Stone of Tears

The greatest harm can result from the best intentions...

The opening of one of the Boxes of Orden has torn asunder the veil that holds the Keeper in the Underworld. From beyond the grave the wizard Darken Rahl gathers yet more evil to himself and sends his sorcerous minions against those who fight for the Creator. Magic opened the Gateway to hell and magic is the only way to close it.

For Richard Cypher, wielder of the Sword of Truth, magic is the root of all evil, his father Darken Rahl's abominable legacy. And it is on this belief that the fate of the Lands hangs. Unless Richard can be persuaded to accept his unique inheritance, to use it honestly and according to the rules, the Keeper will ascend for eternity. Only love has the power to persuade Richard to accept what he hates — Kahlan Amnell, the last Mother Confessor, has that love.

It is Richard's determination to deny his true nature that the forces of evil count on — none more so than Darken Rahl. For Richard's disavowal of magic means he remains ignorant of the Wizard's Second Rule. It may be his undoing and the Lands'.

Book Two of the Sword of Truth

This is a world where the creatures of nightmare will find you by the movement of a shallow breath and waking dreams will decide your soul's fate. Here hope is a false prophet and fear a false friend. For magic is both a boon and a bane for those who use it and those who merely feel its touch.