Chainfire (Sword Of Truth)

Rating:
Summary: Significant Improvement
Review: As an fan of this series, I have to say that I am impressed with nearly everything about the books. In Pillars of Creation and Naked Empire (sort of), however, Goodkind seemed to make rather large changes to the way his stories were told. I was kind of suprised at those two, expecially Pillars of Creation, and didn't really enjoy them as much as the others. In Chainfire, he seemed to pick up where he left off. Chainfire had terrific character development, a shocking storyline, and an intense battle of emotions. A great read for anyone who likes the first six books, and even if you like the seventh and eighth!

I hear alot of negative commentary about this book because of the philosophical arguments that have been growing more and more frequent throughout the series. Yes, Chainfire contains a bit of philosophy, but it is only because the main character has finally come to grips with his role in life, making him more of a leader and more open to spreading his ideas. If in the first book he would have gone around preaching philosophy at random people, it would not have made since. People would think, who is this woods guide telling me how to live my life? Now, in his more...respected posts (I am not one to spoil), he has the ability to make people listen, and is more comfortable in that responsibility.

Warnings to anyone who thinks they may want to read this book:
1) This book cannot stand alone. If you haven't read the others, don't bother with this one.
2) This is the first of a 3-part "mini series" that is the conclusion of this saga. This book may as well have "TO BE CONTINUED" tatooed across it, so if you don't like to be left hanging for another year till the second one comes out, then another year till the third one comes out, then wait till they are all out and read them back to back to back.

Rating:
Summary: An amazing thrill ride!
Review: Chainfore left me both sated and begging for more. I see nothing missing in this story!

I wil say that these witless bozo's who think that they can write a review while stating that they have not even read the book or just skimmed it are the worst kind of trash. If you find you dislike something fine, but to offer a personal review and making it clear you didn't read it only shows how imature and petty you are. It looks to me as if the same person wrote several of them and has a personal axe to grind. Don't listen to the negitive self-loathing blowhards who refuse to read.
Goodkind's stellar popularity stems from his extraordinary talent for writing fast-paced novels that reach out not only to adventure readers, but also to people intrigued by the exploration of the human spirit. Goodkind has enthralled millions of readers with his groundbreaking novels. These novels are intensely thought provoking, sweeping adventures that center on powerful human relationships, the triumph of ideals over force, and the nobility of the human spirit. Chainfire brilliantly continues the tradition, and once again proves that Terry Goodkind is at the forefront of today's legendary authors.

Rating:
Summary: The train is back on the track
Review: Even though it took an entire book to get there, Mr. Goodkind has softened the philosophical tirade of his past few books and produced a Sword of Truth book more in line with his earlier works.

Some portions of the book were a bit long, but overall was a very good read. The ending may annoy you only in that Mr. Goodkind finally finds his old stride and you're stuck waiting for the next book to come out.



Rating:
Summary: A true Masterwork!
Review: How does one describe such a masterful mix intrigue, mystery, desire and raw emotion, smoothly blended with the complexity of true and unconditional love? Again Goodkind hands us a stunningly brilliant masterwork showing his readers that they too can rise up and live! They too can effectively harness the passion of the inner soul, that they can embrace goodness, morality decency and practice honorable principles no matter the situation. Goodkind again show the valiant heart Richard Rahl, that every man or woman can be the standard of the moral imperative.
Goodkind gets 5-stars for Chainfire. While many may see the story as Kahlan missing, I see the story of a man in love, loving unconditionally and refusing to cow to the masses that would rather have someone fight for them rather than earn their freedom. I see a story of a true leader who stays true to his nature and his heart. No matter the cost.


Rating:
Summary: Brilliant
Review: I'd give this a four and a half if I could. You'll read a lot of reviews complaining about the philosophy, but while this book has some element of the last three in it in that regard...it is a phenomenal start to an ending we've all been waiting for. Unlike "Pillars" or "Naked Empire", (which I liked, if for nothing else for the brilliant story telling ability of Goodkind), "Chainfire" is fast paced, page turning action, full of twists, turns, surprises, and emotion. There is a major event at least every 50 pages or so, and the re-hashing of information is actually kept to a manageable minimum towards the beginning of the book. This trilogy is starting off right...and looks to be the kind of ending this story deserves. I'm taken back to the feeling of anticipation I had much earlier in the series, like everything is new again, but this time, I know the characters so much better that it means more to me. The "Sword of Truth" series is now back near the top of my list. Read the entire book....you'll thank yourself. We're ready for the next one, Terry.

Rating:
Summary: Amazing book
Review: This book was an amazing and captivating book. I couldn't stop reading even though I knew I had to wake up early the next day for work. The story was so well written, it made me doubt what was written in the other books in the series even though I just reread the other books in the series before reading it. The book was very very good beginning for the trilogy which would end this series. I am dreading the wait I have to wait to get the next book in the series, espicielly since it is a trilogy not like his other books which finish a subplot in each book. For those who complain about the book and skip ahead in the book to past the speachs do not get the whole story, you must read the whole book without skimming or you miss out on this great book. I really can't wait for the next book in this trilogy which will end Terry Goodkind's Sword of Truth series.

Rating:
Summary: Boy, this is getting tedious
Review: This series is getting worse and worse after "Faith of the Fallen." Thumbs down... the only reason I gave it 2 instead of 1 is that I hated POC of N.E. so much.

As one of the last couple of reviewers stated, "Get on with it!". I couldn't agree more. Pages upon pages of circular, stagnant arguments between characters that serve as nothing more than very, very tired and rickety soap boxes about dreams, life, government, etc... and they're all so DONE. And they do nothing to advance the plot. At least in "Faith" the soap-boxing advanced a plot. Very, very little actually happens in this book.

What's worse, the same old conversations and arguments are rehashed many times, and it's SO tiresome. I loved books 1-5, but am growing ever-disenchanted by Terry's increasingly unsophisticated character emotional development and motivation. Yeah yeah... true love this, fight for that... it shouldn't be that simple and Terry used to not make it so simplistic.

Oh, and Terry, we get that Richard is the first of his kind born in thousands of years... you really don't have to tell us 20 more times in 2+ page explanations. And the reiteration of things... man, you could remove every third sentence in the book and still come up with a 300 page book of things we've already heard before, many times.


Rating:
Summary: Three and a Half...
Review: This was about a hundred times better than his last book. In fact normally I give 4 stars to books that I feel are 3.5 - however, there is a reason why I am only giving this one 3. (Why doesn't Amazon use a 10 star system?) Once again Richard and Kahlan are separated - surprised anyone? I have grown quite tired of this plot device. I was pleased to see that there was NOT a "villain of the week" as there have been in the last 4 or 5 books. Here we are back to Jajang and the Sisters of the Dark. My one problem is the method that Richard and Kahlan are separated by...I don't want to spoil the plotline but anyone who knows what "Balefire" is from the wheel of time series will know what I am talking about. Its amazing to me that "Chainfire" turns out to be the exact same as "Balefire" form the "other" TOR fantasy series. I almost want to suggest that Goodking and Jordan merge their stories into one to save me money and maybe put out one more 5 star book...
Anyhow, this was a good book despite the relatively unoriginal plot line. It sets itself up for a good sequel and is worth a read. If only I could cast Chainfire on the Naked Empire and the Pillars of Creation I would be happy...


Rating:
Summary: A very complex and riviting story
Review: While I may be only a teenager, I have to say that these books have opened up a new world to me. Opened up my eyes to my abilities and the courage to try harder and make what I wish with "my" life.
Chainfire is a great story. It shows what true love can withstand. What True love will do to over come any obstacle for that love. I admire Goodkind in showing a real hero. One with faults, one who makes mistakes, one who will not give up on his values or beliefs even at the risk of everyone losing faith in him. Richard is an inspiration to how a real man should act. Richard has helped defined hero's again in a world of villains and evil.
This story shows that even though you are afraid of "The Beast" you cannot let that define who you are or let it change what you must do in life. I see the "Beast" as a metaphor of all terrorists & bullies everywhere. You never know when or where they will strike. BUT you can stand up to them and fight! You can WIN!
I see a few people who like the Imperial Order, are only desirous of knocking Goodkind down for showing the light on the nature of our world and of these same peoples desire to keep you from thinking for yourself. Shame on them!






Rating:
Summary: Page Turner
Review: With this book, the series is definitely back on track. Goodkind sucessfully mixes in philosophy with good character development and suspense. You won't find any pages-long speeches here (though I didn't mind them before, I somewhat follow Ayn Rand's philosophy), but instead bits of philosophy here and there. I especially liked how it focuses on Nicci a lot; she is one of the more interesting characters, in my opinion. Also, while not a whole lot happens in the book, I didn't notice it too much. Goodkind does a great job of keeping you interested in whats gonna happen next, which helps the book go by fast.