Rating: 
Summary: Well.... At Least I Made it to Book Two....
Review: Many people that read Terry Goodkind's first book in The Sword of Truth Series give up in the beginning. Goodkind is a decent writer but honestly, I think declaring him one of the best fantasy writers today speaks words about how bereft the fantasy genre is of talented authors. I almost gave up on book one myself and I'm glad I didn't because in the end, I enjoyed the book and had a merry time reading about the adventures of Richard, Kahlan, Zed, Chase and others. I purchased book two the day after completing the first book and initially, I zipped through it like I did book one but something happened along the way. Stone of Tears isn't a bad read but it just didn't pull me in like the first book. I think the biggest point of tension in book one was Richard and Kahlan's relationship and now that they're together (sort of) and know each other so well, their characters don't have the same zip they used to. I don't mind long reads but I feel like Goodkind could shorten all his books by AT LEAST a hundred pages. In book two, I started feeling like I was slowly churning along and I stopped reading about midway through after reading Ada's (Is that her name?) background story. I won't ruin it for any potential readers but the story about her split from her ex-lover smacks hard of that typical Goodkind nonsense that he sometimes uses as origins or motivation for his characters. If you enjoyed the first novel, I'd give the second one a try. After all, enough people have enjoyed this series to allow it to continue to book eight, nine or whatever it's on now; but in my opinion, if you want a new fantasy series, check out George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire Series or Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time Series first if you haven't already. Jordan's series gets slow in the end but the first few books are much better than The Sword of Truth Series. Overall, Stone of Tears is a decent read but not everyone will enjoy it.
Rating: 
Summary: Now here's a great book. . .
Review: Soul of Tears - Terry Goodkind (Review)Wow. I remember, after I had started getting into Wheel of Time (by Robert Jordan), but before I had started the Sword of Truth novels, I thought that the Sword of Truth series was a WoT ripoff. I read the first book in the SoT series (Wizard's First Rule), and my opinon was significantly changed. I thought it was a great book, with inventive and original concepts and ideas. I found it strange, though, that all the plot developments and problems were wrapped up by the end of the book. What more could the series be about? Well, from just reading Stone of Tears, the second book, I know that there is much to advance on in the SoT series. Here is a summary of what the series is about: It's about two characters, Richard Cypher and Kahlan Amnell, and their emotional struggles and hardships to be together. That's all. But that, in itself, is alot. So, in that aspect, in might fit in the "romance" genre, since their love for each other is incredibly strong, and unbelievably realistic. One, when reading any of the books in the series (save the first one, perhaps. The two's love doesn't develop till the end of that book!) must frequently remind themselves that it is simply a book, and that Richard and Kahlan are not real. I shall delve further on what the SoT series is like. It's fast-paced and more provocative and shameless than most other fantasy series/books. Indeed, that is true. There is sexuality in the series that borders on eroticism, although there, (as far as I've read, at least, which is only up to this book!) is no actual sexual content, something that, annoyingly and stereotypically, is anonamously forbidden in the fantasy genre. The emotions of the characters are frighteningly realistic, and, because of that, the books are unusually intense.
Aside from the fact that the characters most certainly do not die "unexpectedly and brutally", the commentary describes SoT novels perfectly. So what can I say about this book? I was reading it constantly, it was so good, and nearly had me excluding all other activities save those I cannot skip. When I say that this series is excellent, I'm not exaggerating. Some prefer Robert Jordan over Goodkind, because they find that Goodking isn't very experienced as an author, and this is mildly true, but Terry actually writes with a somewhat casual style that some may be more comfortable with. Hands-down, this is the most intense fantasy I've ever read. (And I've read alot, Forgotten Realms, Dragonlance, Goodkind, Raymond E. Feist, David Eddings, etc.) Alot of people like the SoT series more than WoT, and, although I can't really decide myself, I finalize my review by stating that Terry Goodkind is just as good as a writer as Robert Jordan is, if not better. Despite being a somewhat inexperienced writer (at least when he first started out the series), and having "Mary Sue"-ish kind of characters, Terry Goodkind proves in Stone of Tears that, without a doubt, he is one of the best fantasy writers around today.
Rating: 
Summary: Good Place to End the Series
Review: If you are looking for a way to kill a few days reading an below par book then this is the one to get. This author does his best to drag out a book that should be no long than 400-500 pages into one almost 1000. He does so by repeating lines of characters over and over, adding in openings for future books, and constantly describing Richard and Kahlan's feelings for each other. These books have the weakest plot line I have ever seen and left me with a bad taste in my mouth for wasting the 12hrs it took to read. The author seemed to focus more on side plots in order for him to write even more crappy books than on actually getting to the point and finishing this one. Dont read these books. Instead look into George R.R. Martin or Robert Jordan.
Rating: 
Summary: Goodkind entertains
Review: I just started reading Terry Goodkind ("Sword of Truth" series) again. A few years back, I was reading the second book, Stone of Tears, but never finished it due to it seeming derivative of Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time (it had Sisters of the Light, like Aes Sedai, and other similar things) and it being long - 997 pages). Well, I picked it up again and finished it. I tell you what, it was excellent (I was stupid for putting it down before). Goodkind keeps the plot moving and the action brisk. It doesn't have a series of long chapters (or books) where you get endless description, endless insignificant characters, and nothing happening, as is common in The Wheel of Time. In other words, Goodkind tells a story and entertains you with action, intrigue, fascinating creatures, spectacular magic, good characters that grow and evolve, philosophy, and satisfiying conclusions. Goodkind gets things going right away and doesn't bore you with excruciating, pointless, mindless drivel that's being used for profit producing filler, like is so common in the later books of The Wheel of Time. It's like night and day, comparing Jordan to Goodkind in terms of entertainment value. And it's not like Goodkind lacks in vivid description or quality detail. He just incorporates description and detail within the flow of the story in a graceful, entertaining fashion that enhances, not detracts from, the reader experience. So if you are looking for an entertaining, enriching read in the fantasy genre, I recommend Goodkind.
Rating:
Summary: Probably won't finish reading this one
Review: I absolutely loved Wizard's First Rule, and enthusastically purchased the second book. I'm around 1/3 of the way through, and that will probably be it for me. The writing is excellent and well-paced. But disappointment #1 came with the introduction of the "Sisters of Light" (read Aes Sedai). C'mon, I know there will be comparable events, characters, etc accross fantasy books, but this isn't even an original thought. I like Robert Jordan, but don't want to re-read him under the guise of another author. Disappointment #2, and the reason I won't finish, is the unecessary detail given to the graphic sexual "perversions" if you will. I won't spell out for those reading this exactly what I'm referring to. Allude to them, Terry, it makes for a better book. Jordan does it well, as does Lawhead and Eddings. So, I'm onto George R R Martin now, which is a shame, because I think your story telling, pace and style are actually better than Mr. Jordan's. Hence the rating of three. But I don't need the rest. I can read Stephen King for that.
Rating:
Summary: Not done yet, but enjoying so far!
Review: I just had to write about this book. Well, it's not about the book per se, which by the way I thouroughly enjoyed. I read the reviews of others but rarely do I base my opinion on what they say. I enjoyed this book immensely and will be running out to get the third on very soon!! Now for my gripe: Who is this guys flipping editor? With the first book, there were stupid errors in grammar and sentences that had the wrong words in them, things spelled wrong and just not making sense. In this one, I find the lack of punctuation to be very disconcerting. It is annoying as I am reading to come to what should be the end of a sentence, but because it lacks the appropriate punctuation, not knowing it is the end and having the entire sentence make no sense to me. While this book also has a few grammatical and spelling errors, I find the lack of punctuation to be appaling.
How the "editor" missed these things is beyond me! Mr. Goodkind, if you read this, e-mail me! I will happily become your editor!!!! :-)
Rating:
Summary: Another Round of Applause for Terry
Review: The second book was excellent. It picked up right where the last book left off with the same force that the last book left off with. There is no rest for those who read this book, it is jam-packed with adventure. There are occasional points, yes, where the actions are predictable or trite, but there are far more that are completely unexpected or at least slightly different than what was expected. The turn of events is tireless and consuming at the same time. From one heartache to joy, to another heartache, this book keeps you on your toes. You will find yourself happily wearied by this book by it's end, and yet still wanting to pick up the third book to find out what next is in store for Richard and those around him. The lessons in this book are thought-provoking. If you look at this book as more than just a fantasy novel, you will realize that, whether he intends to or not, Terry Goodkind is making some very valid and intriguing observations about human nature, and may very well force you into making those observations as well. One thing that was seemingly lost from the first book to the second was the understanding of Darken Rahl. In the first book there is an attempt made to show the reader that even though Darken Rahl is made out to look evil, he isn't much more evil than everyone else, he simply goes about it in more dramatic and extreme ways. He is likely no less evil than Richard's stepbrother, but his magic allows him to be brought to the forefront of the scene. To some readers, this may make him seem overly evil and devoid of any real human nature. However, at the root of his person, he probably isn't much more evil than even Richard, himself. Only he carries greed with him more strongly, and in the form of wanting money, whereas Richard's 'greed' is for love. Not to go on terribly about this point, but it should be made because the second book lost the sense of connection to humanity that Darken Rahl had in the first book. This book is also very heavily ignited with romance. The passion of their love for each other is all-consuming to Richard and Kahlan, and yet they still stay true to form. Despite some peoples' criticism about their love being trite, their love is no more and no less strong than many new lovers seated in the real world. The book captures the arousing, addicting feelings of love - new love, in particular - and simply displays how weak and how strong it makes us at the same time. Very realistic. As a final point of mention...Someone had mentioned of the first book that it rang of Dungeons and Dragons - it does. This book has huge parallels to the familiar role-playing game and there were times, most especially in the first book, where I would think "ouch! he rolled a 1 on his will save." For those of you who are DnD fans - this book should prove to be very interesting to you.
Rating:
Summary: A review for people who never read these kinds of books
Review: I steer away from these massive concrete block o books series because most of them are so poorly written I fear devolution overtaking me before the end of the first endless volumn. Goodkind is different. Not that he's that good a writer, he isn't. But I would not be giving this book and all the rest in this series 4 stars if he was just the best of a very poor lot. Goodkind has a great love for his characters, enough to get under their skin and explore just what and who they are and what they can be. He may repeat himself a bit but his world is a rich and solid place and given half a chance you will love it too, and the people who try to save it. Goodkind's style may be pedestrian 45% of the time but his imagination is prime and occassionally utterly inspired. One thing I have not seen mentioned yet about Stone of Tears is how funny it can get. When Richard, the immovable object, is stuck in the palace of the gaggle of Sisters, some dark some light, his common sense is hilarious. Previously, Zedd carried all the humor of the series, but Richard is the better comedian. Them gals just don't know what they are in for. If you don't usually read books like this, try this series, it may truly change your mind. As long as you give it time to get under your skin. It ain't Gene Wolfe--- but let's face it, absolutely nothing else is either. And it's tons sexier than Tolkien.
Rating:
Summary: not increadable, but very, very good
Review: Okay, the dialoge between the charactures is not the best, and Richard does seem to have a way of getting out of every seemingly impossable situation (but then what kind of story would it be if he died in the first few chapters). But all in all, it is a very good book, the charactures are likable and the story line is very intertaining. I have allready orderd the third book and look forward to spending many late nights (and bleary eyed mornings) reading it!
Rating:
Summary: Better than the first
Review: I disagree with the previous review in respect to it not being as good as the first. After reading the first I thought it was pretty good, but it felt to me like too much of a direct ripoff of the Wheel of Time. I wasn't sure I wanted to go on to the next book, but did. After the second, no doubt I'll keep reading, it was much better than the first. Felt more original, and more of the world was explained. In the first book new random stuff kept popping up and I just thought it was lazy writing, but in the second he's done better with the world building and the world and the characters are more interesting. Not to mention a more page turning story, at least for me. I am glad the next books look to be a little shorter, these huge bricks, also known as paperbacks, hurt my hands when trying to read them.
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