the storylines. (c) Interesting angle on exploring the significance of Nathan Rahl's statement mentioned earlier (I won't go into detail so as to avoid spoilers). (d) Far fewer lengthy speeches than showed up in the later Sword of Truth books. (e) I snickered at the not-so-subtle jab at Obama at one point in the novel, though of course other reviewers may disagree. (f) Lots of not-so-subtle nods to the Sword of Truth in terms of place names, etc.

Things I disliked: Too short and the story was resolved too quickly and easily. I felt like it was really starting to move and suddenly it was over. I felt as though some important aspects of the storyline simply weren't developed as fully as I would have liked in terms of explanation (e.g., what IS the significance of the "Law of Nines"? How do the mirrors work? How did the "visitors," for lack of a better term," learn about the mirrors and about the gateway? If the bad guys were able to trail the good guys during their long travel in the Jeep, why were they never attacked during that period?) It seemed to me like the story was simply resolved too easily.

Something that puzzles me: Mr. Goodkind doesn't shy away from rape or sexual torture, as is perhaps best-shown in the book "The Temple of the Winds." What I find peculiar is that he'll narrate those scenes in intense graphic detail (and he goes into detail in an attempted rape in this book that involves the use of a Taser), but he tends to gloss over the sex when it's not torture, even when the story has been building towards it. I'm kind of reminded of the way in the old days in the movies they suddenly cut to pictures of flowers blooming and the like and you were to understand what was going on between the characters--well, there's a scene late in this book that made me think of that sort of thing. I suppose one could make a valid argument that the attempted rape is crucial to the storyline, although it's never really explained WHY it was so important to that character, while the consensual scene is not, and I suppose one could also argue that it was obvious that the consensual scene would happen at some point. I'm not sure I buy that argument, though. Mr. Goodkind likes to build up the sexual tension between his protagonists as an important part of his story, but then it's suddenly resolved out of the way sometime. Just seems like a peculiar style to me.

On the whole what I find myself concluding is that this book was entertaining but simply too short such that the plot was too condensed.

Regarding the "Sword of Truth 'main cycle'" comment: Some reviewers have expressed annoyance that this book was closely related to the Sword of Truth series. You need not have read the Sword of Truth to be able to read this, though a lot of aspects of the plot will be a lot clearer if you have. Anyway, during the publication of the final three volumes of the Sword of Truth, Terry Goodkind said that those three books represented a trilogy that would close "the main story arc" (or similar words to that effect), but that he intended to write some related volumes that would not directly address the story of the war against the Imperial Order. I suppose "Debt of Bones" could count as one of those. This is pretty clearly another, and the upcoming "Omen Machine" is obviously a third. It sounds to me as though the marketing angle is to view the eleven Sword of Truth books that make up the "main story arc" as being "The Sword of Truth" and to view everything else as being separate, even if the other volumes are related. There's no dispute that the end of "Confessor" represents a major closing point.

All in all, while you could read this, and perhaps enjoy it, if you haven't read the Sword of Truth's eleven main books, I'd recommend that if you haven't read those you read them first. If you read this one first, you'll have set yourself up with some very significant spoilers as to the Sword of Truth.

On some other world perhaps thousands of years ago Richard Rahl defeated Jagang's forces by exiling all those people to the planet Earth. Earth is a place without magic, Earth is a place of technology and electricity. Along with those from Jagang's forces came a bunch of Rahls who were magically ungifted. For many a year the planet of Richard Rahls had lived in peace, but he is long dead and a new leader Radell Cain has arisen and want to obliterate magic so he can conger the planet.

In comes Alexander Rahl, a down on his luck artist, just happens to cross the street in times to see a pirate plumbing truck drive recklessly down the street. He saves a hot chick named Jax Amnell. (I did not think there would be any Amnell's left) . It also happens to be his 27th birthday. The same age that his mother went insane. Thinks start happening for Alexander. Someone buys his painting but scrawls profanity all over it before returning it. His grandfather tells him about an inheritance and a whole bunch of land loaded with stipulations. Everything is connected to nines. His birthday, age, the floor his mother is on in the Mental institution.

Turns out that Jax is from another planet, Richard's planet as is Radell Caine and his henchmen who like to break necks and spy on people through mirrors. They can also appear out of no where. They want to capture Alexander and learn the secret of the gateway that connects the two worlds. Individual travel can be done but they cannot bring anything with them. The Gateway will allow Raddel Cain to bring Earthen Technology through. Easy conquest once Richard's world is stripped of magic. The key of course lies on the land Alexander is about to inherit, more specifically castle rock. Jax and Alexander are not alone in their quest to stop the bad guys. The Dagget trust was aware of everything an try to help Alexander but in the end it is his skills area warrior that will help win the day.

Seems that Terry's strength lies in writing sci fi like the fair presented in this book. In read this in two days and was hooked. This could well translate into a movie. There are two things though. First off names like Raddel and Jax, couldn't he find something more believable. Jax Amnell, I thought Kahlan was the last Amnell or at least the last confessor. Who knows.

I found myself equal parts skeptical and intrigued when I heard Terry was making a switch over into the realm of "thriller" from his staple Sword of Truth Series. While I've been a pretty big fan of his earlier SoT works, I was getting the feeling that maybe he was losing focus (if just a little bit). The aspect he has always been excellent at is his storytelling ability and the dynamic between his usually well-fleshed characters. He may not be a great writer but he is a great storyteller. And that counts for quite a bit.

The Law of Nines put my doubts to rest by the time I was near the middle-end of the novel. It does everything a good story should do: it sucks you in early, keeps you interested in the main characters, has a clearly-defined menace and constantly creates conflict to the protagonist and the characters he cares about.

To me, when it was all said and done, it felt like a classic adventure story. The entire ride was exciting and interesting. I will admit that some parts had me close to rolling my eyes and I still maintain that there's way too much repeated dialogue, but that didn't diminish the overall experience at all. By the time I read the final page, I found myself wanting more. Terry did an amazing job merging his SoT universe with our own. It was a whole lot of fun and it left the door open for much more to come (naturally).

I'm not complaining in the least. Law of Nines was pretty darn good stuff. I think fans of Terry's SoT or otherwise will really enjoy this.

Alltogether an enjoyable book, in the typical Goodkind Style.

Its fast-paced and interesting. You feel as if you know the charachters a long time, and you can relate to them right away. The Ending is a little sudden and abrupt, but the alternative would have been another drawn out trilogy, i guess. Although the setting in our modern world feels "wrong", it fits perfectly in - and at the same time, shows a different side of - the World of Richard Rahl and Kahleen that we got to know and love so well in the last 12 books.

Its a fun read, that would have been even better in the "Sword-of-Truth"-World.

easy to find through Amazon had looked all over for this book

I've read the entire Sword of Truth series.

I've watched the disappointing TV version.

This is the second time I've read this novel.

I never read the "Fantasy" Genre.

I find most of it thoroughly Childish wish fulfillment.

Terry Goodkind is in a Class of His Own.

That Class is Pt (Platinum)

As a Master of ..

Japanese Budo,

Chinese Shao'lin Kung Fu & Fighting Style Tai Chi Chuan,

Western Boxing & Street Fighting,

Shaman of The Oglala Lakota,

Murra Murra Man of The Darumbal Nation of Northern Australia,

Psychologist,

&

Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP), Clean Language & Ericksonian Hypnotherapy Developer..

.. Terry's Mastery of the Concepts of Combat, Human Nature and Magic, are as Real as can be conveyed in written Words.

I'm glad that this Novel leaves Him open for a New Series.

Something to do with Jax Amnell, descendent of Kahlan, and Alexander Rahl, descendent of Richard Rahl, one of The Greatest Characters ever put in a Novel.

A Man to Aspire to Be.

I would like to read about a Renewed House of Rahl in Our World.

Something to do maybe of How we Restore Magic to it

✨️👌😉

Thank you Terry Goodkind.

"Wordsmith" is too pale a Moniker.

If you're ever Downunder, look Me up, we could take some V8 Supercars for a spin around Lakeside

✌️🦘🇦🇺

Best & Warmest Regards,

Mark James Le Sueur

Grandmaster

Pei Mei Shao'lin Wu Shu Quan

(White Eyebrow Shao'lin Kung Fu)

Soke

(Grandmaster)

Daruma Kan,

Zenpo Bujutsu

Founder & Chief

of

The Golden Dragon

School

of

Martial Artistry

✨️🐉✨️

&

Cousin of Norman Lyndsay,

Relation of..

Eustice Le Sueur,

Charles Alexander Le Sueur,

Lucille Le Sueur (Silver Screen Goddess, Joan Crawford)

&

Piérre Le Sueur,

First European to Live and Marry into The 7 Council Fires of The Great Lakota Nation,

375 years of Family Bonds

"The Art of War?

is..

Peace"

🌸☮️🧡☯️🕊

Superbe thriller contemporain reprenant les codes propres à Sword of Truth, avec une histoire en relation directe, une trame haletante, des personnages intéressants et un dénouement tout en finesse.

Lecture chaudement recommandée !

It's clear that the author dind't care anymore. The plot is awfull, the characters are completely plain... I was expecting something at least well written and original, but it is a forced mixture of Wizard's First Rule with the real world, filled with aleatory killing based on a dubious moral code.