I received this book for free from the library in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Source: the library
"Debt of Bones"
by
Terry Goodkind
epic fantasy in a paperback edition that was published by Tor Fantasy on November 2004 and has 160 pages.
Explore it on Goodreads or Amazon
Other books by this author which I have reviewed include Wizard's First Rule, Stone of Tears, Blood of the Fold, Temple of the Winds, Soul of the Fire, Faith of the Fallen
A prequel in the Sword of Truth fantasy adventure series that demonstrates Zedd’s inherent goodness.
My Take
This story sets up the background for the boundaries, the boundary wardens, and how they came about. Although, Goodkind doesn’t spend much time explaining the actual boundaries. You’ll have to read the full-length stories for that!
Goodkind also does very well in providing an easily understood example of the need to sacrifice the few for the many. Our culture generally prides itself on never leaving a man behind and, yet, there are times when it is necessary to do the opposite in cases such as this.
He also provides a curious twist with a great sense of generosity!
The Story
It’s war in Aydindril, and the wizards, sorcerers, sorceresses, and confessors are worn, anxious, and busy as they attempt to thwart the latest of Panis Rahl’s witchcraft and his armies. That particular morning finds Abby waiting in line for a chance to meet a wizard and present her petition for aid before her entire village is wiped out.
A young wife from a tiny town, Abby is overwhelmed and doesn’t understand the conditions in which Zedd works, but the Mother Confessor and a sorceress take pity on her and promise to gain her another audience. One in which Abby is finally successful even as she bemoans her compelling need.
Luckily for the Midlands, Abby is a terrible liar…
The Characters
Abby is from a town overrun by D’Haran soldiers. Every citizen taken hostage including her husband, Phillip, and daughter, Jana. Her mother’s magic may have bypassed her, but Abby still feels the need to protect.
Mother Confessor is the de facto ruler of all the lands; her touch can read the mind of anyone. She is also Kahlan’s mother. Delora is the sorceress who first aids Abby. First Wizard Zeddicus Zu’l Zorander is the Mother Confessor’s opposite number and the strongest wielder of magic there is in all the lands
Mariska is a sorceress holding Abby’s daughter and husband. Anargo is Rahl’s head wizard holding the army at Coney Crossing. Mord-Sith are women who are trained to give pain and absorb any magic used against them as they torture the magic-user to welcome death.
First mention of boundary wardens.
The Cover and Title
The cover is accurate enough with its forest green background and a window that crosses a bit above the bottom as we look in on the young Wizard Zedd examining the skull that Abby has brought to compel Zedd’s aid.
The title is too accurate for it is a Debt of Bones that Abby claims, but not the debt she expects.
