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A review by hayamaakito
The Omen Machine by Terry Goodkind
4.0
I would actually give this book a 4.5. It seems to escape the preaching that many of Goodkind's later books are rightfully accused of, while at the same time maintaining the integrity of the characters' beliefs and core values. I would definitely recommend this book to any fans of the Sword of Truth series, though it's hard to speak to new readers as I am a longtime fan of the original books. It does begin a brand new arc, however, and I do not believe too much would be lost in translation.
The book picks up immediately after the events of Confessor, which is something I hadn't expected when I first heard about this new series. This is probably my biggest beef with this book. My personal feelings about the main characters, Richard and Kahlan, never being allowed even a day of happiness can be put aside, since I realize this is realistic and the lack of threat and tension would make for a boring story. However, I feel that the introduction of a new threat immediately after the occurrences of Confessor, without getting into spoiler territory, is a plot hole that is not resolved or even addressed in this book.
Those issues aside, I feel that the pacing of the story is in keeping with some of the better books of the Sword of Truth series. The book is full of action and excitement, with even many of the long conversations balanced between prose, mystery, and revelation enough to keep any reader rapt. The character development, at least that of the main character, is probably the best in all of the books so far, finally confronting Richard with events that truly shake his convictions. Those who felt that Richard was far too infallible in the original series will certainly enjoy this aspect.
In summary, this book is worthy as a successor to the Sword of Truth series, and fans of which will enjoy it. For new readers, I would still recommend it since it is a new story arc and it's not really necessary to know the previous material. I am hoping that the further books address the only real issue I have with this book, but even if not, it is worth reading for any fan of epic fantasy.
The book picks up immediately after the events of Confessor, which is something I hadn't expected when I first heard about this new series. This is probably my biggest beef with this book. My personal feelings about the main characters, Richard and Kahlan, never being allowed even a day of happiness can be put aside, since I realize this is realistic and the lack of threat and tension would make for a boring story. However, I feel that the introduction of a new threat immediately after the occurrences of Confessor, without getting into spoiler territory, is a plot hole that is not resolved or even addressed in this book.
Those issues aside, I feel that the pacing of the story is in keeping with some of the better books of the Sword of Truth series. The book is full of action and excitement, with even many of the long conversations balanced between prose, mystery, and revelation enough to keep any reader rapt. The character development, at least that of the main character, is probably the best in all of the books so far, finally confronting Richard with events that truly shake his convictions. Those who felt that Richard was far too infallible in the original series will certainly enjoy this aspect.
In summary, this book is worthy as a successor to the Sword of Truth series, and fans of which will enjoy it. For new readers, I would still recommend it since it is a new story arc and it's not really necessary to know the previous material. I am hoping that the further books address the only real issue I have with this book, but even if not, it is worth reading for any fan of epic fantasy.