The Third Kingdom: A Richard and Kahlan Novel

The Third Kingdom feels like a second draft that hasn't been hewn down yet. It has so much potential, but the lack of a strong editorial hand to counter the writer's whims is obvious at the turn of every page. Goodkind still has a lot of vivid scenes and descriptions, but gets mired down more than ever in repetition. Characters regularly spend three pages repeating the same four paragraphs, and many scenes feel like they were almost copied and pasted from his previous works. Those characters also blur together, all speaking in the same voice, but at least this problem isn't new Goodkind's readers. Occasional bursts of new clarity are a delight, too often obscured in a forest of chaff. Someone get this man an editor with heavy boots and a steel pen.

So..several times in the book they talk about how magic doesn't work against the Shun-tuk. One of the reasons Zedd, and so on left Richard and Kahlan in the wagon and ran for it, only to end up captured, was because their magic didn't work. But then once they all to get out of the caves. Suddenly everyone's magic works. Even Samantha's mother is casting magic about with no trouble . There is no explanation, no one seems surprised, nothing. It made no sense. Half the problem they where in was because they couldn't use their magic. Also, like some others said, a lot of repeat paragraphs and such through out the book. And way too many pages of Richard in the cave with Sam. Maybe should have had the other chars in the book a bit more. Spent a lot of time getting to know and love the other chars.. and they where barely in this book. And can we please get back to "heros" Seems like the bad guys provoke more of a response than anyone. I get so mad at the jerks, but then so let down because our heros never really seem to dish out the justice befitting their crimes, or even some good ole fashioned revenge. Let the weakness be losing temper instead of just getting weak.

You may think TG has run his course with the main 11 books of the Sword Of Truth series but I enjoyed the Third Kingdom very much. A little disappointed with his previous novel, The Omen Machine, this one makes up for it. The magic system TG has created is awesome. My only complaint is his new books coming out are too short! I miss the 700-800 pages novels but besides that this was a great read. Highly recommend all of his books. Read them all starting with Wizards First Rule!