This is book six in The Sword of Truth series by Mr. Goodkind. I have also read the previous five books in this series, and since reading this book, have completed book seven, The Pillars of Creation.

I'll be honest, I'm taking turns reading this series of books and Robert Jordan's "Wheel of Time" series, alternately as they are released. There are obvious comparisons and I have no idea if one or the other has embellished on a story that sprang from a common well - I refuse to speculate or to be brought into a heated discussion on who is the originator of these thoughts-brought-to-print or who is a better executor of the written phrase.

I will, however, give an opinion based only on having read all currently released issues from each series: I am more appreciative of Terry Goodkind's work. When I picked this book up, it was with apprehension based on a the fact that this is book SIX of an ongoing series - things have to begin drying up. I was wrong. Mr. Goodkind (seemingly unlike Mr. Jordan) has always had the entirety of the story in mind. He is working toward a conclusion that was the center and seed of this series from the very beginning. The other author, though, seems to be making his story up as he goes along, with no clear ending in mind.

So, I was pleased enough with this book that I made a point of buying the newly released hardcover version instead of my usual habit of waiting for it to come out in paperback.

Thank you, Terry Goodkind!

Released on Friday, November 22, 2002 at Was shipped to a very nice eBay buyer in Farmington Hills, Michigan USA.