Books#6 and 7 Temple of Winds and Faith of the Fallen by Terry Goodkind

- just so as not to confuse: book number 5 is here too. I decided to put all of Goodkin's books together.

I am very glad to be able to include books written by Terry Goodkind in this count. He is my favorite author, and his books as well as his characters have become very special to me. I have to thank Goodkind for being such a good author that his readers may have this type of connection with his books. I feel as though I really know Richard, Kahlan, and Cara. They have also taught me/reinforced life lessons. 

Book #5 The Third Kingdom by Terry Goodkind

This book definitely lives up to it's expectations. It's the 16th book in the series, and has had a lot to live up to. It's characters all embrace personal growth, and the book itself has enough action to keep the pages turning. 

I know that Richard has lost his magical capabilities in the past, but I'm really glad that he had to complete his quest in this novel without his magic. It shows that he truely is a rare person (as everyone, in the novel, who meets him says). It proves to his readers that problems can be solved without the aid of magic, and Richard is just as capable without. Yes, you could argue that without Samantha's help (the sorceress) he never would have gotten into the third kingdom, but I believe their paths separated after they entered for a reason; so Richard could prove that he doesn't need magic to save his people. I think it is fitting because he has always had a hard time coming to terms with his magical capabilities, and he has always put faith in people who do not have magic. 

Book 6 Temple of the Winds by Terry Goodkind

I had to re read this one because The Third Kingdom, as well as the last few books keep mentioning Temple of the Winds and what Richard had to do while he was there. 

The life lesson in this novel is forgiveness. Kahlan must betray Richard in order for him to be able to walk through The Hall of the Betrayed and enter the Temple of Winds. It's important to know that the Temple is stashed away, and not in the world of the living, nor is it the world of the dead, much like the third kingdom. I kind of wondered if the Temple would have been considered to be a part of the third kingdom because it also is between worlds. 

I really hate giving away the novel in my posts, but I really would like to be detailed. Richard realized that Kahlan's act of betrayal was actually an act of her claiming her life as her own, and not allowing prophecy or the horrible events going on in her life to dictate her happiness. (Although that is a very roundabout way of explaining it, I truely do not believe Kahlan was happy about what she did, even if she enjoyed herself.)

I really think Richard's true character was shown the minute he refused to forgive Kahlan and instead asked her for forgiveness. She so badly needed him to forgive her, and he wouldn't say "I forgive you" just to make her happy, instead he did what he felt was right. He asked her to forgive him because he decided he had no right to be mad at her for what she did. I don't think any other person could or would be able to forgive Kahlan. He even risked death, in fact, he accepted death just to be able to return and ask for her forgiveness. Of course, like every other Goodkind novel, Richard faces death and always overcomes it. I guess he really is fuer grissa oust draka.  The bringer of death, as it is always near him, and he always controls it. 

Book #7 Faith of the Fallen by Terry Goodkind

I just couldn't get enough of Kahlan and Richard's story, I had to read a third one. (Which is saying a lot, these books are all 400-800 pages long.)

I've always wanted to re read Faith of the Fallen and do a character study of Nicci. Her character is so complex.. She was a Sister of the Light who served the Creator, then she turned to a Sister of the Dark, serving the Keeper. What is so interesting is that in Faith of the Fallen she claims her reasons for becoming a sister of the dark is so that she could better serve the Creator. 

 I just got a little sidetracked- back to the character study idea- when I re read this novel, I realized, again, how much philosophy about life itself, and reason is in this novel, and I really think I could write a paper analyzing this book in detail that is just as long or longer than the novel itself: it's just that good. 

Anyways, back to Nicci. She really interests me because when she is in Faith of the Fallen, she allows herself to be Jagang's slave because she truely believes in his cause. (Also, another complicated mess that I could write pages on.) 

Just for the record, Jagang is a big bully, and his actions don't necessarily equate his cause that he is fighting for, but the whole idea is that mankind is ugly, sinful, and so on, and will be redeemed in the next life. He wants to make it so that everyone is equal, and the good of mankind is in the highest order. No one person should have more than the next person (even if he/she works harder, the extra income is given to the person who can't or won't work.) 

Nicci's altruistic nature is a problem. Which is odd, because it's good to be charitable, but Nicci feels as though she must give everything, and loses sight of what is really important, which is taking care of herself. She is not happy, and does not believe she has the right to be. 

The only thing she does for herself, is capture Richard. She wants to find something that is missing in her life. A spark. The same spark she sees in Richard's eyes, the same spark she once saw in her father's eyes. By the end of the novel, Nicci realizes that her life is her own to live, and she need not be enslaved to Jagang, or to other people, she claims herself to be Nicci, just Nicci. She does not renounce the Keeper and become a sister of the Light again, she loses all of her titles (Slave Queen, Death's Mistress) and is just herself, which means more than being sworn to the Keeper or the Creator. 

Richard's ideals on life and reason helped her come to this epiphany. I think the last sentence on the back of the novel sums it up perfectly: "The tale of how Richard and Kahlan will face these challenges is a tale of the power and nobility of the human spirit at its freest and best." 

Richard is able to show people what the human spirit should be. That you should be proud of yourself, not depressed because of how aweful (or sinful) mandkind is. I would love to go into more detail about this concept, and Nicci's transformation, but I have too many unorganized thoughts swimming around in my head. There is simply too much to say. Also, as I have expressed earlier, I would like to flesh this out into a formalized paper.

It amazes me how, at the end of this novel everyone is happy. Only Richard's capacity for forgiveness, and happiness that his people have proven to him that they wish to fight Jagang allow him to look past the fact that Nicci manipulated him into leaving Kahlan, his true love. As soon as Kahlan and Richard finally begin to have a life of their own, and are able to at last be together, Nicci steals Richard away and forces him to, in a way, be her husband. How devastating. If i were Kahlan, I would have run Nicci through with a sword after she broke the link to the Maternity spell. 

That is all I have to say, for now. 

My next book is October themed: The complete works of Edgar Allen Poe. I can't wait to read and blog more. 

Books #2-4

I am very pleased to announce that I have gotten back into my long loved hobby of reading. Since August, I've read 5 books (decently sized too). I will give my review of books 2-4 here and will start a new post for 5 and 6 because I would like to spend more time reviewing those. 

Book #2 - The Crystal Shard by R.A. Salvatore

This book was as good as the first two. Drizzt is still struggling with the prejudices that the world places upon him, but because of his helpful nature, he is gaining a few friends. I've come to enjoy Salvatore's long battle scenes; after reading a few, it becomes easier to envision what is really going on. I wish I could say more, but it has been quite a while since I have read this one. I do know that I am ready for the next one!

Book #3 - City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

I had a really hard time getting into this one, but by the middle or a little later, I was getting anxious to see how it would end. This is a teen novel, and as such I really didn't enjoy the teen drama, but I never do. The book was good for what it was, but I prefer to read books about people who are my age or older. I do believe this one is a pretty popular book, as they are making a movie (or maybe they already have, I don't pay attention.) 

As far as analyzing this novel goes, it does include a good lesson on perspective. You only see what you want to see, and if you look hard enough, you just may see something magical. I think a lot could be done with the fact that the main character, at first, couldn't see the glamours that the non humans used to hide themselves and their lives, but later is able to see through the glamours; but I didn't care enough, and I've read too many books since to flesh an analysis out into details. 

Book #4 Year of the Black Rainbow by Claudio Sanchez (with Peter David)

I'm usually not into these kinds of books, it was a little syfiey for my taste, but by the end of it, I'm really glad I read it. It was very enjoyable. 

I wanted to read this novel because I'm a fan of the band Coheed and Cambria. This was the first time I heard that the lead singer is also a writer, and his books coincide with his music. This book was written in novel form, while his others are graphic novels. They are all known as The Amory Wars. I would like to go back and read about all that has happened during these mage wars. 

Play #4

Hamlet, Prince of Denmark by William Shakespeare

When I first started reading this play, I almost dreaded it because there is so much excitement from other people about this one. Everyone talks about how great "Hamlet" is, and what a wonderful playwrite Shakespeare is, I was afraid that the play is talked up too much, and not really as good as they all say it is. When I finally opened my book, I decided to put away all thoughts of what others have said about this play and decide for myself whether it is good or not. And, I thought it was pretty good.

When reading Shakespeare's plays, usually I go watch them during or after my read. With "Hamlet" I had no intentions of doing so. "Hamlet" is a play that should be read, and read slowly. The major speeches are beautiful, and I wouldn't pick up on that if I was just watching. Also, I liked this play because it was fun to try to figure out whether or not Hamlet is mad/crazy. I never could come to a conclusion because I kept finding evidence for both, and could never figure out if he was supposed to be feigning madness or if it had overcome him. Overall, I thought this was a pretty good play, and I'm starting to respect Shakespeare more and more, even enjoy reading his work. The next play I read will be "King Lear."

Book #1

Sojourn by R.A. Salvatore

I wish it wouldn't have taken me so long to finish reading this book. I've had a lot going on in my life recently, and I'm just starting to get things back on track. Also, I've started a few books and never did finish them, so I've been reading a few at the same time. This book is the third book in Salvatore's "Drizzt" series, and I must say, it can be difficult to figure out the order of Salvatore's books. There are two different lists out on the internet, a chronological list and a published list. Salvatore wrote a few books, then went back and wrote about a time that takes place before the previously published books (I hope this makes sense; it does in my head at least.) 

I really have enjoyed reading this series so far. I've read "Homeland" and "Exile", and now that I have completed "Sojourn" I will move onto "The Crystal Shard." I think anyone who enjoys fantasy will love these books. I had a hard time getting through "Sojourn" when it came to large battle scenes. Normally, I love battle scenes, and Salvatore puts so much detail into his. Once I get used to it, I'm sure I will enjoy the detailed battles for what they are, but I felt like the Mooshie's Grove battle was really strung out too far.

Other than that, I have no complaints about this book. While a fantasy book, it touches on issues that take place in real life, primarily racism. Drizzt is a good guy, but most people judge him based on his race, dark elf. I like the way the books are set up, it's told in third person point of view, but at the end of each part (each book is divided up into several "parts") there is a first person monologue from Drizzt's point of view. I love these monologues and usually read over them two or three times. They are very introspective and include what Drizzt has learned about himself and the world around him. I can't wait to see what else Drizzt must face in Icewind Dale and beyond.

Read! Read! Read!

Whilst I was reading a novel at work, one of my co-workers asked me how many books I read in a year. It's hard for me to answer this question because I've been in school, as an English major, for the past few years. We went through novels at a grueling pace, and I prefer to enjoy the book I'm reading.

I thought it would be fun to blog about each book that I read this year. I'm auditing a Shakespeare class, so I will count the plays in a separate category. So far, I have read three plays.

"The Comedy of Errors"

 This is the first I have read of Shakespeare that I actually enjoy. I've read "Romeo and Juliet" and parts of "Julius Caesar" I have also read "The Tempest," which could have been enjoyable, but my professor managed to make it miserable. As I've read Shakespeare's comedies in this class that I'm auditing, I wonder, why didn't we read the comedies in high school? Then, surely, people would have respected Shakespeare.

"The Comedy of Errors" was not bad at all. It was entertaining with a slapstick-sort of humor. There are two sets of twins that get separated at birth. Of course, neither pair of twins get paired with the other twin. Later in life, they find themselves in the same city. One of which has married, and it is hilarious when one brother finds himself with the others' wife. I would not say that this play is a must read (or watch), but it is certainly enjoyable.

"A Midsummer Night's Dream"

I liked this one a lot better than "The Comedy of Errors" and not just because it has fairies in it. The scene where Demetrius and Lysander are both confused and Helena and Hermes are arguing with each other almost had me falling out of my chair. Of course, when I finally watched this scene as a production, I was rolling. I read the play first, and then in class we watched parts of it. The professor showed us a live production that had been video taped - it had Christine Baranski (the lady who played in The Grinch and Mamma Mia) in it. Then, I found a version on Netflix that was almost painful to watch, but I suffered through it. 

Another favorite scene of mine is when the low class, handy men decide to put on a play. (Yes, a play within a play, kind of like Inception.) They are all over the place, and the comments that the Duke and Demetrius make during the play add in more humor. I really don't want to give away any major plot details.


"Much Ado About Nothing"

My favorite Shakespearean play, thus far. Beatrice and Benedick's bantering throughout make this play much enjoyable and hilarious. They are both witty, and hateful, until they realize (with the help of their friends) that they are both in love with each other. Don't worry, it doesn't get too mushy as they still communicate with a quick paced love-hate banter. 

After I read the play, I watched the 1993 film with Denzel Washington, Keanu Reeves,  and Kate Beckinsale. I thought the film matched my original reading of the play fairly well. However, I read Dogberry quite differently. I read him as a simple idiot, where in the film, he seemed more of a con. 

Right now I'm reading "Twelfth Night" and I'm working on a short novel by R.A. Salvatore.