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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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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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Blood of the Fold by Terry Goodkind – a Review

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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

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Terry Goodkind Contest Winner Announcement

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Terry Goodkind Contest Winner Announcement

The Reading Cafe would once again like to thank the wonderful Terry Goodkind for allowing us to be part of his promotion of The First Confessor, which will be released today. 

The contest provided by Terry and his team, including Revel Studios, did an awesome job creating such a wonderful prize….Limited Collectors Edition “The First Confessor” Package.

For those of you who may be interested, the overall consensus on everyone’s favorite book was as expected mixed. But, Faith of the Fallen had the most votes, with Wizard’s First Rule and Confessor following, though most of the Sword of Truth books were mentioned.
“Your Life is Yours Alone…Rise up and Live It!”

Thank you to all of Terry’s super fans, who entered the contest, which unfortunately has only one winner.  Now without further ado.

The Winner of the “The First Confessor” Limited Collectors Edition Package is:

Congratulations JoAnne!

 

SWORD OF TRUTH MARATHON

In honor of Terry Goodkind and his many novels, The Reading Cafe will be having
a Sword of Truth Marathon from July 24 to August 5, 2012.  We will post one book review per night for 13 straight nights.  We will start with Wizards First Rule and end with The First Confessor.  The marathon will be late night (10:00pm est) posts, and fans can come to read the review and discuss their own thoughts on the books. We hope to see all of Terry’s fans back to discuss the Sword of Truth series.

 

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