Death's Mistress: Sister of Darkness: The Nicci Chronicles, Volume I

by Terry Goodkind

Overview

Death's Mistress: Sister of Darkness launches The Nicci Chronicles, Terry Goodkind's entirely new series with a cast of characters centered on one of his best-loved characters in the now-concluded Sword of Truth.

One-time lieutenant of the evil Emperor Jagang, known as “Death’s Mistress” and the “Slave Queen”, the deadly Nicci captured Richard Rahl in order to convince him that the Imperial Order stood for the greater good. But it was Richard who converted Nicci instead, and for years thereafter she served Richard and Kahlan as one of their closest friends—and one of their most lethal defenders.

Now, with the reign of Richard and Kahlan finally stabilized, Nicci has set out on her own for new adventures. One of her jobs will be to keep her travelling companion, the unworldly prophet Nathan, out of trouble. But her real task will be to scout the far reaches of Richard Rahl’s realm. This will take her and Nathan to visit the mysterious witch-woman Red, to tangle with the street life of the port city of Tanimura, to fight lethal battles on the high seas, and ultimately to a vast magical confrontation far from home…with the future of life itself, in the Old World and the New, at stake.

Full of life and story, this is a sweeping, engaging tale in the grand Goodkind manner.

The Nicci Chronicles
1. Death's Mistress
2. Shroud of Eternity
3. Siege of Stone

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780765388230
Publisher:	Tor Publishing Group
Publication date:	12/05/2017
Series:	Nicci Chronicles Series , #1
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	656
Sales rank:	66,708
Product dimensions:	4.10(w) x 6.70(h) x 1.50(d)

About the Author

Terry Goodkind (1948-2020) is a #1 New York Times bestselling author. His books include the multi-volume epic fantasy Sword of Truth series — beginning with Wizard’s First Rule, the basis for the television show Legend of the Seeker — and related series Richard and Kahlan and The Nicci Chronicles.

Goodkind was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska, where he also attended art school. Alongside a career in wildlife art, he was also a cabinetmaker and a violin maker, and did restoration work on rare and exotic artifacts from around the world. In the 1990s he relocated to Nevada, where, when not writing novels, he was a racing-car enthusiast.

Editorial Reviews

"Wonderfully creative, seamless, and stirring." —Kirkus Reviews on Wizard's First Rule

"Outstanding...Characters who actually behave like adults. Highly recommended." —San Diego Union Tribute on Temple of the Winds

“Goodkind's compelling prose weaves a magic spell over readers." —RT Book Reviews on Faith of the Fallen

From the Publisher

01/16/2017
Goodkind’s series launch, a tie-in to his well-known Sword of Truth series, is more of an episodic ramble than a classic fantasy quest. He begins this chronicle with two familiar characters going in search of Red, a witch woman. Nathan Rahl, kin to the new ruler of D’Hara, is tasked with spreading the news of the liberation of all peoples while the sorceress Nicci protects him and gathers information on the far reaches of the world. The pair learn from Red that Nicci “must save the world” and that Nathan needs to travel to Kol Adair, where he will “behold what he needs to make himself whole again.” At Tanimura they board a ship heading south and meet Bannon Farmer, an eager, naive young sailor on his first voyage. The trio battle vicious selkies, boatloads of Norukai slavers, and assorted magic users. Along the way, Nathan loses his magic but not his taste for fine clothes. Little ties together the challenges that the three characters face. Goodkind’s name guarantees an audience, but they’ll find this installment unsatisfying. Agent: Russell Galen, Scovil Galen Ghosh Literary. (Jan.)

Publishers Weekly

01/01/2017
The Imperial Order has been defeated, and the D'Haran Empire rises under Lord Richard Rahl and Kahlan. Serving as "Death's Mistress" under Emperor Jagang, Nicci was converted to Richard's following, standing as one of his closest friends—and an unrequited love. Now Nicci is ready for new adventures, accompanied by the wizard and former prophet Nathan. Her first task is to inform other lands of the new regime, but an initial stop with the old witch and oracle Red reveals more obstacles than expected. While prophecy may no longer exist, the power it wrought is still in play. The wizard must discover how to make himself whole again. And the sorceress Nicci? She just needs to save the world. VERDICT Goodkind returns to the world of "The Sword of Truth" with this series launch featuring a favorite character. The addition of Nathan serves as a charming foil to the reserved Nicci. This action-packed book will delight epic fantasy enthusiasts.—KC

Library Journal

Narrator Christina Traister captures the essence of Nicci, the focus of this new series growing out of the long-standing Sword of Truth series. Traister depicts the one-time sister of darkness as a formidable warrior who takes on all the world throws at her with perseverance and resolve. As Nicci, Traister speaks with a touch of condescension to her companions, which becomes more prominent as they encounter others. Traister sets a strong pace, matching that of the travelers as they search for clues to undoing the devastation of the lands through which they travel. She portrays the characters’ attitudes and personalities distinctly and clearly. Knowledge of Nicci’s history from the Sword of Truth adds depth to her character but is not required. J.E.M. © AudioFile 2017, Portland, Maine

MARCH 2017 - AudioFile