Blood of the Fold by Terry Goodkind

Yes I agree this was a very frustrating book in a sense but at least it brought back the wonder and horror of magic that exists in the Goodkind universe. After Faith of the Fallen, which I thought was fantasic, the last two books have been relatively frustrating and feeble. I think Goodkind was perhaps stallng while he figured out how to move forward. So I am happy that Goodkind has finally figured out what he wants to do with this whole mess. Now Goodkind fans already know this, but I want to point it out anyway, Goodkind is certainly not detail oriented, like say George RR Martin, Tad Williams, or Kate Elliot, so his books do not breath and live as these authors' books do, but I don't think Goodkind really cares about that, since his books obviously have an ethical and intellectual agenda, and thus are not necessarily meant to make you escape to another reality. But instead his books are fables meant to attack your thinking about our current reality. I am still not sure what Goodkind's true ethics and poltics are, though I see strong libertarianism, combinded with Thelema, which for those who don't know is Aleister Crowley's philosophy - Do What You Want Shall Be the Whole of the Law, Love is the Law Love Under Will - In his writing. He tells us fables basically designed to encourage us to think for ourselves, and tries not to be too preachy about it. I find this approach to epic fantasy extremely interesting and am glad to see Goodkind's agenda at least is back on track. This book was primarily set up. I expect a bang up climax.

Blood of the Fold is impressive. Admittedly the Richard-Kahlan separation is frustrating, but it kept me reading. However, if Richard doesn't learn how to use his magic soon, I will give up on the series.

I am thoroughly immersed in his series and have read 1-3 in a matter of 3 weeks. I am reading all the time right now, I need to start exercising again. Pick up the series, it's wonderful.

This book is a great developing story in an ongoing saga. Though this book can stand on its own merit, the book seems more as a chapter in a much bigger novel. The plot itself seems as almost a vehicle to define Richard's gift, as well as the history of the Wizards war. This is a great read as I couldn't wait to turn each page to see what new prophesy would be solved by Warren, or what new chapter in the Rahl history would be deciphered by Berdine. Thank you Mr.Goodkind!