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Submitted by MoonPies27 
(Jan 19, 2006)

From the moment that I picked up Wizard's First Rule, I have been addicted to Mr. Goodkind's books. They seemed like bits of heaven had been found and printed on paper especially for me. In the next 3 weeks, I proceeded to devour his masterpieces, leaving little time for other unecessary things, such as sleeping and school. But to my horror, as I began to read Faith of the Fallen, I couldn't seem to enjoy it. Despite my best efforts, I was unable to really immerse myself in this drudgery of a tome. After the first hundered pages, the story slowed to a crawl. It continued in this rut for the next several hundered agonizing pages. The last few chapters were the best part of this book, partly because the story started to pick up, and partly because I wanted to move on to Pillars of Creation. Terry's philosophical insights, though intriguing, can become both repetitive and preachy at times. If you are a die-hard fan of the series, this is a necessary read, but otherwise I strongly do not reccommend this book.

I wasn't gonna review this book because I didn't think it deserved any more of my time. But I felt I should since some people seemed to enjoy the philosophical meanderings contained in it. I read the first 5 books and was ok with them. I mean they weren't very good (seriously repetitive storylines, seriously annoying lead character, seriously strange views on humanity, women in particular), especially Goodkind's apparent obsession with rape, at least one major occurence in each book. This book is quite different to the first 5 as Goodkind decides to bring his politics to the fore. If I want to read about politics I will read Rousseau, Mill or Marx but the kind of politics that Goodkind preaches most people have out of their system when they've finished 2nd level schooling. It made an embarassing read. Goodkind says 'it's your life, stand up and live it' and argues against 'enforced charity' ie. Socialism. I'm not sure what the recently laid off, unskilled, father of three would have to say about this but I guess Goodkind is entitled to his ridiculous opinions. Oh, and the part with the statues is just laughable. A very bad book

This book really captures the essence of Goodkind philosophy. Where all his books express the power of the human spirit and the need for everyone to take control of their own lives and live for themselves and the ones they love. Goodkind wants the reader to see that are services to others should come from our hearts desire to do so, and not from some sort of illsubstanced obligation. Goodkind by putting Richard in the heart of the enemies territory exposes the fallacies of such obligated socialism. Richard represents the true human spirit and overcomes by living for himself and those he cares for.

I have read many novels in the fantasy genre and after having read all of the Sword of Truth series can honestly say that this is my favourite book ever. The themes in this book are many times clearly stated and they have brought new meaning to my life. No other story that I have ever read has displayed love and individual value to the extent that this one accomplishes. I was actually changed by this book and nothing has ever had that much impact on me. I can only say that in times as troubled as these people are constantly searching for hope and i have found that. Mr. Goodkind's words are forever engraved in my heart.
"Your life is yours alone. Rise up and live it."

Never have I read a book so compelling as this one. Mr. Goodkind, the outstanding author that he is, portrays the value of life and as people, our ability to change it. The characters, realistically, bring forth their will for freedom and serve as an example of how ordinary people can believe incredible things, how but one person's determination can change a world. I have yet to finish this book, but the overwhelming effect it has made on my will to strive for whatever is expected of me, to give what it takes, is unbelievable.

Richard Rahl, once a simple woods guide, and Kahlan Rahl, are presently (for that is where I've paused in the reading of this book) achieving the impossible for something in which they believe. This book can teach one to know their limits, but to not doubt faith, will, and "power of the human spirit."

I can simply say, "WOW!" to this awesome novel and all its truth.