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happyocelot's review against another edition
5.0
I plowed through this book as soon as I finished "The Omen Machine," and it fluidly led into "Severed Souls." I am not sure what I am going to do when I get to "Warheart" and have to wait until the author writes the next book in the series. I actually read the "First Confessor" before I read "The Third Kingdom" and "Severed Souls," and I preferred that. It was nice having a glimpse and foundation of Richard's prophecies and Kahlan's confessor powers before watching it unfold in "The Third Kingdom." There are a few character overlaps in the most recent books with "First Confessor." I would recommend reading "First Confessor" right after you read "Confessor" because it will help shed light on a lot of plot lines next in the series.
vaderbird's review against another edition
1.0
5 star - Perfect
4 star - i would recommend
3 star - good
2 star - struggled to complete
1 star - could not finish
4 star - i would recommend
3 star - good
2 star - struggled to complete
1 star - could not finish
castaya's review against another edition
4.0
Ok, I have to say that the whole "walking dead" thing really threw me off at first. All I could think was "really Terry? Did you need to jump on that bandwagon?" However, I think he did a pretty good job of tying it into a world with which I was already familiar (by explaining it in the context of the link between the world of the living and the world of the dead).
That being said, the chapter breaks really started to bother me in this book. I was able to get past it in The Omen Machine simply because, for the most part, I felt like the story went on mostly uninterrupted, although it did seem a bit overkill to have 86 chapters in a 525 page book. In the case of The Third Kingdom, however, it became irritating. When a single conversation goes on for more than 2 chapters, it's time to reconsider the way the book is being broken up.
This book, like The Omen Machine, could probably have been a little bit longer, as it, too, felt rushed. Either that, or the two books could have been combined into one, since they are both part of the same story.
However, I must admit that because of how well the story tied into what I already knew, it did make up for some of the issues I encountered.
That being said, the chapter breaks really started to bother me in this book. I was able to get past it in The Omen Machine simply because, for the most part, I felt like the story went on mostly uninterrupted, although it did seem a bit overkill to have 86 chapters in a 525 page book. In the case of The Third Kingdom, however, it became irritating. When a single conversation goes on for more than 2 chapters, it's time to reconsider the way the book is being broken up.
This book, like The Omen Machine, could probably have been a little bit longer, as it, too, felt rushed. Either that, or the two books could have been combined into one, since they are both part of the same story.
However, I must admit that because of how well the story tied into what I already knew, it did make up for some of the issues I encountered.
rachelcus's review against another edition
3.0
So, I wrote a review for this when I read it but accidentally deleted a whole bunch of reviews when I was reorganizing my shelves... So I guess I just have to read them all again so I can give accurate reviews :D
gentlemangamer's review against another edition
5.0
I haven't actually listened to this book yet, but I listen to them all, and they have all been great so far. I am very much looking forward to this one.
angelahayes's review against another edition
4.0
4 stars
The Third Kingdom is the thirteenth book in the epic fantasy series- Sword of Truth- but also the second book in the Richard and Kahlan series by Terry Goodkind. I was rearranging my bookshelves recently when I came across this series hidden behind some newer purchases. I haven’t read them for quite some time and remember really loving the series when I first read it. So I thought I would re-read the books- and the best thing about that was I got to read them pretty much back to back- no waiting in-between for new books to release. I have enjoyed the series, almost as much as I did the first time- although there were a few minor issues I noticed this time around that I didn’t the first time I read them. These issues didn’t really detract from my enjoyment of the story- but proved that our tastes and expectations do evolve over time.
This fast-paced story is full of action. Richard and Kahlan have survived against all odds- but again a new menace threatens not just them, but the world. This is a race against time to save themselves and the world. There is intensity, great characters, fantasy, adventure, action, drama, magic, danger, suspense, good vs evil, and so much more. I found it to be original and well written- with wonderful world building- Mr. Goodkind creativity resulted in a truly fascinating world, where every detail came to life before my eyes.
A great adventure that I am happy to have rediscovered again.
Thank you, Mr. Goodkind.
The Third Kingdom is the thirteenth book in the epic fantasy series- Sword of Truth- but also the second book in the Richard and Kahlan series by Terry Goodkind. I was rearranging my bookshelves recently when I came across this series hidden behind some newer purchases. I haven’t read them for quite some time and remember really loving the series when I first read it. So I thought I would re-read the books- and the best thing about that was I got to read them pretty much back to back- no waiting in-between for new books to release. I have enjoyed the series, almost as much as I did the first time- although there were a few minor issues I noticed this time around that I didn’t the first time I read them. These issues didn’t really detract from my enjoyment of the story- but proved that our tastes and expectations do evolve over time.
This fast-paced story is full of action. Richard and Kahlan have survived against all odds- but again a new menace threatens not just them, but the world. This is a race against time to save themselves and the world. There is intensity, great characters, fantasy, adventure, action, drama, magic, danger, suspense, good vs evil, and so much more. I found it to be original and well written- with wonderful world building- Mr. Goodkind creativity resulted in a truly fascinating world, where every detail came to life before my eyes.
A great adventure that I am happy to have rediscovered again.
Thank you, Mr. Goodkind.
vlynnk89's review against another edition
4.0
So much better than the Omen Machine! Full review soon.
biblionerdrflxn's review against another edition
2.0
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I don't even have the words to describe how much I disliked this book, which makes me sad because I used to love this series so much. I didn't think it could get worse than the last book, The Omen Machine, but I was definitely wrong. The writing and pacing were terrible. There was so much repetition I came close to throwing the book at the wall. I probably could have skipped over half the book and missed absolutely nothing. The dialogue was unnatural and mostly acted as a means to dump info. In fact, 75 percent of this 500+ page novel was nothing but a gigantic info dump explaining the setup for the new villain, which turns out to be a rehash of the last villain except now they have zombies. That's right. Zombies. My eyes rolled so hard so many times reading this book that I'm surprised they didn't roll right out of my head. Speaking of rehashing things, there were plenty of mini rants about Goodkind's simplistic, go-to thoughts about freedom and truth here as well because god forbid there be any progress in the complexity of how the main characters think. Maybe that is the overall problem here. The characters reached the pinnacle of where their ideals could take them at the end of Chainfire, and there really is no more room for growth unless they become more complex. In many ways, the characters actually lost the growth they had already achieved for no apparent reason, which left them seeming like hollowed out, neutered versions of themselves who lost their strengths to serve the ridiculous, contradiction-riddled plot. To make matters even worse, most of the main characters, except for Richard, weren't even in the novel for more than 50-100 pages, at most. The only saving grace here was the gore-filled fight scenes and interesting action of the last 50 pages or so. There was one emotion-packed moment toward the end that made my jaw drop, but the strange pacing didn't even let me think about that moment long at all, which was frustrating after almost 500 pages of nothing of importance happening. Ultimately, the characters were in the exact same position at the end as they were at the beginning of the book because almost nothing happened here except an extremely long-winded and repetitive introduction of the new big bad. To say I'm disappointed in the direction of this series would be a massive understatement. Therefore, I rate the book 2 out of 5 stars, and, quite frankly, I think that is being generous.
I don't even have the words to describe how much I disliked this book, which makes me sad because I used to love this series so much. I didn't think it could get worse than the last book, The Omen Machine, but I was definitely wrong. The writing and pacing were terrible. There was so much repetition I came close to throwing the book at the wall. I probably could have skipped over half the book and missed absolutely nothing. The dialogue was unnatural and mostly acted as a means to dump info. In fact, 75 percent of this 500+ page novel was nothing but a gigantic info dump explaining the setup for the new villain, which turns out to be a rehash of the last villain except now they have zombies. That's right. Zombies. My eyes rolled so hard so many times reading this book that I'm surprised they didn't roll right out of my head. Speaking of rehashing things, there were plenty of mini rants about Goodkind's simplistic, go-to thoughts about freedom and truth here as well because god forbid there be any progress in the complexity of how the main characters think. Maybe that is the overall problem here. The characters reached the pinnacle of where their ideals could take them at the end of Chainfire, and there really is no more room for growth unless they become more complex. In many ways, the characters actually lost the growth they had already achieved for no apparent reason, which left them seeming like hollowed out, neutered versions of themselves who lost their strengths to serve the ridiculous, contradiction-riddled plot. To make matters even worse, most of the main characters, except for Richard, weren't even in the novel for more than 50-100 pages, at most. The only saving grace here was the gore-filled fight scenes and interesting action of the last 50 pages or so. There was one emotion-packed moment toward the end that made my jaw drop, but the strange pacing didn't even let me think about that moment long at all, which was frustrating after almost 500 pages of nothing of importance happening. Ultimately, the characters were in the exact same position at the end as they were at the beginning of the book because almost nothing happened here except an extremely long-winded and repetitive introduction of the new big bad. To say I'm disappointed in the direction of this series would be a massive understatement. Therefore, I rate the book 2 out of 5 stars, and, quite frankly, I think that is being generous.
katemiller41's review against another edition
3.0
There are so many things that I love about the Richard and Kahlan books, but this one lacked many of the characteristics that I've grown to expect.
While the story line can seem to meander through some of these books, the characters strength, wisdom, and logic have always saved the long drawn out conversations, or seemingly endless hikes through unknown territories. The Third Kingdom disappointed me in this way. Instead of Richard using his logic to escape situations, he actually gave up! That is something that I never thought I'd see from these characters.
Yes, I know that there are times when things seem insurmountable, but that's why we read isn't it? We read to feel that nothing is impossible; nothing is really hopeless. I've grown so fond of these books because even in the darkest of times, Richard has triumphed. Even when EVERY odd was stacked against him, Goodkind found a way to make it seem reasonable for Richard to come out on top. I missed that dearly in this book.
And, about these long conversations...There was one conversation in this book that lasted 75 pages (ish). It was an important conversation and conveyed pretty much the whole story line. But, during said conversation, there was no action, very little movement, and small amounts of exciting information. It was a very difficult and slow read.
On the plus side though, Goodkind did not fail to produce some of the most remarkable women characters I've ever read. Samantha! Vika! Cara! Oooh, the strength these women represent. Even in the face of some of the most perilous situations or heart wrenching pain, they overcome their fears and heartache in order to preserve their lives, and the lives of those they love most.
Overall, this book was a little...rough. As always, so much to love, but not portrayed with the grace of many of this works.
While the story line can seem to meander through some of these books, the characters strength, wisdom, and logic have always saved the long drawn out conversations, or seemingly endless hikes through unknown territories. The Third Kingdom disappointed me in this way. Instead of Richard using his logic to escape situations, he actually gave up! That is something that I never thought I'd see from these characters.
Yes, I know that there are times when things seem insurmountable, but that's why we read isn't it? We read to feel that nothing is impossible; nothing is really hopeless. I've grown so fond of these books because even in the darkest of times, Richard has triumphed. Even when EVERY odd was stacked against him, Goodkind found a way to make it seem reasonable for Richard to come out on top. I missed that dearly in this book.
And, about these long conversations...There was one conversation in this book that lasted 75 pages (ish). It was an important conversation and conveyed pretty much the whole story line. But, during said conversation, there was no action, very little movement, and small amounts of exciting information. It was a very difficult and slow read.
On the plus side though, Goodkind did not fail to produce some of the most remarkable women characters I've ever read. Samantha! Vika! Cara! Oooh, the strength these women represent. Even in the face of some of the most perilous situations or heart wrenching pain, they overcome their fears and heartache in order to preserve their lives, and the lives of those they love most.
Overall, this book was a little...rough. As always, so much to love, but not portrayed with the grace of many of this works.
olsenc's review against another edition
4.0
Fantastic! I felt The Third Kingdom was much stronger, story and character wise, than The Omen Machine. You can tell Goodkind is getting comfortable writing the characters again. This book does a great job of setting up the new direction of this story arc. The ending was heart-breaking and I can't wait to find out what happens next.