The sixth book in Goodkind’s Sword of Truth series, Faith of the Fallen, drastically alters the course of the overall story.

Richard and Kahlan have removed themselves from the world after Richard’s faith in the ability of the people to stand up for themselves and choose freedom over tyranny.  They are unable to stay away, however, when Nicci, an incredibly powerful sorceress who has had dealings with Richard before, captures him and takes him into the heart of the Old World.  She wants to make him understand the idealogy of the Imperial Order by making him live in the capital of the Old World.  He is forced to live without magic, and without his identity.  After many months, Richard, however, simply by his nature, unknowingly converts Nicci into a follower and ally, opening her eyes to the oppression and degradation of the Old World and the Imperial Order.  With the many followers he has managed to acquire simply by being himself, Richard is able to oversee the fall of the capital of the Imperial Order.  Faith of the Fallen is easily one of my favorite books in the Sword of Truth series.

-[insert revolutionary thinking here]

Soul of the Fire, the fifth book in Terry Goodkind’s Sword of Truth series, continues moments after where Temple of the Winds left off.

In Soul of the Fire, the magic that Kahlan (Richard’s wife) uses to save Richard’s life releases a terrible scourge into the world known as the Chimes.  The Chimes slowly begin draining magic out of the world, which could lead to apocalyptic consequences.  Richard and Kahlan discover the Chimes after Zedd (Richard’s grandfather) has started trying to banish the Chimes from the living world.  While the heroes pursue their objective, another story is taking place.  The land of Anderith is a strategic military point in the battle between Richard Rahl and the Imperial Order.  Political intrigue in Anderith has a large effect on the lives of Richard, Kahlan, Zedd, and many others.  Soul of the Fire is very well written, and one of the more enjoyable books in the series, in my opinion.

-[insert revolutionary thinking here]

The history of the war that Richard Rahl now finds himself in is fleshed out in more detail in Temple of the Winds, the fourth book of the Sword of Truth series by Terry Goodkind.

The Emperor of the Imperial Order, Jagang, has forced Richard Rahl into following a prophecy with only two endings, both of which hold death.  A magical plague spreads across the New World with the intensity of a hurricane as Jagang’s armies advance further.  Meanwhile, Richard learns a great deal more about the Great War 3,000 years past from the journals he has found of a wizard from that time.  Richard Rahl must deal with betrayal while holding off the forces of the Old World and the Imperial Order.

By the way, Richard defeats one enemy by ripping his spine out through his stomach.

I won’t say who, but that’s pretty awesome.  That’s Roadhouse awesome.

-Because I said so

Blood of the Fold is the third book in Terry Goodkind’s Sword of Truth series, and it continues the story of Richard Rahl, while introducing some new characters to the universe.

Following the events of the second book, Stone of Tears, a new threat is becoming evident to the New World (the home of Richard Rahl).  This story sees a great deal of political upheaval with Richard taking control over the entire New World in an effort to stop the armies of the Old World.   The threat of the Imperial Order is preceeded by the threat of the Blood of the Fold, a fanatical army intent on destroying all magical beings.  Richard’s task is made more difficult when the lands he is trying to protect do not easily submit to his authority.

-Because I said so

Terry Goodkind continues the story of Richard Rahl in Stone of Tears, book two of the Sword of Truth series.

Richard, after discovering in the first book that he is the son of the evil tyrant he had to defeat, finds himself seemingly betrayed in this book, putting him up against a new set of foes, both intellectual and physical.  In another fantasy genre cliche move, Richard finds out that he is special beyond the other wizards and people in the world.  I mentioned in the first book review that no wizard in 3,000 years had been both with both sides of magic.  Richard, apparently, is the first in all of that time to have both sides within him.  Now, not only is our hero risen from a modest standing, but he is also uniquely gifted in all the world.  He needs these new gifts,  however, as a new, menacing enemy is hinted at.  Richard’s abilities are further revealed in a slowly expanding story that will continue on for nine books after this one.  At almost 1,000 pages, Stone of Tears is another exercise in commitment, but it is well worth the time.

-Because I said so

Wizard’s First Rule is the first book in the Sword of Truth fantasy series by Terry Goodkind.  Wizard’s First Rule introduces you to Richard Cypher, a skilled woodsman and ranger in Westland who becomes a true hero.

If that plot sounds familiar, then you’ve read a fantasy novel of any kind.  The normal, unassuming individual lives in peace with no idea of his or her waiting destiny until they are suddenly thrust into their fate.  It is a very common theme for a heroic fantasy novel.  However, Terry Goodkind takes this theme and places it in his world of unique magic, people, and history.  A new system of magic is created for this world that is unique to me; Additive and Subtractive magics.  Additive magic is the power to create, while Subtractive magic is the power to destroy.  In the story, wizards are no longer born with the ability to use Subtractive magic, and have not been able to do so for 3,000 years, leaving magic somewhat lopsided.  It is an interesting magical system that pairs well with the universe in which it resides.

Beyond the original cliched premise, the story itself is wonderful.  It starts off slowly while setting up characters, locales, plot, etc, but once it has satisfactorily brought the reader up to speed, the story explodes.  It is a very well written story and a great deal of fun to read.  I’ve read through it a few times myself, and highly recommend it.  Keep in mind, though, that this book is nearly 850 pages, and the first book in a series of 11.  It’s less of a casual read and more of a part-time job.

-Because I said so

The Tombs of Atuan is the second book in the Earthsea Cycle, continuing the story of A Wizard of Earthsea a few years after its events.  The book moves its focus, however, onto a new main character, while placing Ged in the role of a supporting character.

The Tombs of Atuan is a similar coming of age style story.  The main character, Tenar, also known as Arha, is raised believing in one ideal only to discover as she grows that it has all been a lie.  The book ties the two character stories together and begins to set down the foundation of the third installment of the series.

More insight is given into the nature of the world of Earthsea, creating an even more immersive environment for the mind to wander in.  It is a good continuation to Ged’s overall story, and a wonderful read.

-Because I said so

I am a fan of fantasy novels.  One might even go so far as to label me an aficionado. One book that has been a favorite of mine in this genre for a couple of decades is the Ursula K. LeGuin story A Wizard of Earthsea.

A Wizard of Earthsea tells the early story of Ged, known as Sparrowhawk.  The story is, in many ways, a coming of age tale that sees Ged transform from an arrogant child into a wise mage.  A Wizard of Earthsea creates a wonderful world with a wonderful magical structure behind it.

Magic in Earthsea is not the result of a magical spell or wand, as it is so often displayed.  In Earthsea, true magic comes from the true names of things.  When you have the true name of an object, you have complete control over the object.  A rock can be changed into a diamond, the elements can be controlled, and pure force can be wielded.  This system not only provides something new to the fantasy world, it creates limits for those who would abuse it.

While short, A Wizard of Earthsea is a must-read for a fan of fantasty or adventure.  Even if you’re just a fan of reading, Earthsea is truly entertaining.

-Because I said so