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