Chainfire (Sword of Truth 9) [Paperback]

The book takes the form of a mystery. Right from the start, we are presented with the problem: that Kahlan has vanished and nobody other than Richard remembers her existence. We then follow Richard's attempts to try to find the cause of the problem, in the face of doubt and occasionally open hostility from his friends.

While a fairly decent story, it lacks the urgency and sense of wonder that characterised the earlier books in the series. It seems as if Goodkind wrote it simply for the sake of writing something, rather than because he felt he had to tell this particular tale.

There's also more of the moralising that has become a common occurrence in the series, with Richard seeming to act as a mouthpiece for Goodkind's own political and moral ideologies. If you've enjoyed those elements of the preceding books in the series, then you get to enjoy more of the same. If, like me, you find them preachy, then you have to sit through more of the same.

That said, this is a definite step up from the last couple of books of the series. The author has indicated his intentions to end the series within a couple more books, and there is an indication here, especially with the cliffhanger ending, that the last two books may see him back on form.

Overall, if you've managed to get this far through the series, then this book is definitely worth reading. On the other hand, if you gave up earlier on in the series, and want to know if Goodkind ever gets back to his brilliant best, then the answer is sadly "not yet".

And if you're new to the series, don't even think of starting here. Instead, go and check out the superb "Wizard's First Rule".

If you are a new reader to the series then it will be hugely disappointing.

If you are a strong fan of the series then you will be glad that this book sees Goodkind return to some sort of form after the stagnant Pillars of Creation and Naked Empire where you felt cheated after the books hardly included the main characters and didnot move the story along.

But this book is nowhere never the peak of Goodkind; this is still disappointing compared to the first 6 books.

The basic problem is that even though the book is around 650 pages, the actual story could have easily been fitted into 300 pages. Goodkind though go overs the same points of Richard convincing people and his injurys and despair again and agian and again.

The action only picks up in the last 100 pages and you find that after 650 pages you are only given half a story with no subplots at all!

The story of Kahlan being kidnapped is so unoriginal that it really killed the book no matter what was written.

Mr Goodkind, just put Richard and Kahlan together, let the chemistry work naturally and let the story progress and have something for the readers to really get excited about. Simple. And stop trying to drag the story out, you are only killing it. You could have made this a classic series that would be remembered for generations but you are doing it no justice with your last three books. Shame.

When I read the first books of these series I felt that their length was never too much, granted they were huge in sheer volume,but they had epic plots where simply so much happened. Goodkind managed to keep the story racing along for up to 1000 pages with the speed of an athlete. Now we seem to have reached somewhat of a slow period.

Having just completed this last book I'm kind of left with the impression.. " Right... well i've just read another 700 pages of Goodkind musing ". And the strangest thing is that despite pace (which now resembles our athlete trying to drag himself along on his arse) I find I still quite enjoyed it. Weird. Despite the anti-communist ravings and American cultist 'your life is your own' slogans I just can't help reading on and enjoying myself.

Hmm I think what I must say is, One For The Fans. If you love Goodkind and the Sword of Truth World then great, I'm sure you'll love the is book. However if you were ever unsure(WHY?)then to be honest this book will not rock your world.
Perhaps I sound unsure? Thats prob cause I am, now I'm kind of left wondering will Richard ever actually defeat Jagang? Or will Goodkind or myself die before this day? (Which at the rate good old Mr. Rahls going isn't out of the question)