Tag Archives: Terry Goodkind

The Scribbly Man by Terry Goodkind – a Review

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The Scribbly Man by Terry Goodkind – a Review

 

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Description:
“They are the monsters under the bed when you are little, the shape just caught out of the corner of your eye when you thought you were alone, the shadow of something in a dark corner that surprises you and then isn’t there. They stop you dead with a knot of unexpected terror in the pit of your stomach. We have all seen fleeting glimpses of them. Never long enough to see them as I saw them, but it was them. I recognized it the instant I saw it.

“We’ve all seen flashes of them, the dark shadow just out of sight. They could briefly terrify us before but never hurt us because they came from so far distant. They were never able to fully materialize in our world so we saw only transient glimpses of them, the shape of them if the light was just right, if the shadows were deep enough . . . if you were afraid enough.

“I think that the star shift has brought us closer to their realm so that they now have the power to step into our world and hurt us.” — Kahlan Amnell.

 

 

 

Review:

The Scribbly Man by Terry Goodkind is the first book in his new Children of D’Hara series.   This is a novella that returns us to the world of Richard and Kahlan, not too long after the Sword of Truth series ended.  From Terry’s site, he states that he will be bringing out novellas in this series every 3 months.  Having read all of Goodkind’s Sword of Truth, I was anxious to spend time with Richard and Kahlan; the Mord-Sith, as well as finding out more of their children.

The Scribbly Man, starts with Richard and Kahlan meeting openly with those who have requests or complaints.   Then someone comes to threaten them to give up their world to a “Golden Goddess”, especially since at this time in their lives, they do not have children who would carry their name.

An angry Kahlan takes this man to a private room to question him and use her powers as Mother Confessor to get the truth out of him.  Richard also comes face to face with a female sorcerer, Shale, who tells him about strange and bloody happenings in her home of the snowbound North Waste.   Richard is then summoned  to help Kahlan, who started using her powers in the locked room, and all hell is breaking loose.   He runs to rescue her, and uses his own powerful ability to break into the room, and find Kahlan seriously injured.  It will be Shale, who is also a healer, who will work to save Kahlan.

What follows is an intense, fast paced story that will change everything in their world, and learn what is needed to stop this evil being, before they destroy everything and everyone.  When Kahlan becomes healthy, she and soon Shale will work on the man who eyes are being seen through by the Golden Goddess, and they learn more and more about this evil person or persons in another world.

To tell too much more would be spoilers, but this was an interesting exciting storyline, and enjoyable  when we watch Richard, Kahlan, the mord-sith bring back so many wonderful memories.   The Scribbly Man ends as we learn more about the evil out there, and the future books where I expect to meet The Children of D’Hara.   Welcome back to the world of Richard and Kahlan.

Reviewed by Barb

 

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Death’s Mistress by Terry Goodkind – a Review

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Death’s Mistress by Terry Goodkind – a Review

 

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Description:
Onetime lieutenant of the evil Emperor Jagang, known as “Death’s Mistress” and the “Slave Queen”, the deadly Nicci captured Richard Rahl in order to convince him that the Imperial Order stood for the greater good. But it was Richard who converted Nicci instead, and for years thereafter she served Richard and Kahlan as one of their closest friends–and one of their most lethal defenders.

Now, with the reign of Richard and Kahlan finally stablized, Nicci has set out on her own for new adventures. Her first job being to keep the unworldly prophet Nathan out of trouble…

 

 

Review:

Death’s Mistress by Terry Goodkind is the 1st book in his new series, Sister of Darkness: The Nicci Chronicles. I am a big fan of Goodkind’s  Sword of Truth series, and was happy with the end of the arc of Richard and Kahlan.  Though she was a villain early on in the series, Nicci became one of my favorites (besides Cara) later on.  I was happy to see that Goodkind has started a new series that will revolve around Nicci, starting with Death’s Mistress.

At the start, our powerful sorceress Nicci and the wizard, Nathan were on a trek to visit with the witch, Red, whom Nathan had a request.  Nicci and Nathan have been assigned by Richard to visit other realms and spread the word that the war and slavery is over, and everyone is free.  Nicci decides to go with Nathan on his visit to the witch, protecting him since he would be entering dangerous grounds.  Before they leave the witch, she will tell them of their destiny;   Nathan to find the land that will restore his wizard powers, and Nicci to save the world.

What follows is an epic adventure that will bring in some new characters to join them, as they face some wild and dangerous situations that always come into play in these types of fantasy novels.  At many different stops along the way, they come across dangerous and terrible situations  with sea creatures  or sand monsters, as well as two evil beings that lost their way from using powerful spells buried deep over the years.  It will take the ultra powerful Nicci to use her magic to help save the others, as well as Nathan to help find the hidden information to stop the villains from destroying the world. 

This is an exciting, non stop action filled story that has you totally engrossed in this adventure.  It is difficult to tell too much more, as you need to read and visualize the action.  I loved Nicci, and despite her being hard core, she has changed so much since changing her total loyalty to Richard, and in this book we begin to see a small change to her becoming emotionally attached.  The two new characters who we meet early were very likeable.  Bannon is a young man whom Nicci helps save, and then he joins her and Nathan on their adventure.  Thistle is young girl, who loses her family in one of the horrible attacks; she too joins with them.  There were many emotional moments throughout the book, which included being on the edge of your seat, fear and even tears. 

Terry Goodkind has given us a new series that allows us to stay in the Sword of Truth world, with the focus on Nicci as our heroine.  I for one am thrilled about this series, and will be waiting for the next one.  If you are a fantasy lover, as well as Sword of Truth fan, I recommend you read Death’s Mistress.


Reviewed by Barb

 

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The Third Kingdom by Terry Goodkind – a Review

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The Third Kingdom by Terry Goodkind – a Review

The Third KingdomLinks to order The Third Kingdom:
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Description:
The Richard and Kahlan series, beginning with The Omen Machine (which is also the 12th and final book of the Sword of Truth series) is a NEW series separate from Sword of Truth.

The bloodthirsty Jit is dead, and against all odds Richard and Kahlan have survived. But a new menace has attacked them in the Dark Lands. Infected with the essence of death itself, robbed of his power as a war wizard, Richard must race against time to uncover and stop the infernal conspiracy assembling itself behind the wall far to the north. His friends and allies are already captives of this fell combination, and Kahlan, also touched by death’s power, will die completely if
Richard fails.

Bereft of magic, Richard has only his sword, his wits, his capacity for insight – and an extraordinary companion, the young Samantha, a healer just coming into her powers.

Compelling, fast-moving, and intense, The Third Kingdom is a powerful tale that welcomes new readers to Terry Goodkind’s world, while opening up new vistas of worldbuilding for longtime readers of the adventures of Richard Rahl and Kahlan Amnell.

 

Review:
The Third Kingdom, written by Terry Goodkind; is the non stop. Action packed, second installment in the trilogy named after Richard & Kahlan.  Admittedly, I came into this novel quite apprehensive.  When reading the blurb from the publishers…I spent the next several months waiting for this release, debating whether or not I was even going to purchase the book.  Shocking, as I have been reading Terry Goodkind‘s work for half my life.  The blurb simply states….”If you wanted Richard and Kahlan to live happily ever after, you should have stopped reading at Confessor.”  Instantly my brain went into overdrive and I am thinking that Mr. Goodkind is ultimately going to pull an RA Salvatore, or GRRM move on me.  Killing off one, or both, of the characters with which he has built his astounding career.  For as long as Terry Goodkind has been at the top of my favorite author list….for as long as I have sang praises for the world & character’s he has created…killing off Richard, Kahlan…or even Zedd & Cara would be a deal breaker for me. 

I have discovered something about myself recently.  I have immensely changed as a reader since I began the journey of Sword of Truth so long ago.  Ironically, it was this beloved series that changed me.  I never needed romance, or a love story in my literature before learning the soul deep love connection between Richard and Kahlan.  A bond that readers have come to learn Can. Not. Be. Severed.  No matter the obstacles they face.  We all want to believe such love exists, the kind of love that when never surrendered, triumphs over any, and all things.  We all want to believe it does not only exist in stories.  This is why I claim the World of Sword of Truth to contain one of the most Epic love stories of all time.  This is the type of love Richard Rahl, and Kahlan Amnell possess for each other, and in my perception….it is the entire foundation with which this world was built.  For this reason I do not want to believe Goodkind will destroy everything he has created.  Despite this cryptic line, I do not want to believe that the dust will never clear one last, final time.  I do not want to believe there will never be peace for Richard and Kahlan, because truly, if this is to be the case….what have they been fighting for across the time of 11+ books?  Why have we all been coming back novel after novel–our hearts having been broken, left bleeding for these two outstanding characters–who are just trying to have a life together?  I for one hope for, and look forward to the ultimate reward, upon the finale of Richard and Kahlan’s harrowing journey.  I not only want their Happily Ever After, I demand it, as someone who has spent time, money, and emotion on what will become of them.  I read fiction as an escape, because in reality, there is not nearly enough happy endings.  If the desire to someday see my two most favorite, fictional characters safe & happy, means I am no longer a “true” fantasy genre reader, then so be it.  Now that my rant is over, I will move on to the actual review. 🙂

Long time veterans, and newcomers to the world of the Midlands alike, will find many elements of enjoyment in The Third Kingdom.  Because we all experience books differently, I offer a little breakdown information for those attempting to decide whether or not to embark on this new journey.  Readers who were not keen on Terry’s last two works (what is wrong with you *kidding*) will be happy to know that the Third Kingdom presents a style of world building, greatly similar to Terry’s earlier work.  To put it simply…if you have missed Richard in all his “classic” glory.  If your favorites were books 1-4.  If you are a fan of Terry’s meticulous attention to detail.  The way he repeats himself often, and painstakingly adds each individual thread until we can see the whole tapestry–this book is a must read. 
 
I will take this moment to mention that those who have not read The First Confessor, Legend of Magda Searus, may find yourself somewhat confused throughout your navigation of The Third Kindgom.  It isn’t necessary to read this novel prior to TTK, but I would highly recommend you do so.  Without spoiling too much, I will say that Mr. Goodkind produces a unique take on evil beings that go bump in the night, and their origin can be found within The First Confessor.  In Terry’s own words. “The road beyond is unimaginably dark and fraught with danger.”  This description is a tangible entity while reading.  The story begins very close to where the Omen Machine left off, and yet everything has changed.  Much like how Richard himself feels upon coming to, readers are met with a situation that is abstract, and produces great confusion.  Through Richard’s addled wits, we grasp a broken conversation between two strange men.  Richard struggles to rouse himself, taking in several facts consecutively.  He and Kahlan are alone in the back of a wagon.  Kahlan is non-responsive.  And the soldiers of the First File, along with their friends; are nowhere to be found.  It is here, as our hero struggles to get his bearings, that things take a drastic…and gory turn of events.  Richard soon discovers that even though his desperation is great…he is without the ability to summon his magic, in order to protect himself and the unconscious woman he loves.  Unbeknown at the time, Richard’s actions to save both he and Kahlan from the bloodthirsty Hedge Maid in the end of Omen Machine, has produced unforeseen, and severe consequences.  From this moment on, Richard is equipped with only his staggering intelligence, his instincts as both a warrior & woods guide, the Sword of Truth, and the young, powerfully gifted (yet untutored) Samantha; to survive.

Richard learns through an ancient message left for him alone, that once again, the fate of the World will be decided by his actions.  Somehow, he must save all of life, or be destroyed along with it.  In signature Goodkind fashion, Richard must separate from Kahlan in order to ensure her salvation.  In more ways than one, The Third Kingdom showcases a race against time, as Richard attempts to stop the conclusion heading towards him.  If he fails, his people, friends, the woman he loves, himself…and the very existence of the world; will succumb to darkness.I have said it before, and I will say it again.  Character driven stories are held within a league of their own.  The Third Kingdom is full of heart pounding action, endless intrigue, terrifying villains…and yet it is Richard whom breathes life into this story.  After half my life of watching this character transform, ever morphing into more….something magical and unexpected happened for me in this book.  Stripped of his political power, without his lethal magic as a War Wizard, we see Richard devolved back to where it all began.  Once more he is simply the Seeker of Truth.  No more, and no less.  This book resonated so profoundly within me, because Richard has only what is within his heart, and soul to utilize.  Like many times before, he is considered by everyone around him; to be the most important person who walks among the living.  The weight of the entire world rests upon his broad shoulders.  Yet he still the type of hero who would lower his sword, and provide comfort for a terrified, young girl in need, rather than save himself.  It has been a long while since we have seen Richard the man, instead of the Lord Rahl, and I personally found this element so brilliant in it’s delivery.  Regretfully there are only a few glimpses of our heroine within the entirety of The Third Kingdom.  Like with Richard, Kahlan comes to her senses with the realization that her gift is no longer at her disposal.  Kahlan, stripped from her magic as the Mother Confessor, is powerless to prevent herself form being moved from the secure location with which Richard left her.  Finding herself the unwilling guest of a man with dark, and nefarious motives, Kahlan must rely upon her wits, and finely honed skills in combat to escape.    In classic, TG style, the ending of the Third Kingdom was a massive orchestra of conflicts, danger, action….and heartbreak.  Yes Mr. Goodkind…indeed you walked a fine line with me on this one.  In some ways, I wanted this characters happiness more than Richard and Kahlan’s.  I understand the fuel you needed in order for your characters to ultimately triumph in the end, made this devastating blow necessary….but I am still mad at you. *sigh*  I look on to the third novel, and reported conclusion of the Richard and Kahlan trilogy with mixed feelings of anticipation and anxiety.  Over all, Mr. Goodkind delivers a phenomenal read with the finesse that few authors can achieve. Bravo.

Reviewed by Miranda
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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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