Debt of Bones (Sword of Truth Prequel Novel)

all of Terry's books are excellent. I have read them many times. After reading Wizards First Rule I was captivated and each sucessive book drew me in more.
I also have all on CD and listen to the story as i drive.

I ordered this book and received it 2 days later! That was awesome and very much appreciated. The book was in great condition and fit the description given. Thanks for portraying your products honestly.

After reading the entire Sword of Truth series this book was fantastic at filling in a lot of history in so few pages. Zedd's history was brought up to speed and we get a look at the world before the barriers went up. If you read the others, you need to read this!

Ploughing through the Sword of Truth series is like watching grass grow. The characters are so self righteous that it made me want to vomit. This prequel is garbage, with a silly alls well that ends well ending. Don't waste a minute of your life reading this.

the store provides a great service with fast delivery and everything you need to know about the purchase before and during the time it gets sent. Perfect quality as expected. Nothing bad to mention at all. Even with recent events in Iceland, it didnt take 'extra' long before something is sent, and I got a notice that there might be a delay. Pleasure to do business with.

Review Originally Posted At: www.FictionForesight.com

Review:

Terry Goodkind’s Sword of Truth Series was one of the first “long-series” that I ever read. So when looking for my next book to review, I decided to go back and re-read Debt of Bones. When I originally purchased it, I was very interested to learn what this prequel could add to what I already knew about how the story Wizards First Rule came to be. It’s a very short book compared to his others, with only 160 pages; and is further shortened by being Terry Goodkind’s only book that provides pictures for the more intense scenes. Since this was a short book, this review will also be brief.

The Good:

It added some good flavor to the back story in regards to how “The New World” came to be divided. It gave the reader a greater understanding of the motives behind older characters; which led them to take actions that would change the course of history.

The Bad:

The story added some more detail to what the other books in the series told. However, it wasn’t all that much surprising (other than one event towards the end). Aside from this, my complaint with most of the books in this series, including this one, is that Terry Goodkind has a tendency to give a bit more detail than necessary to describe locations. Although this was not quite as apparent here as it was in his other books, the first half was still afflicted.

Overall:

For fans of the series looking for more depth and back story, it was an enjoyable read. Even though I’m a slow reader, this book only took me a day to finish. Although others may not like this series, it will always be one of my favorites. Upon finishing this book for my second time, I think I may have to go through and re-read the entire series. Don’t worry, if I do, I’ll be sure to keep you guys in the loop!

(www.FictionForesight.com)

I love the sword of truth series i have read up to book 5 and this book. Love seeing Zedd as a less hungry but just as powerful younger wizard. I picked full of surprises which it is at least to me and only to the extent of what was obvious going to happen since i read wizards first rule which of-course if you have not read you should not even be reading this review until you read wizards first rule. This part will probably be spoily to a extent
Loved seeing the wizard keep busy because in stone of tears its basically abandoned so very awesome seeing the wizard keep in the prime of zedd. Great seeing zedd have to choose between Life of one and life of thousands. is that to spoiley? anyway i am going to stop talking now or ill spoil the whole thing and you wont be able to read it and have fun :( that be sad

I have not yet begun the main portion of the Sword of Truth books, so hopefully this won't serve as too much of a spoiler. While the story itself didn't strike me, the world it is set in could be quite intriguing. Magic and its wielders are rare, but terrifyingly powerful. Their use in war forms the basis of the battles, and normal men are slaughtered by them in hundreds and thousands.

Abby knows this, but also knows she needs their help. She seeks out the head wizard, Zedd, and demands a repayment of a debt she inherited from her mother. Reluctantly, Zedd agrees, as refusing her would mean forswearing an oath, while helping her not only means breaking a different oath, but perhaps even losing a war.

What follows is a battle of one-upmanship as Abbey and Zedd face off against enemy magic users, levying powers, hostages, and illusions, to a final, somewhat confusing finish.

I've become intrigued enough by this story to keep going in the series, so we will see how the rest of my reviews pan out over the year.

'First Confessor: The Legend of Magda Searus; works much better as a prequel than this one does although this one doesn't do anything wrong except keep it's focus rather narrow and rather brief. One notable lapse on Goodkind's part is that Zedd's side of the family's relationships and genealogical information are both kept rather sketchy. For instance, very little is known or talked about Richard's Mother / Zedd's Daughter. We know a lot more about Kahlan's Backstory than we do Richard's. Nonetheless, it's a good read and completists need to add this to their collection and Goodkind resume.

Terry Good kind is an excellent writer and overall this story was a great one with surprises at the end. There were places where it seemed to drag and it almost took too long to get into the story. I did not enjoy all the elaborate description although I know some really like that nor did I like the drawn out casting of the final spell. The characters were well done and sympathetic. Excellent prequel that did more than just set up the next book, had a great plot, but let you know they still had an enemy to fight. The whole idea of a debt of bones was intriguing, and I loved the concept of the Mord-sith. Will definitely read more of Terry Goodkind

Okay. This has me intrigued. Although I do wish the world-building was more pronounced, but I guess that's for the actual first installment.

One part had my stomach churning in the worst way possible though. So that makes me.. wonder if this series will have more events like that one.. If so, it won't be for me. Maybe I'll find out one day, but I am intrigued by the world Goodkind created though.

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 any one. 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
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.

Please be forewarned that this is not a novel; it is a novella. You could most likely read the book in a day, more or less a few hours, if you had the mind to do it. Instead of buying the individual book, I would actually go for buying a compilation of science-fiction and fantasy short stories that has this story in it. An example is the Legends series. You get more bang for your buck.

Regardless, the story is focused around Zedd, our dear old grandfatherly wizard of Richard, well before Richard is born. It's set in the time period where Panis Rahl wages war on the Midlands from the seat of D'Hara, wishing to take down Aydindril and all it represents. This is a time before the boundaries, before boundary wardens, and before Westland. This is a time when Zedd must figure out a way to stop Panis Rahl from bringing his scourge onto his lands and to create a land free of magic. To do so, the fulcrum of the story is presented to us: a young woman named Abby, a daughter (and a skip) of a sorceress, who lives at Coney Crossing with her husband and daughter. She brings to Zedd a debt of bones, the title of the story, in hopes that he will help her, her people, and her family from the D'Haran troops residing there.

The story is fine as is, but it's very short, and typical of the Goodkind writing style. He builds up and builds up and builds up until the last few pages and everything falls into place. That makes the story, not even 200 pages with large font, a bit rushed. It also isn't very good at making you feel much for Abby. Zedd is our main focus because we know of him and what he will do for the Midlands.

Ultimately, it's a fair read, but as I mentioned earlier you might get more reader's bang for your buck if you find the story in a compilation instead of as is. Happy reading!

1 Star??? This book is a treasure and a gift to the Sword of Truth series. It explains how the boundary went up and all about Zeds daughter. It gives you desperately loved and wanted (equals NEEDED) background on Zed. The series (sword of truth series), if you haven't tried it, starts with Wizards First Rule as the realms of magic that are separated from the world that denied magic begin to merge because the boundary is failing. The boundary is a wall of Hell, the underworld drawn up and into the sky so that only death can cross. What insane power could have risen the very depths of the underworld itself and pulled its aura into the sky?

Zed's power. The first wizard has the soul to do such a thing, and you will find out how and why.

Masterfully written, compelling from the very first page, this book stands alone as well. If anything, this book can be an entryway into Terry Goodkinds world. Once you enter, you will never leave. His spell will capture you, enchant you and you will be his. His books will change you as a human. If you dare to challenge this, then I challenge you to try it. Wizards First Rule is book one. Dare to dream and dare to enter his dream...you will not be the same after.

This prequel makes a nice little read and gives the reader a glimpse into the past. The background is set D'Hara invades the Midlands under the leadership of Panis Rahl. It is the final stages of the war and the forces of D'Hara have captured a small village. It is up to Abigail to venture to the wizard's keep and plead with First Wizard Zeddicus Zul Zorander. Abigail must wait in a long line to see the most important wizard of the Midlands. Of course not only does she want her village to be rescued but more importantly she want to rescue her husband, father and daughter. At first Zed refuses to rescue those lives and risk the whole Midlands is something that Zed does not want to contemplate. When Abigail shows Zed and the mother Confessor her mother's skull Zed is obligated and off they go.

The covers a lot of background in just under 200 pages. The prequel explains how the boundaries were set up between the MidLands, D'Hara and The WestLands. The West Lands is a realm entirely without magic. To create the boundaries Zed open a fissure in the surface realm that brings up the green light from the Keeper's realm of the Underworld. This brings up some inconsistencies because first off when Richard drives Darken Rahl to the Keeper it open a rift that threaten to get out of control. How come when Zedd opened a rift it did not get out of control. In the first book and other book Richard and Darken Rahl knock down some barriers that are better left up. Why can't Zed raise those barriers like before? Just some questions for the observant reader to consider.

I love the Sword of Truth Series, having just finished Soul of The Fire, but this book is disappointing. I would have liked to know more about Kahlan's mother, who was the Mother Confessor in this book.

****POSSIBLE SPOILER ALERT***

****POSSIBLE SPOILER ALERT***

About the only characters in this book that fans of the SOT series will recognize are Zed, Panis Rawl, and Kahlan's mother, who had apparently not yet chosen her mate. Richard's mother was only a child. Since Richard is only a little older than Kahlan, neither had yet been born.

The only really new information is regarding Zed: his amazing intelligence (Oops, wait, we already knew that!)and how he came to be known as the wind of death (Oops, wait, we already knew that too!)

Other than the fact that Abby saved Richard's mother's life, she is a completely forgettable character.

I tend to believe the rumors that this work was originally unauthorized fan fiction, 'cause the writing style does not seem to be Goodkind's. Furthermore, it is doubtful that Abby would have been successful at pretending to be a Mord-Sith in a D'Haran army camp. The D'Harans would have immediately spotted an impostor because of their bond with the Lord Rawl, so this doesn't fit either.

To its credit, the book does have some excellent artwork, albeit in pencil or charcoal, including a great illustration of a Grace, described in detail in Soul Of The Fire.

The only really new info in this book is how that Zed came by his gray hair, which is not completely because of natural aging. Also, Zed is not as old as one might think.

More backstory of the characters and history of the Midlands would have been great. More backstory about the real "Lurk" would have been humorous. Darken Rawl is not mentioned, though we know from Wizard's First Rule that he was a young boy and was injured by the Wizard's fire sent by Zed in this book. More backstory here would have been good as well.

In short, the book is just an OK read, but nothing great. Save your money and borrow this book from a library rather than buying it. If you are such a fan of the SOT series that you want this book for your collection, as do I, buy it used and save a few bucks.

I've read many a book, but none reach me like this series has. The entire Sword of Truth series, sets a pretty high standard for epic fantasy, let along a good book series. Early books had some places that were a bit clunky, (it was the authors first books if I'm not mistaken), but don't we ALL start out something a bit green, and then hone our skills?

The more books by Goodkind you read, you clearly see the excellent progress he's made in his craft. Goodkind does what so few fantasy authors do, that being have true heroes, heroes who use reason, heroes who do not become the enemy or become cowards and most important, heroes that stand up for what is honorable and true. And heroes that do not sacrifice their values to accomplish their goals.

You will not see nasty words, vulgarity, incest (unlike some series), porno, or any kind of depravity in the name of literature. This series touches on some violence and deals with real world issues like war and the true horrors of war. It exposes evil for what it is and it shows that mankind can rise up and be truly noble!

While I see there are a few people who want to vote poorly and post negative comments, it is your right. But when you post such acerbic comments, it is easy to see that you simply think it funny. Like anyone would take your petty comments as anything but jealousy and immaturity.

While this series has its merits, it has its problems as well. No book will have everything to speak to every person.

This series starts in easy, and right away you grasp the wonderful story telling ability of Goodkind, and as you go on, it delves deeper into the nature of man. This series explores deep human themes and exposes the fallacy of collectivism.

This book has a striking romantic aspect as well as plenty of heart wrenching twists. While I personally love the philosophy, I can see why some may not. That (IOHP), is why we have arena such as this, so that we can offer up likes and dislikes. Most who do that have offered up an HONEST review. The rest simply are offering up vitriol, because they fear this series for the good that it does and they fear it because they feel it a threat to their favorite author.

BE HONEST, give the book its due.

Support your book stores! Support the Publishing world, and for goodness sake buy a book so we can drive these whacked out "save the rain forest" freaks crazy by cutting down a few more trees!

It doesn't get all philosophically preachy like the later series does, but instead settles for being just a great story. But it's short, novella length. Personally I paid sixty cents for my copy at the closing of Borders, which seemed like a fair deal, so I can evaluate the work on the content without feeling cheated about overpaying (seems a theme of other reviews).

The story itself revolves around a bone, representing a debt owed, featuring a 'normal' perspective character interacting with Zedd, during the conflict of the Midlands vs. Darken Rahl, pre-Sword of Truth. It's twisty and emotional, and I did enjoy it. If you like Terry Goodkind's writing around book 2-4 of "The Sword of Truth", you'll like this.

This mini-novella is a wonderful addition the Sword of the Truth series. Set when Zedd was still a young man (although already First Wizard), we get the backstory on his daughter and the events leading up to the creation of boundary and the defeat of Panis Rahl.

This book does a terrific job of providing a lot of the details we didn't get to see in "Wizard's First Rule." After reading this, I understood Goodkind's universe much better.

I highly recommend reading this after you read "Wizard's First Rule" and "Stone of Tears."

Well, I come to Terry Goodkind's Sword of Truth books after getting hooked on the TV show "Legend of the Seeker". At first I started on Wizard's First Rule (Sword of Truth, Book 1) but after discovering that Debt of Bones (Sword of Truth Prequel Novel) is a prequel book I decided to abandon Wizard's First Rule (Sword of Truth, Book 1) just a few chapters into the story and read Debt of Bones (Sword of Truth Prequel Novel) first. So with that perspective in mind, here is my opinion...

When I started reading Wizard's First Rule (Sword of Truth, Book 1) I was hooked immediately. There was a sense of something about to happen and an air of mystery. By comparison, I was disappointed with Debt of Bones (Sword of Truth Prequel Novel). I felt like it had a slow beginning, especially for a book that is so short anyway. It seemed like Abby was waiting in line outside the Keep for the first third of the book. It also seemed like Terry Goodkind was doing his best to remain vague about details all the way through and while this can generate interest in the surprises to come later I felt that he didn't give enough early on to really get the reader hooked.

However, I found the ending to be very interesting and it made the book an overall worthwhile read. It is a short book (written without chapter divisions) which follows just one character, Abby, as she encounters others on her quest to obtain help from the great First Wizard Zeddicus Z'ul Zorander.

And now I go to start Wizard's First Rule (Sword of Truth, Book 1) once again to continue the story...

Rumor had it that the original Debt of Bones was written by an unauthorized party who was sued as a consequence, and Goodkind re-issued the book under his name. That would explain a lot about this book. If true, it was a compliment to the story line, but Terry should have re-written it in his own awesome style. (If he was the original author, after all, he should still have re-written it.) This short novel gives us some added history on the characters whom we have come to love, but it lacks detail, and is somewhat inconsistent with what we already know about them. Actually, this novella reminds me of the many Star Trek paperback novels that were written by loyal fans who were encouraged to do so and submit them through authorized channels, but who often re-defined some of the characters in small but noticeable ways, or who omitted well-established facts, etc. However, on its own, it is an enjoyable story and worth the short read!

I really hate buying a novella and then discovering it was already published. Glad I read through the Legends collection before buying this book. I was balking at the high price (for a novella) and then was surprised to find it in Legends. Love the SoT series!

Finally, Mr. Goodkind puts out a story that is a good read from cover to cover. It is enjoyable in the way his first books were. This story takes place before any of the charecters that we so love (Richard, Kahlan, Cara) are born. Zedd is a young man and his wife has been killed by The Lord Rahl of the time. Zedd is about to give up on everyone when a young woman comes into the picture and helps steer him back.

This book is very short in comparison to his other books, but that is not necessarily bad. The short length means that the book has to concentrate on the story and its characters and as a result you don't get the pages of preaching that has become Goodkind's trademark as of late. I recommend this book to all Sword of Truth readers and escpecially to those longing for a return to Goodkind's earlier writing style.

I found 'Legend of the Seeker' on Hulu Plus and gave it a try. The slightest hints of humor got me to keep watching (the old naked man with the chicken was too weird NOT to keep watching). Then I found out this TV series was based on books.

I went to the library and found 'Debt of Bones (Sword of Truth, #0)' by Terry Goodkind, which is a prequel to the 'Sword of Truth' series that the TV show is based on.

Unfortunately, 'Debt of Bones' didn't impress me. It actually read a teensy bit...juvenile in one sense, despite the gore that I really didn't appreciate. I'm one of those people that keeps reading even if I don't like something. (Thank God I did because one absolutely despicable part was explained satisfactorily.) This is a small book and a quick read and in this case, that's a wonderful thing.

I like the show (which I've heard didn't follow the novels enough for some fans) but I just did not like 'Debt of Bones'; not the writing or the gore or the story. I did like the characters in the book. Except for the main character. I found her single-minded and irritating. She did carry the story forward, though, which usually doesn't happen when the main character is so annoying.

I was all set to read 'Wizard's First Rule (Sword of Truth, #1)' but after 'Debt of Bones', I brought it back to the library and got some cozy mysteries instead.

I will say that I've since read other reviews of 'Debt of Bones' (far be it from me to stomp on a beloved author) and a big chunk of diehard fans of the 'Sword of Truth' series and of Terry Goodkind didn't even like it. Some said it doesn't do the 'Sword of Truth' series justice.

Knowing that gives me hope. I'll probably get 'Wizard's First Rule' again someday. Not anytime soon, though. There are just so many other books out there, waiting to be read!

I am disappointed in this book. I had to discuss quite a number of points with a friend to clear up inconsistencies. As other readers point out, Zedd's daughter is too young to bear Richard. In the Sword of Truth series, the boundary went up many years ago and only the elderly remember it. The Mother Confessor's daughter in this book is 12. How does that relate to Kahlan? I am sure that Terry Goodkind could clear up the timeline if he wanted, but as it stands, this book creates an inconsistent timeline.
Most confusing, is in the introduction Goodkind explains that this book is about two characters he has not been able to write enough about, Abby and Zedd. Who is Abby? She resembles Adie in some regards, however, is definitely not the same character. Both a friend of mine and I originally had the two characters confused, until we remembered that the character was named Adie and not Abby. I would reword the introduction to avoid confusing the reader.

I suppose I am reading this at the wrong time, as I've yet to read any of Goodkind's other stories, but all the same I can compare this to other books I find worth reading.

The saving graces here are the fact I picked it up for $2.99 (plus a 10% member discount - woot for $.29!) and it's short.

There were times that the First Wizard was simply a little too all knowing, all powerful, and just flat out right about everything.

Then there was Abby, whose emotions changed at the drop of a dime, she cared naught about anything but herself and her grievances and she most certainly never acted the way a good child of a sorceress would when met with someone like the First Wizard.

Abby was very 'perfectly' egotistical, selfish, and immature.

Mother Confessor and the other sorceress were 'perfectly' motherly and caring.

Zedd was very 'perfectly' perfectly a man-god.

...and then the ever so 'perfectly' "wise" ending. oi.

Debt of Bones is a 'perfectly' frustrating read for anyone that knows that the fantasy genre truly is for. If you like philosophy being displayed through teeter-totter writing and cookie-cutter perfection, then by all means read this. And from what I hear, read his other stories too! They're all the same I hear...

Terry Goodkind has become well-known amongst fantasy fans for his epic "Sword of Truth" series. Now, with "Debt of Bones", he revisits the world of his creation with a tale of old history.
This is a story about Zedd, the First Wizard of the Midlands. Readers of Goodkind's books will know some of the events that took place when Zedd's wife was killed and his daughter's life also at stake; now the story is revealed in detail. Grieving, bitter and disillusioned, Zedd closets himself from the world and its troubles. It takes a courageous young woman with a desperate need of her own to reach him and convince him to help her. The events that follow will change the world and shape the course of history.
Although I enjoyed reading this book- Goodkind's skill at weaving a convincing, enthralling story is as obvious as ever- I was somewhat disappointed with it. The book is quite short, more a novella than a novel, and is largely a reworking of a story by the same title that was previously published as part of an anthology, "Legends". Excellent novels can sometimes be produced in a similar manner, and many classic books (especially of the sci-fi genre) had their start as a short story. However, I feel that in this case, little has been added to the original in terms of quality or quantity.
In summary: I will always read Goodkind's books, but this one wasn't as worthwhile as I have come to expect.
7 stars out of 10

I am a huge fantasy fan and nothing has struck my fancy the way the Lord of the Rings had in middle school, but Debt of Bones was a lovely read! I really enjoyed it. I was interested in it enough to have a hard time putting it down. It was however very short, but in a way left me craving more and now I really would like to begin the Sword of Truth series. I got this one to get to know the authors style and to test how interested I would be and in the end I would say that I loved it! Great read in my opinion. If you are a fantasy fan I would give it a go! ^^

look. this is a really good book (and kind of sequel and addon to the wizard's first rule series). the story is small, but it gives you a glimse of zedd, back in the days, where he was "the epic.' after reading this book, its hard to tell why he isn't owning azz in the wizard's first rule series, but you can tell he kinda leaves it to prophecy, richard, etc. though he seriously owns in the books when you see him. in this story, a woman comes for zedd's help, now this is a small metaphor and relative to when kahlan asks him for help in wizard's first rule. on the second part he introduces the solution to richard and helps him along the way, but in this book, he just totally owns azz. you can really feel zedd's power in this one. i can't really give too many vital details, to not give away the story, and since this book doesn't have many to give (can be a good thing), but that you get a glimse into the keep and some great, and i mean, great pictures of zedd in a vital climatic moments, the keep in all its vastness, and the story through a peasant woman who in asking for the help of first wizard himself, which eventually alters the world, and each other, as they know it. i read it, sometime after temple of the winds. but it was a great book reading it at night in the candlelight. but if you haven't read any of the other books, just put off this small story, until you do.

Shame on me for my lack of attention to detail. I read this one AFTER I read the first one in the series. The good news is, it filled in some of the gaps from the first book. It's very short and it was easy to quickly go through it after I read book #1 but if I had it to do again, I think I would have had an easier time following Wizard's First Rule if I had read this first. This PRE-quel turned POST-quel for me, but was no less valuable for it.

To Terry's readers, his book are either too long or too short, I guess. Regardless, I enjoyed it. I like long reads and quick reads. So it's a nice way to immerse yourself for an afternoon in the world of the The Sword of Truth.

What I really love about it . . . No speaches. Points are made for sure, after the fashion of his writing style. I wish he had written his last 4 books after this fashion. I got through 'em and liked them for the most part, but I had to summon all of my gifts of concentration and perseverance to do it.

I enjoyed this brief little introduction to Zedd and the brief glimpse at the D'Haran war and the erection of the boundaries.

I must say though, that it does feel more like scenes that didn't make it into the first book and were left on the cutting room floor.

However, it was a quick read, and was entertaining, and was still a good little story.

The rating is a bit harsh, as it actually deserves a 2 1/2, but I`m comparing it to the other books, which would have been going at a steady four. The massive Sword of Truth books aroused great expectations of Debt of Bones, which I think have not been fulfilled. The book is short)in comparison with 400 page up books) and the storyline is weak. Fine, people want to know about Zedd and his life, but not really like this. Pieces of his story hidden in each book would have created a better effect. As it is this book contains no mention of the main characters of the series whatsoever, and is quite dissapointing.

I am writing to provide a little perspective after reading other reviews of Debt of Bones. I own the book Legends (several wonderful stories by several great authors including Goodkind). If you are familiar with Legends you will know that this is where Debt of Bones was originally published. It was published several years after Wizards' First Rule. While I cannot say definitely I think that Debt of Bones may have been the beginnings of Terry's ideas for SOT. It feels like he was a new writer learning his craft and testing out concepts. Also if you read Wizard's First Rule, or any of SOT, Debt of Bones doesn't make a lot of sense. Nowhere do in SOT do Zedd and Abby seem to have any prior knowledge of each other. Even after Zedd removes the wizard's web in Wizard's First Rule, which may have prevented Abby from recognizing him at first, none of their subsequent encounters seem to have the feeling of a shared past. Honestly I think that when Legends was published they asked Terry to contribute and he polished up his original notes a little and it became the story we read in Legends. Of course with SOT becoming so popular and now with the TV series, Legend of the Seeker, the publisher is looking for a way to make even more money out of us readers. My advise - read DOB in Legends as it was originally released. Even if you don't like it you'll get some other good stories with it. But take DOB for what it is, the bones (pun intended) of an idea for an epic fantasy which when fleshed out became SOT. Only if you are a collector and want it for your library should you spend $8 to buy it new. Of course if you are really interested in having it as part of your collection try to find the original illustrated edition.

If you're one of the lucky ones who managed to grab this paperback edition of "Debt of Bones" be sure to take a look at the inside publishing information--it lists the author as "Robert Jordan" instead of Terry Goodkind! The books with this error have been recalled so they can be destroyed and the correct ones can be printed--shame on the publisher for such a HUGE error!!

Overall exceptional book though!! :) Loved reading some background information on Zedd--wish it'd gone more into his life with his wife and daughter and, perhaps, a young Richard. <G> but that's just me ;)

Loved the book but was let down in comparison to Terry Goodkind's other books. With a central character such as Zedd and a prequel to the Sword of truth series he could have gone much deeper into the story and life of Zedd and leaves questions still unanswered. What about how the sword of truth was stolen from him and how did he get it back from Shota? Who was the one named seeker that Samuel killed to get the sword and why would Zedd name a false seeker? When did he go to Westland? What exactly caused him to forsake magic and the midlands council? How did Darken Rahl rape his daughter later in life to give birth to Richard if the wall was already up, she was too young to conceive in the story? When did George Cypher get involved and how did Ann and Nathan meet with him? When did Zedd and Ann create a pact that no wizards would be taken from the midlands while there were wizards to train them? My list just keeps going and a few of these are very vaguely answered in the series itself, but by writing this book Terry Goodkind opened himself to criticism by only partial filling in blanks and it wouldn't have raised so many questions had he just left out this particular book. It leaves me craving more without hope of there being more.

I personally thought this mini story was great it is about a woman whos entire village is held hostage by D'haran forces. The woman is forced to seek the First Wizard for help in rescuing her family and friends. Waht she doesn't know is she will have a greater purpose then simply freeing her village but in saving someone who will have a major effect on the world. If you have read the Sword of Truth series i would highly suggest reading this story it is a great add on to the series.

Debt of bones is a good book if you're into fantasies. This book is about a woman named Abby, and a wizard named Zedd. Zedd's father owed Abby's mother a debt, but they both died so it was passed on to their children. At the end of this book you get a big suprise. I give this book five stars because of the action packed surprise ending.

I've read some of the reviews here, and many of them mention how short the book is. Yes, the book is short, but the impact of the book is greater due to its briefness. It would be nice to have a full-length novel of the time before the boundaries, but Goodkind has decided to give us as readers a teaser, a little tidbit of history to whet our appetites. Will Goodkind give us a full-length novel of pre-Boundary times? Maybe he will, maybe he won't. The point is that the brevity of Debt of Bones is part of the reason it's such a good story. It's also a nice change of pace for Goodkind, whose novels are very epic and grand in scope. Maybe he was just trying to do what other great authors have done, stretching his skills to see what he can accomplish. Goodkind has broadened his writing style to include small, self-contained stories as well as grand, world-sweeping epics. Kudos to you, Terry Goodkind.

Unfortunately, many reviewers have not given Debt of Bones it's due. As this was originally released as a short story to sideline the Sword of Truth series, this is not as long as a novel.

Debt of bones is about a woman who has a bone debt with First Wizard, Zeddicus Zu'l Zorandor. She uses this debt to attempt to get Zedd to save her daughter from the forced from Dhara, but in doing so, helps to start events that we've read in the Sword of Truth series' past.

It is wonderful to be able to have a small segment of Zedd's past plus the opportunity to see the events that happened when the boundaries were put up. While short, it is, all in all, a fun read.

I read this right after I finished Pillars of Creation, and I found it a lot better then book number 7 of the actual series. It was great, although a tad short. It made sense, and actually added something to Zedd I hadn't expected. It was great, though I felt a bit robbed, seeing as it only took me a half an hour or so. I had hoped that it would be a bit longer, and have some more development on early Zedd. He changes a lot over the years, and getting even a small glimpse of him was really fun, but there wasn't much. I do suggest you read it, but if you don't, it's not going to affect your enjoyment of the entire series.

Realizing that the Debt of Bones was originally found in the Legends anthology and is primarily a short story, not a novel, I found it to be a very interesting piece of "history." It provides more detail about Zedd's past, and it also clears up a bit of the Mord-Sith:Confessor interaction found in later stories.

Though published at a different time and in a different way from the series, Debt of Bones is a must read about the character, Zedd. This book is a GREAT set up for the story. And though you can read the story without it, I don't recommend skipping this one over.

This book was good but a lot more could have been done withi it- he could have made it into a 700 page novel if he wanted to- i know that the book is from legends a collection of short stories but he could hve taken it and expanded it into a really good and long prequel... but still a very good book- buy it when it is out in soft back though

I really enjoyed reading Debt of Bones. It gives you a small picture of an event that happened before the main series. This book is perfect for anyone who likes Zedd and wants to see what he was like when he was younger. Some may not like how short it is, or that it lacks the philosophy of the series, niether were an issue to me. So if you are looking for Zedd or SoT backgroung this book may be for you, But if you are looking for Richard and Kahlan or Heavy Philosophy, This book doesnt have either. And just a small piece of advice, if you havn't read any of the Sword of Truth novels but plan to, i advise you to read Wizard's First Rule first as the Debt of Bones has spoilers for it.

Okay, so when is a book not a book? When it's so thin, you lose it under your TV Guide for 2 days. When the only way you can find it in your bookcase is if you stick a big fluorescent yellow post-it to the spine of it.When you can read the entire thing while waiting in the check out line at your favorite bookstore! Terry (not another thousand pages of character development)Goodkind is notorious for spending way too much of the reader's time dealing with topics and issues that seem to have both way too much detail and way too little to do with the plot. (Wait, did I say plot, I can't remember the plot. I think the main character disappeared and will never be found again). to say that Debt of Bones is too short is like saying that War and Peace isn't long enough. That Terry can charge [item price] for something he could have written on a cocktail napkin is inappropriate, but definitely in keeping with his contemporaries.
It would actually help if a book which is promoted as part of the sword of truth series would have something to do with the sword of truth series!

bag of bones is a good book but isnt as in-depth as the rest of the series; more then likely having to do with how breif it is. its a good prequil to wizards first rule, but indirectly gives away a good plot twist if you start with bag of bones as apposed to wizards first rule.

Excellent background story about creating the Boundries. While you get some of the detail this story has to offer in Wizard's First Rule, this story provides greater depth. Well written, fast paced, and a must read for all Goodkind fans.

I love all the Sword of Truth books. I have all but one in the series. Also have the dvds of Legend of the Seeker, the television series based on the books. Anyone who likes action packed fantasy shows would like the Legend of the Seeker. Legend of the Seeker television show which is based on the Sword of Truth books by Terry Goodkind, follows the story line in the books with some differentses. Those of us that are fans of the show also like follwing the characters and story in the books.

This Novelette is great! As always Goodkind uses his details to paint a picture in his mind. His foreshadowing techniques are flawless. This book depicts te last days of the war between the Midlands and D'Hara with Panis as the ruler. This is the creation of the boundries between the lands which play a semi-important role in Wizards First Rule. Zedd is as awesome as ever. if you ever read this Goodkind Please include My second favorite character, Chase, in an upcoming novel. I've been reading this series for six years and I have yet to tire of it. I am a senior at Piedra Vista High School and my only dream in life is to be half as good as my personal roel-model Terry Goodkind. 10/4/01

this book kinda was a let down...at the same time it was great...its the back story of zedd and the boundry walls...not a must for the begining Terry Goodkind fan...but a must for people who've read the sword of truth series

Jeesh, how can you write a prequel and have it seem like you already wrote the story.... Maybe he got his ideas from First King of Shannara from Terry Brooks, which seemed an awful lot like Sword of Shannara just with different characters.

This Terry Goodkind Novel was not as interesting as the original Sword of Truth books but it wasn't bad!I am a freshman in high school and it took me 2 1/2 hrs to read; so it is not nearly as long as the others.I really liked it because it was a chance to get reunited with Zedd. we learn what happens before Richard is born and how the war with Panis Rahl and D'Hara ends. The boundaries are created and some new caracters are even introduced. I recommend this book to someone who has already read the sword of truth series or to someone who has a new interest.

If you like adventure, fantasy, magic, metaphysic and want to be entertained, you can't lose! Terry Goodkind is an excellent author. Detailed characters and settings, make you feel as you are there. Enjoy.

This is not one of TG best but i may just be biased because it is so short - the longer the better, but Debt of Bones is Zeds story set just after his wife has died, he is feeling disillusioned with the world and sees no reason to help it.
But buyers beware i must stress that this is basicly a reissue of a story (with only a few changes and a few pictures but there are no major changes to the plot) that was first published in an anthology called Legends.

Its interesting to know something about Zedd-pre-grandfather time. But it was too short of a book. Other topics of interest might be how Richard was conceived, the life story of the Confessors, the old Prelate's life. But this book brought out the view of the pre-world from his other books were derived

This book seemed written as if Terry Goodkind just wanted to rush through it and was writing it only because he was forced. I have read it and books 1-4 and am now on number 5. I love the series, wonderful in depth character development, suspence, details, incredible plots. This book however is not worth buying. If you have to read it, borrow it from someone or check it out from a library. Stick with books 1-7, though 7 does not have Kahlan and Richard in it for the most part.

This book that gives more information into the characters of the series of The Sword of Truth books.

This series of books are captivating and what I would call cliff hangers that move you from one book to the next. They hold your interst and compell you to locate the next book then the next. If you ever read the first you will have to read the rest of them. A must read for those of us that enjoy a good romance, mystery, adventure, with realistic fantasy. Just a great read!

This book was an enjoyable read, but it is not as good as the rest of the series of "Sword of Truth" books written by the Terry Goodkind. I still enjoyed reading it!! I read a lot of fantasy books and this author is one of the best that I have read in fantasy books.

Terry Goodkind did a good job with this book. He devolps the new charactors well, but I don't think that he had enough of the new charactors. When he talked about the wizards keep they did not talk about many of the wizards. he did a good job with the addition of the death spell. It could be longer though. He did not spend much time talking about Zedds child in the beginning.

This is my favorite fantasy series and this book is a fine addition, if a little brief and short. Its a great beggining story for the SoT series, and is exactly what the introduction by Goodkind proclaims: a short story too long to include in one of the other books, but interesting enough that he wanted to tell it. If you are a true fan of the series you should enjoy it.

I just would like to respond to a previous review this book was written 10 books into the series and the series is amazing. This particular book was written to give the reader a deeper insight into zedd and how the boundaries came to be i would highly suggest reading the entire series you wont eb disappointed

Bought it because I thought it was necessary for the series... It wasn't! Just gives background on a few characters. No need to go buy it to complete the series, just sorta interesting character development.

This was my first Goodkind book. Since "Debt of Bones" was a special price $2.99 novella, I figured it would be a good way to see if I wanted to invest in any more TG books. I was not overly impressed. While I admit that Fantasy is not my favorite type of fiction, I was still not taken in by the story or the writing in DoB. I felt it was somewhat flat. If this is a typical Goodkind story, then I might be able to read a stand alone book, but there is no way I would even attempt to read a series.

All I have to say about Debt of Bones is that I loved it. Terry Goodkind is s uch a brilliant author, and he really creates an excellent base for his Sword of Truth Series. I have read every one of them, and I tell you, there is no greater fantasy writer, nor a greater fan.

This "book" was only about a hundred and seventy pages printed in a type face that is probably twice as large as the other books in this series. I finished it in perhaps an hour, maybe an hour and a half.

It was interesting to learn some of the backstory of this setting, but again, I wish it had been meatier.

This side story provides wonderful insight into the world that Goodkind has created. If you are not familiar with the Sword of Truth Series this novella would be a wonderful place to start the adventure. Debt of Bones (Sword of Truth Prequel Novel)

Debt of Bones (Sword of Truth Prequel Novel)
If you're a true Fantasy fan, you'll love Terry Goodkind's Sword of Truth series. Debt of Bones is a must read.

Personally, I loved the first three novels in this series. Now it seems that Gookind is doing nothing but churning out books in order to make his mortgage payments. This series should have ended 3 books ago. Please, just end the series so I can move on.....

This book is ok for the hardcore Sword of Truth lovers, however it is much too short and doesn't develop the characters enough. In my opinion, it should have been written to the same length of the other Sword of Truth novels, because this one, although enjoyable to read, left me wanting much more.

Tis book had just one big problem... It's over before it begins. In half an hour, you have red it. Still, it's great to read how the saga begins... I'm now reading part 1 of the real serie; and I love it!!! So, it is short, but nice!!!!!!

Well, I guess that I just expected that this was book 8 in the Sword of Truth series when I asked for it as a gift. Needless to say I was disappointed. My initial reaction was that Goodkind must have needed some quick cash and decided to whip this up.