Stone of Tears by Terry Goodkind
348617
I love the eBook. If you have seen the TV series "Legend of the Seeker" you will recognize the characters. The books are richer in detail and explains more about Khalin, Richard and Zed. Be prepared for a different storyline with the books than the TV show. Regardless, I still enjoyed reading book #2. Can't wait for the next one.
173043
In my opinion, Terry Goodkind has returned to his earlier form with this latest work in the "Sword of Truth" series. I have enjoyed all the books in the series, but think this is a nice break. As a prequel, it ties together and gives foundation to some of the story line from the series. Interestingly, this book is apparently self-published in an electronic format only. I look forward to the next publication - but can't help wondering where on the timeline the next book will be placed?
3405634
I have been a lover of the world created by terry goodkind for a very long time. I love that he told this story as to how the sword  and the confessors were made.
4101736
After reading and not really enjoying 'Stone of Tears', I had large doubts about Mr Goodkinds ability to write quality fiction. 'Blood of the Fold' however made me reconsider my harsh verdict on him as an author, with the book turning out to quite an improvement on the 1st and especially the 2nd novels he has written.
'Blood of the Fold' is barely half the length of 'Stone of Tears' yet advances and explains the story of Richard and Kahlan much clearer and better, with the storyline building on those of the two previous books to begin to create an epic fantasy scenario in the traditions of Robert Jordan and David Eddings. The story is pretty much a direct continuation of the last book with most of the characters and plotlines introduced in 'Stone of Tears' continued and developed. In particular 'Blood of the Fold' sees the characteristics and nature of the Imperial order, The Blood of the Fold and the Mrswith explained and developed a lot more, with Mr Goodkind taking the time to give us a bit more of an description of where these enemies come from and their place in the grand scheme of his world (something he neglected and was very fuzzy about in his previous books).
Indeed in general 'Blood of the Fold' is a much better book than the previous two with a better quality of writing and narrative, a faster pace and more meaningful action, better development of the background of his world and a more comphrehensible plot. In particular 'Blood of the Fold' has less of the meaningless fat and waffle that was in 'Stone of Tears', with Goodkind (or his editors) showing much better planning in the writing of this book, with the consequence that the pace and purpose of this book is a lot quicker and more meaningful.
This all serves to make 'Blood of the Fold' a much better book than the previous ones and shows that Mr Goodkind is improving significantly as an author as he gains more experience, thus I would recomend it too anyone who is not really sure whether to keep reading his books after the 1st two novels. However I still feel that Mr Goodkind still puts in too much explicity sadistic violence (though significantly less than S of T), and too lttle work into developing the texture and background of his fantasy world. This combined with the relative unoriginality of some of his ideas and story elements makes me feel that his books do not really compare favorably to those of other big series fantasy authors such as Robert Jordan, George R.R Martin, David Eddings or even Raymond E. Feist. Still a good book and a series worth reading.
1309127
In the latest installment in the epic Sword of Truth saga, Terry Goodkind  delivers a taut, exciting novel that is a more than worthy addition to the  series.  The first part of the book is a bit slow and is mostly a  pastoral interlude in which Richard, Kahlan, and Cara frolic in the  mountains of Westland while Kahlan heals. Goodkind does however spice  things up by providing some interesting insights into the mind, motives,  and past of Nicci. The story picks up when Nicci forces Richard to travel  with her to the heart of the Old World. Goodkind takes this opportunity to  flesh out the Imperial Order, which turns out to be a greyish, plodding  Stalinist entity. Goodkind is at the top of his form as he portrays a  defiant Richard rising above his grim circumstances not through magic but  simply through sheer force of character. Richard brings light into the  stale darkness of the Imperial Order simply by being himself.  While all  this is going on, Kahlan - in full Warrior Goddess mode- leads the D'Haran  Empire against the invading Order. This makes for some of the best chapters  in the novel, full of pulse-pounding action, daring strategems, desperate  couragen and- dare I say it- shocking betrayal. Goodkind does an excellent  job skteching the daily life of an outnumbered army determined to hold fast  come hell or high water.  There are a few minor flaws in the novel. The  writing is sometimes awkward and unwieldy in places, as it has been  throughout the series, but this is a small problem, and easily forgivable  :)  All in all, this is a superior novel, with well-defined plotlines, and  genuine characters you can't help but feel for. Faith of the Fallen fully  deserves best-seller status, and I cannot recommend it enough. The best in  the series since Blood of the Fold, and one of the best fantasy novels I  have come across in some time.
3181033
Stone of Tears is the best book in the best series I have ever read. It is the perfect match to WFR. Everything is done in the way that something actually would be done, by real people living in that setting. A whole new dimension is added to the series, the best start possible to the story arc of the rest of the series.
2154318
Terry Goodkind's final book of the series is one of the best in the entire series! The plot is intriguing, eventful, and concise. The characters rise to challenges in unique, unpredicted ways that always gave me a pleasant surprise and made me want to keep reading. I couldn't put it down during the entire time I had it in my hands! Now, I'm ready to read the series over again! What a wonderful collection of stories that capture the essence of life.
2004599
Title: Elora of Stone - Legend of Rhyme Series Vol. 1 Book 1
Author: Jamie Lee Mann
Publisher: Blue Moon Publishers
Published: 12-2-2014
Pages: 208
Genre: Sci Fi & Fantasy
Sub-Genre: Family; Siblings; Growing Up
ISBN: 9780993630715
ASIN: B00QG6LPAQ
Reviewed For NetGalley and Blue Moon Publishers
Reviewer: DelAnne
Rating: 4.5 Stars

Four-year-old Asher Caine vanishes while playing near the woods one day with his twin sister Ariana. Eventually, his family believes him to be dead. In the Kingdom of Falmoor, twins are cursed. Ever since the evil sorcerer Larque turned the good witch Elora to stone, all twins in the Kingdom are doomed to be separated, either through death or mysterious disappearances.

Now about to turn thirteen, Ariana learns that her brother is alive, and she must find him in order to save Falmoor. With their magic blood and powerful bond, the Caine twins must release Elora from her stone imprisonment. Only then will Larque be stopped from spreading darkness throughout the kingdom.

Will the twins find each other in time? Can they save Falmoor from evil and remove the curse of the twins forever?

Starts as a missing child story and quickly morphs into a separate realm adventure where evil has cursed the twins of the land to permanent separation.  The twins have the hope and fate of an entire world on their shoulders

Beautiful graphics depicted throughout the book.  The author uses alternating perspectives we are given their ideas and thoughts are of the events.  The many characters are diverse and bring the story a realism that makes the story more believable to the imagination of the reader.  Story flows smoothly and easily.

My rating of "Elora of Stone" is  4.5 out of 5 stars.
525431
*I received a copy of this book free in exchange for my honest review.

I love fantasy. I always have and I don't see myself getting over it anytime soon. A Cast of Stones is one of the best fantasy books I've read in a while and I loved the journey it took me on.

The story followed Errol Stone, a young drunkard with no skills whatsoever but for an unforeseen talent that sends him on epic journey. I've never seen the appeal of drinking and so while I liked Errol, in the beginning I thought he was a bit lacking in character - I was so wrong. You didn't get to see his full character in the beginning, it was hidden away under his ale, but as he begins to sort himself out, all these amazing characteristics reveal themselves and I ended up loving Errol; flaws and all.

I was hooked from the first page. I fell in love with the writing, the style and the way the words flowed. The story also grabbed from the beginning, it was exciting and adventurous and deep, and I couldn't stop reading!

All fantasy novels had world building in them and the extent to which the author goes really shows in the book. Patrick Carr's world building was fantastic. I loved the different histories and peoples and factions and magical doo-dahs. I made a real connection with the world and was very happy with how everything fit together, I was quite sad to be returned to this reality.

The character growth was wonderful and I loved how real everyone was. People were selfish and greedy and ready to sacrifice others for their beliefs, good and bad. I don't think you could find much about this book I didn't like and if you're a reader of fantasy - I'd move this book high up your to-read list! Errol took me on an emotional, action-packed, magical journey and I can't wait to read more!
2320752
The sword of truth series is my all-time favorite collection of books.
Stone of Tears has it all: action, adventure, magic, demons, love. A riveting read from beginning to end.
2393568
I have read the series several times and my favorite is still Stone of Tears. However, this books answers many open questions from the series. I would love to see him continue it through the Dark Times of the male confessors.
2727148
Steven Erikson wins again, his first book in the series, "Gardens of the Moon" was amazing, one of the best I have read in years, and is up there sharing space at the top of my all-time list with greats like Robert Jordan, JRR Tolkien and more.

The story is such a wild mix of characters, magic, battles, good and evil, and those in between, that it really holds on to you and keeps you going. As in the first, this book starts off building up the story, leading to non-stop action and a great climax at the end.

Without a doubt, I would recomend this book along with the first in the series, and anything by Steven ERikson, to anyone who is a true fan of fantasy.
482236
I've been a huge fan of Terry Brooks, but not due to his most known Shannara novels. My all time favorite books novels are "The Word and The Void". Followed closely by "The Genesis of Shannara". Which just happen to be by Terry Brooks. I've waited for him to continue those story lines. So in the mean time I purchased The Sword of Shannara Trilogy.

I'll be honest, the 1st book The Sword of Shannara reminds me a lot to LOTR. It was a good book...but after reading the 2nd book "The Elfstones of Shannara", I can see how Terry Brooks got everyone to fall in love with all the Shannara books. Now I'll continue to read all his books. Hopefully in the near future he can continue with on going story lines of my all time favorites...The Word and The Void
3821688
I have always loved this series. Just decided to start it over and it's even better than I remember it from the first time I picked it up back in high school. Terry Goodkind is truly one of the great fantasy authors.
1702216
As a immense fan of The Sword of Truth series and Terry Goodkind's other publishings, this novel adds great history to the great story telling from before.

I also appreciate the direct publication method Mr. Goodkind used for this novel, and will proudly continue purchasing his novels in ebook fashion.

Thank you Terry, for once again taking me along a wonderful journey.
3609253
Terry Brooks has.done it again.  The Sorcerer's Daughter is a masterpiece of great storytelling.  A must read for any Shannara follower.
737064
I am a huge fan of Terry Goodkind and have read all of his books more than three times, I have always wanted him to write a book taking place during the great war, and I believe he has succeded at that and made a special book, giving me some very desired information. I can only say to everyone that they must read it !!!