The long-winded dialogue passages in this book warrant the 3-star rating. A new or unpublished author would be ripped to shreds by an editor or publisher for attempting to print such long, unbroken, almost monotonous sections of dialogue from a single character (Jax), but Mr. Goodkind apparently gets a pass because of his prior successes. He's also a bit on the redundant and verbose side when he delves into the thought processes of the main character. He says in six repetitious paragraphs what could have been more artfully and succinctly explained in three; one blatant example is the argument Alex has with himself about whether or not his gut tells him to believe Jax and her story. It's WAY too long. We get it, already.I caught a hint of the author waxing political when he throws in his stance about American gun control, as well. I defend the entirety of 2nd Amendment wholeheartedly, but a work of fiction really is an odd place to add a soap box couple of paragraphs on the subject, I think. Remember "show, don't tell?" Seems like Alex simply a) having a concealed carry permit and b)knowing how to handle a firearm so well shows the reader his views on gun control, instead of his thoughts needing to spell it out to the reader. This book extends the Pillars of Creation timeline, though it takes place more than a thousand years after the vents in that book. It starts out in such a fashion, I was beginning to doubt it had anything at all to do with the sword of truth series at all. It takes several chapters to get to the point where the connection is made, but don't worry, it all makes sense. This book is a must read for any sword of truth fans. It can be read at any time during the series, but it will make slightly more sense if the Pillars of Creation has been read first, though it certainly doesn't require the reading to be enjoyed. I'd be willing to go so far as to say this book is the best in the series. It introduces a whole new set of issues, but it neatly resolves most of them by the end of the book, but it definitely leaves room for expansion, and I for one certainly hope the author expands on this branch of the storyline. It's a good read, and in a style not present in the other books. I was hard press initially to believe it was the same author writing this book. However, it was very enjoyable, and definitely worth a look for those fans of the series, and perhaps for some of those who aren't, it might bring a new appreciation to the whole overall picture of the series, and build a new liking for the series as a whole.
What do You think about The Law Of Nines (2009)?
While I enjoyed the first part of Terry Goodkind's "Sword of Truth" series, and this is related, The Law of Nines simply falls flat. Predictable, repetitive, ham-fisted, and too obviously political. Listening to it in audiobook format probably didn't help. Some details are simply spewed in incongruent exposition, while obvious elements are presented, repeated, presented again in dialogue, and repeated again in several more dialogue exchanges. Too much cliché for me to find it enjoyable, including the sad exposition of the villain, declaring how powerful he is and what he intends to do, giving the hero enough time and understanding to save the day.
—sherwyn
An interesting book is an understatement. I am really not a fan of science fiction/space aliens from another dimension type of books. Therefore I had a hard time just staying interested in the book and wrapping my mind around the story. Having said that - it was a pretty decent book with a lot of action and danger. It is also quite violent and graphic. I did not really like it as much as I tolerated it. Others who are more familiar with this genre will find it more satisfying. I read it and I finished it. That is about the bottom line.
—Manadis
