Sword of Truth is an okay series, but it's been degenerating into repetitive mush. Goodkind has clearly caught the "I cannot tie up loose ends and end this series for the life of me, and I must keep milking this little cash cow till it's dry" disease from Jordan and Eddings. Let me spoil The Naked Empire for you:
1. Richard gets seperated from Kahlan. Alternatively, they are in a situation where they can't be together. They pine for each other and moan and whine about their rough lovelife.
2. Stuff happens. New characters may be introduced. They are often killed off anyway.
3. Richard or Kahlan or both will seem to be in mortal danger, but will survive anyway. (So much for suspense.)
4. More people swear loyalty to Richard. Alternatively, more women will fall in love with Richard. That, or both will happen.
5. Richard discovers even more new powers and fulfills even more prophecies. Alternatively, he will discover another wizard's rule.
6. The current threat is eliminated. Book ends with Richard and Kahlan united and their ranting how much they love each other. They either kiss or have hot sex.
Oh, wait, I'm just describing the whole series for the past seven books, aren't I? Shame on me for spoiling it all. Shame more on Goodkind for repeating the whole scenario over and over and over for seven books. It's amazing what professional authors can get away with these days.
Seriously, though, I'm not going to buy the next book unless someone whose reading opinions I can really trust gives Naked Empire a "yes". And is it just me, or are most "bestselling" fantasy authors incapable of creating interesting characters who aren't invincible Mary Sues/Marty Stus (specific "slang", sorry)?
