CE
Different from Scarpetta books but parts are extremely funny. Loved it!

M Kelley
I have read and enjoyed all of Patricia Cornwell's books. Having read only 1/2 I cannot believe it is the same author. This is a terrible book. I paid top dollar for the hardcover but wish I could return it for a credit. This is so unlike her writings. I almost hate to buy anymore of her books. Hopefully she will be able to read these comments and write like her previous books. Thank you for the opportunity.

Brice Christopherson
First of all, I'd like to say I respect Terry Goodkind. His greatest strength, in my opinion, is he is very capable of breathing life into somewhat straight forward, archetypical characters. In the prior books, his characters had depth, but also were pretty easy to categorize. This is not to say they're boring characters, they're immensely entertaining, and easy to cheer for or to despise. But the real draw was the scope of their adventures, and the fullness of his world. The stories were fast paced, filled with action, powerful, inventive magic, and acts of desperation, all coming to satisfying conclusions. However, I must say this book falters in comparison to his previous works. Rather than an epic spanning the fate of the world, he focuses on a land threatened by the perennial villain, the Imperial Order, going for a much more cloak and dagger political feel to the story.

Wes
Well, Terry has done it again. A masterful piece of artwork that held me on the edge of my seat till the very end. Mr. Goodkind has a magnificent gift of characterization that surpasses even that of Robert Jordan. His ability to make the reader feel emotion is amazing. When Fitch saw Beata being raped, I felt his sorrow. When Kahlan was beaten, I trembled with fury! I was also impressed with how much progress was made with such a linear storyline. We started with the newly-married Lord Rahl and Mother Confessor, joined with the First Wizard and the Prelate of the Sisters of the Light, all bound and determined to defeat a vast empire of unimaginable strength. When we finished, our first wizard returned from having been a raven! Our Prelate had to be rescued by a Sister of the Dark!! Our Dear Mother Confessor got the crap beat out of her!! And our Mighty war wizard, Lord Rahl suffered an agonizing defeat and gives up on everyone and is going home!!! We saw the corruption and fall of a major power of the midlands, Jagang is now in the midlands with ALL of his army. Du Chailu, has returned to the scene. And last but not least, we saw an amazing conflict in an ethereal realm between Richard and a war wizard 3000 years dead. Not exactly a dull book! I was however somewhat disappointed when Terry killed Fitch. But now that I think about it, Fitch was necessary to portray Andereth life. I believe that Beata will return in the next book. As for Dalton Cambell....WOW!!! Terry has my full respect for this character. From the story of his rise to power, to the story of his defeat, I was captivated. Good Book Terry!

Michael
All right children, try not to look at the book as a 'book' but think of it as a transition piece, he is probably making a good decision here. Richard "The hero" was too heroic and was going to lose touch with everyone unless (if you forgive the unfortunate pun) he was "beaten down" to our level again. He is re-incarnated as the everymans super hero and that is great. P.S the baby COULD NOT have been born in that book, and would (for now) hinder the development of the other characters but be patient in Faith of the Fallen there is sure to be more plot than you can handle. Peace!

Harmage
Though this ok was not as good as the other four, it is still a work of art

Ritch Emmerson
Terry, Terry , Terry. Having got me hooked on the wonderful first three, (and fairly disappointing fourth) you hit me by having a rushed and unnatural fifth. It was obvious that the publishers set you a deadline that you hurried to keep. The magic and purity of the other books was nowhere to be found in this latest installment of the sword of truth series. And what an inconclusive ending! Please write another, but this time take your time to imbue it with the spark that the others had. And why did you have to kill the baby? I could have forseen great storylines with him learning to be a confessor with the gift, and perhaps Rachel being his warrior-protector, along Chase's lines. Oh well. It was still far ahead of the competition.

Jason Dicks
I'm one of those readers who starts a book and when I see another that interests me, I put the current book down to start a new one. The Sword of Truth series by Terry Goodkind is an exception. This is the first time that I have actually finished what I started when it comes to reading novels. I guess you could say that this is a sincere compliment to Mr. Goodkind. I can't wait until the next novel

Lily
Goodkind has done it again, creating a spellbinding magical tale that carries an important message for modern readers. His praises have been sung by many; I only wish to add one thought to the chorus: Kahlan is surely the most well-developed female character in the fantasy genre. My profound thanks to Goodkind for creating a woman with strength, wisdom, beauty AND vulnerability. Few people have the ability to portray a woman in such a caring and well-rounded way. I commend your insight, and envy your wife!

Joshua Jordan
The Sword of Truth series is by far the best series that I have ever read. The end of the Soul of The Fire has left me wanting for Terry to write another to explain everything. After all, at the end of Soul of The Fire, it has made me curious for another book. He has to write another book for the sake of my sanity.

Mark Magee
I was looking forward to this book for a long time and I must admit that I was somewhat disappointed with it. First off, I was really ticked at the way Mr. Goodkind threw away really interesting characters. For example Fitch and Dalton. I was also disturbed at the way Kahlan lost her baby. I thought it would be much more interesting to see the baby live into the next one and see an all out war with Jagang and somehow incorporate Shota into the mix because she promised that she would kill the baby. This of course is my opinion and Mr. Goodkind knows best because it is his story but can we please see some more magic in the next one and bring back Nathan.

Sandra Bennett
I have been a fan of Terry Goodkind for a long time . I hope that this is not the last of Richard and Kahlan I love the story very much. I need to find out what happened to Nathan and Berdine and the rest of the people you can't leave me hanging like this I have to know if you are going to write another book about Richard and Kahlan. Please let us Know when the next book will be out Please...............!!!!!!!!!!!!

Stephanie Acosta
I Love Terry Goodkind's books from the Wizard's First Rule to Soul of the Fire. Goodkind has the magic in himself to pull a person into the world of Richard & Kahlan. I love the virtue of their love throughout all 5 books. Yes, Soul of the Fire is different in its reflection of the world we now live in. We can't understand why people are so pulled to negative power and destructive habits, but they are. Perhaps if we look deep within ourselves we have the power to seek the Truth and turn these reflections of our world around. Although as Richard says: “people are the willing accomplices of tyranny." There is enough action and plenty to ponder in Book five. I'm glad that Terry saved Kahlan’s child for another book. There was too much to cover in Soul of the Fire to bring the child in. I’m anxious to see Richard use his newfound, unfolding talent in his gift. I look forward to the forthcoming books and the wonderful places that Goodkind will take us. One reader suggested that Terry may need to get some rest and stay away from the hounding publishers. Best wishes and good rest to you.

Darq Rath
I thought the book was great except the ending but the ending has left me wanting and waiting for the next book. and I love the Chartor Cara

Catherine Drevas
When I first started to read Terry's new book I was so thrilled, The beginning was very wonderful! I will Never forget there happiness . But I was sadden when Kalan as beaten so badly! Terry if you only saw the greatness of Kalan having Richard's son, The great happiness they would have had, but then Richard would have to find a way to protect his son, To keep him alive. The great story that could have made, and I hope may well be in the future! Thank you Terry Goodkind, for bringing great joy to my live, for this story of Richard and Kalan will be with me forever.

Tom
I have read the reviews from ordinary people who have read the book and am quite disappointed to find out that they expect more 'magic' and excitement, I do not think that is the purpose of Terry Goodkind books, he is trying to reflect our world in a camaflouged in fantasy so that we can look at our ourselves.... if you want magic and splendor and plenty of 'action' then read Robert Jordan, he is also excellent but totally fantasy for my taste...

David Chang
Well, the other 4 books were a lot better. I found the plot weak and boring. I did like the fifth rule and the way Richard is beginning to act. The ending was good but lacked the big power of the first two. I'd give this book a 6/10.

Adam
Soul of the Fire, the fifth book in the Sword of Truth series, flows fluidly from Temple of the Winds and presents new and captivating problems. This book was everything I expected, and then some, from an author of Goodkind's talents. He continues to create believable characters and a gripping plot.

Bernadette Josesco
When I first read "Soul of the Fire", I admit to being shocked that so much was focused on a single part of the (former) Midlands. But what I love about this book is that it shows the strong relationship between the two main characters and I'm intrigued to find out if they'll ever get a break from all their troubles. This book really incorporates the fifth wizard's rule and it gets into the real interactions of people. I can't wait until the next book!

Mark McCabe
My hopes for this fifth book lay in my judgement of the previous four. The first three were masterful pieces of work and created a fantasy setting on a grandiose scale. The fourth (Temple of the Winds) though a distant fourth in my ratings was still a very good yarn.

On completing the fifth however, I was completely shocked. Instead of dealing in the aspects that made the other books great (unrestrained magic, massive wars, decisive battles) he instead created a political espionage focusing around a small land. This is definitely not what I expected nor wanted in this book. I truly hope he returns to the style that made the previous books magical.