This is the third night of our Sword of Truth 13 night Marathon.  Tonight we review the third book in this series…..Blood of the Fold.

Blood of the Fold by Terry Goodkind – a Review

Terry Goodkind’s Blood of the Fold, was a great book, as I liked this book as much as the first two.  I did feel though that the first half of this book was a little slow, and I wasn’t thrilled to have to wait until almost half of the book to see Kahlan again.  Not to mention I could not stand Tobias, and too much time in this book was devoted him and his sister.   I didn’t like either of them.  Tobias had his own power, used his sister, but he was bad, not even a good bad villain.  Glad he is dead. 

I do not like Jagang, but he fits in with all the other horrible villains that Terry Goodkind’s imagination runs wild with.  I did not like the Sisters of the Dark, but at least they are worthy villains, but when you feel sorry for a villain (who isn’t much better), then something is wrong.  I was actually close to being happy when they (sisters) got those men on the boat at the end. Lol Jagang is pathetic, and I know we will see him again. I do not look forward to what will happen in the future to Kahlan. 

But there were some great parts in the first half. I did like the part about Verna, it explains a lot.  I do like her as a character. It was a little confusing at first with Ann and Nathan, but this with Zedd added will lead I guess to Temple Of The Winds.  However, I think Ann is totally misguided about that stupid collar, at least Verna knows better.

The best part of the first half was the mord-sith girls.  Loved their interaction with Richard, it was great.  Loved Gratch, as he met the others in Richard’s life.  Of course needless to say, loved everything about Richard.  The way he deals with people, his compassion, his strength, his power that even he doesn’t realize how strong he is, his love for Kahlan, his love and friendship for Gratch. 

But as much as I did not like some parts in the first half, I loved almost everything in the second half.  Very well done.  In this I give Goodkind a lot of credit.  The second half was very exciting, emotional, intense and finally ended up with Kahlan and Richard together. 

One of the best parts of the book was the part with Berdine.  It was awesome, and very emotional that he was able to bring her back.  To get all three of these girls crying says something for Richard’s compassion. 

The interaction between the girls and Kahlan at the end was hysterical. Loved it.  Berdine especially with her “being his favorite, spending the nights, his holding her breast”  very funny and Kahlan’s response about Raina was great.  Loved the part where Kahlan had a bolt put on the door to keep them out. 

The battle at the Palace, the escape for Verna, and later Kahlan was super.  Then Richard to the rescue to destroy the Palace.  Then back in D’Hara to help the soldiers fighting the mriswith.  Richard & Kahlan fighting together, then Gratch to the rescue was a great way to end.  The book is left open, with Zedd and Ann looking for Nathan. Jagang is still there to be a horrible villain.  The Sisters of the Dark are still there. 

So as the first half had some things I did not like, the second half more then made up for it.  It made me love the book overall.   I absolutely love Richard & Kahlan.  Although this is not a love story, it is their story.  And without it, you have nothing.  Goodkind should have them fight and be together, rather then apart, more often.  But I know that is not the case in the future books.

Reviewed by Barb