Confessor (Sword of Truth)

Some of the sword of truth books have been a bit preachy lately, but this one is much better balanced. Its great, and reminds me why I really liked the series from the beginning in addition to tying up the whole story.

I'm done coddling Terry Goodkind. Yes, I loved the first 4 or 5 books of the series, just like most fantasy fans. And yes, I have read every other book in the entire series, although the latter additions were really against my will: I just needed closure, like everyone else. But let's be honest: these last couple books were like being hit with a giant dose of suck, then sucker punched in the throat for good measure. If you took out all the droning monologue speeches in the last 4 books and lumped together what was left, you'd have about a book's worth of good material. But, sadly, Goodkind felt it necesary to tell us for the 278th time that: life is precious, socialism is bad, and horrendously violent acts against evil people are completely justified. This last book acutally has some decent action scenes, but there is no way in hell I was giving it anything other than 1 star after the multiple 5 page speeches by Richard stating the same gargabe over and over again. Goodkind has gotten so condescending; it feels like he's writing for a 4th grade audience.

Anyways, at least the series is done now, and I can stop buying this garbage. I know, if you're like me, that no amount of negative reviews will keep you from finishing the series, but at least buy a used paperback copy. Don't waste a dime more than you have to on this crapfest.

This Realy is the perfect ending, to what is the best epic series ever written.

This book was a fitting end to the Sword of Truth series, and the author managed to redeem himself at least a little bit. Starting with Temple of the Winds, the series definitely seemed to center more around preaching Goodkind's particular philosophy of individualism vs. collectivism more than an actual plot. This horrendous abuse of fiction continued to increase until by Chainfire, I was skipping entire pages of long winded speeches by the main character.

Thankfully, Mr. Goodkind toned it down and this book was much more enjoyable. There were too many plot points to tie up however, and at times it was rushed and very jumpy. Some elements simply felt out of place (the Ghostie Gobblies for instance), as though he needed to tie up a loose end and just couldn't find a way to do it. There were several big jumps in the plot that left the reader wondering what on earth happened in the intervening time, but when all was said and done, he did manage to end the series on a decent note. The ending was a fitting one, and for once was not completely predictable.

I've been reading the "Sword of Truth" series since I was 15 or 16 years old. (I turned 28 last month) Even though I've been disappointed in several of the books, I knew I had to finish the series (if there had been no end in sight, maybe not).

I guess you can say I wasn't disappointed with this book though, because I really wasn't expecting that much. The endless rhetoric between the characters, repeated time after time after time, caused me to skip entire pages (discussions between Ann and Nicci, any kind of Jagang rant, Richard at the end), it is all stuff we have heard 1000 times over.

The ending, while not completely awful, was basically the same as every other book in the series. Richard has no idea what to do, acts out of instinct at the last minute and saves the day. In 11 books he never really learns how to use his powers, it is in fact revealed that a war wizards power is in his emotions.....a huge cop out IMO.

There were some exciting parts, such as the Ja la games (sp) esp. right after the last one, but it was a struggle for me to get through this book. I'm glad its over.