Tag Archives: Sword of Truth

The First Confessor by Terry Goodkind – a Review

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Tonight we come to the end of our 13 Night Sword of Truth Marathon. It has been a glorious ride down memory lane, as we started with Miranda’s review of where it all began…Wizard’s First Rule.  Now we end once again with Miranda’s review on Terry Goodkind’s newest release…..The First Confessor.  Thank you to the wonderful Terry Goodkind for this maginificent series. 

 

The First Confessor by Terry Goodkind


I was more than intrigued when Terry Goodkind posted that cryptic message on his twitter feed, upon The Omen Machine reaching number 1 on the NYT bestselling list….“every Legend starts with another, and every hero…has a Mother.” Speculation ran wild instantly. Would this novel be about Richard’s mother–the mysterious, and vaguely mentioned daughter of Zeddicus Zu’l Zorrander? Would this be about Kahlan’s mother? A glimpse into the future, with a story about Richard and Kahlan’s child? The predictions went on and on….I could not help but wonder myself what grand tale Terry would tell us this time. When asked, the only guess that came to my mind, was the very first Mother Confessor ever. I was actually surprised upon learning I had guessed accurately, because trying to predict the nature of a story from Terry, is like trying to predict precisely where lightning will strike.

The First Confessor: The Legend of Magda Searus…I must first advise that readers who are newly embarking on the journey of the Sword of Truth series–should NOT read this novel beforehand–even though Terry meant this as a prequel. Why? For me, there were far too many moments that would be HUGE spoilers prior to the navigation of Sword of Truth. The two things that are most prominent in my mind, is the “Key” to controlling the power of Orden–which plays such a vital role. Also, the unveiling of the main purpose to the Sword of Truth upon its creation–an element that we truly did not fathom until the very last novel of the series; Confessor.

Fans of the Sword of Truth series, will LOVE this book….However, I was truly baffled by Terry’s statement that new readers of the series would have a more “enriched” experience by having the ability to read this novel beforehand. To me, new readers will have two vital twists ruined by this novel, before they could even begin to try and discover these secrets for themselves. And so, as someone who immensely enjoys hearing the thoughts of people newly reading this series, attempting to process all the twists and turns of this harrowing journey, I felt compelled to issue this warning. Those who have finished the story arc of SoT, like myself, will feel beyond fascinated, and stand in utter awe of this author.

Terry Goodkind is one of those rare authors, who does not simply show us extraordinary magic, wholly original weaponry, and uniquely gifted people….but who goes the next step further, to write a novel showcasing the conception of these things. Describing how they came into existence in such brilliant, vivid detail, that one can almost believe these things could be found in reality. One of my favorites, is the moment when Magda first met Merritt. She notices a Sword laying across a piece of red velvet fabric…and the breath caught in my throat, as I knew it HAD to be the Sword of Truth. Also, when Magda felt compelled to cross the room, when she witnesses the majesty and beauty of the blade, the wire woven into the hilt….when she wraps her fingers around it in wonder, and feels the word TRUTH pressing into her palm. What a breathtaking mental image, for a long time fan like myself.

In addition, and in classic TG fashion, readers are awarded with two very strong, larger than life main characters, and a highly original, multi-layered, interesting plotline. I have read some reviewers stating that essentially; Magda is Kahlan, and Merritt is Richard…that these characters are not special, or unique in any way. I find myself wondering if they read the same book as I have. This is similar to how I felt during Law of Nines, having great trouble thinking of Alex as Richard in my head, and thinking of Jax as Kahlan–but for me, the soul, and personalities of Magda and Merritt had no trouble shining through. I found in Magda’ the mettle, backbone, conviction, and unbreakable will required to follow a heroine such as Kahlan Amnell. I found in Merritt; the compassion, integrity, honor, and high level of intelligence–required of a male protagonist–to follow a hero that is the caliber of Richard Rahl.

While I cannot claim this truly at par with my favorites of the Sword of Truth series, I am astounded, and utterly blown away with the lore, and history packed within this novel. Minus the two very long winded chatting scenes that nearly put me to sleep, I enjoyed every moment spent reading this finely constructed tale. I am looking greatly forward to the continuation of Magda and Merritt’s story, and cannot help but wonder if they will be the mysterious couple that Zedd briefly mentions in Wizard’s First Rule…when Kahlan and Richard question him on the subject of any others in history, figuring out “how” to love a Confessor.

Bravo Terry Goodkind, and thank you for this true “love letter” to your numerous fans.

Reviewed by Miranda

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The Omen Machine by Terry Goodkind – a Review

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Now that the Sword of Truth series has ended, we have all waited impatiently for what Terry calls his Richard and Kahlan novel……The Omen Machine begins what we hope will be more then just one book, perhaps another trilogy or more. On to The Omen Machine……

 

The Omen Machine by Terry Goodkind

The Omen Machine is not a sequel to Sword of Truth.  Terry Goodkind calls it a Richard and Kahlan novel.  From the start, we got to see Richard and Kahlan together walking around meeting people outside of the Palace.  The mystery begins immediately.  It was wonderful to see them, Cara, Zedd, Nathan, Nicci and Benjamin again.  It was like a family reunion and this to me is what makes this book an enjoyable read.  It was great for a change that Richard and Kahlan were together for most of the book.

The Omen Machine was fast paced, moves quickly into the plot, though a bit redundant at times (prophecy..prophecy), but it was a dark, and mysterious plot.  The two main villains (though other villainous sub characters/creatures), both sort of creepy, but you don’t really get to see them too much. One mostly at the end, and the other a bit throughout, but he will most certainly be the main villain in the next book.

Though I really enjoyed reading the book, and it was well written, it did have a different feel then most of the Sword of Truth novels.  Not sure exactly what it was, something seemed to be missing, as it reminded me more of Law of Nines, then the wonderful final book (Confessor) in SOT.  Do not get me wrong, it was still an excellent book, and it was a joy to be with my favorites again. Perhaps because it was a shorter book, with less detail, it did seem a little rushed towards the end.

There were lots of things I thoroughly enjoyed, besides Richard & Kahlan together; Cara & Benjamin, Kahlan standing up to the Midland & D’haran leaders, Nicci being called in to stand by Kahlan and reading out of the rules how they would have to sacrifice their lives, was funny, as the page was blank, but it did work; the strange evil thing that was watching them; not one but two evil people that match some of Terry’s previous villians.

Another key point in this book, and I can be happy about that, is the torture element was used sparingly and not to main characters, so you did not get to see much of that.  It was an exciting ending, but again seemed rushed.  I kept looking at how many pages that were left when it was near the end, wondering how the hell was Terry going to complete this.  The ending was sort of a cliffhanger, but not in a way that I hated in other cliffhangers.  Though it wasn’t set, you knew it would be ok. But it was this ending that ensures another book, and shows how it seemed cut off.  It shows that Terry has much more in store for us, especially with one of the villains still to be met and dealt with, as well as the Omen Machine.  Again, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, but for me it did have something missing from the at least the last three books in Sword of Truth.  But I cannot wait for the next book for more on Richard and Kahlan.

Reviewed by Barb

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Confessor by Terry Goodkind – a Review

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Finally, after 10 nights, we come to the final book of the Sword of Truth Arc. Yes, we still have two more nights, which will see a new series with Richard & Kahlan, and Terry Goodkind’s latest release….the prequel to Sword of Truth….The First Confessor.  But we are getting ahead of ourselves.  Tonight we move on to this fantastic finish of a fantastic series……CONFESSOR.  If you have not read this series, this review is filled with spoilers, so be warned and read at your own risk. 🙂

 

Confessor by Terry Goodkind

 

Finally after 10 books, I have finished Sword of Truth.  The series began with Wizards First Rule, which was wonderful and hooked you totally in.  The next few books continued the trend of excellent books.  Then came Soul of the Fire, which totally turned me off.  Of course, a lot of that, had to do with falling in love with the wonderful characters of SOT…Richard, Kahlan, Cara and Zedd, and hating the treatment and the separations of Richard & Kahlan.  I won’t go into detail, as you have seen my review on it.  Faith of the Fallen brought me totally back, and I loved that book.  Then we came to two more sub par books, (Pillars of Creation & the better Naked Empire). Once again I was told that the Chainfire trilogy would be great.  Now that I have read Confessor, I have to agree, it was a great book and a befitting ending.  Now after this opening..lol..  on to my thoughts of Confessor.

I must repeat ….I loved it, so much action, almost from the start.  Early on I was somewhat depressed that Kahlan still had no memory of her life and love of Richard.  She was still with the awful Jagang.  But her strength began to come back, as she studied and killed any guard she could, even if her memory didn’t.  It bothered me, as I saw the way the story was going, that for the third book in a row, we would not see much of Richard & Kahlan together, knowing that the boxes of Orden needed to be used to get Kahlan back. So that had to be near the end.  I still say now, that Goodkind could have changed it a bit, so not to have this three book separation of Richard & Kahlan.  But despite that, Confessor was great.

The action began when Nicci was captured by the Sisters, and when Ann was killed (that was a surprise).  I have said this in Phantom, and I will say it again. Nicci has been great.  In the beginning, when she was Death’s Mistress and a Sister of the Dark, I hated Nicci.  But all that changed when she found what she needed to find (after her mother, Brother Narev, the Sisters of the Light made her what she was)…Life…as described by Richard.  But it wasn’t until the Chainfire trilogy started that I started to really like Nicci.  I wasn’t crazy about that everyone close to Richard, tried to push Nicci to Richard.  The last being Ann, who was pretty vehement in trying to tell Nicci that she belonged to Richard, and Kahlan was a thing of the past.   But it was Nicci herself, who despite her love for Richard, knew that he loved Kahlan, and Kahlan was the right one for him.  She said it like it should be said…She loved Richard enough, to help him find the one he truly loved….the one who would bring joy back to him.   It was Nicci who was willing to give up her life to save Kahlan, so that Richard would happy.

There was so much that I enjoyed about Nicci. Her friendship with Cara was very well done, her strength in the face of adversity, but I loved the way she and Kahlan got along, the bond they developed, especially with Kahlan not knowing who she was. Nicci looked out for Kahlan (as Kahlan did her), in their bond to escape Jagang. As Kahlan said at the end, Nicci was good friend, not someone to hate. 

The last 1/2 of the book was sensational.  The ja la game ending in a war, Nicci and Kahlan trying to escape with Richard.  The ra-han necklace around their necks forcing them down, Richard almost killing Jagang with the arrow, Kahlan being taken by Samual, Adie to the rescue killing one of the sisters with Richard down, Benjamin coming to help, Cara knowing something was wrong and getting every one into the catacombs just in time.  Richard finding his gift in time to save Nicci.

Jagang’s ultimatum, Richard’s visit to the underworld, and his reappearance with the mud people was a surprise, Chase/Rachel waiting for him, Kahlan finally realizing Samuel was the enemy and Six would bring her back to Jagang.  But I knew early on with Rachel, that Shota was the one going to help them, and loved when Shota finally killed Six.  Gregory (the red dragon) flying them all back to the Palace.  Continued action, and Kahlan falling in love with Richard all over again was great. 

The end with Richard figuring it out, the sisters of the dark all getting themselves killed (imagine them thinking they don’t hate lol), Richard opening the boxes of Orden, creating two worlds, and the best part…Nicci putting the collar on Jagang….priceless, as well as his death. Cara’s wedding to Benjamin, with Nicci and her mord-sith sisters (in white) was fun, Richard & Kahlan finally together happy at last, and great to see all those that survived. This truly was a great ending for this sensational series.

However, that being said, I know fantasy has torture and rape.   I think there was a bit too much rape and torture of women, and having Kahlan watch what Jagang did to Nicci was way over the top.  But having Nicci be the one to kill him was great. 

Back to Confessor; I loved this book, and thought this was a fitting end to Sword of Truth.  I adored Richard & Kahlan, and at the end of this book I totally loved Nicci, and now she comes in behind Richard, Kahlan, Cara, Zedd, as my favorite characters in SOT.  Richard was lucky to have these three woman (Kahlan, Cara & Nicci) to help him fight this battle.  It’s been such a wonderful ride.  Loved Sword of Truth, loved so many characters that Goodkind did so well in creating, including Gratch, Scarlett, the mud people.  This was a wonderful fantastic series.

Reviewed by Barb

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Phantom by Terry Goodkind – a Review

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We are now in the final two books of our Sword of Truth 13 Night Marathon. Tonight we start the second of the trilogy that will complete the Sword of Truth arc….Phantom.

 

Phantom by Terry Goodkind

Even thought I enjoyed Phantom, I thought it had some slow parts, some sadistic parts, but a great second half.  The beginning was somewhat slow, Goodkind spent a lot of time refreshing everyones minds with what happened in Chainfire; or Richard repeating how he misses Kahlan, and has to find her. 

But at least we got to see Kahlan a bit, though so much of it was a horror show.  I hated the Sisters of the Dark; so hated Jagang and how he treated Kahlan.  I undertand that Terry Goodkind was showing how evil can be, but to take a much loved character like Kahlan, and humiliate her (walking around the camp naked, beating her unmercifully), and stopping short of raping her was a bit too much for me.  It was bad enough to continue to read about how the women are being treated, and Jebra’s vivid details.  Villains are normally bad, but sometimes there is some humanity in them. Not so with Jagang, or for that matter the Sisters of the Dark. 

The Beast was a good bad character, and it was great to see Sliph again.  I enjoyed seeing Berdine (too bad she wasn’t around more often, instead they used Rikka). Richard’s speech to the Army was good, it is a good plan to destroy the enemy behind the scenes, removing everything they would need to survive.  I liked seeing Rachel get back Chase, but did not like nor did I see a purpose to bring her back to Violet.  Why punish her again, not crazy about this part.  Do not see why Six needed Violet to begin with.  My guess, Six will be back in Confessor, and hopefully it will Shota who will destroy her. 

Richard discovering the book, but still cannot read it, having lost his gift, was interesting.  This will be dealt with in Confessor.  The wisps will also come back I think to help in Confessor. Richard becoming a top ja la player will lead to something, for him to kill Jagang or just to get Kahlan back.

This book has three views.  Richard..Kahlan..Nicci.    Richard with Nicci was good, not as a romance, but as a team with Cara.  I hated what was happening to Kahlan, but admired the strength that she began to find.  I thought this book was saved by Nicci.  But she says openly…she loves Richard, knows his heart belongs to another (Kahlan), but is happy just be part of his life.  She would gladly give up her life to make Richard happy.  Why fans would think they would make a great couple doesn’t make sense.  All of SOT is Richard & Kahlan, and their love for one another.  But Nicci makes a great partner to fight Jagang and evil.  I respect Nicci now that she has changed, her friendship with Cara, and her devotion to Richard. 

I enjoyed Phantom for the most part, was very tense during some parts, but overall I did enjoy it.  But I have say, two books without Richard & Kahlan together was to me a major mistake.  I know Terry wanted to keep people on the hook until the final book, but he could have had Richard or even Nicci save Kahlan, then start the plan to fight Jagang. They could have worked toward eliminating the sisters of the dark in this book, or even Six, then make confessor the final step towards Jagang.  Oh well, I guess that’s why I didn’t write this.  Lol   Finally…finally on to the end and Confessor…I am so looking forward to reading the last book.  I need closure.  I need to see who dies, and who survives. 

Reviewed by Barb

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Chainfire by Terry Goodkind – a Review

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We are now in the final stretch of our Sword of Truth 13 Night Marathon. Tonight we start the first of the trilogy that will complete the Sword of Truth arc….Chainfire.

Chainfire by Terry Goodkind – a Review

When I started Chainfire, I was so looking forward to the final trilogy that will end Sword of Truth, and bring Richard & Kahlan together (I hope) forever.  Then the first chapter of Chainfire threw me for a loop.  I had to go Miranda to get some answers, and to calm down.  Afterall, what would you think my reaction would be to “Who is Kahlan”  I knew that something happened to Kahlan in Phantom, but not in Chainfire. 

Crap, here we go again, separating Richard and Kahlan.  Upon talking to Miranda, I further discovered that I had endure no Kahlan in Chainfire, but also in Phantom.  I love SOT because of Richard & Kahlan (and Cara too).  So I was sort of depressed knowing I had to read this book without a major part of it (Kahlan).

The beginning was a shock, then it became sort of pushing my way through it. Then, came the part of Richard saving Cara.  That turned things around a bit.  Those scenes with Richard taking Cara’s pain, loving her, and forcing her back to life, was one of the most emotional scenes in any book I have read.  Bravo to Goodkind for this part.  Very well done. 

The Shota storyline was excellent, and kept my interest.  Though I do not like Shota, usually she comes through for them eventually.  Giving up the Sword of Truth was puzzling, but I can see that Shota must have known that some how Samuel would come to the rescue.  Mind you, I have no idea whether he will be a danger in Phantom, but for now he helped them. 

What I did not like throughout the book, was the constant belittling of Richard, that he was delirious. I understood it, but that and Richard’s over and over and over saying “ I have to find Kahlan”.   You got tired of him having to say it all the time, and then watching Ann,  Nathan, and Zedd putting him down. I feel bad to only have seen Kahlan for one chapter, and the way they treated her.  Damn, I hope soon she gets her revenge.

The last 1/2 of the book was very exciting, and even now I feel myself still tense.  Nicci saving Richard from killing himself, Rikka (though she couldn’t go) joining with Cara and Nicci to help Richard escape from Ann, Nathan, and Zedd, seeing the sliph again, going to caska/jillian, the palace with the missing boxes of orden and Nicci getting all the answers from Tovi.  Nicci wanting Richard to kill her (as Cara did earlier), but both (and Rikka)  believing in him as he addressed Ann,Nathan, Zedd, even if they still couldn’t remember Kahlan.  I enjoyed Cara seeing Benjamin again, Nicci pushing him to Cara, and Nicci knowing how much Richard loved Kahlan.

I also have to say in this book, I liked Nicci.  No not for Richard, but as a protector, similar to the way Cara is to him.  Richard needs all he can get to help him with this.  Having Nicci and Cara will help him get Kahlan back, and all of them, including Zedd, Nathan and Ann (maybe Verna) will finally destroy Jagang.

The worst part was the cliffhanger ending that I so love.  🙂  I don’t know how anyone had to wait for so long for the next book.  Thankfully I can read Phantom next. As the sooner we get Kahlan back, the better I will feel.  Now if that doesn’t sound like someone obsessed.. I don’t know what is.

Let’s here your thoughts on Chainfire.

Reviewed by Barb

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Naked Empire by Terry Goodkind – a Review

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We continue our Sword of Truth 13 Night Marathon, with Naked Empire, which is the 8th book in this series.

 

Naked Empire by Terry Goodkind – a Review

I went into reading Naked Empire, knowing this from all kinds of feedback I had heard that this could be the worst of the series.  But surprisingly to me, I found this not to be the worst.  It was not Goodkind’s best by far, but not the worst.  I have mixed emotions on this book, some good and some bad, which I will note below.  My personal opinion is I liked Naked Empire better then Soul of the Fire, and Pillars of Creation.   At the end I will explain why I feel this way. 

The beginning of this book was slow picking up pretty much right after the Pillars of Creation, as it was in actuality sort of a continuation.  For a good part of the beginning of the book, Richard spent too much time explaining to Jennson his political views, and other repetitious stuff, such as the propaganda, speeches on freedom, especially to the Bandakar men.  This book had the possibility of being excellent, as the earlier ones, had this not been overdone.

But there were some good parts I really enjoyed. I loved spending the entire book with Richard, Kahlan, and Cara, especially after almost nothing in Pillars.  Loved spending more time with Zedd (though not good for Zedd and Adie).  Thought Zedd’s rescue was super, seeing Chase, Rachel, then Rikka and Captain Zimmer, each come on their own to rescue them.  That was fun. Nice to see Nathan again, even if it was for a short period.  Enjoyed Richard finally breaking through to the people and get them to help him fight the enemy.  Owen, Anson and the Bandakar men were good characters, and it is an excellent storyline that you do need to recognize & not blind yourself to evil, or you will lose in the end to that same evil.

Nicholas the Slide, was hideous, but an excellent villain.  I do not like Jagang, and look forward to the end when Jagang the Just, gets his justice from Richard & Kahlan.

Ok, why did I rate this book better then either Soul of the Fire or the Pillars of Creation.  Though it was not my favorite book, due the repetitious political speeches, it was a relaxing read. I did not like Soul of the Fire, hated the people of Anderith, and hated what they did to Kahlan.  Though nice to meet Jennson in Pillars, and some of the story was ok, I missed the main ingredient of SOT, Richard and Kahlan. In Naked Empire, there were many parts I found enjoyable, and interesting.  The end was very good; trying to find the antidote, winning the fight against the imperial order with the men of Bandakar, Richard finding the truth and learning to use his gift,  rescuing Kahlan, and the killing of Nicholas was exciting.  But most of all, I guess I am totally obsessed with Richard, Kahlan and Cara.  Just seeing them, spending almost the whole book with them, and reading nothing that stressed me out, made me rate this book higher then the other two.  

What did you think?

Reviewed by Barb

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The Pillars of Creation by Terry Goodkind – a Review

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We continue our Sword of Truth 13 Night Marathon. Tonight in our 7th night, the book we will discuss is ………The Pillars of Creation.

The Pillars of Creation by Terry Goodkind – a Review

The Pillars of Creation by Terry Goodkind, is the 7th book in his wonderful Sword of Truth series.  I have mixed feelings about this book.  So here we go.

The beginning of the book wasn’t bad, as we got to know Jennsen, as well as meet her mother.  Sebastian at the beginning seemed a nice guy, though I am always suspicious of nice strangers early on.  Early on you knew he belonged to Jagang, so no mystery there.  The voice Jennsen kept hearing, we knew it was not Richard and once we found out that Sebastian worked for Jagang, we then knew the Keeper was back. 

The story began to drag for me 1/3 into the book, as they traveled, hid, then Sebastian gets arrested, and Jennsen makes a trip in the swamp (where no one goes) to see Althea.  The only interesting part was the snake, when she talked to it and he let her go; then later he saves her.  Cool    Hated when Oba killed the snake.  (mind you I hate snakes). 

I liked Althea, but it was confusing at times when she tried to explain to Jennsen.  I did like Tom, and was happy she ended up with him at the end.  The part with her rescuing Sebastian was totally unrealistic.  Back to Jennsen in a minute.

As for Oba, couldn’t stand him.  Did not even like him as a villain, he was too crazy, killed anyone he came into contact with and was totally over the top.  Sure his mother was bad, and she made him the madman that he became later, when he thought he would rule the world.  Of course, it was the Keeper who gave him even more power.  Oba got his just due at the end.

Back to Jennsen, during the middle, I didn’t like her a bit, because she jumped to conclusion that Richard was the voice, and let her self be totally trusting of a total stranger, did not try to find out who Richard Rahl really was, and was willing to kill him with such fierce passion.

As much as I was not crazy about part of the book, I did very much enjoy the end.  A lot of excitement, Zedd and Adie were great, and Jennsen, though suspicious something was wrong, was stupid. Lol.   But the end was great, and I was happy to see Richard and Kahlan again.  This is what made this book not great.  Waiting til the end to see them both, and just when you see them, we lose Kahlan right away. But it all ended well, and I did enjoy the end, liked Jennsen better, and look forward to her being part of Richard’s family.  Cara was funny when she said another Rahl she had to watch. 

I will continue my journey with Richard & Kahlan by reviewing Naked Empire next.  Feel free to tell us your thoughts on the many negative reviews on The Pillars of Creation…did you agree or disagree? We really do want to hear your thoughts.

Reviewed by Barb

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Faith of the Fallen by Terry Goodkind – a Review

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We continue our Sword of Truth 13 Night Marathon. In our 6th night, we bring you what many consider the best book of the entire series……Faith of the Fallen

Faith of the Fallen by Terry Goodkind – a Review


Faith of the Fallen …..I loved this book.  What a difference from the last book (Soul of the Fire).  I loved almost everything about this book.  It was great right from the beginning, with Richard & Cara taking care of Kahlan, helping to bring her back to health.  The camaraderie of the three of them was super to see, and fun to watch them force Kahlan to fight back.  It was different from earlier books, enjoyable, relaxing, and fun (even when the men earlier came after them & Cara rescued Kahlan.  It was precious to be able to spend time with them. 

Then came Nicci, as Death’s Mistress.  As much as I did not like her, she made a good villain.  But later during their traveling to the Old World, she was not as interesting, and more annoying.  This part of the story was actually dull to a point.  At least until Richard began working with Victor and Ishtag (sp?), then it got better, and I liked the people, who became his friends including Kamil.

The best part of the book (other then the ending), belonged to Kahlan, Cara, Zedd and the others, as they fought one battle after another against the Imperial Order. 

Some of those scenes were awesome & memorable.  Loved them.

  • Kahlan & Cara working so good together, especially when they grabbed hold on each other as Kahlan jumped to Cara’s horse.
  • Kahlan & Verna with the disbursing of the glass.  Then them hugging later, when the enemy began to fall apart from that.
  • Warren & Verna – the wedding (so upset that he died).
  • Zedd finally breaking through to Kahlan, and her letting her emotions through. 
  • Kahlan pushing Cara with Benjamin- Cute.
  • The betrayal of her sister and brother was a nice twist.  The four gifted ones (one of whom killed Kahlan’s brother) and her response to them was great.
  • Gadi getting his due first from Verna, then from Cara for the punishment dealt by Verna
  • Though not during the battle, Kahlan’s fury at Ann was well done. Though we don’t know if there was any truth to that theory.  But Kahlan’s anger at that time was justified.

The storyline at the end was very exciting.  The statue theme was excellent. The wonderful message hits home…”Your Life is Yours Alone…Rise up and Live it”.  It was great to see all the people helping Richard. Of course it was Nicci, who started that by unveiling the statue to Victor & Ishtag, that led to others coming at night to see it.   Nicci’s revelation was surprising and good. But then all the people looking at the statue of Life had the same reaction, as Richard effected them all.  However, Nicci was already beginning to change, and where she fits in later books will interesting, as she now recognizes Kahlan as Richard’s true love and she is now “Just Nicci”. 

Loved the ending, Richard almost letting Kahlan kill him, Richard fighting Brother Narev (couldn’t stand him),Cara saving Nicci to save Richard, and all the people helping tear things down.  Funny scene with Victor not believing he was indeed the real Richard Rahl.

What I loved the most about this book, even with so many people dying throughout, Goodkind played it straight, and we did not have to witness a torture of either Richard or Kahlan, or any of our favorites.  We heard about them, but did not have to witness it.  Warren’s death was sad, and was not necessary.  It did nothing to change the story….this was a waste.   But overall this is one of the best books of this series.  I thoroughly enjoyed it. Bravo Terry Goodkind for this fantastic return to awesomeness.

So many people picked this book as their favorite, do you agree?

Reviewed by Barb

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