Series
Genres
Description
Bestselling author Terry Goodkind's epic Sword of Truth series continues with the next stunning installment, PhantomOn the day she awoke remembering nothing but her name, Kahlan Amnell became the most dangerous woman alive. For everyone else, that was the day that the world began to end.As her husband, Richard, desperately searches for his beloved, whom only he remembers, he knows that if she doesn't soon discover who she really is, she will unwittingly become the instrument that will unleash annihilation. But Kahlan learns that if she ever were to unlock the truth of her lost identity, then evil itself would finally possess her, body and soul.If she is to survive in a murky world of deception and betrayal, where life is not only cheap but fleeting, Kahlan must find out why she is such a central figure in the war-torn world swirling around her. What she uncovers are secrets darker than she could ever have imagined.… (more)
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2006-07-18
Physical description
17 cm
Publication
Macmillan US, 2007
ISBN
9780765344328
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User reviews
LibraryThing member shammynix
If you're looking for something along the lines of Mages vs. Sorcerers, some big battles and lots of action... look elsewhere.
I've heard a lot of things said about Terry Goodkind since I first began reading the Sword of Truth novels back in high school, both bad and good. Because of where my
The world he developed is extensive and astounding, filled with rich detail. It gives your imagination plenty of room to play whether provided with stereotypical battle action, or more subtle, thought-out, philosophical action.
Phantom is chalk full of the latter. Richard is a thinker. If you've paid attention at all throughout the series, you would know this. Battle doesn't become him, and the actions he chooses in Phantom only enforce this. The last 3 books of the Sword of Truth are the epitome of Khalan's and Richard's personalities. Neither of them enjoy the fight - the do it only when they have to, when they feel there truly is no other option. It's a tactical measure to be used only when it has some real benefit.
It's been a long while since I read Chainfire, but I remember the general premise - which is what's important here. The Chainfire spell is the central motivating aspect behind everything that takes place in the last 3 books. Without it, this becomes little more than a typical, unimaginative high-action epic fantasy, to pull from the books themselves... "steel vs. steel, magic against magic."
Chainfire gives it something DIFFERENT.
I enjoy the almost philosophical twists and turns Goodkind uses to move the story forward. You may read through parts or introductions to people thinking, "Oh, another inconsequential brute" or "why does this even matter?" but Goodkind has thought ahead. He does not introduce events, people, or things without there being a Very. Good. Reason.
I'm going to reiterate here, because this is probably the most important part about whether or not you'll enjoy Phantom or not. If you're looking for a lot of in your face action, the last 3 books in the Sword of Truth are not for you. If you're into the subtleties, the actual MAGIC, and don't mind a plot being moved forward by getting an insight into characters minds, thoughts and deeds, then you'll thoroughly enjoy the Chainfire trilogy.
I've heard a lot of things said about Terry Goodkind since I first began reading the Sword of Truth novels back in high school, both bad and good. Because of where my
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interests lay in fantasy, I kept on, because there was definitely something ELSE in Terry Goodkind's works that I couldn't find in other fantasy books that I'd read.The world he developed is extensive and astounding, filled with rich detail. It gives your imagination plenty of room to play whether provided with stereotypical battle action, or more subtle, thought-out, philosophical action.
Phantom is chalk full of the latter. Richard is a thinker. If you've paid attention at all throughout the series, you would know this. Battle doesn't become him, and the actions he chooses in Phantom only enforce this. The last 3 books of the Sword of Truth are the epitome of Khalan's and Richard's personalities. Neither of them enjoy the fight - the do it only when they have to, when they feel there truly is no other option. It's a tactical measure to be used only when it has some real benefit.
It's been a long while since I read Chainfire, but I remember the general premise - which is what's important here. The Chainfire spell is the central motivating aspect behind everything that takes place in the last 3 books. Without it, this becomes little more than a typical, unimaginative high-action epic fantasy, to pull from the books themselves... "steel vs. steel, magic against magic."
Chainfire gives it something DIFFERENT.
I enjoy the almost philosophical twists and turns Goodkind uses to move the story forward. You may read through parts or introductions to people thinking, "Oh, another inconsequential brute" or "why does this even matter?" but Goodkind has thought ahead. He does not introduce events, people, or things without there being a Very. Good. Reason.
I'm going to reiterate here, because this is probably the most important part about whether or not you'll enjoy Phantom or not. If you're looking for a lot of in your face action, the last 3 books in the Sword of Truth are not for you. If you're into the subtleties, the actual MAGIC, and don't mind a plot being moved forward by getting an insight into characters minds, thoughts and deeds, then you'll thoroughly enjoy the Chainfire trilogy.
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LibraryThing member Iudita
After a long break, I resumed this series where I left off with Phantom. I feel very comfortable in this world with these characters and it felt like I hadn't left it. I love the whole Sword of Truth story but Goodkind continues to make me roll my eyes by using 10 words for every 1 that is
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neccesary. Still...I did enjoy the continuation of the story. Show Less
LibraryThing member lewispike
This is clearly a book building up to the end of the series (which is due in the next book). There's some interesting play on the number of ways things can become phantom, and that's fun in places, but gets a little overdone.
There are also a couple of long discourses on the evils of the Imperial
There's the usual mix of action, philosophy and the like. If you liked the earlier books, this one does a lot of looking back - make sure you're up to date with stuff right back to book 1!
There are also a couple of long discourses on the evils of the Imperial
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Order's philosophy. I have to wonder how many people will think "Islamic terrorists", and how many will also think "Catholic church" - interesting seeing them taken out of context and just similar they are.There's the usual mix of action, philosophy and the like. If you liked the earlier books, this one does a lot of looking back - make sure you're up to date with stuff right back to book 1!
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LibraryThing member BeezerMN
Phantom by Terry Godkind is the second book in the Chainfire trilogy, but also the tenth book in the Sword of Truth saga. For people not familiar with Mr. Goodkind, it may sound odd that a book is part of a trilogy and a saga at the same time, but that is the case with this book. The Chainfire
The overall plot of this book is almost identical to the plot of the previous book, Chainfire: Chainfire Trilogy, Part 1 (Sword of Truth, Book 9). In that Richard is still searching for Kahlan. The only difference is that in Chainfire, Richard had convinced those closest to him (Zed, Cara, Nicci etc) that Kahlan does exists. Sadly, nothing much changes in terms of that plot line. It almost seems as though Mr. Goodkind wants to milk that piece of plot for all it's worth. There are a few other subplots sprinkled in for good measure as well. Such as the Boxes of Orden and just what they can do. I particularly like this subplot because it ties up events from book one and is obviously bringing things together. There is also, as with previous books, a great deal of discussion of prophecy. This subplot seems to make the book become sluggish and redundant due to the fact the characters seem as though they are constantly repeating themselves. There is also the additional subplot of the First Grand Wizard, Baraccus, and the events he started way back when. Certainly, an interesting addition to the story.
The characters are largely the same characters that were present in the previous book, and the entire saga. There is not much character development at all for the main heroes. In fact, the character that seems to develop the most is Emperor Jagang. Jagang's development mostly centers on readers just leaning more about him. There is no real growth for the characters. At times, this novel felt as though the characters were secondary and they were being dragged along by the story. This is the second book in a row where Mr. Goodkind has offered very little in the way of character development. I was disappointed, especially being that this is the second to last book in the entire series to have flat characters, after readers have invested so much time following the story. I sincerely hope, with the last book, Mr. Goodkind adds a great deal of character development.
I have a few criticisms about this novel.
One being that at times the dialog drags on, and on... and on. The characters say the same thing over and over again. It is almost as though Mr. Goodkind is saying to the reader "I want you to get this point." And then proceeds to beat the reader over the head with the point.
Secondly, there are several times in this novel where the characters are struggling when suddenly one of the characters has an `ah ha!' moment and suddenly figures out a very vexing problem and has all the answers. This is very frustrating as a reader to see things `given' to the characters so easily. This happens no less than three times in this story.
Also, as I talked about above, the simple lack of character development. Sure, the story as a whole is advanced, but in terms of character development there is very little to be found.
Overall this is a slightly disappointing book. As a reader, I don't feel like a whole lot was accomplished in the broad scope of things. Fans of the series will certainly need to read this book, after all there is only one more left to complete the tale. People considering reading this novel, without prior knowledge of the series, need to really go back and start from the beginning. There are events and characters in this book that are discussed, or mentioned that would make no sense without reading the previous books. I would most likely recommend this series as a whole to more adult fantasy readers, yet in the same breath I think there are better fantasy series out there right now with less philosophical discussion based on the author's views and beliefs. This is simply an average fantasy book at best.
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trilogy is merely the final three books in the saga. By all accounts, the final book in the Chainfire trilogy, will in fact be the last book in the Sword of Truth saga. The saga that was started back in 1994 with Wizard's First Rule (Sword of Truth, Book 1) is due to close with the next book. There have been a mix of gems and duds among the books, but over all it's proven to be a solid series. The overall plot of this book is almost identical to the plot of the previous book, Chainfire: Chainfire Trilogy, Part 1 (Sword of Truth, Book 9). In that Richard is still searching for Kahlan. The only difference is that in Chainfire, Richard had convinced those closest to him (Zed, Cara, Nicci etc) that Kahlan does exists. Sadly, nothing much changes in terms of that plot line. It almost seems as though Mr. Goodkind wants to milk that piece of plot for all it's worth. There are a few other subplots sprinkled in for good measure as well. Such as the Boxes of Orden and just what they can do. I particularly like this subplot because it ties up events from book one and is obviously bringing things together. There is also, as with previous books, a great deal of discussion of prophecy. This subplot seems to make the book become sluggish and redundant due to the fact the characters seem as though they are constantly repeating themselves. There is also the additional subplot of the First Grand Wizard, Baraccus, and the events he started way back when. Certainly, an interesting addition to the story.
The characters are largely the same characters that were present in the previous book, and the entire saga. There is not much character development at all for the main heroes. In fact, the character that seems to develop the most is Emperor Jagang. Jagang's development mostly centers on readers just leaning more about him. There is no real growth for the characters. At times, this novel felt as though the characters were secondary and they were being dragged along by the story. This is the second book in a row where Mr. Goodkind has offered very little in the way of character development. I was disappointed, especially being that this is the second to last book in the entire series to have flat characters, after readers have invested so much time following the story. I sincerely hope, with the last book, Mr. Goodkind adds a great deal of character development.
I have a few criticisms about this novel.
One being that at times the dialog drags on, and on... and on. The characters say the same thing over and over again. It is almost as though Mr. Goodkind is saying to the reader "I want you to get this point." And then proceeds to beat the reader over the head with the point.
Secondly, there are several times in this novel where the characters are struggling when suddenly one of the characters has an `ah ha!' moment and suddenly figures out a very vexing problem and has all the answers. This is very frustrating as a reader to see things `given' to the characters so easily. This happens no less than three times in this story.
Also, as I talked about above, the simple lack of character development. Sure, the story as a whole is advanced, but in terms of character development there is very little to be found.
Overall this is a slightly disappointing book. As a reader, I don't feel like a whole lot was accomplished in the broad scope of things. Fans of the series will certainly need to read this book, after all there is only one more left to complete the tale. People considering reading this novel, without prior knowledge of the series, need to really go back and start from the beginning. There are events and characters in this book that are discussed, or mentioned that would make no sense without reading the previous books. I would most likely recommend this series as a whole to more adult fantasy readers, yet in the same breath I think there are better fantasy series out there right now with less philosophical discussion based on the author's views and beliefs. This is simply an average fantasy book at best.
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LibraryThing member patience_grayfeather
Kahlan who? continued. Goodkind’s preachy soliloquy’s are getting annoying. If he could just focus on the action, that would be wonderful. And interesting.
LibraryThing member harpua
Book 10 in the Sword of Truth series was one of the better books in the series in my mind. It begins to tie up the pieces of the puzzle and draws alot of the other books which were less ejoyable at the time together. Some of the seemingly meaningless and frankly boring books in the series now make
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a bit more sense. I really enjoyed this one and can't wait to read the final book to see how the whole thing wraps up. Good stuff here. Show Less
LibraryThing member Mander_Pander
I picked this up as an audio book for a road trip, not realizing from the cover that it's way into a developed series. I will finish it (I am on the last cd), and may even rent the final book, but I won't go backwards and work from the beginning.
LibraryThing member SheilaDeeth
I like science fiction and fantasy, and I’d never read anything by Terry Goodkind until this month. How’s that for a confession? I think his books must have started coming out when I was avoiding series (due to kids, lack of finances… who knows). But Phantom sounded really intriguing, with a
Terry Goodkind has certainly created a fascinating world, and I learned a lot about it as I read—its history, its mythology, the way its magic works. I particularly loved a scene where the protagonist looks at a magic spell and tries to explain how symbolically there must be something wrong. I guess because I’m a mathematician, and mathematicians work with symbols, the concept intrigued me. It felt like when I’ve tried to explain that a proof is false without being able straight away to put my finger on the reason.
The author fills in gaps in the backstory quite cleverly, bringing this new reader at least partly up to date. But I found the adventure much slower than I expected, with lots of paragraphs devoted to explaining and re-explaining the same feelings—thoughts that go round in circles repeated on the page. It was a fun story, and if the next really is the concluding tale in the series I will probably plan on reading it. But it was a surprisingly heavy read, so I may not go back to catch up on the earlier books.
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female protagonist who can’t remember who she is, and a husband who’s the only person left who knows she exists. Throw in a little magic and global annihilation and I’m bound to be hooked. I decided, with a series this long, it had to be possible to pick the story up halfway through so of course I bought the book.Terry Goodkind has certainly created a fascinating world, and I learned a lot about it as I read—its history, its mythology, the way its magic works. I particularly loved a scene where the protagonist looks at a magic spell and tries to explain how symbolically there must be something wrong. I guess because I’m a mathematician, and mathematicians work with symbols, the concept intrigued me. It felt like when I’ve tried to explain that a proof is false without being able straight away to put my finger on the reason.
The author fills in gaps in the backstory quite cleverly, bringing this new reader at least partly up to date. But I found the adventure much slower than I expected, with lots of paragraphs devoted to explaining and re-explaining the same feelings—thoughts that go round in circles repeated on the page. It was a fun story, and if the next really is the concluding tale in the series I will probably plan on reading it. But it was a surprisingly heavy read, so I may not go back to catch up on the earlier books.
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LibraryThing member dbhutch
In the second part of the trilogy that Goodkind with end the epic Sword of Truth series with, Richard has managed to convince his friends that Kahlan is real, but he is losing his way. With some help from those Goodkind has introducted to us throughout this tale, Rachel, Shota, Jebra, Nicci, Ann,
His second realization came with Shotas other revealation - he is the counter to the dream walker, and both of the magics they haev were released thousands of years ago when the Great War took place by Lothian and Baraccus. He also learns the First Wizard left him a book in a hidden library to aid him in his abilities. The problem - when he manages to find the book - his magic is gone, and the book is blank. Meanwhile Kahlan and ths Sisters have been captured by Jangjang and are now camped outside the People's Palace in a seige. Richard finds himself captured by Six - a witch woman worse than Shota, and is then taken captive as a Ja'La player by a group of the Order's army.
One more book to go!
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Chase, Nathan, Zedd, and Cara. Shota comes to the Keep with Jebra to show Richard what has happened and what truly will come to pass if he fails. Realization dawns on him, and he disbands the D'Haran army - sending them ins small pack to lay waste to everything in the Old World.His second realization came with Shotas other revealation - he is the counter to the dream walker, and both of the magics they haev were released thousands of years ago when the Great War took place by Lothian and Baraccus. He also learns the First Wizard left him a book in a hidden library to aid him in his abilities. The problem - when he manages to find the book - his magic is gone, and the book is blank. Meanwhile Kahlan and ths Sisters have been captured by Jangjang and are now camped outside the People's Palace in a seige. Richard finds himself captured by Six - a witch woman worse than Shota, and is then taken captive as a Ja'La player by a group of the Order's army.
One more book to go!
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LibraryThing member janemarieprice
Second book of the ending trilogy. Plotwise, like most middle books of a trilogy – mostly unnecessary. A lot of bringing together many plot points in preparation for the finale.
LibraryThing member MorHavok
I have been an avid reader of this series for over 10 years now. While this series has had its ups and downs it has been mostly enjoyable. One problem I had with the previous 4 books was that Terry kept adding in new dimensions and problems to the books, like they didn’t have enough to deal with
A couple of scenes actually had me very tense, which does not happen usually, and surprised me quite a lot. Also his multiple usage of the word Phantom was enjoyable to me at least. It’s an enjoyable book and seems to be bringing the series back on track, just might be a bit too late.
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already. It is overwhelming how many things the character has to deal with. Add that to the fact that throughout the series the Main characters are always separated. Of course more problems were added in this book, which just makes it more than frustrating. Terry also he did not go very far into resolving any of the previous problems. This leaves me very worried for the next book as I cannot see how he will be able to resolve and tie together all of the loose ends he keeps on creating without a humungous book. But this book is enjoyable as it progresses the series, and it does give you a sense that it is finally coming to a close. A couple of scenes actually had me very tense, which does not happen usually, and surprised me quite a lot. Also his multiple usage of the word Phantom was enjoyable to me at least. It’s an enjoyable book and seems to be bringing the series back on track, just might be a bit too late.
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LibraryThing member capetowncanada
After Pillars of Creation and Naked Empire I wasn't sure if I wanted to continue with this series but I'm gald I did. Chainfire and Phantom have both been good and give me hope that the sword of truth series will end the way it began. Again many characters and place's from the series past are in
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this edition. Show Less
LibraryThing member soybean-soybean
as much as i truly loved goodkind's first few books of this series, his writing style has become rather gratingly winding with too much verbose.
LibraryThing member LisaMaria_C
I think this is the worst book in the series, and the only one (other than the stand alone novella Debt of Bones) where I'm giving it one star. I actually used to love this series. I'd give the first one, Wizard's First Rule five stars. No, not because it's an undying classic, or I don't see flaws,
Why? Because as pointed out in review after review, NOTHING HAPPENS. Oh, there be word after word on the page, there's lots of people talking things to death. But advancement of plot? Character development? What is this you say? And like others, here is where I really, really got tired of the zillionth time Kahlan has to ward off rape. If you skipped to the last book, I don't think you'd miss anything.
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but it was a terrific read I just sprinted through madly turning pages--I didn't feel it's hefty length. I liked the characters, in some cases loved them, and was fascinated by Goodkind's world and themes. That liking started dropping off after the seventh book for me (some point to the fifth as the book where it jumped the shark) but I didn't find these tedious until the book just before this one starts the "Chainfire Trilogy" that ends the "Sword of Truth" series. (Well, actually the Pillars of Creation before that dragged too.) The next and concluding book after this, Confessor doesn't quite redeem the series for me, but I'd still point to Phantom as the low point.Why? Because as pointed out in review after review, NOTHING HAPPENS. Oh, there be word after word on the page, there's lots of people talking things to death. But advancement of plot? Character development? What is this you say? And like others, here is where I really, really got tired of the zillionth time Kahlan has to ward off rape. If you skipped to the last book, I don't think you'd miss anything.
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LibraryThing member LindaLiu
This book continues where Phantom left off. Very glad that finally the story begins moving again and more happens this time. The introduction of Six was interesting but I wasn't keen on Viole(n)t's return. Glad neither of them seem to have got what they wanted. Was rather pleased with the way the
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last battle was to be conducted and finally Richard may find Kahlan at last. Show Less
LibraryThing member magickislife
great audio book, enjoyed it almost more than the book.
LibraryThing member Zanla
Another very good book in the Sword of Truth line by Terry Goodkind. Like most of the books in his series the main problem is waiting for the next one. More please!!!
LibraryThing member jrg1316
A bloated, repetitive piece of work. Half of this book is filled with various characters ranting about their beliefs, and the rest is repeating things that we were already told in several of the previous books.
On the plus side, only 1 more book to go. Master Rahl protect me.
On the plus side, only 1 more book to go. Master Rahl protect me.
LibraryThing member graspingforthewind
This book is great simply because it asks the questions we must ask ourselves in this modern day and age. Why do Americans fight to preserve our freedoms when, in postmodernism, our greatest goal should only be to do what feels right to us at the time? Why is the faith of Islam so often
Full Review
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destructive, and why has Christianity also been in its less than lustrous past?Full Review
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LibraryThing member jenbooks
Repetitive. As were all the books since FotF, thinly veiled Randism. I was going to give 2 stars, but the last quarter of the book redeemed itself somewhat.
Jordan/Sanderson does epic fantasy much better.
Jordan/Sanderson does epic fantasy much better.
LibraryThing member wagner.sarah35
The Sword of Truth series continues in this volume, picking up right where the previous book Chainfire ended. Kahlan remains unknown to most people and Richard is determined to find her, even if others have no memory of her. However, others, namely the witch woman Shota, urge Richard to lead the
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fight against the Imperial Order, which continues its brutal and relentless march into the New World. A great book and a great series, I can't wait to read the next volume! Show Less
LibraryThing member BlancheHaddow
Having read a lot of the reviews I was not expecting much from this book even though I absolutely love all the rest of them. However I couldn't resist giving it a go and I am so glad I did.
There are some bits when the explanations go on a bit such as the spell construction and some of the
A number of the reviews ask for shorter or less words but I say to Terry Goodkind PLEASE in NO WAY cut down your words. I love the long books and get so involved in them that I just don't want them to stop.
A brilliant book and author who really gets into the story and allows us to be part of it.
There are some bits when the explanations go on a bit such as the spell construction and some of the
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description scenes of the atrocities but I kept going. I realised that the people who go on are the characters who would do that in their lives and as for the other scenes, horrible as it is we need to get the feelings of the horrors.A number of the reviews ask for shorter or less words but I say to Terry Goodkind PLEASE in NO WAY cut down your words. I love the long books and get so involved in them that I just don't want them to stop.
A brilliant book and author who really gets into the story and allows us to be part of it.
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