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Faith of the Fallen (Sword of Truth, Book 6)

Faith of the Fallen (Sword of Truth, Book 6)

List Price: $7.99
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Product Info Reviews

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Rating: 3 stars
Summary: Definite rehash of Atlas Shrugged
Review: A previous reviewer suggested this book was comparable to "Atlas Shrugged." They are correct. Clearly Terry Goodkind has been immersing himself in Ayn Rand's philosophy and fictional works that demonstrated that philosophy.

The problem I have with this is that nowhere did Goodkind credit Ayn Rand for her philosophy that he used as this book's basis, nor did he even bother to change the words Ayn Rand's characters used, for the most part. Richard Rahl and company were channeling John Galt and Howard Roark throughout "Faith of the Fallen." Those not familiar with Ayn Rand's works probably are under the illusion that Objectivism is the product of Mr. Goodkind's mind instead of an uncredited borrowing from another.

The ending is clear that we can expect at least one more book in this series. How many more ways can two people (Richard and Kahlan) managed to become separated by fate, others, etc? Where is Nathan Rahl? Did Richard's friend, the red dragon (and all other dragons) bite the dust?

I have enjoyed the series (despite its shortcomings), have become interested in the fate of the characters, and blood and gore doesn't bother me, so I gave it three stars. If Mr. Goodkind had bothered to credit the source of his characters philosophy, the racking would have been higher. I cannot reward this lack of honesty more than I have.

Rating: 1 stars
Summary: Arrrgh!
Review: How much do I have to take this? The series are getting worse and worse! And this book like the last one is a piece of junk. Don't we dezerve something other than a stupid presentation of the communism and capitalism? No we don't dezerve! We dezerve this book where there's nothing itneresting. I doubt that Goodkind will become better in his next books like Jordan - from 7 to 8 not so good, but book 9 was great. And I doubt that "Pillars of the Creation" will be better than this junk, but who knows maybe it's even worse!

Rating: 2 stars
Summary: Disappointing
Review: FotF is easily the worst book in the series. Not only does it needlessly repeat previously elucidated ideas (the whole capturing thing and the tyranny), but it spends too long on insignificant themes. The conclusion is abrupt and unsatisfying. Also, Goodkind had led us to believe in previous books that Warren would one day be a great prophet; evidently, he changed his mind rather quickly. The whole Imperial Order/ Altur'Rang concept was a carbon copy of communist rule - I was hoping the author could be a little more creative. It seems that Goodkind simply ran out of steam for Faith of the Fallen. The series to this point has been wonderful but this book was simply a letdown.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Likeness to Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand
Review: Does anyone else see the similarities between this book and Atlas Shrugged? Great books. Very like philosophies.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: interesting ideas and a great story
Review: alright. First of all, if previous reviewers were troubled by Goodkind's political and sociological ideals that influenced this book, that is their problem. I don't believe that it detracts from the story in any way. It actually made the story seem more believable, and I enjoyed seeing the world through another's eyes. After all, that is the whole reason why I bother reading....to see something I wouldn't normally see. Plus this book had a great story, happy ending....yada yada yada. I definetly recommend this book, ya come away with a sense of understanding about the purpose of mankind.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Great Book!
Review: The Faith of the Fallen is, in my opinion, an excellent book, much better than Goodkind's last installment in the Sword of Truth Series (Soul of the Fire). The Faith of the Fallen adds depth to the series' greatest characters, including Richard, Kahlan, Zedd, Warren, Adie, Verna and some new ones. It's a very compelling novel, and kept me reading all day, until I finished it. Instead of just focusing on events (though there are many in this book) the main point of the story lies instead with the book's characters, as they struggle through the impossible. Their struggles drive them to do unpredictable things, which makes readers second-guess all they think they know of these characters. That leads to a very suspensful book. Highest reccomendations.

Rating: 3 stars
Summary: Long-winded
Review: Nothing in the plot will surprise readers of the rest of the books in the series. Goodkind uses this as an opportunity to expound on the evils of collectivism. Unfortunately, he takes too long to do it. Also, the plot with Ann, most likely included to provide a hook for the sequel, remains artificially unresolved.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Excellent
Review: I find it intruiging in each book to look for the explanation of the cover art. Just wait till you get to the part that explains what is on the cover of this one. Great story line, and very moving, too. Some people seem to think that Terry Goodkind's last couple of books are two "different" in style, but that just makes things more interesting! I think that whatever Goodkind has to say about the Sword of the Truth universe deserves attention. I stayed up till early in the morning reading it!

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Awesome fictional treatise supporting "the invisible hand"
Review: I've enjoyed each and every of Terry Goodkind's novels to date; however, Mr. Goodkind's masterful, demonstrative contrasting of the effective principles of rational self-interest against the disastrous principles of mindless altuism brings Faith of the Fallen up to a new level of excellence. I particularly appreciated the fact that Richard Rahl, the most self-sacrificing character ever created, was the heroic advocate for capitalistic ideals. Similarly, I enjoyed the fact that it was intellectual inactivity rather than foul intention that was the root of all evil. My only wish is that every politician would be required to read and study this inspiring allegory.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: The inspiring triumph of the human spirit.
Review: I used to read fantasy literature indiscriminately and voraciously. I liked the heroism, the excitement, the new worlds, the imagination, et cetera. But lately, though I still read it from time to time, my interest never reaches the same high levels. Faith of the Fallen, however, shows how powerful a fantasy novel can be. I've always liked the Sword of Truth series because it's very adult and doesn't insult my maturity to read it. It's brutal and often wrenching, but always with purpose (well, except that lame serial killer subplot in book 4...jeers for that!!). This -- the sixth book -- is something else, though.

The Imperial Order is poised to conquer the Midlands. With his beloved Kahlan close to death, Richard Rahl retreats into seclusion and is faced with an foreboding vision. A Sister of the Dark, Nicci, is determined to crush Richard's noble spirit. The plot is visceral and engaging, but it's definitely a footnote to the characters and their principles. It's the characters and power of human spirit that shine here. With this book, Terry Goodkind looks into the Imperial Order, to show us the true nature of the enemy that confronts our heroes. The Order is essentially a tyrannical theocratic/communist force, while the New World (the good guys) believe in liberty.

This dichotomy sets up the crux of the story: man's struggle for freedom in the face of tyranny, and the beauty of life. I don't want to give away any of the story for those who have fallen behind (like myself) and have not read this yet. (Reviewers -- or anyone -- spoiling a book should be a mortal sin!) But let's just say Goodkind gives us an acute understanding of the evil surrounding the Order. Through the story, the book looks negatively upon Communism (spiritually and economically) and the doctrine of Original Sin. Communists will not like this book...they will sneer at Goodkind's beliefs and probably throw the book in a fire. I love that Goodkind has brought forth a powerful philosophical element to his series, which gives the book resonance beyond its pages. I feel that reading this book has made my life just a little bit better.

It is unfortunate in fantasy literature that the "anti-hero" is on the rise. These are characters with few inspiring qualities...they are rather "ordinary" people, sometimes even possessing qualities we would consider downright immoral. Richard, on the other hand, causes me to reflect on the greatness in some people, and in life itself. He is strong, intelligent, brave, and compassionate, but undoubtedly...real. Some have complained that he's "too good." Huh. It's a personal opinion, of course, but I am more drawn to a hero of integrity and principle than a morally "gray" character. And I agree with Richard's conviction: he calls for everyone to be set free. Give people the freedom to make their own decisions, to face the consequences of their own actions. Let people be rewarded for virtue, not punished. The Order believes exactly the opposite...subsidize the irresponsible and tax hard work and responsibility. With most of the Sword of Truth books, Richard's victory at the end more dependent on him using his mind to solve a problem than hacking people up with his sword (although that's pretty snazzy too). Without giving too much away, FotF has a similar finale, this time given a shot of artistry and moral philosophy.

Nicci is a great villain. Why is she great? Because I hated her. She doesn't desire anything as pedestrian as power or wealth, but she is more frightening precisely because she _doesn't_ want these things. She wishes only destroy, and the scary part of it is that she believes she is fulfilling her moral duty. From her perspective, the Imperial Order is a benevolent force that can save mankind and guide them to salvation. The dichotomy of her beliefs and Richard's makes for engaging interactions. The heated clashes of moral outlooks were more exciting than nearly any physical battle that drives the conflict in most fantasy literature. (There's still lots of bloody fighting though!)

Reading this book, it also hit me how attached I've become to Goodkind's heroes. If I wasn't so cold-hearted I may have cried when they faced defeat and loss, and I wanted to raise my fist into the air with their martial and philosophical victories.

For a fantasy series of unprecedented heroism and power, check out Sword of Truth by starting at the beginning (Wizard's First Rule). As for fans...if you haven't read this yet, what are you waiting for? I'm still kicking myself for getting to this book so long after it's release. I'm pathetic. Sword of Truth is one of my favorite series out there, mainly because its heroes are some of the most swell people in fiction. I don't often review fantasy books because I'm pretty lazy (and reviewing books is hard), but Faith of the Fallen impacted me so much it felt good to say something about it. I hope you like it.


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