Stone of Tears (Sword of Truth, Book 2)

Rating:
Summary: Powerful, endlessly interesting
Review: What an imagination. I could care less if he borrowed from every other author in the genre. He simply does a better job than most any other author. He tells a great story, the ultimate escape, that when finished you realize it has more depth than Jordan, or Tolkien, or Williams. Actually I detest Jordan. He's horrible. Anybody ever read Snow Crash where in Neil stephenson writes about books such as the bible that act like written drugs that make people believe and follow what ever lurks beneath the pages. That is what Jordan has done to readers, which I know could be considered a form of genius, but I consider a form of mind control. Yuck, I'm glad I tore myself away from that series before I was possessed by that kind of evil. Anyway, The Sword of Truth is an example of prodigious storytelling that all other authors should study. Intellectuals, wouldn't this novel of been already a classic if somebody like Gene Wolfe, Shakespeare, or Dickens had written it with their incredible use of the language. But, oh well, Terry Goodkind is the best there is for this task, and it seems always will be.

Rating:
Summary: It was great
Review: This book was awesome. It was just as amazing as his first book, Wizard's First Rule. He is a wonderful writer. This book has a wonderful plot. Richard and Kahlan have to overcome their own conflicts while trying to help each other. I'l keep reading all of his books as long as he keeps writing them. I just want to again say that it was a great book, and anyone who says different should be shot.

Rating:
Summary: Lacks detail, not worth the money
Review: I bought this book hoping that it would be as wonderful as the Jordan series from which this author borrows heavily. What is so disappointing is that this book is merely a detailed outline that the author has failed to embellish. What I got from Jordan's books, Kathryn Rusch's Fey series and George R. R. Martin's books were fully developed characters and plots. I was able to fully immerse myself in a new world and believe that world existed. Goodkind, while writing a good yarn, has failed to make the characters interesting, has failed to describe the countryside. I have no idea what sort of trees grow there, what the mountains look like, what clothing the people wear, what the native food tastes like. I am left with a one-dimensional story that while promising, should never have been released without the detail to make it come alive.

Rating:
Summary: Well written! A wonderful sequel to the first book.
Review: I didn't know exactly what to expect when I first bought this book. I wasn't sure Terry would keep weaving a wonderful story, but he did. At the end, it seems sort of well unrealistic that Richard could make it back in what?, 2 days. But I knew that Kahlan wouldn't be dead. It was sort of predictable, but I had a feeling that things would work out and Richard could forgive Kahlan if he knew why she made him put the collar on. I can't wait to read Blood of the Fold.

Rating:
Summary: Poor reading
Review: I enjoyed 'Wizard's First Rule' but not this subsequent attempt at writing. The author's style bears remarkable similarity to that of Robert Jordan. Also, the author seems to revel in the idea that genocide and rape offer good plot intrigue. Indeed, most of the suspense in this work can be traced to whether the lead character is to be imminently defiled. This book has left me perturbed as to the author's intentions.

Rating:
Summary: Stone of Tears is great!
Review: This book is just as good of the first, Wizard's First Rule. There was a great plot and many unexpected events. I like the way where prophesies could be interpreted into different ways. The book seemed to totally fascinate me with its several suspenseful events.

Rating:
Summary: The Stone of Tears is just as amazing as the Sword of Truth.
Review: Terry Goodkind is an exceptional writer. The Stone of Tears is totally amazing. I was completely aborbed into the story. Once I started I could not put it down. The continuing love story between Richard Cypher and his beloved Kahlan Amnell is heartpounding. As well as their mystical adventure. As the story grows deeper I find myself more involved within the saga, as if I'm actually there. The magic, the mystery, the adventure and mystical creatures are each a captivating element that gives this story it's amazing, realistic quality. I'll keep reading Terry Goodkind's books as long as he keeps writing.

Rating:
Summary: Absolutely Incredible
Review: After I read Wizard's First Rule, I didn't think it could get any better, but when I picked up Stone of Tears, I found I was wrong. You will become immersed in the travails of the characters and pull for their victory at every turn of a page. Goodkind has created an epic fantasy novel set on a grand stage. He is a true master of the genre.

Rating:
Summary: Goodkind's writing just gets better.
Review: I hadn't really heard good things about this book before I picked it up, so I was kind of skeptical about it being as good as the first one. I was pleasantly surprised. Goodkind's characterization and writing just get better in this book. I almost cried several times. His imagination seems boundless...the Old World, the towers, unbelievably original!!! I loved it.

Rating:
Summary: One of the best stories I've ever read...
Review: To me, this story/series is second only to "The Lord of the Rings," it's a powerful story masterfully told, with vivid descriptions that make Richard's world come to life. An excellent read.