In the previous novel we discovered the existence of so called "Pillars of Creation", pristinely ungifted Rahl descendents. Wizards had discovered them centuries ago and written about their work trying to cure them. Unsuccessful and frightened that these ungifted ones would result in the loss of all magic, those wizards banished them to the Old World.

The "Naked Empire" is made up of all of those descendants, and they have been discovered by Jagang and his army, who are only too happy to take advantage of these magic-immune people.

Although I like the series in general, this book was prone to long series of dialog exposing the authors moral opinions thinnly veiled as Richard's opinions. The responses are made to sound incredibly weak and foolish. Even though in many ways I agree with these Randian ideals, I have to say that the format is a bit obnoxious at times.

Lent to Thanos73 (LJ)