Fantasy author Terry Goodkind, known for his long-running The Sword of Truth series, has died at the age of 72. His agent confirmed his passing to Tor Books and Tor.com.
Born in 1948, Goodkind first established a career as a woodworker and artist, before eventually writing his first novel, Wizard’s First Rule, in 1994. The novel follows Richard Cypher, a woodland guide in a magical world, who learns that he’s a long-sought-after First Wizard, and that he has a destiny to save the world.
The novel kicked off Goodkind’s long-running Sword of Truth series, which eventually numbered 21 installments, the most recent of which, Heart of Black Ice, was published in January of this year. In 2019, he launched a series, The Children of D’Hara, also set in the same world, publishing five installments between April 2019 and June 2020.
In 2008, Evil Dead and Spider-Man director Sam Raimi and ABC Studios picked up the rights to adapt The Sword of Truth series as a television show, which debuted in November 2008 as Legend of the Seeker. The first season covered the events of the first novel, while a second adapted its sequel, Stone of Tears. The series was canceled in 2010, and efforts to bring the series to another network didn’t pan out.
On his official Facebook page, Goodkind’s representatives posted a short remembrance:
“It is impossible to put into few words just how amazing of a man, a husband, a writer, a friend, and a human, Terry Goodkind truly was. He is already desperately missed. We are forever grateful for him having shared his life’s work with all of us, as he was always grateful to be held in our hearts.”
“Wizards First Rule: People are stupid” Brilliant!!
RIP Terry
I may have soured on him a lot when I got older and dug into his themes and beliefs more, but for a time when I was a teenager I LOVED his books. He certainly leaves a… complicated legacy, but still, RIP.
I can’t fully express how gutted I am reading this. Tons of feels for his family and friends. I have no word that will assuage the pain of his being gone, but it is all I have to offer. RIP Mr Goodkind, and thank you.
To: Mrs. Goodkind,
I’m sorry for your loss of your husband. He was the first author that I really got intuned with, I never liked reading much growing up, because of my reading disability. A friend of mine let me borrow his copy of Wizards First Rule. I fall in love with the story. I’ve read almost all of his books. Because of Terry books I become a better reader. I will miss him, even tho I have never met him. His works have been a part of my life for over twenty years now.
Much love and respect
Myles
Terry wrote stories that touched the soul. I had the privaledge of meeting and speaking with him on several occasions, I will miss him very much. RIP my friend.
RIP Mr. Goodkind – I really enjoyed Wizard’s First Rule back in ’94.
Terry’s Sword of Truth series was one of the reasons I fell in love with fantasy fiction. An incredible series by a legendary author. You will be missed !!!
Today I woke up at 1am and started my brand new day. Today is my birthday.
my sincere condolences to his wife and his family.
I started it feeling grateful and happy. I started Wizard’s First Rule when I was 13 years old and every year and sometimes waiting extra years for the next book in series since have read all the way up to The Children of D’hara series. I just finished re-reading Wizard’s First Rule and was starting on Stone of Tears.
Today I turned 39 and now just learning of Mr Goodkind’s passing, feels as though I’ve lost a close friend. My heart broke and I actually cried for this person I’ve never met but felt I’ve known, just through his writings. Thank you Mr Goodkind for sharing your gift of writing amazing stories to my world. I have my very own lil Kahlan (whose 6 years old) and lil Richard (who just turned a year) in my life now. Have a smooth journey crossing from the veil of life into the afterlife. Give Zedd all our love
A literary genius has left us. His words reverberate long after being read, changing some forever. Thank you for your thumbprint on this world, Mr. Goodkind.
R.I.P. Mr. Goodkind.
I am a 40 year old man from Australia. I have been making my way through the Sword of Truth series for the first time. I love the writing. I love that the novels were written by a man who overcame dyslexia to write them. The stories are vivid and alive.
You will be missed. D.
So sad to hear of his passing. Earlier tonight I was thinking it was time to start The Sword of Truth series again. Really enjoy his books and have read the main novels many times. I got on Tor to check the latest posts and this is what greeted me to my shock. All my condolences to his family and friends.
Shortly after putting my Terry Goodkind book down, I happened to Google something that led me to discover this article: that my favorite author in the whole world died today. I have never mourned someone I have never met this deeply before.
I will never forget the day my dad brought me the first book in my favorite series, Wizard’s First Rule, back in 2000. Terry’s books made a greater impact on me than anything I’ve ever read, before or since. I have read the Sword of Truth series at least three times through by now, and I still laugh and cry at all the same parts.
I wrote him a letter in 2006, asking for advice about my own writing endeavors, and he wrote me a thoughtful two pages. I have that letter hanging on my wall so I can look at it every day I write.
I could say so, so much more…. But thank you, Terry, for the magic. Your work is what inspired me to write my own story. You are an absolute legend.
As I read the sad news today, I looked up to where I have “Deserve Victory” written on my office whiteboard as a continual focus. Rest in peace Terry, and thank you – you helped me become a better man.
Very sad news! RIP!
When our daughter Kahlan was born in 2007, we received his congratulations and he wished her a good and happy life. We wish all family and friends strenght and love to cope with this great loss. He will be missed by many.
From reading these comments, it is obvious Terry Goodkind affected so many with his writing. I was in junior high when I started reading his books (2005). His books were provocative to me as a teenager, both in how they were my first taste of fantasy and philosophy. I even wrote him in high school and he took the time to write me a little note back. Never have a mourned the loss of someone I’ve never met, but the news of his passing shook me. Terry will be missed. My deep condolences to all his friends and family. I knew him only as an author, you knew the life he lead and the person he was, and that is a gift.
Man, I was OBSESSED with the Sword of Truth books between the ages of about 14 and 20, when Mr. Goodkind finished the last installment in the main series. Those books had such a deep impact on me in those formative years, I loved his characters and the story. It was so action-packed, you know? Not slow, not too worried about court intrigue. Hell no, there was no time for that, there were cities getting sacked! Armies that blackened the Earth! D’Haran special forces! Wizard’s Fire! (Which was basically magical napalm, and it was AWESOME)
I will miss you, Mr. Goodkind. Thanks so much for the adventures. My most sincere condolences go out to your family.
For 26 year’s I’ve been tagging along with two friends as they traveled on a journey of Truth, Peace and finally, Happiness. May the good spirits speed you along on your journey.
Rest in Peace Mr. Goodkind
Rest In Peace Terry, Richard and Kahlan. This makes me so sad, knowing I will never be able to fall into a new book and read about them breaks my heart. Thank you for letting me venture into D’hara and fall in love with the seeker.
I found his novels too late in life to feel much influenced by them, but they were near the core of what I saw as a second wave of fantasy, next to Robert Jordan, that started with Tad Williams and ending with the debut of Game of Thrones. He was part of those who broadened the scope of fantasy in an attempt to reach beyond the Tolkien clones to that point. The reactions to his death are testament to his success in creating something new in people’s minds.
I am saddened to learn this. He was a great favourite of mine. He wrote out deep philosophies into fantastical fantasies. My literary world is a lot darker, with his passing. He cannot be duplicated.
Lifting all his loved ones in prayer. Including fans.
Thank you, Terry, for the priceless hours and hours and hours of enjoyment. Something I could never repay. Also, Thank you for introducing me to my book-boyfriend; Richard Rahl. I owe you. R.I.P.
Kit Atwater
This man has had a tremendous influence on the lives of millions (myself included), through his works. This is a tragic day for everyone, especially those who were lucky enough to know him in the real world as Terry, and not simply through his mental avatar, Richard. He rose up and lived his life. May we all do the same in his honor.
Such a shocking loss. The first three Sword of Truth novels remain favorites of mine to this day.
My deepest condolences to his family.
The world has lost a very talented man, who gave so many people the love of diving into his novels and savor every word. God speed sir, you will be missed greatly. My condolences to his family, for they lost a treasure
I met Mr. Goodkind shortly after reading his first book. I was working at the Barnes & Noble in Jack london Square, he came into the store and signed a bunch of his books. He came in a few more times after that usually after he’d published the next book in the series. I have them all, and the first 4 all signed by him. He was great writer and good to his fans. He will be missed.
Mr. Goodkind, you are my favorite author. You will be missed. Rest with the good spirits.
I was shocked to hear the news of Terry Goodkind’s passing. What a sense of loss! My most sincere condolences to his wife and family. I so love(d) his books and collected them as treasured tomes for my library. What great and wonderful stories he shared with us all! I will miss not being able to follow the further adventures of his Seeker. Even though we never met, farewell my friend! You will be missed!!
I’m so sad by this news.
The family and friends have my deepest sympathies. He was such a great writer. I really enjoyed his sword of truth series, and the children of d’hara series.
He was and shall always be my favourite author, and has got me through some dark times. He will be missed.
R.I.P
My mother bought me Wizard’s First Rule shortly after it first came out, and I refused to read it, because I generally disliked most books she recommended to me, even if this one did have a dragon on the cover. Finally, bored and out of new books, I cracked into this one. I was clearly an idiot for waiting so long. I devoured each of the next books as they came out, loving this world he created, and the characters he gave us. Now, as a librarian, I tell my patrons about The Rule of Terrys. When I have a teen aging into the adult section, or someone who wants more fantasy, I always explain that if a fantasy book has been written by a man named Terry, it is guaranteed to be amazing. Terry Pratchett, Terry Brooks, and Terry Goodkind are the trinity proving my Rule of Terrys, and when we lost Terry Pratchett, I was devastated. Now, the second leg has gone, and I am similarly broken hearted. Rest assured, I will continue to hand his book to adventure and fantasy seekers, and be grateful for the wonderful stories he’s given all of us.
I would have liked to meet him, I love his books, I also picked up the Audiobooks after reading the hardback books. I have a copy of the Wizard’s Rules posted at my deskThey have, and I keep a PDF copy on my phone. They have inspired me to be a better person, and to think rationally. He will be missed, but his legacy lives on in his writing.
My first deployment to Iraq consisted of long hours of boredom and short periods of extreme stress. I finished the only book I packed very quickly and needed something to do to relieve the boredom and stress. A fellow soldier gave me one of the Sword of Truth books and I devoured it. I ended up reading all of them and recently the continuation with the Richard and Kahlan series. I am now retired from the military and reading “Death’s Mistress” in my leisure time. Today, I went online to look up the 2d book and saw the news of Mr. Goodkind’s passing. My condolences to his family. He helped me get through some hard times. If I had met him, I would have thanked him for that.
His Sword of Truth series was an essential part of my growth during my teenage and early 20s. The Wizard’s Rules formed a core part of my psyche and personal identity. They have been so ingrained in to my personal beliefs that they influence everything about me.
Its very likely his death hits me harder than I would care to admit. Rest in Peace.
This is sad news and my thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
It was because of Mr Goodkind that I really started reading again when I purchase The Wizards first rule by accident for a co-worker. I turned around a by mistake bought a second copy and decide I should try it. This was when I was in my fifties and really never read this kind of fantasy and I was hooked! I read all 12 books in a year and a half.
RIP Terry Goodkind
French readers are sad. Terry was a awesome author.
Today we are like orphans.
RIP Terry GOODKIND
The world will never reclaim the magic that was Terry Goodkind.
In you light we thrived, in your wisdom we were humbled.
Terry’s books kept me entertained during long summers lifeguarding where I’d read when no ome was in the pool area or of it rained. They continued to keep me occupied throughout college. I shared the series with friends and family and it brought us together with a common topic to discuss. Terry’s imagination bore creative and fanciful characters that created a unique world which readers enjoy and will continue enjoying for a long time to come.
While I finish the last of the Nicci Chronicles, my heart goes out to Mr Goodkind’s family.
As a librarian, I will continue to recommend his works to avid readers as well as those needing something to hook them into reading.
I know Terry is just beyond the Veil as a good spirit.
My deepest sympathy to the family…Terry was my favorite author…I have every book he has written…to find another author that has captivated my love for reading will never be the same…I never had the opportunity to meet him…but would have loved to spend an afternoon with him..I will miss him and his stories…
Shocked! I read this news as I am trying to sort out the feeling of SC Justice Ginsberg’s passing and I’m just “totaled”! I cannot fully express the wonder and depth of connection I had reading Mr. Goodkind’s works. I picked up WFR from a lending library in Houston in 2008 as I was there helping my mother fight cancer. I felt such a closeness to Richard and Kahlan as I started out The SOT series! My mom even read the first four novels before she passed and we spent a good amount of time discussing the characters and the fascinating stories. Thank you for the memories and for giving us such wonderful fantasy to share in. You will be missed. My condolences to his family. RIP
My Condolences to Mr. Goodkind’s family and friends. He is by far one of my favorite authors. My dad and I have enjoyed his series many times over the years. His creativity and passion he poured into his writings are going to be really missed. I am deeply saddened that the world he created for us has come to an end but extremely grateful that we have what he has left!
I can’t believe he’s gone… My husband and I have read every book in the sword of truth series. Our seven year old daughter’s name is Kahlan after the mother confessor. We tell our kids “think of the solution, not the problem” and so my other simple truths from his books
I just feel gutted and I’m so sorry to you Mrs. Goodkind. You might never see this but thanks for sharing so much of him with us, through his work, while he was here. Wish there was anything we could do to help with your grief.
His novels changed my outlook of books entirely and turned me into an avid reader. Over 20 years and thousands of books later I still count his series among my top favorites with countless repeated readthroughs. It was barely the beginning of this year that I had been gladdened to find out that he had written more books after the main story had ended and endeavored to read every single one. I am grateful for his works and the encouragement of ideas they have meant.
I first read the Sword of Truth books in 2006, 12 years after the first one was published and I absolutely fell in love. It continues to be one of my favorite series to this day. I am very sad to learn of Terry’s passing. His books were pure art.
Mr. Goodkind was a brilliant author. Very sad to see him go. Rest in Peace.
“Evil thinks not to beguile us by unveiling the terrible truth of its festering intent, but comes, instead, disguised in the diaphanous robes of virtue, whispering sweet-sounding lies intended to seduce us into the dark bed of our eternal graves”
I’ll never forget you, Terry. You changed my life.
I can´t believe this bad news.
I am one of thousands readers books by Terry Goodkind.
I read every book, Mr. Terry Goodkind wrote.
His book – stories impact me very deeply on my personal life.
My heart is broken and I I´m sad.
Mr. Goodkind was my „ Father “, Kahlan and Richard, my template.
Philosophy and fantasy in his books, lead me to my unknown ways .
Thank you Mr. Goodkind, I „ met “ you through your books.
You gave me more than I´m able to tell .
My deepest condolance to all your family and friends .
Rest with Good Spirits Mr. Goodkind
Filip Lansky Zlebek
Europe / Czech Republic
Just found out today that he had pasted away, wow what a shock. Been a fan of his since high school and was really looking forward to more of his books. I was hoping next to discover the source of magic and maybe finally meeting a agent of the Creator in his series. He has always been one of those authors you could rely upon to come out with a book and enjoy consonantly. I will always think of him as my friend who would know how to make you smile and entertain you. Rest in peace Terry, I hope you are sitting at a table with some of the other great writers, (JJR Tolkien, David Eddings, Robert Jordan) and now your telling them about a story of a man who searched for truth and fought for it.
I’d been reading his books since elementary school, when I first found wizards first rule and have reread the series countless times over the years. Don’t know what I’ll do not being able to look forward to new installments and the wisdom within them. The world is a much darker place without him