I am in love with this series! This is my second-read, and its far better the second time. Goodkind has slipped in references to events and concepts that happen in virtually every other part of the series in this first book! That I was so ignorant to their presence astounds me. Despite his simple writing style, Goodkind is an incredible wordsmith, placing hidden concepts in plain sight. Some authors try to hide behind complex syntax and a large vocabulary, but Goodkind restricts himself to a relatively simple vocabulary (at least at first) to emphasize how good he is at hiding his meanings. I'm on a strict "no spoiler" policy here, but I could provide countless examples of his mastery. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys fantasy even remotely! 
 *Reasons to NOT read this series* 
 Goodkind's writing does tend to get a little...intense, can can at times be quite graphic and/or twisted in appearance. He presents the characters as they would truly be, choosing to not "water down" the antagonists as many fantasy writers tend to do. (Bad people do bad things, they don't simply sit on a chair pet a cat and laugh maniacally.) 
 The series is not for the faint of heart, nor for those who are looking for a very simplistic read. Goodkind is very deep and requires much thought to follow.