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]