The Third Kingdom

Richard and Kahlan, Book 2

By: Terry Goodkind

Narrated by: Sam Tsoutsouvas

Length: 17 hrs and 7 mins

Publisher's Summary

"Richard saw the point of a sword blade sticking out from between the man's shoulder blades. He spun back toward Richard after throwing the woman out of the opening, ready to attack. It seemed impossible, but the man looked unaffected by the blade that had impaled him through the chest.

"It was then, in the weak light from the fire pit off to the side, that Richard got his first good look at the killer.

"Three knives were buried up to their brass cross guards in the man's chest. Only the handles were showing. Richard saw, too, the broken end of a sword blade jutting out from the center of the man's chest. The point of that same blade stuck out from the man’s back.

"Richard recognized the knife handles. All three were the style carried by the men of the First File.

"He looked from those blades that should have killed the big man, up to his face. That was when he realized the true horror of the situation, and the reason for the unbearable stench of death."

Sequel to the #1 New York Times best seller The Omen Machine.

©2013 Terry Goodking (P)2013 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

What Happened to Goodkind?

Sword of truth was one of my favorite fantasy series's. And Richard is probably my favorite fantasy character. But these last few books seem to be written by a different person. He is so wordy and repetitive that it is annoying. I agree with the other reviewers, it seems like he has very short story content and is simply trying to fill space and stretch the series out.

Good story, too much rambling

Terry Goodkind is very good with his story line, he just tends to ramble so much it gets boring. It is like he has an idea, then because he doesn't really know what he wants to say, he just keeps repeating what he said in different ways until it feels like he is treating the reader as if they are incapable of understanding what he is saying. (I actually start to feel insulted at times.)
An example is the section about the soulless and half-souled people. I think he could have written the section with Samantha in at least half as much space and not bothered to repeat everything again to Ester. It wasn't that difficult to figure out what was going on.

I like the story and I like Sam Tsoutsouvas's narration; however, I would recommend reading this book rather than listening because at least then you can quick read the rambling sections.

It's past time to let them go.

They earned their happy ending. These books just can't recapture the magic. I think we need to let them go.

The Saga is Back!

What did you love best about The Third Kingdom?

The Third Kingdom brings back the saga we love, with our beloved characters that we never want to say bye to. I love how it expands on some of the things we learned in The First Confessor, further entwining history in the current story. I can hardly wait for Book 3 to tie it all together with one of Terry's always satisfying climaxes!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Samantha, because she really rose to the occasion! (Aside from our normal favorite characters.)

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I wanted to drag this one out a bit, because I hate that the story of Richard and Kahlan is going to come to an end again. I wanted to spend as much time in their world as I possibly could.

Any additional comments?

Read the book! Post a review! Tell your friends about it! Help keep our favorite author writing!

Couldn't Wait for it to Finish

If I were not already about 15 books deep into this series, I never would have finished this novel. In fact, I never would have read a third of it. Goodkind either thinks his readers are stupid, or he knows he doesn't have enough of a story to fill all the pages he is contractually obligated to write. Why else would he feel the need to repeat and over explain so much of the story. I eventually listened at double speed. The novel wasn't any better at that speed, but at least the pain was over sooner.

terry goodkind at his best

What made the experience of listening to The Third Kingdom the most enjoyable?

once again his stories are so full and captivating . this takes on another level compared to the others he has done

What did you like best about this story?

getting more history and some of the back stories of Richards world

Have you listened to any of Sam Tsoutsouvas’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

hes fantastic....on the level of roy dotrice

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

when sami and Richard looked like the halfmen were going to get them and she made the trees blow up. I yelled out loud and scare some of my cowworkers

Terry Goodkind Returns With Vengeance

What did you love best about The Third Kingdom?

What can I say, this is Terry Goodkind at his best. "The Third Kingdom" is finally the return of the Goodkind we've all been waiting for: character driven, compelling, action pack, emotional-joy-ride, suspense, all these factors will keep you reading/listening far into the late hours of the night.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Third Kingdom?

The battle with the halfmen in The Third Kingdom during the escape. All I can say is "WOW!" Joyful, tear jerking, anger, despair, hope, hate, sadness, relief...'nuf said.

What about Sam Tsoutsouvas’s performance did you like?

Sam Tsoutsouvas does what he does best, he brings intensity and authority to voice of Richard Rahl. His narration, especially the battle scenes, had me on the edge of my seat as the intensity of them sent chills up my spine; I could feel the hot anger from the Sword of Truth, as though I was holding it, as Richard cut and cut and cut the enemies to pieces. lol.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes. And there are so many questions left unanswered. I can't wait for the next book.

Any additional comments?

I got a little worried there towards the middle part of the book, it felt a little dragged out with the dialog between Richard and Sammy, but after that, wow, all hell broke loose. The intensity, which I didn't think was possible but Mr. Goodkind somehow did it, it reached another level.

If this was any other book from a different author, I would have given the story five stars, but because Terry Goodkind has spoiled me with such books as Wizard's First Rule, Stone of Tears, and Faith of the Fallen, I hold Terry Goodkind to a higher standard, so I only gave this book four stars because, although it is very good, it's still not as good as his earlier books and pales in comparison to "Faith of the Fallen" which I consider is a masterpiece.

A bit repetive but exciting

The performance with tonation and different techniques makes it tolerable to listen to, even though the story is a bit thin and drawn out.

Goodkind losing it

This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

whereas Goodkind has drug out these stories with rambling about things like ten pages on how a mirror image works in previous books, at least he maintained continuity between one book to another. this one he lost it. For instance, suddenly all the gifted people lose their magic when he loses his. That has never been the case before. When he lost his gift before, mord sith agiles lost power and the bond was lost that projected against the Dreamwalker but that didn't mean all his gifted people no longer could use their gift. PLUS, in the previous book when Richard lost his gift, everyone swore allegiance to Nathan so they are protected. What happened to that bond? It was never rescinded. although these books tend to be rambling and sometimes good kinds hatred for women is disturbing, at least there was a continuity that brought me back to the series rather than start a new one. Completely changing the facts of the very building blocks is akin to starting a new series so if the only reason you stick with these increasingly rambling stories is the continuity, pass on this new set as continuity no longer exists

What do you think your next listen will be?

different series by a different author

What does Sam Tsoutsouvas bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

i wouldn't be able to listen while walking or biking

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

it is still a good genre, and it does kill time

Terry Goodkind does it again!

I am always a fan of Terry Goodkind; this book is no exception. I am ecstatic to again be on a journey with Kahlan and Richard. True to form, the storyline is fantastic and full of stimulating philosophical undertones. The character development is superb. A definite must read! I couldn't put it down and can't wait for the next in the series.