Soul of the Fire (Sword of Truth, #5) in Sword Of Truth

Sep 14, 2012 David rated it really liked it

Shelves: fantasy

While still intriguing, this book is a departure from the previous four in a number of ways. First, the Objectivist Ayn Randian style politics become the most overt in this novel. They go from being little seeds and nuggets that appear here and there into being dominant themes. In relation to this, this is the first novel that shifts much of the focus away from the protagonists of Richard and Kahlan and instead focuses on new characters. Here we get to see in depth the lives of characters that While still intriguing, this book is a departure from the previous four in a number of ways. First, the Objectivist Ayn Randian style politics become the most overt in this novel. They go from being little seeds and nuggets that appear here and there into being dominant themes. In relation to this, this is the first novel that shifts much of the focus away from the protagonists of Richard and Kahlan and instead focuses on new characters. Here we get to see in depth the lives of characters that are affected by the decisions of Kahlan and Richard. We get to see the motivation and machinations of characters that are villainous in the world of this story, rather than focusing on the near perfect heroes for the whole book again. In this book, Goodkind seems to make some questionable statements about multiculturalism, among other socio-political topics. We are introduced to a nation consisting of two races, the dominant culture of the Anders and the peasant and downtrodden Hakens.
We later learn, however, that the Anders were the indigenous culture (a la Native Americans) and they were invaded by the more technologically developed culture of the Hakens, who integrated the Anders into their more developed society. Eventually, however, the Anders became skilled merchants, businessmen, and educators and manipulated things to take over the financial and educational systems (a la stereotypes about Jews). The Anders then manipulated the society into gaining control and turning the tables, making the Hakens a completely downtrodden underclass, more so than the Anders had ever been. This in part comes about from the Hakens feeling guilt about the actions of their ancestors and making allowances for the Anders and glorifying their culture, which leads to their own detriment.
Thus, the book seems to serve as a warning to mainstream culture that glorifying previously discriminated cultures and feeling guilty about actions of the past can lead to a reversal in which the "dominant" culture is now subjected. While these ideas are questionable and even possibly offensive, it is interesting to have an unusual viewpoint so vividly illustrated. Some readers may not be able to appreciate this book due to the elevated socio-political subtext, but the story can still be appreciated whether one agrees with the political ideas or not. It is nice to see fantasy used as a vehicle to present provocative concepts. This is what makes the series fresh and unique among the plethora of fantasy novels. ...more

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Dec 28, 2012 Tabatha rated it really liked it

Shelves: magic, romance, fantasy, adult

Took me a couple of months to read this due to lack of time because of college, but around midway through I started to read a bit quicker, finding myself more intrigued by the storyline. By the end I was fully captivated.

This went from a 3 star book to a 4 star within the last 5ish chapters. I'm definitely desiring to read the next book.

Also, I'd like to say that I don't think Dalton a wicked character. I definitely felt myself feeling for his poor situation. He's a likeable character in my op ...more

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Jan 19, 2009 Emily Diehl rated it liked it

Starts off very slow,

about halfway through it begins to get better, you just have to endure the first half of the book

the character's humor kept me going,

I love Cara's jokes,

Ending was great, ...more

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Oct 15, 2008 MATTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT rated it it was amazing

I couldn't put down this book, i brought it everywhere with me, just incase i happened to get a chance to read. I pent every moment of my free time (and time that i shouldn't have been reading) reading it. SO GREAT!! ...more

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