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Submitted by Chuck Jones  (May 12, 2005)I ran across the first book of this series years ago in the library, I was actually quite amazed at how much I enjoyed Wizard's First Rule. I have, of course, heard from oh so many half-wits who have little else to do with their time than point out all the similarities between Jordan and Goodkind's works. (I'd rather read Goodkind's books over Jordan's trite nonsense anytime.)
In general though, I quickly grew bored with the series. The entire plot of each book seems to follow this outline:
A. Richard and Kahlan get into an impossible to escape situation.
B. 20% of the minor characters in the series die.
C. Richard and Kahlan escape the impossible to escape situation.
D. Repeat until you just can't stand to read another.
While I do like the stories and the general concept, there are way too many holes in Goodkind's writing. He incessently contradicts himself, in Stone of Tears alone I counted six different paradoxes. On top of that, the editing of the book is very poor - I note, on average, about two spelling or grammatical errors in every chapter. Do his publishers not bother to have the manuscripts proofread before they publish them? or is the state of modern fantasy fiction in such a sad shape that they know that people will buy any steaming pile of manure they throw to us?
Submitted by Katie  (Feb 25, 2005)Ack! This book is why fantasy is not a very respected genre. While a lot of my friends liked this book and highly recommended it, I found it redundant and boring. The main character is constantly depressed for some reason or other, and we know this not because we see it in his words or actions, but because we are told. Is it not the oldest rule in the book to show instead of tell? I felt the book was written for shock value. But hey, that's just me. Submitted by Christine  (Feb 18, 2005)All I can say is that this is the only fantasy series that I can hold onto from beginning to end without losing interest. Often the fantasy is too far out there, or else the characters are people I could care less about. Such is not the case here.
Although the world may be "made up", there are enough similarities in geography and in society that we can all relate to. The themes expounded upon are themes we can apply to our everyday existence. On top of that, the writing and descriptions are not unwieldy and full of themselves.
I just cannot say enough praises about the author and his creations. Submitted by Anonymous  (Nov 13, 2004)A queer tale by all accounts - The Faith of the Fallen seems to be an attempt by the author to represent matchlessly moral values of the highest calibre. The intent is doubtless impeachable but, most unfortunately, the author fails abysmally in representing his ideals.
It begins with the formerly pure evil Nikki now being represented as a brainwashed (in my not-so-humble opinion downright out of her senses) woman who was, regrettably (well maybe not so regrettable), in her childhood exposed to people who were BARKING RAVING MAD!!!
The story continues with ruthless "good" people - Kahlan, etc.-, disgustingly good people - Richard-, the downright insane -#1. Nikki, and the temporarily crazy - Annalina Aldurren.
Ultimately, the book succeeds not in representing the "infallibility and strength of the human spirit", but in mildly disturbing the peace of the reader's mind. Submitted by Bree  (Aug 10, 2004)I started the Sword of Truth series about 3 months ago and now I'm anxiously awaiting the next book in the series. I first heard of the first book, Wizards First Rule, from my boyfriend, who, by the way, NEVER in his life volunteered to read a magazine, let alone and entire series. We've both been so drawn into the story and the characters, it gives us all sorts of things to talk about. I must admit, Cara is the most colorful character in the whole book, I just love her!
Keep up the good work!!! and get the next book out soon, I'm so anxious to keep reading this series!
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