Sword of Truth Books

Confessor (Sword of Truth)

Terry Goodkind

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 236 Average rating: 3.0 of 5

What a Waste 1 out of 5 stars.
3 of 4 people found this review helpful.

Let me just say that anyone who gave this (or the last few books in the series) anything higher than 2 stars is crazy. The series started out very good, but throughout the course of his writing Mr. Goodkind apparently forgot he was writing a fantasy series. Many of the coolest characters and extras, like Gratch the Gar and Scarlet the dragon are completely forgotten until brief cameos in Confessor. Goodkind repeats himself so much in these final books that I actually felt my intelligence insulted. He would literally have paragraphs that were the same sentence paraphrased 4 different ways. The imperial order is by far the most uninspired, unbelievable, simplistic enemy I have ever heard of. Not to mention the seemingly racist undertones of the evil dark-skinned brutes from the "Old World" attacking the nice white folks of the "New World". Anything worth reading in the series has long since been left in the dust. However, if you are like me you have to finish a series once started, just make sure to get it from the library.

Editorial Review:

Descending into darkness, about to be overwhelmed by evil, those people still free are powerless to stop the coming dawn of a savage new world, while Richard faces the guilt of knowing that he must let it happen. Alone, he must bear the weight of a sin he dare not confess to the one person he loves…and has lost.

Join Richard and Kahlan in the concluding novel of one of the most remarkable and memorable journeys ever written. It started with one rule, and will end with the rule of all rules, the rule unwritten, the rule unspoken since the dawn of history.

When next the sun rises, the world will be forever changed.

Phantom: Chainfire Trilogy, Part 2 (Sword of Truth, Book 10)

Terry Goodkind

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 240 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Another variant on a pointless theme. 1 out of 5 stars.
0 of 1 people found this review helpful.

Reading Terry Goodkind has become a mind-numbing task that can require days, if not, weeks of convalescence. His writing is no longer entertaining, his concepts are not, and in retrospect have never really been, original, and the very fabric of his plot is a thinly veiled attempt at the dissemination of objectivist propaganda. The ultimate problem is that the reader has not even the slightest chance to expect a logical conclusion to the story or even fathom the direction in which Goodkind will next take his plot. Everything occurs at a purely random pace without any rules or logical boundaries, old themes can come back simply because the author chose to bring them back. For example, there was no hint or buildup to any of the themes employed in the Phantom, no one knew a thing about the night wisps which last appeared nine books ago, and about another witch woman who suddenly becomes a threat many years after the boundary of between the Old and New World collapsed. The last couple of novels prior to the start of the Chainfire trilogy did not introduce any of the concepts now being deemed as prominent, but they reiterated more of the mindless ramblings of an author who has become too narcissistically enamored with his own recurrent objectivist soliloquies, which he simply must have his insipid literary mouthpiece (Richard) spew out at every turn, thus needlessly extending the length of the book by several hundred pages. The horrors of religious fanaticism and communism have long since been depicted by real-world examples; it is not worth repeating incessantly how horrible people who blindly adhere to their tenets can be. However the problem is that if Goodkind did not focus on his deep rooted hatred for anything collective, he might actually have to come up with a cohesive plot-line where his once-interesting characters may have to face true dilemmas, as opposed to finding themselves in situations of mortal danger from which they will effortlessly escape by "being strong", holding on to "the sanctity of life" and "never giving up" no matter if they are beaten or apparently defeated at every turn of the page. Honestly, if one considers the times Kahlan has been struck senseless in the back of the head by one villain or another, she should have at best developed symptoms of recurrent concussions or at worst be rendered comatose. Oh hell, I'll settle for a few missing teeth, but no matter what the sisters or Jagang to do her she remains beautiful and stunning at every turn. This is truly hypocritical writing from an author who strongly states that his characters deal and overcome real-life problems.

Come to think of it, hypocrisy has been a strong theme for Goodkind. He is easy to cast the horrors of the Order upon his readers, while at the same time trying to stress the goodness of his idealistic characters, but in many cases he fails to re-examine his own premises. Here is another example: In one of her intense moments with Jagang, Kahlan notices that "In the end the belief [of the Order] was nothing more than fabricated divinity--unthinking nonsense repeated in a mantra in an attempt to give it credibility, to make it sound sacred." While at that particular moment this sounds very true, just a hundred pages later, hypocrisy appears again as we come to yet another example of "fabricated divinity" and repeated "unthinking nonsense" except this time it is called the devotion to Lord Rahl, and in this case it is described as calming and soothing as any mediation. In truth, while Goodkind openly derides the philosophy of communism, he is all for employing some of the most egomaniacal practices of communist states, such as the creation of a personality cult for its leaders.

There was some shred of hope in Chainfire, a means to probably salvage the end of this series, but Phantom has quickly destroyed most of the hope. By now, I have already heard that the final installment of this series is even worse that anything that came before. How can that be?

Editorial Review:

Exclusive Video
Watch author Terry Goodkind discuss how his own morality and sense of good and evil shape the chararacters and action in his epic ten volume Sword of Truth series.

Watch a video clip featuring author Terry Goodkind

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Debt of Bones (Sword of Truth Prequel Novel)

Terry Goodkind

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 72 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Disappointing 2 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

I love the Sword of Truth Series, having just finished Soul of The Fire, but this book is disappointing. I would have liked to know more about Kahlan's mother, who was the Mother Confessor in this book.

****POSSIBLE SPOILER ALERT***

****POSSIBLE SPOILER ALERT***


About the only characters in this book that fans of the SOT series will recognize are Zed, Panis Rawl, and Kahlan's mother, who had apparently not yet chosen her mate. Richard's mother was only a child. Since Richard is only a little older than Kahlan, neither had yet been born.

The only really new information is regarding Zed: his amazing intelligence (Oops, wait, we already knew that!)and how he came to be known as the wind of death (Oops, wait, we already knew that too!)

Other than the fact that Abby saved Richard's mother's life, she is a completely forgettable character.

I tend to believe the rumors that this work was originally unauthorized fan fiction, 'cause the writing style does not seem to be Goodkind's. Furthermore, it is doubtful that Abby would have been successful at pretending to be a Mord-Sith in a D'Haran army camp. The D'Harans would have immediately spotted an impostor because of their bond with the Lord Rawl, so this doesn't fit either.

To its credit, the book does have some excellent artwork, albeit in pencil or charcoal, including a great illustration of a Grace, described in detail in Soul Of The Fire.

The only really new info in this book is how that Zed came by his gray hair, which is not completely because of natural aging. Also, Zed is not as old as one might think.

More backstory of the characters and history of the Midlands would have been great. More backstory about the real "Lurk" would have been humorous. Darken Rawl is not mentioned, though we know from Wizard's First Rule that he was a young boy and was injured by the Wizard's fire sent by Zed in this book. More backstory here would have been good as well.

In short, the book is just an OK read, but nothing great. Save your money and borrow this book from a library rather than buying it. If you are such a fan of the SOT series that you want this book for your collection, as do I, buy it used and save a few bucks.

Editorial Review:

A milestone of storytelling set in the world of The Sword of Truth, Debt of Bones is the story of young Abby's struggle to win the aid of the wizard Zedd Zorander, the most important man alive.Abby is trapped, not only between both sides of the war, but in a mortal conflict between two powerful men. For Zedd, who commands power most men can only imagine, granting Abby's request would mean forsaking his sacred duty. With the storm of the final battle about to break, both Abby and Zedd are caught in a desperate fight to save the life of a child...but neither can escape the shadow of an ancient betrayal.With time running out, their only choice may be a debt of bones. The world-for Zedd, for Abby, for everyone-will never again be the same.Discover why millions of readers the world over have elevated Terry Goodkind to the ranks of legend.

The Sword of Truth Box Set, Books 4-6: Temple of the Winds; Soul of the Fire; Faith of the Fallen

Terry Goodkind

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 17 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

This Mass Market Boxed Set, is the Second Boxed Set of The Sword of Truth series by Terry Goodkind:

The Box Set includes:
Temple of the Winds, 0-812-55148-6
Soul of the Fire, 0-812-55149-4
Faith of the Fallen, 0-812-57639-X

Book 4: Temple of the Winds
On the red moon will come the firestorm...

Wielding the Sword of Truth, Richard Rahl has battled death itself and come to the defense of the D'Haran people. But now the power-mad Emperor Jagang confronts Richard with a swift and inexorable foe: a mystical plague cutting a deadly swath across the land and slaying thousands of innocent victims.

To quench the inferno, he must seek remedy in the wind...

To fight it Richard and his beloved Kahlan Amnell will risk everything to uncover the source of the terrible plague-the magic sealed away for three millennia in the Temple of the Winds.

Lightning will find him on that path...

But when prophecy throws the shadow of betrayal across their mission and threatens to destroy them, Richard must accept the Truth and find a way to pay the price the winds demand...or he and his world will perish.


Book 5: Soul of the Fire
Sequel to the New York Times bestselling Temple of the Winds

Richard Rahl has traveled far from his roots as a simple woods guide. Emperor of the D'Haran Empire, war wizard, the Seeker of Truth--none of these roles mean as much to him as his newest: husband to his beloved Kahlan Amnell, Mother Confessor of the Midlands.

But their wedding day is the key that unlocks a spell sealed away long ago in a faraway country. Now a deadly power pours forth that threatens to turn the world into a lifeless waste.


dSeparated from the Sword of Truth and stripped of their magic, Richard and Kahlan must journey across the Midlands to discover a dark secret from the past and a trap that could tear them apart forever. For their fate has become inextricably entwined with that of the Midlands--and there's no place so dangerous as a world without magic...

Book 6: Faith of the Fallen
Sequel to the New York Times bestselling Soul of the Fire

Terry Goodkind author of the enormously popular Sword of Truth novels, has forged perhaps his best novel yet, pitting Richard Rahl and Kahlan Amnell against threats to the freedom of the world that will take them to opposite ends of the world to defeat the forces of chaos and anarchy.

Emperor Jagang is rising once again in the Old World and Richard must face him, on his own turf. Richard heads into the Old World with Cara, the Mord-Sith, while his beloved Kahlan remains behind. Unwilling to heed an ancient prophecy, Kahlan raises an army and goes into battle against forces threatening armed insurrection in the Midlands.

Separated and fighting for their lives, Richard and Kahlan will be tested to the utmost.

Blood of the Fold (Sword of Truth, Book 3)

Terry Goodkind

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 269 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Not as good as the first two, but still excellent 4 out of 5 stars.
4 of 5 people found this review helpful.

Blood of the Fold picks up right where Stone of Tears left off. It opens with Richard taking control in Aydindril after having executed the Council. However, one of the lands in the Midland alliance, Nicobarese, is resistant to the new order Richard proposes, being controlled by the Blood of the Fold. Meanwhile, the scattered remnants of the Sisters of the Dark in the Old World are plotting Richard's demise.

Heavier on political intrigue than the first two installments, Blood of the Fold is about Richard's first steps into becoming Lord Rahl, ruler of D'Hara, and how he handles being a leader, and not just a simple woods guide or even the Seeker of Truth.

Favorite characters like Gratch and Nathan Rahl play fun parts here, and some new characters like Lunetta, Tobias Brogan, and Emporer Jagang (who will become the arch-villain of the series) are all fascinating.

The biggest problem is that after what we learned about the Blood of the Fold in the previous book, the drama one might expect from a book specifically about them falls short of expectations. But those expectations were awfully high, and it would almost be unfair to Mr. Goodkind to demand that every book in his series top its predecessors, when he started out so spectacularly.

The audio book version is well-narrated (probably my favorite naration in the series, as some of the others are a bit dry). The reader's deep, resonating voice suits the story very well.

Editorial Review:

An Epic of Two Worlds

In a world as rich and real as our own, Richard Rahl and Kahlan Amnell stand against the ancient forces which besiege the New World-- forces so terrible that when last they threatened, they could only be withstood by sealing off the Old World from whence they came. Now the barrier has been breached, and the New World is again beset by their evil power.

War and treachery plague the world, and only Richard and Kahlan can save it from an armageddon of unimaginable savagery and destruction.

Terry Goodkind, author of the brilliant bestsellers Wizard's First Rule and Stone of Tears, has created his most masterful epic yet, a sumptuous feast of magic and excitement replete with the wonders of his unique fantasy vision.

Stone of Tears (Sword of Truth, Book 2)

Terry Goodkind

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 337 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Steller sequal! Goodkind has his pace! 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

I've read many a book, but none reach me like this series has. The entire Sword of Truth series, sets a pretty high standard for epic fantasy, let along a good book series. Early books had some places that were a bit clunky, (it was the authors first books if I'm not mistaken), but don't we ALL start out something a bit green, and then hone our skills?

The more books by Goodkind you read, you clearly see the excellent progress he's made in his craft. Goodkind does what so few fantasy authors do, that being have true heroes, heroes who use reason, heroes who do not become the enemy or become cowards and most important, heroes that stand up for what is honorable and true. And heroes that do not sacrifice their values to accomplish their goals.


You will not see nasty words, vulgarity, incest (unlike some series), porno, or any kind of depravity in the name of literature. This series touches on some violence and deals with real world issues like war and the true horrors of war. It exposes evil for what it is and it shows that mankind can rise up and be truly noble!

While I see there are a few people who want to vote poorly and post negative comments, it is your right. But when you post such acerbic comments, it is easy to see that you simply think it funny. Like anyone would take your petty comments as anything but jealousy and immaturity.

While this series has its merits, it has its problems as well. No book will have everything to speak to every person.

This series starts in easy, and right away you grasp the wonderful story telling ability of Goodkind, and as you go on, it delves deeper into the nature of man. This series explores deep human themes and exposes the fallacy of collectivism.

This book has a striking romantic aspect as well as plenty of heart wrenching twists. While I personally love the philosophy, I can see why some may not. That (IOHP), is why we have arena such as this, so that we can offer up likes and dislikes. Most who do that have offered up an HONEST review. The rest simply are offering up vitriol, because they fear this series for the good that it does and they fear it because they feel it a threat to their favorite author.

BE HONEST, give the book its due.

Support your book stores! Support the Publishing world, and for goodness sake buy a book so we can drive these whacked out "save the rain forest" freaks crazy by cutting down a few more trees!

Editorial Review:

An Epic of Awesome Power

Kahlan has at last gained the one goal she had always thought was beyond her grasp ... love. Against all odds, the ancient bonds of secret oaths, and the dark talents of men long dead, Richard has won her heart.

Amid sudden and disastrous events, Richard's life is called due to satisfy those treacherous oaths. To save his life, Kahlan must forsake Richard's love and cast him into the chains of slavery, knowing there could be no sin worse than such a betrayal.

Richard is determined to unlock the secrets bound in the magic of ancient oaths and to again be free. Kahlan, alone with the terrible truth of what she has done, must set about altering the course of a world thrown into war. But even that may be easier than ever winning back the heart of the only man she will ever love.

Sword of Truth, Boxed Set III, Books 7-9: The Pillars of Creation, Naked Empire, Chainfire (Sword Of Truth)

Terry Goodkind

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 18 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

This Mass Market Boxed Set, is the Third Boxed Set of The Sword of Truth series by Terry Goodkind:

The Box Set includes:
Pillars of Creation, 0-765-34074-7
Naked Empire, 0-765-34430-7
Chainfire, 0-765-34431-9

Book 7: Pillars of Creation

Sequel to the New York Times bestselling Faith of the Fallen

New York Times bestselling author Terry Goodkind has created his most lavish adventure yet. Tormented her entire life by inhuman voices, a young woman named Lauren seeks to end her intolerable agony. She at last discovers a way to silence the voices. For everyone else, the torment is about to begin.

With winter descending and the paralyzing dread of an army of annihilation occupying their homeland, Richard Rahl and his wife Kahlan must venture deep into a strange and desolate land. Their quest turns to terror when they find themselves the helpless prey of a tireless hunter.

Meanwhile, Lauren finds herself drawn into the center of a struggle for conquest and revenge. Worse yet, she finds her will seized by forces more abhorrent than anything she ever envisioned. Only then does she come to realize that the voices were real.

Staggered by loss and increasingly isolated, Richard and Kahlan must stop the relentless, unearthly threat which has come out of the darkest night of the human soul. To do so, Richard will be called upon to face the demons stalking among the Pillars of Creation.

Discover breathtaking adventure and true nobility of spirit. Find out why millions of readers the world over have elevated Terry Goodkind to the ranks of legend.


Book 8: Naked Empire
Beginning with Wizard's First Rule and continuing with six subsequent fantasy masterpieces, Terry Goodkind has thrilled and awed millions of readers worldwide. Now Goodkind returns with a broad-canvas adventure of epic intrigue, violent conflict, and terrifying peril for the beautiful Kahlan Amnell and her husband, the heroic Richard Rahl, the Sword of Truth.

Richard Rahl has been poisoned. Saving an empire from annihilation is the price of the antidote. With the shadow of death looming near, the empire crumbling before the invading hordes, and time running out, Richard is offered not only his own life but the salvation of a people, in exchange for delivering his wife, Kahlan, into bondage to the enemy.

Book 9: Chainfire
With Wizard's First Rule and seven subsequent masterpieces, Terry Goodkind has thrilled readers worldwide with the unique sweep of his storytelling. Now Goodkind returns with a new novel of Richard and Kahlan, the beginning of a sequence of three novels that will bring their epic story to its culmination.

After being gravely injured in battle, Richard awakes to discover Kahlan missing. To his disbelief, no one remembers the woman he is frantically trying to find. Worse, no one believes that she really exists, or that he was ever married. Alone as never before, he must find the woman he loves more than life itself....if she is even still alive. If she was ever even real.

The Sword of Truth, Boxed Set I, Books 1-3: Wizard's First Rule, Blood of the Fold ,Stone of Tears

Terry Goodkind

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 48 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

The Sword of Truth, Boxed Set I, Books 1-3Wizard's First Rule, Stone of Tears, and Blood of the FoldBook 1: Wizards First RuleThe masterpiece that started The New York Times bestselling epic Sword of TruthIn the aftermath of the brutal murder of his father, a mysterious woman, Kahlan Amnell, appears in Richard Cypher's forest sanctuary seeking help . . . and more. His world, his very beliefs, are shattered when ancient debts come due with thundering violence.In a dark age it takes courage to live, and more than mere courage to challenge those who hold dominion, Richard and Kahlan must take up that challenge or become the next victims. Beyond awaits a bewitching land where even the best of their hearts could betray them. Yet, Richard fears nothing so much as what secrets his sword might reveal about his own soul. Falling in love would destroy them--for reasons Richard can't imagine and Kahlan dare not say.In their darkest hour, hunted relentlessly, tormented by treachery and loss, Kahlan calls upon Richard to reach beyond his sword--to invoke within himself something more noble. Neither knows that the rules of battle have just changed . . . or that their time has run out.This is the beginning. One book. One Rule. Witness the birth of a legend.Book 2: Stone of TearsAn Epic of Awesome PowerKahlan has at last gained the one goal she had always thought was beyond her grasp ... love. Against all odds, the ancient bonds of secret oaths, and the dark talents of men long dead, Richard has won her heart.Amid sudden and disastrous events, Richard's life is called due to satisfy those treacherous oaths. To save his life, Kahlan must forsake Richard's love and cast him into the chains of slavery, knowing there could be no sin worse than such a betrayal.Richard is determined to unlock the secrets bound in the magic of ancient oaths and to again be free. Kahlan, alone with the terrible truth of what she has done, must set about altering the course of a world thrown into war. But even that may be easier than ever winning back the heart of the only man she will ever love.Book 3: Blood of the FoldAn Epic of Two WorldsIn a world as rich and real as our own, Richard Rahl and Kahlan Amnell stand against the ancient forces which besiege the New World-- forces so terrible that when last they threatened, they could only be withstood by sealing off the Old World from whence they came. Now the barrier has been breached, and the New World is again beset by their evil power.War and treachery plague the world, and only Richard and Kahlan can save it from an armageddon of unimaginable savagery and destruction.Terry Goodkind, author of the brilliant bestsellers Wizard's First Rule and Stone of Tears, has created his most masterful epic yet, a sumptuous feast of magic and excitement replete with the wonders of his unique fantasy vision.

Wizard's First Rule (Sword of Truth, Book 1)

Terry Goodkind

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 1357 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Terry Goodkind is THE MAN 5 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

I have recently finished reading the entire Sword of Truth series and am looking forward to going through it again as an entire entity now that it is finished and I can read it all from start to finish. The ability to have it in electronic format will be a great boon to me since I travel quite a bit and having the ability to download new books without having to carry around a heavy hardcover, which is what I have all the books in, will be a great thing for me.

Goodkind has an amazing writing style and his work easily stands up to anything that other fantasy writers like Tolkien, Jordan, Eddings and Brooks have done. He created an incredibly vibrant world with lifelike characters that have the same strengths and flaws and real people.

Editorial Review:

Millions of readers the world over have been held spellbound by this valiant tale vividly told.

Now, enter Terry Goodkind's world, the world of the Sword of Truth.

In the aftermath of the brutal murder of his father, a mysterious woman, Kahlan Amnell, appears in Richard Cypher's forest sanctuary seeking help ... and more. His world, his very beliefs, are shattered when ancient debts come due with thundering violence.

In their darkest hour, hunted relentlessly, tormented by treachery and loss, Kahlan calls upon Richard to reach beyond his sword-- to invoke within himself something more noble. Neither knows that the rules of battle have just changed ... or that their time has run out.

This is the beginning. One book. One Rule. Witness the birth of a legend.

Chainfire: Chainfire Trilogy, Part 1 (Sword of Truth, Book 9)

Terry Goodkind

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 391 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

The nature of the monster with no nature ... fantastic! 4 out of 5 stars.
8 of 8 people found this review helpful.

Lord Richard Rahl is the sole survivor of a battle in which a troop of soldiers is brutally massacred by an unknown and, indeed, unseen enemy capable of enormous ferocity. When Richard recovers from his near fatal wounds with the help of sorceress Nicci's use of the all but forbidden subtractive magic, he discovers that he is the only living soul who remembers his beloved wife Kahlan, the Mother Confessor. All of Richard's friends and compatriots - Cara, his Mord-Sith bodyguard, Nicci the sorceress and former Mistress of Death, Verna and Ann, joint prelates of the Sisters of the Light, Nathan the prophet, the witch woman Shiota, even wizard Zedd, Richard's beloved grandfather - are convinced that Richard has lost his reason.

Worse yet, because Richard feels he must devote what remains of his life and energy to finding his beloved wife and rescuing her from whatever fate has trapped her beyond the world's ken, he has also reached the decision to not lead his weakened D'Haran troops in a final battle against the almost limitless hordes of the advancing Emperor Jagang. He has also traded his Sword of Truth to the witch woman Shiota for one critical scrap of knowledge ... the word "Chainfire", which he will discover in his travels is the name of a long deeply hidden spell capable of literally unraveling existence itself. Without Richard's leadership and the Sword of Truth, prophesy dictates that the free world is doomed to fall to Jagang and the Keeper of Death.

The ninth book in the now aging "Sword of Truth" series, "Chainfire" is the first novel of a trilogy within the series based on Kahlan's disappearance from the world. First time readers of Goodkind's work should be warned that this novel would be almost indecipherable if read before a significant number of the previous eight novels.

While the plot outline is a good one, many reviewers have commented that the book is repetitive and lengthy to the point of tedium. For me, I would agree with the label "repetitive" but found the extended discussions on the philosophical notion of existence and the attempts at logical debate regarding the meaning of existence interesting and thought-provoking as opposed to tedious. The nature of the monster that Goodkind created to wipe out Richard's soldiers in the opening scene and to dog his footsteps throughout the balance of the novel was extraordinarily innovative. I don't think it would be exaggerating to suggest that such a beast is unique in the entire pantheon of beings created by authors since the very inception of fantasy as a genre.

Oh, I'll admit a little more action would have been a nice touch and a welcome change from time to time but it certainly didn't dampen my enthusiasm for the series and I'll definitely be looking for the tenth book, the second instalment in this sub-trilogy, "Phantom".

Recommended for committed Goodkind fantasy fans.

Paul Weiss

Editorial Review:

With Wizard's First Rule and seven subsequent masterpieces, Terry Goodkind has thrilled readers worldwide with the unique sweep of his storytelling. Now Goodkind returns with a new novel of Richard and Kahlan, the beginning of a sequence of three novels that will bring their epic story to its culmination.

After being gravely injured in battle, Richard awakes to discover Kahlan missing. To his disbelief, no one remembers the woman he is frantically trying to find. Worse, no one believes that she really exists, or that he was ever married. Alone as never before, he must find the woman he loves more than life itself....if she is even still alive. If she was ever even real.