Phantom Book Review
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The magic of chainfire begins to unravel in Sword of Truths 10 installment Phantom. The conclusion to the original series is begin set up. In this second book in the Chainfire trilogy within the Sword of Truth series, we get a refreshing amount of some characters that had been absent as well as a realization of the stakes and intentions that will set up the last chapter in the original series.
I have to say that this is the original series as the Sword of Truth series appears to be on going with the Richard and Kahlan series and the Nicci Chronicles. Not to go to far into those books here as this is for the book Phantom, but I believe that I will be stopping at the end of Confessor for this series and move onto greener pastures.
As many of you know that have been following my reviews of the entire series leading up to book 10 here, it has been a relatively negative process. There are parts to the series that are well done and were good reads, but for the most part, I have been struggling to find something interesting to say about characters or plot through the series.
Phantom even though it’s the middle novel for the Chainfire series, was rather enjoyable. The book dragged at times, but I was happy to have some characters return in the series again. It seems like this book is bring back many character favorites for the conclusion to the series.
Another strength that this book has that was missing from many others in the series, is that this book maintains momentum and story direction. The conclusion to the series is written out for us in this book but it also works well in the feeling of continued story with an growing plotline that other arcs in the series seemed to lack.
If Terry Goodkind could have handled other arcs to this series like he was doing here, the series would have been significantly stronger as a whole.
Unfortunately through, there is bad in this review as well. It cannot be a Sword of Truth book review without the negativity. Richard being Richard is on full display here, much more in the beginning and middle of the book then the end. I am experiencing Richard fatigue at this point. So the inclusion of Khalan for more of the book than what we had in the previous novel was nice to have.
The series seems to be going in the direction of closing the same way it honestly opened. The boxes of Oden are in threat of being back in play. I could describe this whole series as just a very long and drawn out version of the first book but with less new feelings since we have seen this all before.
I don’t necessary think this is a bad thing though. I feel like the boxes could have played a bigger role in the series so I am not super disappointed that they are back again but under threat to be used by a bigger bad guy than Darkan Rahl.
The book really pushes the sport of Jahla or “the game of life” into the plot. This is a very brutal game that is being played. This seems like an odd way to being the story together but I suppose it’s not much different then watching Gladiator or even the season of Game of Thrones where Jura Mormont fights in the fighting pits to get back in favor with Danyeris Targaryen.
Overall the book is not bad, I would put this maybe in the tophalf of the books in the series as well. Maybe slightly lower. So with that being said. The series feels like it’s starting to turn a corner right at the very end.
I recommend reading this book in the series and at this point the entire final arc is probably worth your time. You can pick up a copy of the book here or listen to the book on Audible.
If you want to see where this book ranks in the original series, you can find our Ranking the Sword of Truth series article here!
We will see you next time for the conclusion to the original Sword of Truth series.
