Siege of Stone: Sister of Darkness: The Nicci Chronicles, Volume III (The Nicci Chronicles, 3)

A: When Terry Goodkind is writing it...;)Siege of Stone is without a doubt the best book of this trilogy, or series. What I liked especially about this book was how infrequently Goodkind repeated himself! His writing is definitely improving because Terry's usual writing style reveals a driving fear rooted deep within his psyche that demands repetition because he is certain the reader didn't get the message the first time he wrote it--or the second, third, etc....;) This book was exceptionally well-written in that regard--I saw it immediately and was very pleased to see that Terry remained consistent throughout. I think this is his best-written book, thus far, because of that. As an author, Goodkind seems more poised and relaxed; more confident--he knows, now, that people are listening. It's an important point for any writer because repetition borne of insecurity can positively slay a story.The resolution of this three book story I found satisfying--but not as satisfying as it could have been. A trilogy would have resolved all of the plot lines by its conclusion, leaving none open (that's my preference, anyway.) Terry resolves some, leaves others open--or does he? It isn't plain, but my guess is that the "Nicci Chronicles Trilogy" now is open ended and Terry wants at least another book, here. Here's where things get dicey.Nicci's mission with Nathan was two-fold, to explore the Old World and to promote the knowledge of Richard's empire in every locale and to every people. That mission left open many intriguing discoveries waiting to be made and I saw it as a new chapter in the story. The fate of Ildakar was the theme of Siege--supposedly the third book in the trilogy--and yet that fate is anything but resolved by the end of Siege. New Jagang-like enemies appear, and I got the sense that everything we saw in the first 10-11 books is about to....repeat. Just the names (some of them) and locations have changed, but the story looks much the same. I sincerely hope not!I gave Siege four stars; would give each of the earlier books in the "trilogy" three stars--only because of the repetition factor I've already described. Goodkind has real charm as a story teller, and I have always enjoyed him, even if he is a bit "annoying" at times. I say that in a nice way. Oh, yes--I much appreciated Terry toning *way down* "Sweet Sea Mother!" in the third book--during the first books I kept asking myself why Bannon knew no other curses..! If I had heard, "Sweet Sea Mother!" one more time I would have voted to spit and cook Bannon over a roaring fire--just to be excused from hearing that again! If Bannon is going to swear and curse, I really would suggest that Terry be far more inventive!...;)All I have to do now, I guess, is wait to see where this Goodkind universe is headed from here! And I *will* be waiting!

Maybe it's my own fault, I just re-read the entire SOT series and followed it with the first two Nicci Chronicles, so by the time I started working on this book I was totally OVER Terry Goodkind. I literally had to force myself to keep reading to the end of this book. I was starving for some new stuff by him but it's so repetitive! Yes, I read the first two books Terry, I don't need to be reminded every other page of what's happened in the story so far! SOT series started out so great, but I think he lost it somewhere along the way and filled page after page rehashing the same old stuff (It became almost painful to keep reading!) It's like he had a short story and tried to find a way to stretch it into a 300 page book. Wish he'd spend some time developing the story and characters and trust us to get what we're reading instead of reminding us over and over!!

Like many others I fell in love with Richard Rahl and the Sword of Truth Series. I read the last three books of the series even though in some places they dragged a little...even Terry Goodkind not at his best it’s still always wonderful to re-enter into the world with the characters he created that we love.Ok Sister Nikki...Deaths Mistress, this series...it’s OK. I’m a little bummed that It’s an extended story arch. I really liked the format of the SOT where it was three books and new villains and stuff to overcome.There’s much to not like about the past couple of books...many of the characters are really forgettable, there’s nobody that’s super lovable or interesting...Goodkind also seems like he has to meet length quotas or something because he is ultra repetitive in his last several books...repetitive to the point of someone being able to skip to anywhere in the book and read exactly what happened to General Utros love Majel...4/5 but mainly because if you’re a sword of truth fan you’re not going to hate this book.

I have to admit that it was a bit hard to get back into this story. First, it's been awhile since the last book. Second, with each chapter switching POV, I found myself less enthusiastic than I had thought I would be to read it. It was a lot of "wait, who is this, what are they doing?" each time the POV switched. It probably took me until maybe half way through for me to truly get into it.Nicci, Nathan, and the people of Ildakar sure have a lot to deal with this time around. With General Utros' stone army coming back to life, it's a fight to save their city from soldiers that need no food or sleep, and have hardened skin. Lots of plans are made, and while the people of Ildakar have some victories, General Utros' army has many soldiers in its ranks to fight back.Meanwhile, the Norukai are forming plans and a naval army to conquer the world as well... and they're coming for Ildakar too.This story has a lot of angles to it, causing the reader to get into the heads of many characters as each of their paths converge on the city of Ildakar.The end leaves our heroes split, unsure if/how they will come back together, and the last few paragraphs honestly made me say, "Oh, crap. This isn't good." I'm awaiting the next book to see how our heroes get out of this new, rather large problem.

Someone needs to check on Mr. Goodkind because this is not anywhere near how he used to write. Storyline was boring and obvious. No character depth. The most cringworthy dialogue. This will be the last book of his I ever read which is sad because he was once a really great author.

The story see's the 500,000 strong army of General Utros awaken after 1,500 years of being nothing but stone, as the Wizard Commander Maxim flees and releases the spell that held them there as statues. Ildakar abruptly finds itself under siege and without real leadership as Sovrena Thora has also been removed from her position, so the Wizard Council promptly try to put Nicci in charge-to her annoyance. Fortunately, all of Utros's armies equipment is long gone, rusted away or rotted to nothing after a millennium and a half. Unfortunately, it can all be replaced-and the Petrification spell isn't completely gone, so the soldiers are not quite human any more. Utros scours the countryside, towns and villages to get what he needs-and simply doesn't care how he gets it. Ildakar has various options for repelling an assault, but the sheer size of the attacking army might mean all of them are not enough, even with the Gifted nobles trying everything.Nicci finds a way to get word to the D'Haran Empire about the ancient army being on the move, as Utros sets out to both rebuild an Empire and destroy Ildakar, but more is occurring. A nation of Slavers and pirates, the Norukai, are also on the move-and their King, Grieve, intends to build an Empire of his own, starting with Ildakar on the advice of his mad Prophet, Chalk. Norukai raiders are everywhere as a result-and things are only getting worse.Terry Goodkind is building up to a major shift in his world with Nicci at the centre of it as forces which will reshape the entire Old World start to move. I'm enjoying the story, and look forwards to seeing what happens next.My only complaint is the brutality displayed. People die in conflict, often terribly, but Utros does something so terrible to get answers from his long-dead Emperor and lover that I was left wondering if the book was actually a horror story. Also, there is no appealing to people's better natures here, double-crosses, betrayals and a level of violence that wouldn't have been out of place in the Dark Ages are all common. Nicci misses Thistle, from the previous book, but what happened to the girl is barely any less horrific than anything in this story.I'm not sure how even Nicci is going to survive what happens in this book, let alone save the world, but it's going to be interesting finding out.

I have always been a Goodkind fan. This latest book in the series picks up where the last left off. As usual first class. I have only one criticism; it looks very much like another massive super army is about to emerge and threaten the world. By my reckoning, if I am correct, this will be at least number three. There is a danger of same old same old. That said I can’t wait for the next book.

Terry goodkind has done it again i thought the break away books from the Richard/Kahlan story wouldn't be any good..after all so many books where the main characters carried the books and then the secondary characters but how wrong was/am i so far the 3 books have had me from the 1st page and im excited each time i pick it up im on the 3rd 1 and about half way through but im not looking forward to finishing it but at the same time im looking forward to see what happens well done its a pleasure to add another goodkind to my collection well done that writer

Everything I’ve come to expect in TG’s books. I have everything and always but whatever he writes, in all formats. I’m enjoying the new characters as much as I miss the old. His writing is wonderful, highly recommend anything from this author......be ready to get addicted

Having freed the legendary city of Ildakar for the despotic rule of the Wizards council, Nicci and Nathan Rahl have to help defend the city against an enormous army that has been released from fifteen hundred years of stone-bound-stasis