Faith of the Fallen (Sword of Truth, #6) in Sword Of Truth

Sep 14, 2012 David rated it really liked it

Shelves: fantasy

This book reveals Goodkind's political agenda to its greatest extent thus far. The particular targeted issues are Communism/Socialism, Labor Unions, and even welfare to a lesser extent. The Imperial Order is clearly a stand in for a Communist society and the story illustrates how problematic such a government is.
More potentially offensive to readers is the attack on labor unions, depicting them as inefficient and unfair. This story overtly attacks the notion of selflessness and shows its devo This book reveals Goodkind's political agenda to its greatest extent thus far. The particular targeted issues are Communism/Socialism, Labor Unions, and even welfare to a lesser extent. The Imperial Order is clearly a stand in for a Communist society and the story illustrates how problematic such a government is.
More potentially offensive to readers is the attack on labor unions, depicting them as inefficient and unfair. This story overtly attacks the notion of selflessness and shows its devotees to be misguided at best and delusional or corrupt at worst. Jagang, the series antagonist, can be seen as a kind of Stalin figure here. The story tries to tell people who may be sympathetic to Communism, or to a lesser degree, Socialism, that such sympathy is dangerous. Despite it's messages, it does provide an engaging and satisfying story, but magic and hard fantasy take a back seat to politics and are not seen much at all.
The book raises the question of whether conservative politics, or any politics for that matter, belong in epic fantasy. It also kind of seems that the vehicle of fantasy used to discuss these issues has largely been vacated for the themes at this point in the series now that many readers have been hooked. Despite that it may be hard for readers who are sympathetic to leftist causes, labor unions, or even social justice issues to stomach, the story does contribute interestingly to political discussion and does have valid points, particularly in it's indictment of Communism. Also, the book does promote secular humanism and somewhat attacks religions for being controlling of the human spirit and causing people to misguidedly do harm to others while thinking they are doing good and God's will. It champions to glory of the human spirit and of individuality, attacking any religion or governmental system that seeks to limit or control it.
Strangely, the book kind of reads like a Fantasy version of Horatio Alger's Ragged Dick, showing a downtrodden young man making everything and everyone go his way by taking initiative, showing ingenuity, and embracing the fundamentals of Capitalism. The book also follows Goodkind's now established formula, which is becoming clichéd. Once again, the two lovers are recovering from their last ordeal and are beginning to finally really enjoy time together, when once again, great tragedy separates them against their will and their love is once more mutually unrequited.
This installment in the Sword of Truth also largely focuses on the villainous character of Nicci (yes, the antagonist's name is Nicci), who comes to the forefront. We learn that she was corrupted by an ultra-leftist upbringing and once again, we see Richard begin to shape and influence his opposition with his righteous Ayn Randian messages. Despite the heavyhandedness and even though the messages can be abrasive, it is nice to see Epic Fantasy engaging with pertinent themes and breaking oway from the clichés of it all being derivitave of Tolkein and Lewis with nothing new to offer. ...more

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Jan 21, 2009 Emily Diehl rated it it was amazing

Easily my favorite of the series (Close contention with the first book)

This one is great, it brings back Richard's passion as he is taken prisoner from his beloved Kahlan

The War begins

Richard isnt ready for it mentally, or physically

yet, this book takes him on his own journey with The Order and through himself. ...more

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Jan 20, 2021 Tabatha rated it it was ok

Shelves: magic, fantasy

This had to be the worst of the series so far. Most people either have a love or hate of this book after reading the previous books in this series. Let me tell you why I disliked it. The first reason I didnt enjoy it was that the story feels flat, almost as if it was forced. Parts of it feel drawn out unnecessarily and you wish he would get to the point already. I only started to enjoy this book in the last 200 pages, and even that didnt redeem the book for me. I guess I expected more from one o ...more

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