Stone of Tears (Sword of Truth #2) by Terry Goodkind - Ashley's Pre-Reading

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Title: Stone of Tears
Author: Terry Goodkind
Year Published: 1995

Synopsis: In Wizard's First Rule, Richard Cypher's world was turned upside down. Once a simple woods guide, Richard was forced to become the Seeker of Truth, to save the world from the vile dominance of Darken Rahl, the most viciously savage and powerful wizard the world had ever seen. He was joined on this epic quest by his beloved Kahlan, the only survivor among the Confessors, who brought a powerful but benevolent justice to the land before Rahl's evil scourge. Aided by Zedd, the last of the wizards who opposed Rahl, they were able to cast him into the underworld, saving the world from the living hell of life under Rahl.

But the veil to the underworld has been torn, and Rahl, from beyond the veil, begins to summon a sinister power more dreadful than any he has wielded before. Horrifying creatures escape through the torn veil, wreaking havoc on the unsuspecting world above.

If Rahl isn't stopped, he will free the Keeper itself, an evil entity whose power is so vast and foul that once freed, it can never again be contained.

Richard and Kahlan must face Rahl and the Keeper's terrible minions. But first, Richard must endure the ministrations of the Sisters of the Light, or die from the pain of magic that is his birthright and his curse. While Richard undertakes the arduous journey to the forbidden city of the Sisters, Kahlan must embark upon a long and dangerous mission to Aydindril, citadel of the old wizards, where she hopes to find Zedd and the help only he can lend to their desperate cause.

War, suffering, torture, and deceit lie in their paths, and nothing will save them from a destiny of violent death, unless their courage and faith are joined with luck and they find the elusive...Stone of Tears.

Why?: I read the first book (and the prequel book) in this series, and watched the TV show based on the books, and really enjoyed both. So, naturally, I was interested in seeing what happened next with Richard, Kahlan, and Zedd.

Expectations: I expect an epic fantasy, with more world building and character development. Plus, epic adventures, magic, a really evil bad guy (I mean, he's the Keeper of the dead. He's got to be pretty bad, right?), and lots of fantastical creatures. I really love all of the detail Goodkind put into the creatures and the world in Wizard's First Rule and Debt of Bones, and I'm sure he won't disappoint in Stone of Tears.

Judging a book by its cover: The cover is kind of like every other epic fantasy cover... It's not really anything special. I probably wouldn't pick it up if I saw it on a bookshelf, because I don't really think it would stand out from all of the other books around it. Which is really unfortunate.


--Ashley

"Wizard's first rule: people are stupid."

Guys, it's finally happened.

I finished Wizard's First Rule! And in case you forgot what I said before I started reading it... in August... 

My Pre-Reading

Although it did take me a while to read, I really enjoyed this book. I thought it was a nice beginning to the series, and it introduced all (or most) of the characters well. While some of them grow and develop over the course of the novel, some don't really. But it's ok, because they have 12 more books or something like that in which to grow! You can't have everybody figure their lives out all at once.

While some high fantasy novels have 1000 characters and it's impossible to keep them all straight, I felt like Goodkind did an excellent job of keeping the story interesting and engaging with a minimal number of characters. The bloodlines aren't all over the place and intertwined and confusing, and the main characters at the beginning are the main characters at the ending. 

Having watching The Legend of the Seeker TV show, it was really interesting to see how the book differed. Although there were some differences, I definitely enjoyed both by themselves and even together. 

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes high fantasty or enjoyed The Legend of the Seeker. I can't wait to read more about Richard, Kahlan, Zedd, and everyone else in the rest of the series! 

I'd give this book a 4/5.


--Ashley

"Enemies are the price of honour."

Finished Debt of Bones today!


Although it starts out kind of slow, the novella picks up fairly quickly once the main character (Abby) is introduced and somewhat established. Taking place in the midst of war and before the birth of Richard, Kahlan, and Darken Rahl, the story reveals to readers of the "Sword of Truth" series how the boundaries between the Midlands, D'Hara, and Westland. It also serves to give a picture of Zedd as a young man, and to give further insight into his life.

I had fairly high expectations of Debt of Bones before reading it, and I'd say it lived up to most of them (once it got going). Although not action packed, the characters are well-defined and quickly developed. Especially for a novella.


And now on to the next book, before Paul can finish his first!


--Ashley

Debt of Bones

Second book! This one is additional reading, not one that Paul is going to have to read/comment on :)

Title: Debt of BonesAuthor: Terry Goodkind
Year Published: 2001
Synopsis: Debt of Bones is the story of young Abby's struggle to win the aid of the wizard Zedd Zorander, the most important man alive. Abby is trapped, not only between both sides of the war, but in a mortal conflict between two powerful men. For Zedd, who commands power most men can only imagine, granting Abby's request would mean forsaking his sacred duty. With the storm of the final battle about to break, both Abby and Zedd are caught in a desperate fight to save the life of a child...but neither can escape the shadow of an ancient betrayal. With time running out, their only choice may be a debt of bones. The world-for Zedd, for Abby, for everyone-will never again be the same.

Why?: I recently watched the TV series "Legend of the Seeker" on Netflix, and became very interested in reading the books. I was going to start with Wizard's First Rule, the first novel in the "Sword of Truth" series, but realized I had this book as well. Since it's the prequel to the series, I figured I should start with it.

Expectations: I've got pretty high expectations for this novella - even though it comes before the events in "Legend of the Seeker", I'm hoping it's just as good. And usually the books are better than the TV show/movie, right?

Judging a book by its cover: On the front, a man and woman are looking at a skull... I'm assuming the man is Zedd, and the woman is Abby. Hopefully the book is more exciting than them looking at things. And I hope there's no soliloquies given to skulls... To be or not to be?


I'll try to write more as I read this time, instead of after I finish the whole thing! It's not very long though, since it's only a novella, so no promises.


--Ashley