Yeah, so I'm sitting here reading all these reviews about the various books, and they've inspired me to give my own opinion. I have to say that after I read Wizard's First Rule, I called it my favourite book -- then I read the rest of the series, and I can't decide on a favourite! The series is just that: a series, you can't pick up, for example, Blood of the Fold and expect to understand it all; the story just doesn't work right unless the whole thing is read. Also, I've been reading these comments about not liking breif plotlines that are picked up and dropped, but this really doesn't bother me. I find that it makes the story more realistic; after all, people often lost contact with people from their past, especially when they take up new causes, such as, oh, I dunno, suddenly becoming ruler of a faraway land. So, as I said before, I am in love with this series, and I look forward to reading more books continuing this story.

These series of books show the brilliant and creative imagination of Mr. Goodkind. I found myself unable to place the book down. His intriguing and descriptive usage of words, pull you in from the first to the last page.

These books display a mixture of fantasy, mystery, and suspense. Towards the end of any of these five books, you think you have finally solved the puzzle, when out of no where, Goodkind adds another detail and the puzzle--you realize--is now missing pieces. Once again, you must put your mind to the test and rearrange the characters, conditions, and settings. At times, these books are very contradicting!

Throughout the series, Kahlan Amnell, Richard Cypher(Rahl)--a once quiet and modest woodsman, and Zedd--the last of great wizards--stand together to battle evil and protect the innocent throughout the lands of Westland, the Midlands, and D'Hara. During their journey's, Richard discovers many dark secrets of his past and is named the Seeker.

The Seeker carries the Sword of Truth--now you understand where the series' title comes from--and searches in the name of truth. Richard travels to D'Hara and the People's Palace primarily to stop Darken Rahl and to destroy the boxes of Orden. In each of the series, things turn out as hoped, but other things fail. At the end of every book, you want to run to the library and pick up the sequel in order to find out what happens. Only to your dismay, after reading all the five released books, more incidents happen you must wait patiently for Mr. Goodkind to write the next book in the series!

Though some argue that Mr. Goodkind's books tend to be on the graphic side, I tend to think that because they are graphic, it means Mr. Goodkind has been able to place words in such a way, we are able to picture what he is writing. Only talented writers such J.R.R. Tolkien and Terry Goodkind are able to make the words flow with such intensity.

I must say, despite the comparisons between Goodkind and Jordan, I much prefer Goodkind. His characters are much more enjoyable to read about and it is obvious he has put a lot of time and effort into the series. There has not been a book of his yet that I have not read multiple times and absolutely loved everytime I read it.
Not the case with Jordan. There is no comparison between the two and I do not feel that Goodkind has taken any of Jordan's ideas. Better to say his inspiration came from the undoubted king of epic fantasy, J.R.R. Tolkien. If you are looking for a fabulous read and a series that will keep you riveted and coming back for more then I highly recommend Terry Goodkind's Sword of Truth. There are some flaws but the virtues greatly outweigh these.

I just completed Temple of the Winds this evening and was absolutely enthralled by the last 100 pages. I don't confess to support graphic violence, but I could have easily stood in Richard's shoes as he tickled Drefan's spine. While you couldn't help but to suspect him from the beginning, Goodkind did an excellent job in helping the reader to despise the character. Even Darken Rahl did not inspire such emotion. Overall, I was quite pleased with this book and felt that it held true to the overall series' excellence. I must admit I grow somewhat tired of the constant strife between Richard and Kahlan and hope that Goodkind can find away to transition the overall story away from those characters in time. I think the real value of the series and his writing is the wonderful world that has been created and his ability to bring his characters to life, not just these main characters themselves. Nonetheless, I believe it is time for me to start the next one....am I the only one that loses themselves in these novels?

I bought TOTW a while back, in hardback of course, as I could not stand to wait for a paperback version to find out what happened to Richard and Kahlan. I love the series, and I read a whole lot of fantasy. I think Goodkind's characters are very human, and througout the books I have come to love them as friends. I cried when Raina died and I laughed out loud at Zedd and Ann's "madness". One of the things that bothered me some is the sexual violence, before you yell at me, yes, I understand the use of it, I just think it needen't be described in such detail. I also think it's a bit sad that every time a family member of Richard turns up, it has to be a psycho. I think Drefan mentioned a sister as well, will she turn up in the fifth volume wreaking havoc? Those are the reasons for me giving the book an 8. Otherwise, I loved the book, and I love the way we hear about all the different characters, Nathan, Verna, Ann etc. I'm eagerly awaiting the fifth book, and I do recommend the Sword of Truth-series to everyone.

I am a big fan of the Sword of Truth series. I have read Wizard's First Rule a few of times and slowly got through Stone of Tears and Blood of the Fold. I must admit that those two were a bit slow but the story and the characters kept me faithful. I bought Temple of the Winds and Soul of the Fire to read on the plane to and from Germany car trip from Germany to Florence this summer. By the time I got towards the end of Temple of the Winds I couldn't leave the house! Everyone else would go sightseeing and I insisted on staying in and reading. I sat around for almost an entire day stopping only to eat trying to finnish that book. And keep in mind I don't read a lot. I was so captured by what happened to Kahlen and Richard that I couldn't put the book down. I was still in awe even after I finnished it. I cannot compare this one with the first one but it has to have been one of the absolute best books I have ever read. I havn't gotten far into Soul of the Fire for lack of time but I hope I find time soon.

I am a fan of Terry Goodkind and all his wonderful books, I was eager to review his work, hoping to encourage future would be readers to get themselves a copy. However I was most dismayed when I found other reviews were not so glowing.

Reviewers who have offered their own opinions about the Sword of Truth series, have been cut to pieces personally, targets because another person did not agree with what another has written. Whether for or against the series, I feel that reviews should be limited to the book concerned and not with the person writing the review, we are all intitled to our own opinion.

So to end on a positive note I Loved Stone of Tears, sharing the experience of following Richard and Kahlan through their many adventures, triumphs and tragedies, my favourite character would have to be Gratch, wish I had a Gar. Get a copy whether you buy or borrow it, READ STONE OF TEARS and make up your own mind! ENJOY!

After I read "Wizards First Rule", I anticipated the sequel. It was a treat to read this book. From beginning to the end it was all action. The appearance of the screeling from the underworld starts the problems. While Richard's intentions were good, he mistakenly tears the veil to the underworld. The Keeper of the unerworld seeks to enter the world of the living. If that should happen, all is lost. Richard and Kahlan return to the mud people to get married, but the Sisters of the Light show up to take Richard to the old world to learn how to use his newly discovered gift. Kahlan, concerned for Richard, makes him go with the Sisters postponing their wedding. Richard goes on an adventure to seek a way to escape the Sisters of Light and Dark. Zedd finds Adie to help him decipher the prophecies. Kahlan helps to destroy the Imperial Army, when it backfires in her and she is to be executed. If I were to describe the whole book it would take me forever. But take my word for it, this is a great book. I look forward to reading the next book, "Blood of the Fold".

Soul of Tears - Terry Goodkind (Review)

Wow. I remember, after I had started getting into Wheel of Time (by Robert Jordan), but before I had started the Sword of Truth novels, I thought that the Sword of Truth series was a WoT ripoff. I read the first book in the SoT series (Wizard's First Rule), and my opinon was significantly changed. I thought it was a great book, with inventive and original concepts and ideas. I found it strange, though, that all the plot developments and problems were wrapped up by the end of the book. What more could the series be about? Well, from just reading Stone of Tears, the second book, I know that there is much to advance on in the SoT series. Here is a summary of what the series is about:

It's about two characters, Richard Cypher and Kahlan Amnell, and their emotional struggles and hardships to be together. That's all. But that, in itself, is alot.

So, in that aspect, in might fit in the "romance" genre, since their love for each other is incredibly strong, and unbelievably realistic. One, when reading any of the books in the series (save the first one, perhaps. The two's love doesn't develop till the end of that book!) must frequently remind themselves that it is simply a book, and that Richard and Kahlan are not real.

I shall delve further on what the SoT series is like. It's fast-paced and more provocative and shameless than most other fantasy series/books. Indeed, that is true. There is sexuality in the series that borders on eroticism, although there, (as far as I've read, at least, which is only up to this book!) is no actual sexual content, something that, annoyingly and stereotypically, is anonamously forbidden in the fantasy genre. The emotions of the characters are frighteningly realistic, and, because of that, the books are unusually intense.
Aside from the fact that the characters most certainly do not die "unexpectedly and brutally", the commentary describes SoT novels perfectly.

So what can I say about this book? I was reading it constantly, it was so good, and nearly had me excluding all other activities save those I cannot skip. When I say that this series is excellent, I'm not exaggerating. Some prefer Robert Jordan over Goodkind, because they find that Goodking isn't very experienced as an author, and this is mildly true, but Terry actually writes with a somewhat casual style that some may be more comfortable with.

Hands-down, this is the most intense fantasy I've ever read. (And I've read alot, Forgotten Realms, Dragonlance, Goodkind, Raymond E. Feist, David Eddings, etc.) Alot of people like the SoT series more than WoT, and, although I can't really decide myself, I finalize my review by stating that Terry Goodkind is just as good as a writer as Robert Jordan is, if not better. Despite being a somewhat inexperienced writer (at least when he first started out the series), and having "Mary Sue"-ish kind of characters, Terry Goodkind proves in Stone of Tears that, without a doubt, he is one of the best fantasy writers around today.

After having read the long line of Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time books, I decided to start reading a new series while waiting for book ten to emerge. So I picked up Wizard's First Rule.

From the beginning, and all throughout the book, I kept getting the feeling that Goodkind doesn't know a thing about humanizing his characters. Their dialogue is so formulatic and flat, I thought it was written by a ten year old. As for the world itself, I was hoping for something more akin to a tapestry of different customs and cultures. Sure, there is a whole variety of different folk in this book, however, they were like cardboard cutouts. The only character where Goodkind shows a spark of complexity was with the Mord-Sith Denna, but the repeated torture scenes were beginning to lose their last breath very quickly.

I found nothing remotely original, and the ending played out like the conclusion to a Scooby Doo episode. And there was a lack of continuity with Richard's transformation between a bumbling woodsman and a super warrior type. There wasn't enough of the moral struggle that wasn't spurred on by the effects the sword has on its user. And I could see from a mile away the betrayal of his brother Micheal from the very first scene. Richard was apparently so intuitive throughout the entire book, but he could not bridge the gap between Darken Rahl's desire to have the boundaries broken and the outlawing of fire, and the same things his brother was spouting in his speech in the first quarter of the book?

I can't say exactly what drove me through this book. It was either my dislike for leaving things unfinished. It could also have been that I was a victim of Wizard's First Rule- people are stupid. And I guess Terry Goodkind has a point there, as his publishers seems to have fallen victim to the same rule.

Why do I read books? To escape from the boring little boxes I get crammed into by everyday life. It takes a very well-written story to pull me into another world. While I noticed immediately that Terry Goodkind's novel had many similarities to Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time series (also favorites of mine - please go on with the story!), perhaps that's why I enjoyed reading about Richard, Kahlan, and Zedd so much. And, after all, isn't imitation the sincerest form of flattery? I read a wide variety of books, choosing what genre best suits my mood at the time. When I decided to read Wizard's First Rule, I needed a fast-paced, intriguing fantasy novel that would help me unwind during my lunch hour and after work. I'll admit that the first few pages didn't reach right in and grab me, but it wasn't long before I was lost in Richard's world. When Denna captured him, I wanted nothing more than to see Richard blast that little ***** to nothingness. But by the end of his captivity, I was in tears at what Denna had endured to make her into the Mord-Sith. I don't recall anything in Robert Jordan's books that made my heart wrench as it did when Richard forgave Denna and released her, finally, from her pain. I have just finished reading the Stone of Tears (Mmmmarrlla luuug Grrratch!), which was even better than the first book, and I hope the story never ends.....

This is the most original and refreshing fantasy work I have picked up in a long time - since I discovered Thomas Covenant in the 1980's, in fact. At its most basic, this is your fairly standard "small company goes on a dangerous quest to stop the bad guy and save the world" story that is fairly common in the Fantasy genre. But, Terry Goodkind stands out in two major respects: (1) his excellent characterizations, and (2) his unique take on the nature of magic.

Goodkind has drawn a number of rich, powerful characters: Richard Cypher, the book's hero, who suddenly finds himself drawn into the battle to stop the evil Darken Rahl and his minions from taking over the world; Kahlan, a young woman at the heart of the struggle, but is a LOT more than she seems at first; and Richard's old friend Zedd, a likable old man who is also more than he seems, though his role in the story is fairly obvious from the start.

The antagonists are also well drawn out. The main villan, Darken Rahl, is a unique take on fantasy villans. Although none of the story is told directly from his point of view, he spends enough time talking about his thoughts and feelings to make him very interesting. Most fantasy villans (even a master like Tolkein is guilty of this) are simply mysterious presences, with no insight into their characters. Goodkind breaks with this tradition, and his work is richer for it. Another very interesting antagonist is the Mord Sith Denna, though she does not show up until fairly late in the book. Denna at first seems to be nothing more than a sadistic witch who lives for causing pain, but again, Goodkind does such a great job of drawing her that I almost cried along with Richard when Denna met her fate.

There are many other characters, both good and evil, that populate this 820 page novel. While there are a few "cutout" types, most notably Demmin Nass and Princess Violet, most of the characters are effective and believeable.

Now for the warning: this book is NOT for children. There is one chapter where Rahl brainwashes and uses an innocent child that will make your blood run cold, and yet have you turning pages one after another, eager for the resolution. The scenes between Prnicess Violet and her "playmate", Rachel, are also very disturbing for a child to read, but they will make you appreciate it more when Violet meets up with Richard. There is also a long bit late in the novel that is concerned chiefly with graphic descriptions of torture and mental cruelty. Finally, the book is liberally sprinkled with sexual and romantic tension between Richard and Kahlan. This tension is obvious from almost the moment they meet.

I thought that, overall, this is a GREAT novel, and I am eager to read the next one in the series. Although this novel leaves quite a few plot threads hanging out there for the next book to pick up, this book has a definite resolution and can be read as a stand-alone work. The first part of the book is very fast-paced, then the book slows down quite a bit through the mid-section, especially the part with the Mud People. However, the last three hundred pages or so of the book will go by almost in a blur. The climax and final confrontation with Rahl will keep you guessing until the very end. We know that the heroes will outfox Rahl, but it's unclear until almost the past page of the book as to exactly how they are going to do it.

I've tried to reveal as little of the plot of this book as I can. I could say a lot more about the complex characters of Richard, Kahlan, and Zedd, but you'll appreciate them a lot more if you pick up a copy and read it for yourself. Happy reading!

Although overall I love this series, I have some misgivings. My score reflects my distress with the sexual themes in the book. I don't care for the description or innuendo. That part of the books appears to be a titilation device to net more teenage readers. I could not recommend these books to my 10 year old son (as I could Tolkien) and that's the real tragedy here. I've not been so enthused in epic fantasy since I first read Tolkein or Donaldson's Thomas Covenant series. Even though I do not care for all the sexual themes in the book, it is interesting how the author uses sex to define the good and evil. Thus Richard blushes at the view of a woman's bare chest while Darken Rahl and the rest of the bad guys are sexual psycopaths. Now for the positive. I discovered this series about two weeks ago and have read all three in paperback already. One night I was up until 3:30 AM reading "Stone of Tears." I've read a lot about Goodkind "borrowing" from others. He is in good company. Many of Shakespeare's writings are reworks of earlier material. Tolkien's middle earth is so captivating because it uses our already existing vague fears of goblins and dragons and our love of heros and wizards and magic and ordinary people making a differance. In a Sword of Truth world of blatant sexuality, it is refreshing to see a hero who blushes at too much bosom showing and a heroine who is still a virgin. I like Goodkind's use of near miss meetings (ala Shakespeare's Comedy of Errors). I don't know how many times I have mumbled under my breath, "Go that way, dummy," when help was just over the next hill or disguised in a coach on the road. Because the meeting is missed, the task at hand becomes far more difficult and yet the characters find the strength within themselves to accomplish the task. That's a neat message in a real world that is always blaming someone else for its problems. Although the plot drags a bit from time to time, I have overall rate these book as some of the bast epic fantasy I have read. They will go on my bookshelf next to "Thomas Covenant" and "Lord of the Rings" but with a PG-15 sticker.

Many of these reviews have really bashed Goodkind's book, so I would like to say my piece. I have not read Robert Jordan, but I have read David Eddings and many other such fantasy quest writers. I have enjoyed them all. I would like to point out that "there is nothing new under the sun." So everyone complaining about how Goodkind borrows such and such needs to shut-up. Most of the fantasies I've read have been very similar in plot and character, but each is very good according to how the author goes about it.

I must say that I find Goodkind unique. I do feel that the story could use less violence because some of it is gratuitous. But I find his characters very real and touching. They are very easy to empathize with. I found myself actually crying with the characters.

Many fantasy authors I have read are fun to read but I have no trouble putting down most of their books (with the exception of Tolkien and Brooks) when I have to. Goodkind, on the other hand, keeps enough mystery in his series to keep you hooked. It's got lots of action and even romance, albeit a troubled one.

I see many of you complaining because the characters are flawed--some of them are really flawed.I really like this because if we're honest with ourselves, we don't always go around pure as the driven snow. Everyone has a really bad side to them even if they do have to dig deep to find it.

Goodkind has presented characters who are struggling to do what's right against powerful odds. Yes the Confessors are a strange group to belong with the good guys. But I don't think Goodkind is trying to present the 'good guys' as being perfect. He's saying, 'OK, here's somebody willing to compromise. Let's get a wedge in there and maybe we can change the whole system.' Kahlan is that wedge. Yes she is the Mother Confessor but she is very burdened by this and would like to change the way a lot of things are done. If some of you would read a litte more carefully you would realize that she doesn't like the way the Confessors have ! been operating. Another example of change is the way Richard is trying to influence those chicks with the torturing rods. He has also made quite an impact on the Sisters of Light. They are the scariest 'good guys' I've ever seen!

Goodkind's world is not always pretty. In fact, it's often downright ugly and scary. This makes it seem all the more real and fascinating. Perfection is boring.

Goodkind has created an entertaining series that is sure to win more and more fans. His characters are real and most are dynamic not static. He keeps the revelations coming on top of more mysteries. He presents a world, though superficially different than ours, that is actually quite close to home. But his protagonists are characters who can and do rise above adversity. They are not perfect and make their share of mistakes, but you love them for it. Why, because Goodkind has created characters we would like to be.

Thank you, Mr. Goodkind, for your series.

I'm new to the fantasy genre and just recently stumbled upon the SOT series -- and I'm hooked. I'm finding that I'm staying up all night more and more because I can't wait to find out what happens next. I'm currently on the Temple of the Winds, and Blood of the Fold seems a distant memory -- even though I only finished it last week. While Blood of the Fold has not been my favorite, it was great nonetheless.

One of the things I love about this series is that Goodkind manages to constantly introduce new characters -- I thought I only cared to read about Richard and Kaylan -- but now I'm also excited about Verna, Warren, etc. and look forward to Goodkind developing those characters. (I probably have the spelling wrong because I'm only listening to the audio tapes). I also love the humor via the Mord Siths. And I don't want to give too much away, but the way Richard takes control of things is very satisfying.

There are, unfortunately, subplots which I did not take to. I thought too much time was wasted on the blood of the fold -- it didn't really lead anywhere. The storyline about the Mriswith was also not very well developed -- it was tossed into the mix with little explanation.

Oh well, I better stop before I give too much away.

I must begin by stating two things about this book: firstly, I found it somewhat disappointing, and secondly, I wouldn't have missed reading it for anything. This may sound contradictory; let me explain.

Terry Goodkind's "Sword of Truth" series has captivated me ever since I picked up "Wizard's First Rule". Imaginative and magical stories, an unobtrusive yet enjoyable style that lets the reader enter the story and makes compulsive reading, sympathetic and human characters- all of these produce an irresistible combination.

In "Faith of the Fallen", Richard and Kahlan must once again exercise their considerable talents and powers to save the Midlands and D'Hara from the incursion of the Imperial Order of the Old World. But when Richard is captured by a sorceress of the order- held hostage by a magical threat to Kahlan's life- it seems that nothing can help them stave off defeat at the hands of Jagang's army. Richard must journey deep into the heart of the Old World at his captor's bidding, for reasons he can only gradually begin to understand.

For a book of several hundred pages, that doesn't seem like much of a plot. Indeed, the story doesn't travel nearly as far as the characters do- both physically and emotionally. Goodkind's novels have always contained a healthy dose of philosophy along with dashing adventures, but this latest book outstrips all the others by this measure. "Faith of the Fallen" is primarily about character development, which is something I consider essential for a good novel of any genre; however, in this case it comes at the expense of some of the wonderful storytelling displayed in the previous volumes. I reached the end feeling as if the book should be only half over.

The character development itself is also awkward at times. Readers of the series will already be familiar with Richard's astounding strength of character and phenomenal personality. This is fantasy, after all- but he is an extremely likeable hero as well as an admirable one. I felt, though, that his perfection was pushed to the limits of credibility in places, rendering him less believable rather than a stronger character. On the other hand, the character of Nicci (the Sister of the Dark who holds Richard captive) was rather well portrayed. Far from perfection, she became a character with a true sense of identity through her flaws that a reader might sympathise with and understand, if not condone.

The other prominent and sometimes irritating theme of the book is Goodkind's merciless anti-socialist propaganda. I happen to agree with most of his views (although his illustration of a socialist Order collapsing under its own indolence is rather extreme) but that by no means excuses what comes across as blatant author interference in many places. The events and scenes of the book make a clear enough point without the author standing over the reader's shoulder explaining the point over and over again!

Yet despite these criticisms, how could I not enjoy another epic from Goodkind's prodigiously talented pen? His characters are people whom I have grown to know and love as I share their adventures and watch them develop: how could I be left behind as they embark on this journey? I enjoyed reading it greatly, even as I was criticising it en route for the flaws above, and I am eagerly awaiting the next volume (with a secret hope that the story will be more exciting than this one).

The ultimate verdict? If you are a fan of the series, don't miss it. If you are a new reader, start at the beginning of the series and give yourself a chance to know the characters first....

After 15+ years of reading fantasy tales, Goodkind has been a pleasure to read. One reason being is that I didnt find him until he had 5 books in print and not having to wait for YEARS, as I have had to with other fantasy writers to continue their tales. I enjoyed this book alot, more because I read the reviews that didnt like it and forced myself not to allow their views to jade my reading. The tale of love between Kahlan and Richard makes my heart break that they have such a hard time being together. Richards beliefs in love and loyalty to Kahlan and his people touches me. I felt Nicci's character was well developed in her "search", with enough background to make her changes believable, just wish she had a chance to tell her mom off. Richards ability to find good hearted people within the Old World that he hates, I am hoping will bond the two worlds even tighter for the final battle. I feel that the Brother N died just a bit to easy for being such a strong figure in the book. Hoping for the next book in the fall.

I have read all the Sword of Truth novels (yet just learned there is a new one coming on june 21), and i think that this one is definitely the best of all of them. I am fourteen and love all Terry Goodkind's books (although he seems kind of wierd on the back cover) i thought at first that these books were sort of bad Lord of the Rings knockoffs. I was horribly mistaken. Although i am a humongous fan of Tolkien i think that for a kid my age or for anyone these are a way better read. I also thought that they were dumb. come on the first book starts off with a kid named Richard(oo interesting) getting bitten by a tree and getting his splinter pulled out by some old dude and a hot chick in a white dress. a pretty lame entrance but i hold no grudges because as i read on Richard, Kahlan, and Zedd became very good friends to me. Again being a fourteen year old boy i loved all the extensive battles, sensual(not rape) scenes, and numerous ominous bad people named cool cheesey names like Darken Rahl (sounds like a alter ego for Calvin or Darkwing Duck or something. Alright sorry im getting off topic. This is definitely the best book in the series because it shows that Mr. Goodkind can write something other than depressing deaths, battles and strange rapes. The "subplot" (if i can call it that because i guess it was the main one), of Richard and Nicci was heartwrenching yet also heartlifting. I guess that if you look at the bigger picture it is kind of cheesey, but having read this book 4 times and crying and smiling everytime i read it, it really is a great story. Its in a way like Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (at least i think so) because the author decided to find a new villian who can be bad or good or nuetral or... just there i guess. It is kind of an experimental book. I think that even if you skipped this book completely (and the pillars of creation) you would still get the whole story line of the series. BUT PLEASE DONT SKIP THIS BOOK BECAUSE I PROMISE THAT IT WILL BE YOUR FAVORITE. Foobird13 spends his time somewhere between the Atlantic and the Pacific oceans. lol

While I have enjoyed the overall storyline, this is the black sheep of the series. The novel the other ones don't want to talk about.

This installment is a pain to read. It leaves you with a bad taste in your mouth and thinking 'What was the whole point of the last 600 pages?' The only good thing is that all the people you grow to loathe (and in an 'oh please don't make me read more about him' way not an 'oooo, he's so evil and bad' way) end up dead in the end never to return. The only bright spot I can remember was how one of the nobles got revenge on his religious based king and his cheating wife.

I recommend the series. It is entertaining and enjoyable, but I also recommend to go from book 4 to book 6. You can totally skip this book and not miss anything in the series.

Haven anxiously awaited the fifth book in this series, I got this book just last week, and, after devouring it in about a day, I just have one question I wanna ask.

What the HELL happened?

This book was bad. Realllllyy bad. I'll go over the salient points.

1. Where the heck are all the characters we actually care about? Berdine, Scarlet, Chase, Rachel, Verna, Warren, Nathan, Gratch, and any I've missed, all these guys are missing, some with plot points left open.

2. Heck, to be even more precise, the main characters, Richard and Kahlan, and the semi-major characters, Cara, Zedd and Ann, are barely in this book, and when they are, they're either a) pointless or b) out of character. Kahlan's turned into a whiny little girl in this one, and Richard has apparently forgotten the fact that he's the hero of the story. Ya don't just 'give up' 'cause some backwater country voted not to join you!

3. Instead, we get what almost seems to be a Tom Clancy-esc 'political thriller'. It almost seems that Goodkind was writing a different book, and someone told him to force it into the SoT series. With this, we get pointless, pointless characters (Fitct, Beata) and Goodkind's obvious political views. And the bit with the chimes seemed pointless and the solution came outta left field. Which I find funny, 'cause the back blurb to the book was about the chimes. Note to Terry-NO ONE CARES IN A FANTASY NOVEL!

I'll admit, there was one saving grace: Dalton. I must admit, I liked him, and his trump card at the end when he'd realized he'd lost was totally unexpected. He's the only reason this book didn't get one star.

Hopefully, Goodkind will remember what 'fantasy' is in time for the inevitable 6th book. And, hopefully, we won't have to wait as long to get it.

This book is a vast improvement over the last two books of the series. Blood of the Fold was too superfluous; Temple of the Winds was lacking in suspense and pace. Soul of the Fire is far more engaging, and has a plot of complexity not seen since Stone of Tears.

The book is slow going at first, with the threat appearing rather lacking initially. The events of Chapter 11 were not convincing, but thankfully Goodkind does not drag it out for long. However, everything involving Anderith, from the calculating Minister and his aide, to the Dominie Dirtch, to the Haken characters, was a refreshing change of pace from Goodkind. The feast was well done, as was the Dominie Dirtch. Goodkind keeps the pulse going right up to the end. He seems to have hurried his climax, and pulled his punch again, but unlike TOTW, it manages to work this time. I still am not sure I understand how the Dominie Dirtch worked. I did actually cheer what happened at the end of Chapter 69. [I don't wish to reveal spoilers]

Yes, it is true Goodkind's command of language is not on Proust's level. Nitpicking him on that is unpleasant, given his dyslexia problem [which some exaggerate]. I doubt Mr. Goodkind wants any special treatment, however. To be fair, the writing has improved. Nonetheless, there were at least a dozen sentences that made me cringe. Overuse of similes and things "seeming" to be something are an odious abuse. [For what it's worth, I think Goodkind is a better writer than that puffed-up Jordan]. The typographical errors are not his fault, however. Whoever is proofreading at Tor ought to be fired. This is *not* an irrelevant issue. Poor writing can distract from what should be a great story; there is absolutely no excuse for typos.

Hopefully, Goodkind has a limit to these volumes. If this turns into another Wheel of Time, I will be greatly saddened. Goodkind seems to be getting back on his rhythm. It would be a loss if he spoiled it on quantity, and not quality. His own advice is pertinent: don't write to publish. However, the story makes this volume worth your while.

Having burned through the first books in the series in as little as 3 days each, and enjoying them thoroughly.. I was a bit let down by the changes in the series with book 5 and this, book 7. In book 5 Terry started working with several new characters for a part of the book, blending in the main characters half way through, and finishing the story nicely. In book 6 he alternated between Richard and Kahlan's viewpoints, and kept us involved. In this book, we dont see the entire reason we are wrapped up in the books till the last 50 or so pages.
The main reason I have read the majority of the series I have is because of the main characters that you become soo familiar with, as if they were closer than family. Terry is a very good writer, and has spent thousands of pages pulling us into the hearts and minds of Richard, Kahlan, Zedd, and the rest. I found it disheartening to see the series just idle along, getting no closer to any sort of conclusion to the story line. Granted, I do not want it to end, yet I dont want to see it end up like the Wheel of Time, and be on book 13, and have poured through several books that add more plot rather than tie off loose ends along the way.
In all, I am sure I will re-read the entire series when the next addition is released. I cant say I liked this one very much, but will still read through it again, just to have the story fresh for the next addition. There are some rewards to the readers in regards to Richard, Kahlan, Cara, Zedd, and Adie.. But it took 700+ pages to get them.

I love the Sword of Truth series... as always, I end up craving for more! Once I got started, I can't bring myself to put it down. I do feel that a lot of the interesting stuff got crammed into the last few chapters and that too much of the story centered on Jennsen. Other than that, I think this book is an excellent addition to the series.

i don't know what the other reviewers are talking about, but this book directly addresses the criticism of the previous books while introducing a breath of fresh air to the series.
1) it provides a new iteration to the generic plotline of the series, i.e., richard and kahland get separated, defeat the enemy and reunite.
2) it puts the whole d'haran/old world in a new perspective
3) you get a better sense of what is going on in the different worlds, the daily struggles and the ways of life
4) there is suspense. you know something is wrong but you don't know what.
5) new characters, new tensions, new conflicts.

Terry, this book is great! not the best (the second and third were) but definitely worth a read and worth the time.