Severed Souls Review (A Richard and Kahlan Novel)
Summary: Severed Souls is an emotional rollercoaster that successfully brings the reader on a journey of epic proportions as we follow Richard and Kahlan
4.8
Holy moley!
Severed Souls
Author: Terry Goodkind
Genre: Fantasy
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Harper Collins
Pages: 558
RRP: $29.99
Reviewer: Andrew Bistak
#: This review contains minimal spoilers that will not impact your reading experience of Terry Goodkind’s Severed Souls
Just when I thought I’ve seen all the curve balls from Terry Goodkind, he throws another three my way which I was not expecting whatsoever in the sequel to the bestselling novel, The Third Kingdom. The sequel is called Severed Souls and Goodkind once again proves why he is a master scribe because he carefully lays out the clues and it’s up to the reader to find them or in my case, miss them. The story of Severed Souls continues from the cliffhanger ending from the The Third Kingdom which saw The Seeker, the Lord of D’Hara Richard Rahl and his wife, The Mother Confessor Kahlan Amnell reeling from the deadly poison of killing The Hedge Maid Jit.
Unfortunately by killing The Hedge Maid, her death poisoned both Richard and his soul mate Kahlan with a sickness from the underworld that made them both linked to the world of the living and the world of the dead. The only way to save them was to reach the People’s Palace in D’Hara but Richard, Kahlan, Zed, Nicci and the soldiers of the First File are being chased by the Shun-tuk, soulless humans who viciously attack those with a soul in order to claim it for themselves. As they attempt to reach the People’s Palace before the occult wielding wizard Hannis Arc and his army of both Shun-tuk and the undead thanks to the recently resurrected Emperor Sulachan, it seems that all hope is lost.
However prophecy plays a key part in the Sword of Truth novels and fate once again intervenes when one of their party members, Irene, a sorceress from the Darklands believes that a containment field is located in the old stronghold of Hannis Arc which forces them to change their plans. But when Kahlan meets a witch woman by the name of Red, she discovers a prophecy that shakes the Mother Confessor to her core which becomes the catalyst of things to come as Richard and his loyal followers race again time in order to save not just him but the future of mankind itself. Unfortunately Abbot Ludwig Dreier, now known as Lord Dreier and his pet Mord-sith Erika have other plans which makes Severed Souls one of the most emotional books of the series that will leave you craving the next novel.
Like previous novels in the Sword of Truth franchise, Severed Souls is very well written by Goodkind, although he does dwell a little too much on one segment of the story and without spoiling it, the second half of the book definitely goes into high gear. Goodkind also has a knack of creating very life-like characters, especially as he invites the readers into the psyche of Richard, Kahlan and all the other colourful characters that has made this series so compelling. You’ll love the heroes, despise the villains which is where this author shines and this book is no exception to the rule. Sure, there are a few stagnant parts of the book such as the first half but Goodkind is setting the scene of things to come, especially the ending that blows just about every other ending out of the water.
Final Thoughts?
Severed Souls is one of the most emotional books in this franchise that will not only have you on the edge of your seat but glued to each page until it is finally finished… which happens quite faster, even with 558 pages. However without spoiling book, I’m guessing that Severed Souls will be The Empire Strikes back aspect to a much lighter and more heroic novel in the final chapter of The Third Kingdom… wow, what a read!
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