Matthew R. (MatthewRobinson) reviewed Stone of Tears (Sword of Truth, Book 2) on + 6 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 5
This is a great book in a series of many great titles. I have read the whole Sword of Truth novel collection two times. I started reading them in High School and was so satisfied to finally get to finish the series just recently. If you are into fantasy you will not be let down by this book or by any of the other Sword of Truth novels.
Helpful Score: 4
Darken Rahl, from beyond the veil, has begun to summon a sinister power worse than any he has wielded before.
Armed with the Sword of Truth, Richard Cypher, now become Richard Rahl, must learn to control his own newfound power, or the world will spin into darkness unending.
The Sisters of Light promise help. While Richard journeys to their forbidden city, his beloved Kahlan sets out for Ayindril, citadel of the old wizards, in search of Zedd and the help only he can lend. War, suffering, torture, and deceit lie in their paths. So, also, does their destiny.
Armed with the Sword of Truth, Richard Cypher, now become Richard Rahl, must learn to control his own newfound power, or the world will spin into darkness unending.
The Sisters of Light promise help. While Richard journeys to their forbidden city, his beloved Kahlan sets out for Ayindril, citadel of the old wizards, in search of Zedd and the help only he can lend. War, suffering, torture, and deceit lie in their paths. So, also, does their destiny.
Helpful Score: 4
After the death of Sorcerer Darken Rahl, Richard Cypher?a woods guide turned reluctant hero?finds that his responsibilities have only just begun. He seeks a teacher to help him control his magical gift but is caught in a difficult struggle to retain control over his destiny. Goodkind's talents for world building and characterization are again featured in this sequel to Wizard's First Rule (LJ 9/15/94). He explores not only the deeds but the innermost thoughts of his heroes and villains.
Helpful Score: 3
In the beggining of the novel, our hero, Richard Cypher, looks forward to a wonderful life with the Mother Confessor, Kahlan Amnel, at his side, as his wife. Having found a way to wed Kahlan, despite her seductive power's ability to rob him of his soul, Richard begins to believe all of his troubles have finally died with the powerful wizard, Darken Rahl.
Upon his departure from his newly acquired D'Haran Palace, Richard's grandfather, Zedd, and his best friend, Chase, begin discussing the closure of the magical Box of Orden. However, Lurking in the shadows, an underworld beast, the screeling hastily makes his way for Chase and Zedd. Will the wizard and boundary warden fall before this seemingly invincible creature? Or will the Spirits somehow give the two sanctuary?
"The masterful telling of Richard Cypher's odyssey began in Wizard's First Rule continues with an ordeal that will test him, body and soul.
"Using his emerging arcane talents and the power of the Sword of Truth which only he can wield, Richard faces the ultimate evil, the dread Keeper of the underworld, who has freed the spirit of his nemisis, Darken Rahl. Unless Richard can control his powers, no one, not even Richard's beloved Kahlan, the powerful, yet benevolent Mother Confessor, will survive the Keeper's plot.
"But keeping Richard from his magic are the Sisters of the Light, who while vowing to train him to discipline his talent, hold his liberty -- his very life -- in their hands. Can Richard win his freedom before the world is destroyed by the foul magic of the underworld?"
This novel is a must-read for all who read The Wizard's First Rule. Though slow-paced compared to its predeccessor, this novel is definately a thriller to the end.
Upon his departure from his newly acquired D'Haran Palace, Richard's grandfather, Zedd, and his best friend, Chase, begin discussing the closure of the magical Box of Orden. However, Lurking in the shadows, an underworld beast, the screeling hastily makes his way for Chase and Zedd. Will the wizard and boundary warden fall before this seemingly invincible creature? Or will the Spirits somehow give the two sanctuary?
"The masterful telling of Richard Cypher's odyssey began in Wizard's First Rule continues with an ordeal that will test him, body and soul.
"Using his emerging arcane talents and the power of the Sword of Truth which only he can wield, Richard faces the ultimate evil, the dread Keeper of the underworld, who has freed the spirit of his nemisis, Darken Rahl. Unless Richard can control his powers, no one, not even Richard's beloved Kahlan, the powerful, yet benevolent Mother Confessor, will survive the Keeper's plot.
"But keeping Richard from his magic are the Sisters of the Light, who while vowing to train him to discipline his talent, hold his liberty -- his very life -- in their hands. Can Richard win his freedom before the world is destroyed by the foul magic of the underworld?"
This novel is a must-read for all who read The Wizard's First Rule. Though slow-paced compared to its predeccessor, this novel is definately a thriller to the end.
This is the 2nd book an Amazing series! Highly Recommended!
Helpful Score: 2
The epic saga continues in a grand scale. The story is very well written and engaging. Again, the only problem is the violence against women.
Helpful Score: 1
The masterful telling of Richard Cypher's odyssey that began in "Wizards First Rule" continues with an ordeal that will test him, body and soul. Using his emerging arcane talents and the power of the sword of truth which only he can weild, Richard faces the ultimate evil, the dread keeper of the underworld who has freed the spirit of Richard's nemesis, Darken Rahl. Unless Richard can control his powers, no one, not even Richard's beloved Kahlan, the powerful yet benevelent Mother Confessor, will survive the keepers plot. But keeping Richard from his magic are the sisters of the light, who while vowing to train him to discipline his talent, hold his liberty-his very life- in their hands. Can Richard win his freedom before his world is destroyed by the foul magic of the underworld?
Really really long books. 982 pages! For those who like to hang around for a long time in a fantasy. I can't believe I read the whole thing!
Really really long books. 982 pages! For those who like to hang around for a long time in a fantasy. I can't believe I read the whole thing!
Helpful Score: 1
Well written, engaging reading, but not for the fainthearted. Details of gore and torture, etc. Although I enjoyed the story, I would not recommend this book for children or teens, which is unfortunate as it is a great story without the gory details.
Helpful Score: 1
I did't particularly enjoy this book because I couldn't handle the violence in it. It would have been a good story if it had been less graphic.
Helpful Score: 1
great adult fantasy series. hope you enjoy as much as i did.
This book was a very good read and if you like adventure and excitement you'll love this.
The second in the Sword of Truth series by Terry Goodkind. It's an epic fantasy and for those who love fantasy this series is a must. This book continues The Seeker of Truth, Richard Cypher's transformation from a young man of no consquence to a man of immense power. The question is can he harnass that power before evil sweeps everything away. It's a glorious tale, full of adventure.
This book did not get interesting until the last 1/3 of it. Perhaps it's because I've read it already--it's the same story as The Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan. Just the names are different:
Blood of the Fold = Children of the Light (aka Whitecloaks)
Sisters of the Light = Aes Sedai
Valley of the Lost = Rhudian
H'ada Han (sp?) = A'dam
And the list goes on.
Blood of the Fold = Children of the Light (aka Whitecloaks)
Sisters of the Light = Aes Sedai
Valley of the Lost = Rhudian
H'ada Han (sp?) = A'dam
And the list goes on.
Another exciting adventure in the Sword of Truth series ... although not quite as awesome as the first. In this book, Richard and Kahlan are separated right before their wedding. Will they ever get married!?! Richard goes to the Palace of the Prophets which has been invaded with Sisters of the Dark. And Kahlan fights against the Imperial Order ... finding Prince Harold (her half-brother) and Queen Cyrilla (her half-sister). Zedd and Adie have their own adventure as well.
another great book in a good series
Terry Goodkind is my favorite author hands down. I started reading these books when I was fourteen. Looking back, I admit that I was young for these books, but the great thing about Terry Goodkind is that he will draw you in to the story. Many complain that he includes torture and rape, and other taboo topics in his stories. Two things: Not to sound boorish, but Mr. Goodkind is simply writing about a realistic fantasy setting: these things happen in our world too. In a way, the torture etc makes the story more memorable, and richer.
Some may say how could rape make something more memorable. It does this because Goodkind makes us love his characters. When they have to endure such hardship such as rape or torture, the focus is not on the torture, but rather on the character. Goodkinds characters are the richest i have found thus far in my 18 years, and audiences cheer them on as they go.
An unforgettable read.
Some may say how could rape make something more memorable. It does this because Goodkind makes us love his characters. When they have to endure such hardship such as rape or torture, the focus is not on the torture, but rather on the character. Goodkinds characters are the richest i have found thus far in my 18 years, and audiences cheer them on as they go.
An unforgettable read.
Kahlan has at last gained the one goal she had always thought was beyond her grasp...love.
Amid sudden and disastrous events, Richard's life is called due to satisfy those treacherous oaths. To save his life, Kahlan must forsake Richard's love and cast him into the chains of slavery, knowing there could be no sin worse than such a betrayal.
Richard is determined to unlock the secrets bound in the magic of ancient oaths and to again be free. Kahlan, alone with the terrible truth of what she has done, must set about altering the course of a world thrown into war. But even that may be easier than ever winning back the heart of the only man she will ever love.
Amid sudden and disastrous events, Richard's life is called due to satisfy those treacherous oaths. To save his life, Kahlan must forsake Richard's love and cast him into the chains of slavery, knowing there could be no sin worse than such a betrayal.
Richard is determined to unlock the secrets bound in the magic of ancient oaths and to again be free. Kahlan, alone with the terrible truth of what she has done, must set about altering the course of a world thrown into war. But even that may be easier than ever winning back the heart of the only man she will ever love.
A great fantasy. One of the best series of books I have read since Dragonlance.
I really enjoyed this book. I found it hard to put down sometimes. I love big books that keep you entertained; this one filled the bill.
Arnoldo
Arnoldo
FANTASTIC Book and an EXCELLENT series!
Fantastic 2nd book in a huge series. Fell in love with the 1st book, this one didn't disappoint. I was so angry with Kahlan, though, for making Richard do what he did. Its frusterating at times to see Kahlan continue to doubt him, although I can't remember if that's from this book or the next one. I just finished the entire series, so they are running together.
A must read
I never tire of reading the Sword of Truth books. I have been reading them since high school and will probably continue reading them over an over for the rest of my life! They are great. The Stone of Tears isn't my favorite book of the series but its still very good and I do recommend it.
This was even better than the first book. I stayed up really late/early into the morning to finish this one because I just couldn't put it down. I love strong female characters, and Kahlan definitely fits the bill. :) Great fantasy series!
I've just gotten hooked on this books and love them. Goodkind weaves a great story and builds the characters. I would recommend to anyone who loves a good fantasy world to dive into.
This was an excellent book - once I got a few hundred pages into the "meat" of the book, I had a very difficult time putting it down.
My only reservations regarding this one: I agree with the other reviewer that I'm a bit disturbed by the amount of violence against women. Seriously...if I had a dime for every time Kahlan is almost raped....
And while I appreciate Mr. Goodkind's commitment to describing every detail, I could still do without some of the gruesome details. Example - a disturbing scene with some of the Sisters of the Light that takes place in the woods, near the beginning.
Other than these precautions, I would say this book was even better than Wizard's First Rule! I thought the plot line was even better and was impressed with the way Mr. Goodkind wove specific elements together.
My only reservations regarding this one: I agree with the other reviewer that I'm a bit disturbed by the amount of violence against women. Seriously...if I had a dime for every time Kahlan is almost raped....
And while I appreciate Mr. Goodkind's commitment to describing every detail, I could still do without some of the gruesome details. Example - a disturbing scene with some of the Sisters of the Light that takes place in the woods, near the beginning.
Other than these precautions, I would say this book was even better than Wizard's First Rule! I thought the plot line was even better and was impressed with the way Mr. Goodkind wove specific elements together.
I have never read a book liek this one before. It was the best one ever. I cant wait to read more.
Tiffany H. (tiffanyblitz) - , reviewed Stone of Tears (Sword of Truth, Book 2) on + 71 more book reviews
Probably not QUITE as good as the first one, but definately a good read - and long enought to satisfy!
I read books one through 3 in this series. I really didn't enjoy them at all. In this book, I was just waiting to see which character would get raped next. It seems like this is the main source of violence in these books - male characters get painfully killed, and female characters are repeatedly raped. I think this book has the potential to be good, if it weren't for the enormous amount of violence and rape. There is a way to write such books without such an emphasis on rape. To me, it almost seemed like the author enjoyed having his female characters raped. Or threatened with rape. Which is why it all seemed kind of sick to me.
Classic sword and sorcery.
From back cover:
The masterful telling of Richard Cypher's odyssey began in Wizard's First Rule continues with an ordeal that will test him, body and soul.
Using his emerging arcane talents and the power of the Sword of Truth which only he can wield, Richard faces the ultimate evil, the dread Keeper of the underworld, who has freed the spirit of his nemisis, Darken Rahl. Unless Richard can control his powers, no one, not even Richard's beloved Kahlan, the powerful, yet benevolent Mother Confessor, will survive the Keeper's plot.
But keeping Richard from his magic are the Sisters of the Light, who while vowing to train him to discipline his talent, hold his liberty -- his very life -- in their hands. Can Richard win his freedom before the world is destroyed by the foul magic of the underworld?
From back cover:
The masterful telling of Richard Cypher's odyssey began in Wizard's First Rule continues with an ordeal that will test him, body and soul.
Using his emerging arcane talents and the power of the Sword of Truth which only he can wield, Richard faces the ultimate evil, the dread Keeper of the underworld, who has freed the spirit of his nemisis, Darken Rahl. Unless Richard can control his powers, no one, not even Richard's beloved Kahlan, the powerful, yet benevolent Mother Confessor, will survive the Keeper's plot.
But keeping Richard from his magic are the Sisters of the Light, who while vowing to train him to discipline his talent, hold his liberty -- his very life -- in their hands. Can Richard win his freedom before the world is destroyed by the foul magic of the underworld?
This was an Terrific Read in an Excellent fantasy series. A real page turner.
Book 2 in A Sword of Truth series.
An Epic of Awesome Power
The masterful telling of Richard Cypher's odyssey that began in Wizard's First Rule continues with an ordeal that will test him, body and soul.
Using his emerging arcane talents and the power of the Sword of Truth which only he can wield, Richard faces the ultimate evil, the dread Kepper of the Underworld, who has freed the spirit of Richard's nemesis, Darken Rahl. Unless Richard can control his powers, no one, not even Richard's beloved Kahlan, the powerful yet benevolent Mother Confessor, will survive the Kepper's plot.
But keeping Richard from his magic are the Sisters of the Light, who while vowing to train him to discipline his talent, hold his liberty--his very life--in their hands. Can Richard win his freedom before his world is destroyed by the foul magic of the Underworld?
"Terry Goodkind's sequel picks up where Wizard's First Rule finishes and continues with unabated force." Piers Anthony
An Epic of Awesome Power
The masterful telling of Richard Cypher's odyssey that began in Wizard's First Rule continues with an ordeal that will test him, body and soul.
Using his emerging arcane talents and the power of the Sword of Truth which only he can wield, Richard faces the ultimate evil, the dread Kepper of the Underworld, who has freed the spirit of Richard's nemesis, Darken Rahl. Unless Richard can control his powers, no one, not even Richard's beloved Kahlan, the powerful yet benevolent Mother Confessor, will survive the Kepper's plot.
But keeping Richard from his magic are the Sisters of the Light, who while vowing to train him to discipline his talent, hold his liberty--his very life--in their hands. Can Richard win his freedom before his world is destroyed by the foul magic of the Underworld?
"Terry Goodkind's sequel picks up where Wizard's First Rule finishes and continues with unabated force." Piers Anthony
I really loved this series.
Enjoyed book. Went for the 3rd one - I had to know what happened next!
I read into the first few chapters, but decided that I simply couldn't make a commitment to reading each of Goodkind's tomes. Goodkind weaves a good yarn, one that will not leave easily from memory, but whether or not that is a good thing depends entirely on the reader.
Full of rape, torture, murder, blood and guts (literally). NOT good books, but very engaging. I was unable to put them down, and have lost a lot of sleep during the two months it took me to read the entire series. I cringed, I cried, I gasped, I had nightmares. I can't imagine what kind of twisted mind thinks up this kind of stuff.
In regards to the tv series based on these books DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME. THEY ARE FULL OF CRAP THAT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE BOOKS. I had to force myself to at least give them a chance, but was so pissed off within the first few minutes of the very first episode. I don't understand why the author had to butcher the story.
Anyway, read at your own discression. Not for kids or teenagers (or even a lot of adults :)
In regards to the tv series based on these books DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME. THEY ARE FULL OF CRAP THAT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE BOOKS. I had to force myself to at least give them a chance, but was so pissed off within the first few minutes of the very first episode. I don't understand why the author had to butcher the story.
Anyway, read at your own discression. Not for kids or teenagers (or even a lot of adults :)
The common saying "Don't judge a book by its cover" has a point, but when I picked up this book solely based on the front cover picture, I was glad I did.
IMPORTANT: cover had been written on by sibling, but the book itself has not been corrupted.
IMPORTANT: cover had been written on by sibling, but the book itself has not been corrupted.