This book, while an improvement from the previous book in the series, continues to not add much to the overarching plot of the series. However, I do appreciate Goodkind using Richard and Kahlan to do little, in sharp contrast to using a new character, as in the last book. ( )

This is the 8th book in the Sword of Truth series. This by far the most political and preachy, sounding very much as if the author was talking more about conditions in 2003, rather than his own fantasy world. Not a lot happens to the main plot in this book, as Richard continues to lead people to freedom, even if they have little or nothing to do with the main problem. Don't expect any resolution in this book, its more of the same ongoing unresolved conflict. The characters are still good and you can see where he's kind of hinting at important things, but just not enough to justify the length of this book. ( )

I know that some others didn't enjoy this book, but there was something about this one that kept my interest. Nowhere near my favorite up to this point, but I did like it. A formerly secluded empire suddenly is thrust back into the world after the boundry keeping them hidden away is taken down and the Imperial Order moves in. The story is really a tale of an "enlightened" people who learn to fight for their freedom in ways that go against everything they've known.

This starts off a bit slow but after plugging through the first few chapters it starts to come together. Some view this novel as being preachy for Terry's political ideas, but I didn't see it that way (perhaps because I tend to agree with his philosophy). If you're looking for sword / sorcery, high fantasy, then I can see where you may have problems with this book, but if you've made it this far in the series then this fits nicely and moves the story along. ( )

This isn't Terry Goodkind's best book, but neither is it his worst. It's just not... noteworthy. I really can't say why I think so. However, it's still worth reading. It explains some things that were explored in The Pillars of Creation, and it creates a unique and interesting situation using those same elements. It's a good read, but not a great one. ( )

My least favorite in the Sword of Truth series. An okay read, but not as captivating as the others. ( )

Felt like I was being lectured at times, series is starting to take a nose dive. ( )