Scan barcode
raptorimperator's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Nothing will be as good as the original Sword of Truth series, which peaked with Temple of the Winds and Faith of the Fallen, in my humble opinion, but it is nice to continue reading of the expanding world as Nicci and her companions delve deeper into the Old World. While not much action really occurs until the end of book, there were intrigues and plots occurring that I could tell were setting up elements for the next book, so I wasn't surprised this one ended in a cliffhanger.
pip94's review against another edition
3.0
While I didn't enjoy this as much as the first book, I still thought it was an enjoyable read.
A full review will be up soon.
A full review will be up soon.
mxsallybend's review against another edition
4.0
Although Shroud of Eternity feels like a step backward from Death's Mistress, a retreat into some of the narrative the flaws that mired the later books of The Sword of Truth, it was still a thoroughly enjoyable read.
Terry Goodkind continues to follow the odd coupling of Nicci and Nathan deeper into the Old World, beyond Tanimura and Kol Adair, and into the ancient city of Ildakar. An interesting bit of fable and myth, it is a realm hidden from time and space by a magical shroud, raised at great cost over a thousand years ago to protect against an invading army. Its ruling class of magically gifted nobles are all but immortal, enjoying their glorious Utopia, but there is clearly something rotten beneath that perfection.
It's that rotten element that makes the novel so intriguing, especially with its corruption of magic and humanity. Blood magic and bloodsports, slavery and sacrifice, and fleshomancy are all dealt with over the course of the story, but it's the latter that is truly chilling. Human lives are mere playthings, raw material for magical experimentation, used to create monsters, super soldiers, and a race of human cattle. Goodkind uses those creations to explore some of his most familiar themes of social justice and social engineering, but somehow glosses over the question of cannibalism in a glaring fashion.
Nathan doesn't have a lot to do here, other than bemoan his lack of magic and desperately grasp at any the chance to restore his power. It sets him up as a victim, and leads to some foolish choices that are not in keeping with his character. Bannon fares much better, smelling the rotten underbelly of Ildakar long before the others, and coming around to a truly heroic role following a clichéd (but exciting) plot twist. It is Nicci who shines brightest here, and while it takes some time for her to do much more than sulk and skulk through the halls, she is a complete bad-ass in the final chapters.
The heavy-handed political and moral philosophy of The Sword of Truth makes an unfortunate return here, and it telegraphs some of the key plot twists in the second half. There were too many moments where I found myself thinking "Yup, saw that coming," but there were still some surprises.
Shroud of Eternity wasn't as solid as Death's Mistress, but it does have a fantastic cliff-hanger that promises some fun in the third volume.
Originally reviewed at Beauty in Ruins
Terry Goodkind continues to follow the odd coupling of Nicci and Nathan deeper into the Old World, beyond Tanimura and Kol Adair, and into the ancient city of Ildakar. An interesting bit of fable and myth, it is a realm hidden from time and space by a magical shroud, raised at great cost over a thousand years ago to protect against an invading army. Its ruling class of magically gifted nobles are all but immortal, enjoying their glorious Utopia, but there is clearly something rotten beneath that perfection.
It's that rotten element that makes the novel so intriguing, especially with its corruption of magic and humanity. Blood magic and bloodsports, slavery and sacrifice, and fleshomancy are all dealt with over the course of the story, but it's the latter that is truly chilling. Human lives are mere playthings, raw material for magical experimentation, used to create monsters, super soldiers, and a race of human cattle. Goodkind uses those creations to explore some of his most familiar themes of social justice and social engineering, but somehow glosses over the question of cannibalism in a glaring fashion.
Nathan doesn't have a lot to do here, other than bemoan his lack of magic and desperately grasp at any the chance to restore his power. It sets him up as a victim, and leads to some foolish choices that are not in keeping with his character. Bannon fares much better, smelling the rotten underbelly of Ildakar long before the others, and coming around to a truly heroic role following a clichéd (but exciting) plot twist. It is Nicci who shines brightest here, and while it takes some time for her to do much more than sulk and skulk through the halls, she is a complete bad-ass in the final chapters.
The heavy-handed political and moral philosophy of The Sword of Truth makes an unfortunate return here, and it telegraphs some of the key plot twists in the second half. There were too many moments where I found myself thinking "Yup, saw that coming," but there were still some surprises.
Shroud of Eternity wasn't as solid as Death's Mistress, but it does have a fantastic cliff-hanger that promises some fun in the third volume.
Originally reviewed at Beauty in Ruins
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary ARC of this title from the publisher in exchange for review consideration. This does not in any way affect the honesty or sincerity of my review.
bodehoover's review against another edition
4.0
This book picks up immediately after the previous book. Nicci, Bannon, and Nathan finally reach Ildakar after their long journey. I was excited to see what this grand city was like and was not disappointed. Terry Goodkind described the city with extreme detail and made the city seem like a real place. The plot was rather predictable and unrealistic but the shocking ending made up for any shortcomings.
thejigglerreads's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
simiray's review against another edition
Another great tale from Goodkind. I still definitely miss Kahlan and Richard.
disorderlydaydreams's review against another edition
2.0
I feel like the Nicci Chronicles were written by a ghost writer. They sound like fanfic. This book had so many issues it was hard to get through.
cats_coffee_chaos's review against another edition
2.0
I feel like the Nicci Chronicles were written by a ghost writer. They sound like fanfic. This book had so many issues it was hard to get through.
pip94's review
3.0
While I didn't enjoy this as much as the first book, I still thought it was an enjoyable read.
A full review will be up soon.
A full review will be up soon.
ladyzbyrd's review
5.0
Another fantastic cliffhanger!
Continuing the story of Nicci, Bannon, and Nathan, this second book in the Nicci chronicles continued to capture me and show me why I keep reading novels by Terry Goodkind. Magic and battle and relationships, and hitting closer to home, winding it’s way into my soul and solidifying my personal beliefs in the real world.
Continuing the story of Nicci, Bannon, and Nathan, this second book in the Nicci chronicles continued to capture me and show me why I keep reading novels by Terry Goodkind. Magic and battle and relationships, and hitting closer to home, winding it’s way into my soul and solidifying my personal beliefs in the real world.