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Tormented her entire life by inhuman voices, a young woman seeks to end her intolerable agony, but silencing the voices unleashes torment on everyone else. In this Sword of Truth book, it falls to Richard and Kahlan to stop the unearthly threat that comes out of the darkest night of the human soul.
Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly
Fantasy bestseller Goodkind brings his usual strong sense of place and distinct characterization to his seventh sprawling novel in the popular Sword of Truth series, though the action, too often discussed rather than shown, takes a while to warm up. The struggle continues between the New World's Seeker of Truth, Lord Richard Rahl, and the Old World's totalitarian leader, Emperor Jagang "the Just," against the dry and barren beauty of the desert landscape. After deposing his father, old Lord Rahl, Richard lingers in the background at his immense fortress. Meanwhile, battling for power are the bastards that old Rahl has also sired, notably Richard's oafish lout of a half-brother, Oba, who tries to murder his way to the throne. Taking center stage is the vengeful Jennsen, who wants to kill Richard because she blames him for her mother's murder. Of course, Richard isn't the villain she takes him for, though Jennsen is slow to catch on. Amid the interminable sword-and-sorcery in the tradition of Robert E. Howard (Howard would have especially appreciated the huge serpent with which Oba and Jennsen contend), the author spouts his familiar political pieties. Lip service may be paid to public good, but passion arises only in scenes of violence. For all its clumsy exposition, unlikely coincidences and feeble attempts at humor, this latest installment, with its striking jacket art showing a beautiful desert landscape, is as certain to please Goodkind's legions of fans as previous books in the series. (Dec.) Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.
Library Journal
Goodkind takes a left turn in this seventh entry of his "Sword of Truth" series. He abandons his main characters for a time and concentrates on the life and adventures of a young woman named Jennsen, the illegitimate daughter of Darken Rahl. Jennsen hears voices (complete with Cecil B. Demille effects) and is pursued by dark forces seemingly because of her heritage. She flees her home after her mother is killed in search of a sorceress she thinks holds the keys to her destiny, only to discover more than she bargains for...such as a big swamp snake. Goodkind's D'Hara world is a glittering tapestry described in immediate and sometimes gruesome detail; it is interesting to hear how he has turned it upside down in The Pillars of Creation. The narration by Jim Bond is crisp, well done, and dramatic. Thankfully, Brilliance Audio seems to have abandoned its former whirlwind reading pace. Listeners will be enthralled and eager to sample more series entries. Though the price tag and length will deter some libraries, this is enthusiastically recommended for anyone who enjoys monumental fantasy. Barbara Perkins, Irving P.L., TX Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.
