The Pillars of Creation, the seventh installment of the Sword of Truth series by Terry Goodkind, is the first in the series not to prominently feature the regular characters of the first six books.

In The Pillars of Creation, we are introduced to some new characters whose storylines will dominate most of the book.  Jennsen and Sebastian are first escaping the assassins of “Lord Rahl”, then joining Jagang and the Imperial Order, setting out to assassinate Richard Rahl.  Oba is discovering that he has a great deal of strength and power, and is seeking answers and riches.  Though neither knows it, Jennsen and Oba are half-siblings to each other, as well as to Richard Rahl.  It is discovered that Jennsen and Oba are known as “Pillars of Creation”, meaning that they have no spark of magical ability in them whatsoever.  This is a rarity in a world where almost every living being has at least a miniscule spark of magic within them.  This story sets up for the eighth book in the series, Naked Empire, which delves deeper into the world of the ungifted.

-[insert revolutionary thinking here]

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]

The history of the war that Richard Rahl now finds himself in is fleshed out in more detail in Temple of the Winds, the fourth book of the Sword of Truth series by Terry Goodkind.

The Emperor of the Imperial Order, Jagang, has forced Richard Rahl into following a prophecy with only two endings, both of which hold death.  A magical plague spreads across the New World with the intensity of a hurricane as Jagang’s armies advance further.  Meanwhile, Richard learns a great deal more about the Great War 3,000 years past from the journals he has found of a wizard from that time.  Richard Rahl must deal with betrayal while holding off the forces of the Old World and the Imperial Order.

By the way, Richard defeats one enemy by ripping his spine out through his stomach.

I won’t say who, but that’s pretty awesome.  That’s Roadhouse awesome.

-Because I said so

Blood of the Fold is the third book in Terry Goodkind’s Sword of Truth series, and it continues the story of Richard Rahl, while introducing some new characters to the universe.

Following the events of the second book, Stone of Tears, a new threat is becoming evident to the New World (the home of Richard Rahl).  This story sees a great deal of political upheaval with Richard taking control over the entire New World in an effort to stop the armies of the Old World.   The threat of the Imperial Order is preceeded by the threat of the Blood of the Fold, a fanatical army intent on destroying all magical beings.  Richard’s task is made more difficult when the lands he is trying to protect do not easily submit to his authority.

-Because I said so

Terry Goodkind continues the story of Richard Rahl in Stone of Tears, book two of the Sword of Truth series.

Richard, after discovering in the first book that he is the son of the evil tyrant he had to defeat, finds himself seemingly betrayed in this book, putting him up against a new set of foes, both intellectual and physical.  In another fantasy genre cliche move, Richard finds out that he is special beyond the other wizards and people in the world.  I mentioned in the first book review that no wizard in 3,000 years had been both with both sides of magic.  Richard, apparently, is the first in all of that time to have both sides within him.  Now, not only is our hero risen from a modest standing, but he is also uniquely gifted in all the world.  He needs these new gifts,  however, as a new, menacing enemy is hinted at.  Richard’s abilities are further revealed in a slowly expanding story that will continue on for nine books after this one.  At almost 1,000 pages, Stone of Tears is another exercise in commitment, but it is well worth the time.

-Because I said so

Wizard’s First Rule is the first book in the Sword of Truth fantasy series by Terry Goodkind.  Wizard’s First Rule introduces you to Richard Cypher, a skilled woodsman and ranger in Westland who becomes a true hero.

If that plot sounds familiar, then you’ve read a fantasy novel of any kind.  The normal, unassuming individual lives in peace with no idea of his or her waiting destiny until they are suddenly thrust into their fate.  It is a very common theme for a heroic fantasy novel.  However, Terry Goodkind takes this theme and places it in his world of unique magic, people, and history.  A new system of magic is created for this world that is unique to me; Additive and Subtractive magics.  Additive magic is the power to create, while Subtractive magic is the power to destroy.  In the story, wizards are no longer born with the ability to use Subtractive magic, and have not been able to do so for 3,000 years, leaving magic somewhat lopsided.  It is an interesting magical system that pairs well with the universe in which it resides.

Beyond the original cliched premise, the story itself is wonderful.  It starts off slowly while setting up characters, locales, plot, etc, but once it has satisfactorily brought the reader up to speed, the story explodes.  It is a very well written story and a great deal of fun to read.  I’ve read through it a few times myself, and highly recommend it.  Keep in mind, though, that this book is nearly 850 pages, and the first book in a series of 11.  It’s less of a casual read and more of a part-time job.

-Because I said so

The Last Enchantment is the final book of The Merlin Trilogy, bring the life and deeds of Merlin the Enchanter to a satisfactory conclusion.

The Last Enchantment sees Arthur rise to the position of High King of Britain, with Merlin as his advisor and protector.  The book also sees Merlin, in his later years, finally accept the love of a woman, Niniane, who becomes his apprentice, learning all of his arts and continuing the position of advisor, protector, and sorceror for King Arthur.  Merlin’s story is left open at the end, as he bids farewell to Arthur, asking when his next visit will be.  Merlin has completed his life’s work and is now content and at peace; a just reward for his lifetime of efforts and sacrifice.

-Because I said so

The Hollow Hills is the second book of The Merlin Trilogy detailing the life and purpose of Merlin the Enchanter.

The Hollow Hills follows Merlin’s plans for the conception of Arthur, the King who will come to save Britain from the Saxons and from itself.  A very different story is presented here than the standard Sword in the Stone story that most people are familiar with.  Merlin’s power, intelligence, and devotion are easily seen in this wonderful continuation.

-Because I said so

Mary Stewart’s Merlin Trilogy takes the reader through the life of Merlin, the great wizard of Arthurian legend.  The first book in this trilogy is The Crystal Cave.

The Crystal Cave begins a more detailed and somewhat new story of Merlin’s childhood and youth.  The first book sees Merlin progress from a bastard child into the acknowledged son and heir of Aurelius Ambrosius, High King of all Britain.  It also tells the story of his ascent into true power.  The Crystal Cave gives readers a very insightful look into the life and mind of one of history’s greatest legends, Myrddin Emrys, known as Merlinus Ambrosius, known as Merlin the Enchanter.

-Because I said so