Faith of the Fallen (Sword of Truth, Book 6)

by Terry Goodkind

Hardcover, 2000

Status

Available

Call number

813.54

Publication

Tor Books (2000), Edition: 1st, 539 pages

Description

Terry Goodkind, author of the enormously popular Sword of Truth novels, has forged perhaps his best yet, pitting Richard Rahl and Kahlan Amnell against threats to the freedom of the world. They both must struggle at opposite ends of the world against the relentless, monolithic forces of the Imperial Order. A Sister of the Dark captures Richard and takes him deep into the Old World, to the very heart of the Order, while his beloved Kahlan remains behind. Free because of Richard's sacrifice for her, but unwilling to abandon the cause of the Midlands, Kahlan violates not only prophecy but her last pledge to Richard, and raises an army against the advancing horde of the Imperial Order. Separated and fighting for their lives, Richard and Kahlan will be pushed to the limits of their endurance, and tested in their love for one another. Once again, the master storyteller weaves a riveting spell that will captivate even more fans for this incredible series.… (more)

User reviews

LibraryThing member Imshi

My thoughts upon reading:

"Yes, I get it, socialism is EVIL and objectivism is GOOD now will you stop already?!"

Books with a message are fine, but I really don't like it when it feels as though that message is being beaten into my head with a sledgehammer. It was preachy and - at least to me - the

storyline didn't seem very plausible.

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LibraryThing member LisaMaria_C

Reviewers of Terry Goodkind's Sword of Truth series seem to fall into three camps. There are those who claim he's a rotten writer and right from the beginning. Why they're reading and reviewing this far into the series I'll never understand. There are pleasures in a trainwreck at times, I know.

That's why I read the entire Twilight "Saga"- four miserably written books that are mercifully not all that long. But up to six books of doorstopper length? Did they really read all these? Then there are the ones that just lap these up to the end, convinced Goodkind is the greatest, most profound writer of the human condition EVUH. (Goodkind himself given his interviews seems to be one of that number.)

I'm in the third camp. The one that loved this series at one point, then thought it jumped the shark. Some cite the previous book, Soul of the Fire as where the series declined. Most of those readers who found themselves ultimately disappointed with the series cite this book. I'm actually not one of them. (No, for me Pillars of Creation, the next book, is where things became tedious.)

I do get why people are annoyed by this book though. Goodkind makes no bones about being an Ayn Rand devotee on his website. Unsurprising to me when I found that out, since I thought I could detect libertarian themes in the previous books. Something I found more attractive rather than repellant. But this is the book where it becomes overt--for many a reader it seems, far too overt. Yes, at times you can hear the anvils clanging in this parable about the EVILS of socialism.

Although if I were to point to the book's most annoying characteristic, it was the way in this book Richard becomes an overweening Marty-Stu. Yes, he's the hero. The hero of the series. I didn't blink an eye at him being a master tracker. Or a natural leader and general. Or even the greatest magician of his time. But when after all that he becomes a sculptor who makes Michelangelo seem a slacker? That's when I thought, head, meet desk.

So I can see what the detractors are sniping at in this high fantasy Atlas Shrugged. Truly. Yet I still found this book enormously entertaining. And I liked Nicci and her character arc. She's not up in awesomeness with Cara or Ann in my opinion, but she isn't a Jennsen either. For which, much thanks.

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LibraryThing member Cecrow

I enjoyed this one simply on the basis of its blatant Objectivist slant, although Goodkind is as ham-handed with forcing into our brains as Ayn Rand was accused of. I continue finding it odd that Objectivism suddenly begins ruling the series from this point forward, when there was little or no hint

of it prior.

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LibraryThing member dbhutch

Perhaps one of the better of Goodkind's series once we were given an introduction to the Imperial Order. While Richard has Kahlan hidden away in Westland as she recovered from her severe beating in Soul of the Fire, Nicci locates them, and ignites a maternity spell between her and Kahlan, and then

forces Richard to go with her, into the heart of the Order, where she was born.
In Altur Rang, Richard sees what the Order has truly wrought - famine, despair, poverty, all in the name of faith. Nicci has him so she can find out why he parks such life in people, somethign she last knew when she was a little girl and her father alive and in business, before her mother practically klilled him for the order's beliefs.
While Richard is doing this, and learning other parts of his gift - sculpting - Kahlan returns with Cara to the D'Haran forces facing off against Jajang and the Order's army. With ingenuity and creativity, they hold off the mass of the order - 100,000 D'Harans and Midlanders to the 1.5 million of the Order. They finally retreat to Adyndrill and clear out the city, sending Zedd and Adie to guard the keep, while she and Cara undertake what they call a suicide mission to help Richard after capturing a Order soldier who used to live where Richard and Nicci are.
For the rest... ahh - you must read! but well worth it ;-)

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LibraryThing member Wanderlust_Lost

A glaringly trasnparent condemnation of socialism and not terribly well written Goodkind's 6th novel is still an enjoyable read for those who keep up with his "Sword of Truth" series. The characters are, as ever, themselves, albeit fairly one dimensional selves, and the plot is a good one, though

the political statements made are extraordinarily biased, poorly informed, and over-simplistic. It is, at the very least, a fun story about one man's personal triumph over his own demons.

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LibraryThing member shammynix

It has been a number of years since I read Faith of the Fallen on my journey through the Sword of Truth books, but of all of them, this one stands out the most. To this day, I see the image of the statue and I immediately remember Richard's defiance and Kahlan's tenacity. I remember the evocative

nature of the story, the emotions it stirred in me, and no other book by Terry Goodkind has touched me in such a way, through the entire SoT series.

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LibraryThing member Michael_Rose

This series was introduced to me by a then girlfriend (my first serious one). My review applies to all of his books that I've read.

His stories are engaging enough, so that's not an issue. They are extremely pornographic in their depictions of sex, rape, torture, and war...if that's your thing. It's

just the fantasy element has been attached. They're also very masturbatory (or "autoerotic", if you prefer) when it comes to all things Ayn Rand ("objectivism"). One book in particular (I forget which one) was decidedly anti-democracy in its ethos. There was also the author's justifications for the slaughter of innocent people (because, in his eyes, they're not innocent, even if they're non-combatants). I enjoyed the books well enough as a high schooler, though I've since grown up (and grown beyond them, though I still enjoy the fantasy genre).

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LibraryThing member wealhtheowwylfing

How did this drek get published? Richard and Kahlan have become mere mouthpieces spouting the author's insane propaganda, and the writing (never particularly good to begin with) is astoundingly awful.

LibraryThing member silva_44

Easily one of the best books in the series thus far, Goodkind continues to expertly explore the indomitable human spirit. In this book, Richard reminds the reader of Howard Roarke, from Ayn Rand's classic work, The Fountainhead, as he remains true to himself and his purpose, regardless of daunting

circumstances. Richard and Kahlan find themselves once again torn apart, as Richard is kidnapped by a Sister of the Dark, and taken deep into the Old World. He lives in desperate conditions, but draws on the strength of his convictions to allow him to find success and contentment, greatly inspiring those around him. He utilizes one of his many talents to strike at the heart of the Order, bringing something priceless to thousands of suffering citizens: hope. While Richard is busy in the Old World, Kahlan and others are attempting to divert and resist the Order, and they experience several harrowing ordeals before the book's end. Eventually, Kahlan also finds herself in the Old World, where events reach a fevered pitch, as the plot races to its conclusion. The ending of the book is nothing short of incredible. I highly recommend this book, and I can't wait to read the next one.

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LibraryThing member jms001

My absolute favorite out of the Sword of Truth series. Not only is this a fantasy book, it also incorporates politics and warfare strategies, plus romance between the non-main protagonists of Richard and Kahlan.

LibraryThing member AshleyMiller

Finally! The story starts getting better! It is about as good as Wizard's First Rule! I was interested from the very beginning all the way through to the end. It is definitely one of the better books in the series so far.

The beginning is a little slow, but I was still interested because Richard and

Kahlan (along with Cara) finally get to be together without any distractions. Then, all of the sudden their time together was ruined! :( They are separated again throughout the majority of this novel; however, I still found it to be extremely entertaining. Kahlan is involved in many battles when she rejoins with the D'Haran army. Believe me when I say that some of these battles are very interesting. Though her story isn't as good as Richard's, I was still excited to read about the battles taking place. Richard was taken to the heart of the Imperial Order by Nicci, a Sister of the Dark. I don't want to say too much about this and give things away. However, I will say that it was fascinating to read about the Old World and why they are so hated. You get to meet people and read about how they live under the rule of the Imperial Order,and the horrible carvings they have to create. It's no wonder why Richard and Kahlan want to destroy the Imperial Order and save these people.

Throughout the story we get to see a different side of Richard. We always see him destroy with his Sword, but this time he is without his Sword, so we get to see him create! He is very talented with the help of his gift. There was a lot of anticipation and excitement in Richard's story to see how he was going to handle the situation he was in. With Kahlan's life on the line Richard will do anything!

I have to admit that I do not like Nicci! As the story went on I just couldn't believe how ignorant she was even when she gets to the Old World with Richard. Goodkind really brought out my feelings (both good and bad) towards Richard and Nicci in this novel.

Goodkind is a little better with his writing in this novel, though there was some repetition. His detail was amazing! I really felt like I was there with both Richard and Kahlan. You just have to get used to how Goodkind writes his novels and you will enjoy them even more.

Overall, this was one of the best stories so far; I give it a well deserved 5 stars! I found it to be very interesting and especially entertaining. I was engrossed in the novel all the way until the end!

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LibraryThing member bookswamp

pretty disappointing; I skipped one third of everlasting and dragging war scenes, one third went to a rather boring story of "true love", and one third seemed to consist of all elements found mainly in Jordan's Wheel of Time - I sometimes thought being in the wrong novel - but also some of Eddings

(e.g. Zedd vide Belgarath) or even bad copies of Tolkien? Good I bought the book on a book sale :-)!

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LibraryThing member clstaff

Another great installment of the Sword of Truth series by Terry Goodkind. You wouldn't want to be reading any of the books from this series as standalone stories, but as a series they are still going strong.

LibraryThing member Lauren_Kirk-Cohen

THIS IS THE MOST AMAZING BOOK IN THE WORLD!!!!! I strongly urge anyone who hasn't read it to do so IMMEDIATELY or live an empty, sad life! Read the whole series - book 1 is Wizard's First Rule, but especially look out for this book! You will be blown away...

LibraryThing member tillywern

A wonderful statement of the power of the individual to overcome obstacles. Especially the cancer of socialism/communism.

See review of Goodkind's "Wizards First Rule" for a review of the series.

LibraryThing member harpua

Book 6 of the Sword of Truth series was finished a few weeks ago but just now getting around to posting the review. I feel this is one of the better books up to this point in the series. There is not a lot of the typical sword and sorcery you might expect from a fantasy novel, but this books

focuses more on the deeper development of Richard and his growth as a leader despite his circumstances. People just naturally gravitate to him as a leader. I really enjoyed this fascinating character development. Moves the story sufficiently forward, though at this point, I’m not sure where we’re really heading.

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LibraryThing member Radaghast

Goodkind's brilliant fantasy series falls of the cliff in the sixth disappointing installment. Preachy and dissatisfying, Faith of the Fallen goes to a place I cannot follow.

LibraryThing member Karlstar

I actually think this is the best book of the entire series. By this time, Goodkind has now established a pattern in the books. It is no long so much about Richard and Kahlan directly killing their opponents, as it was in the previous books, but it is now about them setting an example and being a

catalyst.
I know some people felt like this book did not advance the story enough. Quite a bit happens, and it is important to the story, but this book is about how the characters establish once and for all the righteousness of their cause. By exposing the Order as evil tyrants, enslaving everyone who follows them, they show to others that they have to lead themselves out of tyranny.

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LibraryThing member andrewt93

I like this book as much as the other books in the series, it is pretty good. Some of the points in the story seem a bit dull and hard to get through but it seemed to be worh it. I enjoyed the fact that Richard is able to help people no matter where he is and what he is doing. It was really

exciting and really enjoyable, I would recommend this book to anyone.

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LibraryThing member jrg1316

I am starting to get tired of this series. Almost every book has something in it that keeps Richard and Kahlan apart, and this one is no exception. Nicci takes Richard away hoping he can provide her with an answer to a question she doesn't even know. Meanwhile, Kahlan leads the D'haran Empire

against the impossibly large Imperial Order. While the story itself isn't too bad, the ending comes far too quickly.

Hopefully the next books will bring the series back to what it used to be.

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