Soul of the Fire: Sword of Truth, Book 5

As with most audiobooks a lot of the listener's experience comes down to the reader of the audiobook. The story was so so in the beginning and got better towards the end but ended pretty abruptly. But the reader of this novel is 10x better than the previous one. I'm glad I didn't stop at the last book and was able to make my way thru this one. I've read pretty good reviews of the book to come.

I thought the first 2/3 of this book did a good job of developing new characters and setting the stage for the political and magical forces that Richard had to overcome. However I found that the climax to the plot and the wrap up of the fates of the characters in the conclusion was sorely lacking. I seriously thought that I had missed downloading the last section of the book. If not for the "We hope you have enjoyed our presentation..." I wouldn't have even known that book was over. Fates of some of the secondary characters are left in the air, the intent of what the primary characters plan to do after the completion of their struggle is vague at best. Richard never explains to any of his companions how he figured out the way to overcome his adversaries. The fates of some of the main antagonists get summed up by a single sentence. It is hard to express all my issues with the book without giving too much away, but if I had to sum up my feelings on this novel in a single word, it would be "Disappointing." I will probably give the 6th book a chance, but I will take a break from this series for a while to help get the sour taste out of my mouth left behind by this book.

Mr. Goodkind is an imaginative author and the overall series weaves a compelling story. But this book, in particular, showcased some of his shortcomings. While he has always been miserly in his treatment of the disposition of secondary characters he dispatched them with even more rapidity and abruptness in this book. He also had the least impressive end game in this book compared to the previous 4. Like an earlier critique, I was left with the impression that he had come up against a deadline and had to finish the book quickly rather then well. I'm already into the next book and it is better writing but I hope that as he matures as an author he will give more thought and time to the ends of his books.
Unfortunately, you can't really skip this book without losing track of several story arcs so you'll have to suffer through it as I but you have my empathy.
Press on fellow readers, the overall storylines are good and your disappointment will pass.

Yes, I would skip the middle though!!!

It stands alone.

You can feel the hurt in Richard at times.

Te Vote!!!!

I didn't know where they were going with the whole minster of defense story but it came out in the end. Everything comes out in the end and the last part is awesome,I was on the edge of my seat when Kahlan was done for and Richard was their but not their for her! I just wanted to say its Kalhan. In all the other you could séance her presence what's is going on!!! So I'm starting the 6th book!!

Did the publisher have a word quota or something? The story is spoiled by all the "describing of things." There were several instances where the words went on and on, incessantly describing nonessential blah. The story was forgotten many times before finally moving forward. Very disappointing.

First of all, I can't wait for this book to end so I can get to the next one, hoping it will pick up the pace a bit. Secondly, I'd like to know who picks the readers. I think I may have gotten spoiled with Sam Tsoutsouvas in book 1. He did such a fabulous job, everyone else seems mediocre at best.
And it's not fair to call Dick Hill mediocre. Or any of the other readers.
But misspronouncing Kahlan's name is inexcusable.
And Zed, whom Tsoutsouvas portrays as a powerful wizard, later comes across like a little old gnome.
Come on Terry, you copied Robert Jordan in some ways (well, more than some. I keep expecting that at some point they'l refer to the sisters of the light as Ais Sedai).
So, why not copy Jordan and stick to using the same narrator(s) through out the series?
I really couldn't care less how Kahlan's name is pronounced. As long as it doesn't change depending on who is reading.
I do plan on getting through the entire series. Even suffering through book 5. (I am half way through.)
And the TV series? What a joke.

To me, this book wasn't as good as the first four. It seemed to go off on a tangent about other things. I can understand to a point why you would need to know the background information, but it seemed to drag on at times.

Most of this book is minus the main characters and those parts are sooo boring and tend to repeat. i found my mind drifting during those parts. I recommend skipping those parts. This book is just ok. Not his best - just ok.

Like many other people are saying, the narrating in this book is frustrating. However I enjoy the book, I've read them all and now listened most of them once already and now doing it again with the new narrators.

I'm glad he only reads 2 books.

I don't pay attention to reviews from other people. We all have different tastes. I don't pay attention to the movie critics either. If something seems interesting I will check it out.
Having said that, I am glad that I started watching the crappy T.V. Show that led me to the discovery of this book series. Although this author is long winded at times I enjoy the detail. I am glad that the work was done with such care. I am happily lost in the series. I think I will probably want more once I get to the last book. My vision of the lands, cities and characters is much more grand than the T.V. show. Although I do see the Mother Confessor as the current T.V. character (Bridget Regan), I have a totally different picture of Richard.
Now, I suggest that before you take stock in my review or any review here you think for yourself. This book series may suck for you or it could be the best book you have ever read err.. listened to. Sometimes you just have to say... WTF! And take a leap of faith. Enjoy! Or Not! HAHAHAHAHAHA!