Synopsis
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Pacing
- Moderate
- Mood
- Intense, Urgent, Reflective, Emotional
- Read it if
- You enjoy focused, character-driven fantasy novellas within a larger epic world, exploring themes of duty, ancient debts, and personal sacrifice.
- Skip it if
- You prefer grand-scale battles and complex political intrigue over a more intimate, intense character conflict, or if you haven't read 'The Sword of Truth' series and dislike prequels.
Debt of Bones Plot Summary
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
The Plea of Abby
The story begins with Abby, a young woman from Ebinissia, seeking Zedd Zorander, the First Wizard. She finds him in a crucial meeting about the D'Haran Empire's advance, tasked with protecting the Pass of the Andolians. Abby's village is under attack by the wizard Sully, who is slowly killing its people with a magical plague, including her daughter, Jana. She carries a bone doll, a reminder of a past debt, and insists Zedd is the only one who can help. Her persistence interrupts Zedd's important war preparations, showing the great pressure he is under.
Zedd's Dilemma
Zedd first dismisses Abby's plea, explaining that his current duty to protect the Pass of the Andolians is most important for the safety of many lives. He prepares for a major battle against D'Haran forces led by General Reibisch. However, Abby reveals the true nature of her request: she claims Zedd owes her family a 'debt of bones' — an old obligation passed down. This revelation troubles Zedd, forcing him to face a past he thought was hidden. He understands the weight of this old promise and the possible results of ignoring it, even during the coming war.
The Story of the Debt
Abby explains the history of the 'debt of bones.' Generations ago, Zedd, then a young wizard, caused the death of Abby's ancestor, a healer named Adie, with a misplaced magical attack meant for another target. Before Adie died, Zedd promised to repay the debt to her descendants, a promise sealed with a bone doll — a magical token of the oath. Abby now presents this doll, demanding Zedd fulfill his old vow by helping her against Sully. This personal history adds guilt and responsibility to Zedd's already heavy burden, making his decision harder.
The War Council's Opposition
Zedd's generals, including General Reibisch, grow frustrated by Abby's presence and Zedd's distraction from the D'Haran army. They see Abby's problem as a small personal matter compared to the Pass's strategic importance. Reibisch, a military leader, urges Zedd to focus only on the war, stressing the severe consequences if the Pass falls. This conflict shows the clash between personal morality and public duty, putting Zedd in an impossible situation where both choices carry great weight and potential disaster.
Zedd's Decision
After much inner conflict and pressure from Abby, Zedd decides to honor the old 'debt of bones.' He recognizes that his personal honor and the promise's sacredness are as vital as his war duty. He tells his generals to prepare for battle, but he commits to going with Abby to Ebinissia to confront Sully. His commanders are dismayed, fearing it will risk their defense. Zedd, however, believes that breaking such a deep vow could have even more devastating, though less obvious, effects on his spirit and the balance of magic.
Journey to Ebinissia
Zedd and Abby begin the dangerous journey to Ebinissia. During their travels, Abby reveals more about Sully's terror and the slow, painful deaths he causes. Zedd, seeing the suffering and fear, starts to understand Abby's desperation. He also senses a darker, more evil magic, confirming Sully is no ordinary enemy. The journey strengthens their bond and Zedd's resolve to confront the rogue wizard, even as the war continues in the background, a constant, threatening presence.
Confrontation with Sully
Upon reaching Ebinissia, Zedd confronts Sully, a wizard driven by a twisted desire for power and control. Sully reveals he is attacking Ebinissia not just for conquest, but to draw out Zedd, believing Zedd caused his own family's death in a past magical conflict. Sully has used dark magic, twisting life and death, to create a horrifying plague. The confrontation is tense, as Sully's magic is strong and his hatred for Zedd is deep, making him a powerful and unpredictable opponent. Zedd realizes Sully's actions come from a deep sense of injustice and a warped understanding of past events.
The Revelation of the Past
During the confrontation, Zedd uses his wisdom and magic to learn about Sully's past, discovering that Sully's family was not killed by Zedd, but by a different magical event, perhaps even one Sully himself caused in a misguided attempt to gain power, or simply a tragic accident. Zedd had been blamed due to a misunderstanding of the magical signs. This truth shatters Sully's anger, showing the depth of his delusion and the tragedy of his vengeful path. The truth, however, does not immediately calm Sully, who is too far gone in his quest for revenge.
The Battle for Ebinissia
A fierce magical battle breaks out between Zedd and Sully. Zedd, using his great knowledge of magic, counters Sully's dark spells, which cause pain and death. Abby, despite her fear, helps Zedd by giving important information about Sully's methods and the plague's effects. The fate of Abby's daughter, Jana, hangs in the balance, as does the entire village. Zedd's power is immense, but Sully's desperation makes him dangerously unpredictable. The fight is not just a clash of spells, but a battle for Ebinissia's soul and the correction of past mistakes.
Sully's Defeat and Jana's Healing
Zedd defeats Sully, not only by overpowering him but by forcing him to face the truth of his delusions. Sully's magic falls apart as his hatred crumbles. With Sully stopped, Zedd uses his healing magic to cure Jana and the other villagers with the plague. The 'debt of bones' is repaid, not just for Abby's ancestor, but also in a way for Sully, by bringing truth to his twisted past. Abby is relieved and grateful, her daughter saved, and her village free from terror.
Return to the War
With Ebinissia safe and his debt fulfilled, Zedd returns to the Pass of the Andolians. He finds the war has grown, but his generals, though stressed, have held their ground. His short absence has not caused the disaster they feared, but it has affected the strategic situation. Zedd is changed; his experience with Abby and Sully has deepened his understanding of how individual lives and large conflicts connect. He now has a greater appreciation for the personal stories often lost in war, and the profound weight of both old promises and immediate duties.
The Enduring Impact
The events in Ebinissia leave a lasting mark on Zedd Zorander. The 'debt of bones' is settled, but its effects will shape his future actions and decisions. He has learned that sometimes, the biggest battles happen on the smallest stages, and that personal honor and old vows can be as important as military victories. The story ends with the understanding that while the larger war continues, Zedd's journey has been deeply shaped by this personal quest, strengthening his character and setting the stage for his role as First Wizard in the wider Sword of Truth series.
Debt of Bones Characters
Zeddicus Zu'l Zorander (Zedd)
Protagonist
The First Wizard, burdened by immense power and ancient promises.
Zedd is the First Wizard, one of the most powerful magic-users in the world, responsible for protecting the D'Haran Empire's advance and the safety of the Midlands. He is incredibly intelligent, wise, and pragmatic, but also carries a deep sense of honor and a hidden past. He is initially portrayed as stern and focused on his immense duties, but Abby's plea forces him to confront a personal failing and a long-forgotten debt. His internal conflict between duty and personal honor drives much of the narrative.
Relationships: Abby (Recipient of an ancient debt, eventually a trusted ally); General Reibisch (Subordinate and military advisor, often at odds over Zedd's priorities)
Abby
Protagonist
A desperate young mother seeking Zedd's help to save her child and village.
Abby is a determined and courageous young woman from the village of Ebinissia. She is driven by a fierce love for her daughter, Jana, and the desperation of her people under the magical siege of Sully. Despite her humble origins and lack of magical power, she possesses an unyielding will and a strong sense of justice, holding Zedd accountable for an ancient family debt. She is pragmatic and persistent, willing to risk everything to save her loved ones, making her a formidable force against Zedd's initial reluctance.
Relationships: Zedd (Demands repayment of an ancient debt from him); Jana (Her beloved daughter, whose life is in peril); Sully (The tyrannical wizard tormenting her village)
Sully
Antagonist
A rogue wizard consumed by a twisted sense of revenge and delusion.
Sully is a wizard who has succumbed to dark magic and a profound delusion. He believes Zedd was responsible for the death of his family in a past magical conflict and seeks revenge by tormenting Abby's village, Ebinissia, with a magical plague. He is cruel, manipulative, and powerful, using his abilities to inflict slow, agonizing deaths. His motivations are rooted in a tragic misunderstanding of past events, making him a complex villain driven by a warped sense of justice rather than pure evil.
Relationships: Zedd (Believes Zedd is his mortal enemy and seeks revenge); Abby (Torments her and her village)
Jana
Supporting
Abby's young daughter, suffering from Sully's magical plague.
Jana is Abby's young daughter, who is gravely ill due to the magical plague inflicted upon Ebinissia by Sully. She represents the innocent lives caught in the crossfire of magical conflicts and the direct consequence of Sully's cruelty. Her deteriorating health is the primary catalyst for Abby's desperate quest to find Zedd and demand his help, serving as a powerful emotional anchor for the narrative and a symbol of what Zedd is fighting to save.
Relationships: Abby (Her mother, who is fiercely devoted to saving her)
General Reibisch
Supporting
A pragmatic military commander serving Zedd, focused on the war.
General Reibisch is one of Zedd's key military commanders, responsible for defending the Pass of the Andolians against the D'Haran forces. He is a seasoned and pragmatic soldier, utterly focused on the strategic imperatives of the war. He views Abby's personal plea as a dangerous distraction and a threat to the larger war effort. Reibisch embodies the military mindset that prioritizes the 'greater good' of many over the plight of a few, putting him in direct opposition to Zedd's decision to honor his debt.
Relationships: Zedd (His commander, whose decisions he sometimes questions); Abby (Views her as a distraction to Zedd's duties)
Adie
Mentioned
Abby's ancestor, a healer to whom Zedd owed the original 'debt of bones.'
Adie was an ancestor of Abby and a healer who lived generations ago. She was accidentally killed by Zedd's magic during a misguided attack, leading Zedd to make the original 'debt of bones' vow to her family. Her story is crucial to understanding the origin and weight of the ancient promise that binds Zedd to Abby. Though long dead, her tragic fate and Zedd's subsequent oath drive the entire plot, demonstrating the long-lasting repercussions of magical errors and personal promises.
Relationships: Zedd (The one who accidentally killed her and made the vow); Abby (Her descendant, who invokes the debt)
Debt of Bones Themes
The Weight of Duty vs. Personal Honor
This theme is central to Zedd's conflict. He is torn between his duty as First Wizard, protecting many lives from the D'Haran Empire, and his personal honor in fulfilling an old 'debt of bones' to Abby's family. His decision to help Abby, despite the strategic risks, shows that true leadership sometimes means putting moral integrity before only practical concerns. The story suggests that breaking a sacred promise could have consequences as severe, though less obvious, as losing a battle, as Zedd weighs the spiritual cost of dishonor against the immediate military threat.
“Some debts are written in blood, and some in bones. But all debts must be paid.”
The Power of Promises and Oaths
The entire plot centers on the 'debt of bones,' an old promise a young Zedd made to Adie's family. This theme explores how vows, even those made generations ago, can deeply shape the present. Abby's strong belief in this debt's validity makes Zedd act, showing the lasting power of a spoken word or a magical oath. It stresses that promises carry great weight and moral obligation, going beyond time and personal convenience. The bone doll itself symbolizes this lasting commitment.
“A promise made by a wizard is not a thing to be taken lightly. It can echo through generations.”
The Interconnectedness of Individual Lives and Grand Conflicts
The story constantly contrasts the large, impersonal war with Abby's and her village's deeply personal struggle. Zedd first sees Abby's problem as unimportant compared to the war, but he comes to understand that individual lives and their suffering are linked to the larger conflict. Jana's and Ebinissia's plight shows that the 'greater good' is made of many individual good acts, and ignoring one's suffering can harm the moral fabric of the whole. This theme emphasizes that even in war, personal compassion and justice remain vital.
“The smallest stone can divert the mightiest river, if placed in the right spot.”
The Danger of Delusion and Unchecked Grief
Sully's character shows the destructive power of delusion fueled by grief and a twisted view of the past. His belief that Zedd killed his family leads him to cause great suffering in Ebinissia. The story explores how unchecked grief, combined with a misunderstanding of events, can lead to terrible acts. Zedd's victory over Sully involves not just magic, but also revealing the truth, shattering Sully's delusions. This theme warns about the importance of truth and self-awareness in overcoming personal tragedy.
“Hatred, when nurtured, becomes a prison of your own making.”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
The 'Debt of Bones'
An ancient, magically binding promise that drives the plot.
This is the central plot device. It's a magical and moral obligation Zedd made generations ago to Abby's ancestor, Adie, to compensate for Adie's accidental death by Zedd's magic. The 'debt of bones' is represented by a bone doll, carried by Abby, which serves as a tangible reminder and proof of the vow. Its existence forces Zedd to confront his past and choose between his immediate duty to the war and his personal honor, directly propelling the story forward and creating the core conflict.
The Bone Doll
A physical token symbolizing the ancient 'debt of bones.'
The bone doll is a crucial symbolic and literal plot device. It is a small, carved bone figure that Abby carries, serving as the physical proof and reminder of the 'debt of bones' Zedd owes her family. It validates Abby's claim and forces Zedd to acknowledge the ancient promise he made. The doll acts as a constant visual prompt of the story's central theme, representing the enduring power of oaths and the heavy weight of Zedd's past actions, making the abstract concept of a debt tangible.
The Impending War/D'Haran Advance
A critical external conflict that creates Zedd's moral dilemma.
The looming war with the D'Haran Empire and the immediate threat to the Pass of the Andolians serve as a powerful external conflict and a major source of Zedd's internal struggle. This device creates immense pressure on Zedd, making his decision to help Abby incredibly difficult and high-stakes. It highlights the clash between personal morality and public duty, as Zedd's generals constantly remind him of the larger strategic importance of his presence. The war acts as a ticking clock, amplifying the tension of Zedd's choice.
Debt of Bones Quotes
“The only real power is the power to choose.”
“It is the nature of a Confessor to know truth, and to use that truth to guide others to what is right.”
“There is no 'they' that will save us. Only us.”
“Hate is a chain. It binds you to the one you hate.”
“The world is not as it should be. It is as it is.”
“Sometimes the greatest courage is not to fight, but to choose to live.”
“Magic is not good or evil. It is a tool. It is what one does with it that matters.”
“Truth is a stubborn thing. It can be ignored, but it cannot be changed.”
“The future is not written. It is made by our choices, moment by moment.”
“Fear is a powerful weapon, but it can also be a powerful motivator.”
“To deny a debt of bones is to deny who you are.”
“There are no easy answers, only difficult choices.”
“The greatest evil is to do nothing when you know what is right.”
“Love is not a weakness. It is the greatest strength of all.”
Quiz
10 questions on the plot and the characters. Each answer comes with a short explanation.
Question 1
What is Abby's primary goal when she seeks out Zedd Zorander?
- To ask him to end the war immediately.
- To request his aid in saving a child's life.
- To convince him to join her side in the conflict.
- To learn magic from him.
Show answer
B. To request his aid in saving a child's life. Abby's desperate journey is motivated by her need to save a child, which she believes only Zedd can help with.
Question 2
What is the 'debt of bones' that is central to the story?
- A promise made between two warring factions.
- An ancient magical pact that binds powerful individuals.
- A life-for-a-life promise, often involving a sacrifice.
- A literal debt paid with the bones of enemies.
Show answer
C. A life-for-a-life promise, often involving a sacrifice. The 'debt of bones' refers to a solemn promise, often made under dire circumstances, where one's life or a significant sacrifice is offered in return for aid or a life saved.
Question 3
Who is the wizard Zedd Zorander to Abby at the beginning of the story?
- Her estranged grandfather.
- The most important man alive, whose aid she desperately seeks.
- An enemy general she must trick.
- A mentor from her childhood.
Show answer
B. The most important man alive, whose aid she desperately seeks. The synopsis explicitly states that Zedd is 'the most important man alive' and Abby is seeking his aid.
Question 4
What is Zedd's primary conflict regarding Abby's request?
- He doesn't believe her story about the child.
- Granting her request would mean forsaking his sacred duty.
- He fears the political repercussions of helping her.
- He demands an impossible price for his help.
Show answer
B. Granting her request would mean forsaking his sacred duty. The synopsis states that 'for Zedd, who commands power most men can only imagine, granting Abby's request would mean forsaking his sacred duty.'
Question 5
Besides the war, what other conflict is Abby trapped in?
- A personal vendetta against a local warlord.
- A moral dilemma regarding her own family.
- A mortal conflict between two powerful men.
- A spiritual battle with ancient spirits.
Show answer
C. A mortal conflict between two powerful men. The synopsis mentions Abby is 'trapped, not only between both sides of the war, but in a mortal conflict between two powerful men.'
Question 6
What looms over both Abby and Zedd, influencing their choices?
- The threat of a looming plague.
- The shadow of an ancient betrayal.
- A prophecy of their impending doom.
- The demands of the Imperial Order.
Show answer
B. The shadow of an ancient betrayal. The synopsis clearly states that 'neither can escape the shadow of an ancient betrayal,' which impacts their decisions.
Question 7
What is the 'storm' that is about to break as Zedd and Abby grapple with their choices?
- A literal magical storm summoned by a dark wizard.
- The final battle of the war.
- A massive political upheaval.
- A personal crisis within Zedd's family.
Show answer
B. The final battle of the war. The text states, 'With the storm of the final battle about to break,' indicating the climax of the ongoing war.
Question 8
What is the ultimate consequence of the events for Zedd, Abby, and everyone else?
- The war is immediately ended and peace reigns.
- Their world will never again be the same.
- They gain immense power and influence.
- They are able to completely forget the past.
Show answer
B. Their world will never again be the same. The synopsis concludes with 'The world-for Zedd, for Abby, for everyone-will never again be the same,' highlighting the profound impact of the story's resolution.
Question 9
What unique challenge does Zedd face in granting Abby's request, beyond his sacred duty?
- He lacks the necessary magical power to help her.
- He must confront a personal enemy from his past.
- The act might inadvertently aid one side of the war over the other.
- He is imprisoned and unable to leave.
Show answer
C. The act might inadvertently aid one side of the war over the other. The synopsis implies Zedd's duty is tied to neutrality or a greater balance, and directly intervening in a personal plea during wartime could have broader, unintended consequences for the conflict itself, making his choice complex.
Question 10
What is implied about the nature of the 'ancient betrayal' mentioned in the synopsis?
- It is a recent event that just occurred before the story begins.
- It is a past event that still casts a significant influence on current characters and events.
- It refers to a betrayal committed by Abby herself.
- It is a metaphor for the general treachery of war.
Show answer
B. It is a past event that still casts a significant influence on current characters and events. The phrase 'shadow of an ancient betrayal' implies a past event with long-lasting repercussions that continue to affect the characters and their decisions in the present narrative.
Debt of Bones FAQ
What is the central conflict driving the plot of 'Debt of Bones'?
The central conflict revolves around Abby's desperate plea for Zedd Zorander's magical assistance to save her daughter, Jann, from the approaching D'Haran army, while Zedd is simultaneously bound by his sacred duty as a war wizard to remain neutral and protect the balance of power between the warring nations. This creates a moral dilemma where saving one child could jeopardize thousands.
Who is Abby, and what is her primary motivation?
Abby is a young, resourceful woman living in the besieged city of Ebinissia. Her primary motivation is the unwavering desire to protect her young daughter, Jann, from the brutal D'Haran forces led by Darken Rahl, and she is willing to undertake any peril, even facing the formidable Zedd, to secure her child's safety.
Who is Zedd Zorander in this story, and what is his initial stance regarding Abby's request?
Zedd Zorander is presented as a powerful, ancient war wizard, deeply burdened by his responsibilities to the realm. Initially, he adamantly refuses Abby's request for direct magical intervention, explaining that his duty compels him to maintain neutrality and prevent the war from spiraling into an even greater catastrophe, even at the cost of individual lives.
What is the significance of the 'debt of bones' mentioned in the title?
The 'debt of bones' refers to an ancient magical oath or covenant that binds individuals through a powerful, often life-or-death, obligation. In this story, it is a crucial element that Abby attempts to invoke to compel Zedd's aid, stemming from a past act of kindness or sacrifice that creates an unbreakable bond.
What role does Ebinissia play in the narrative?
Ebinissia is the besieged city where Abby and Jann reside, caught between the advancing D'Haran army and the forces of the Midland Alliance. It serves as the immediate backdrop for the escalating conflict and the urgent threat that drives Abby's quest, symbolizing the widespread suffering caused by the war.
How does 'Debt of Bones' connect to the larger 'Sword of Truth' series, particularly regarding Zedd's character?
'Debt of Bones' serves as a prequel, detailing a pivotal event in Zedd's youth that profoundly shaped his views on power, duty, and sacrifice, long before he becomes Richard Rahl's mentor. It reveals the origins of his cautious wisdom and the heavy burdens he carried even as a younger man, providing context for his later actions.
What is the 'ancient betrayal' referenced in the synopsis, and how does it impact Zedd?
The 'ancient betrayal' refers to Zedd's past failure to save his own family, specifically his wife and daughter, from the atrocities of Darken Rahl's father, Panis Rahl. This traumatic event is a deep, unhealed wound that fuels his guilt and heavily influences his reluctance to use his power impulsively, fearing a repeat of past mistakes.
Are there any subtle hints about Richard Rahl's lineage or future in this prequel?
While Richard Rahl himself does not appear, the story subtly establishes the deep animosity between Zedd and the Rahl family, particularly Darken Rahl's lineage. It reinforces the long-standing conflict that would eventually involve Richard, hinting at the historical roots of the struggle he would inherit as the true Seeker.
How does Abby's maternal instinct influence her moral choices throughout the story?
Abby's fierce maternal instinct completely overrides conventional morality or fear. She is willing to lie, manipulate, and even sacrifice her own life if it means a chance to save Jann, demonstrating the primal, unyielding power of a mother's love and its capacity to drive extreme actions.
Analyze Zedd's internal conflict between personal desire and professional duty.
Zedd grapples with the agonizing conflict between his innate desire to help a suffering mother and his solemn duty as a war wizard to preserve the greater good, even if it means allowing individual tragedies. His past failures haunt him, making him hyper-aware of the catastrophic consequences of misusing his power, leading to immense emotional turmoil and self-doubt.
How does the story explore the psychological impact of war on ordinary people like Abby?
The story vividly portrays the psychological toll of war through Abby's desperation, fear, and resilience. She is stripped of normalcy, forced to confront unimaginable horrors, and driven to extreme measures, illustrating how conflict transforms ordinary individuals into survivors defined by their struggle against overwhelming odds and profound loss.
What is the significance of the 'debt of bones' as a moral and philosophical concept in the book?
The 'debt of bones' represents a profound moral and philosophical concept of unbreakable obligation, where a life given or saved creates an eternal bond. It forces Zedd to confront whether the sanctity of a past promise, even one made in desperation, can outweigh his current duties and the potential for wider disaster, challenging his ethical framework.
Does the ending suggest a definitive answer to whether personal salvation outweighs the greater good, or is it left ambiguous?
The ending leans towards suggesting that in certain dire circumstances, the 'greater good' might be found in protecting the innocent, even if it means bending rigid rules. However, it also highlights the immense cost and sacrifice involved, leaving the reader to ponder the difficult balance and the long-term repercussions of such choices, rather than offering a simple, clear-cut answer.
How does the narrative challenge the reader's perception of heroism and sacrifice?
The narrative challenges traditional notions of heroism by presenting Zedd's initial refusal to help as a form of difficult, responsible heroism, and Abby's desperate actions as equally heroic. It suggests that sacrifice isn't always grand or glorious, but often involves painful compromises and the willingness to endure personal suffering for a perceived greater purpose, or for the love of another.
What is the ultimate lesson Zedd learns from his encounter with Abby and the 'debt of bones'?
Zedd ultimately learns that while his duty to the greater good is paramount, true wisdom also involves understanding the human cost of his decisions and the profound power of individual connections. The 'debt of bones' forces him to reconcile his abstract responsibilities with the immediate, tangible suffering of others, teaching him compassion while reinforcing the grave weight of his power.
How does the setting of Ebinissia contribute to the story's themes of desperation and survival?
The besieged city of Ebinissia, with its starving populace, constant threat of D'Haran invasion, and dwindling hope, perfectly encapsulates the themes of desperation and survival. It creates an oppressive atmosphere that justifies Abby's extreme actions and highlights the brutal realities of war, emphasizing the urgent stakes of her quest.
What is the role of magic in 'Debt of Bones' compared to its portrayal in the main series?
In 'Debt of Bones,' magic is portrayed as a force of immense, often terrifying, power that demands extreme caution and responsibility, particularly from a war wizard like Zedd. While it hints at the vast magical capabilities seen in the main series, here it emphasizes the moral dilemmas and destructive potential that come with wielding such power, rather than just its spectacle.
Discuss the moral ambiguity of Zedd's initial position. Was he 'right' to refuse Abby?
Zedd's initial refusal is morally ambiguous. From a purely utilitarian perspective focused on the greater good, his stance to prevent wider catastrophe by maintaining neutrality was 'right.' However, from a compassionate, individualistic perspective, denying help to save a child's life appears 'wrong.' The story forces the reader to confront this difficult ethical dilemma without easy answers.
About the author
Terry Goodkind is an American author known for his work in the fantasy genre. He is best recognized for his "Sword of Truth" series, which includes notable titles such as "Wizard's First Rule," "Stone of Tears," and "Debt of Bones." His book "Nest" also contributes to his body of fiction.
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