A big fan of the Sword of Truth series, I was thrilled to find a new book by Terry Goodkind set in the same universe. Death’s Mistress, the first book in The Nicci Chronicles, follows sorceress Nicci, once known as Death’s Mistress, on a mission to the Old World for Richard Rahl, accompanied by the old wizard Nathan Rahl. These two have been sent by Richard to spread the word that, as Lord Rahl, Richard rules both the New World and Old World, and that the inhabitants have nothing more to fear of oppression.
At the beginning of that journey, they encounter a witch woman, who tells them that they must travel to Kol Adair where the wizard will be made whole again and that the “Sorceress must save the world.” Though doubtful, the two set out and soon determine that the witch woman’s words are true. They are joined along the way by an unlikely companion, Bannon, a young man naïve in the ways of the world. But he learns much through the tutelage of Nicci and Nathan.
If you’re not familiar with the eleven Sword of Truth books, the two prequels, or the four “Richard and Kahlan Novels”, I think you’re in for a treat. Terry Goodkind is an excellent writer who knows how to create a world and fill it with interesting, engaging characters. To fans of Goodkind who haven’t read one of his books for a while, you won’t be disappointed. I’ll admit that I miss Richard and his wife Kahlan, but Goodkind has woven an interesting tale around Nicci and Nathan, showing new sides of these characters. You won’t want to miss this one.