The Law of Nines by Terry Goodkind

Alex's day officially becomes odd when a pirate flag, a truck, and a beautiful girl suddenly relate to him. While waiting at the curb, the flag above the truck grabs his attention -- the girl, not so much; at least not until he learns the hard way that he should've been watching the scary man driving the truck. Alex pulled him and the mysterious girl back seconds before they could become roadkill. Had the police not approached, the man might have attempted to kill them again.

What a great, startling way to start a twenty-seventh birthday.

Jax, the girl Alex saved from the truck, adds to this confusion when she explains why she needs to talk to Alex. The Law of Nines, an important concept in Jax's world, states that threes -- pivotal spell numbers -- are a base component of nine. Twenty-seven is key because it's the third nine. Not only is Alex twenty-seven, but his last name is Rahl, making him a descendent of the once powerful House of Rahl.

That name and that age makes Alex a walking death signal for himself and everyone close to him. There's little to no safe place from the ruthless killers ready to take out anyone to get the answers that they want.


Can Alex, a struggling artist, and Jax, a girl more accustomed to a world with magic, save both of their worlds? Even when it seems impossible, this duo maintains a high amount of strength and intelligence. Terry Goodkind weaves a riveting story that proves the power of partnerships.


Reviewed by Tiffany T. Cole for Suspense Magazine.