She has been called Sister of the Light, and even Sister of the Dark; Nicci has been the lieutenant of a tyrant and pledged to destroy a man who she then fell in love with. But that was in the past. It is a new and safer world out there, and Nicci’s new role is telling the people of how Lord Rahl’s rule will bring peace and prosperity to their world. But the first job is keeping the wizard and prophet Nathan out of trouble… Nathan wants to visit the witch called Red, whom he wishes to get to tell him his life story.

She does, but issues a cryptic message to him; He must seek the place Kol Adair, where the answers and solution to his fading magic will be answered. It is a place that no one has heard of, and its name appears on no chart. They make haste their preparations to travel south and whilst getting provisions, Nicci saves the life of a traveller called Bannon who is being robbed. He is so grateful that he recommends the ship he is sailing south on and pledges his services to her. So begins their perilous journey south to find this mystery place. They will face threats from the sea, the land, bargain with dragons and face the greatest threats to the world that they know.

I do read some fantasy every now and again. It is a genre that can either be excellent, full of intrigue and political shenanigans or can fall a bit flat as it is broadly similar to other stuff that you have come across. This is the first of Terry Goodkind’s books that I have read, and overall it wasn’t too bad. There was plenty of pace to the story, with a mix of dramatic events and the standard tropes from the fantasy genre. It did suffer from being a bit formulaic, though, but that is the problem that I have with a lot of the quest style fantasy. Not bad, though, might even read the sequel! ( )

Received: 3.5 stars

Onetime lieutenant of the evil Emperor Jagang, known as “Death’s Mistress” and the “Slave Queen”, the deadly Nicci captured Richard Rahl in order to convince him that the Imperial Order stood for the greater good. But it was Richard who converted Nicci instead, and for years thereafter she served Richard and Kahlan as one of their closest friends–and one of their most lethal defenders.

Now, with the reign of Richard and Kahlan finally stabilized, Nicci has set out on her own for new adventures. Her first job being to keep the unworldly prophet Nathan out of trouble…

MY THOUGHTS:

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. I started this book once before when it first came in and had to set it aside. I don’t know if I wasn’t in the proper mind-set to read an epic fantasy or not, so I thought I would try again and have enjoyed it immensely. Terry Goodkind is an author who is good at writing fantasy adventures, excellent fight scenes, and strong, fantastical characters.

I think because there’s been soooo much written like this in the fantasy genre of late, in order for a new series to succeed without causing eye-rolling at the series launch announcement, characters have to be uniquely different, the world-building must be completely original and incredibly laid out and the premise must not sound like all the rest. I also think that a lot of fantasies like “The Nicci Chronicles” need to be shortened and not drawn out to the point where the story loses substance and purpose.

With all that said, Terry Goodkind has begun a new series with “Death Mistress” but he’s done it using old characters from another series… Is this a good thing? Hmmm I’m on the fence about this. The other problem I foresee with this novel is for those who have not read the ‘other’ series to know and fully understand who and what the Protagonist is all about. Without that backstory build-up, the reader may find themselves thinking the characters shallow and lacking in substance. The world-building in “Death Mistress” is lacking because the setting is previously based on a world written about in another series, so once again, the reader may not appreciate this.

I did like the journey the characters were on, and the simplicity of the plot goal, but for a thick fantasy read… it just felt done before. I do like Terry Goodkind’s voice and his concepts are exciting most times, filled with great adventures, excellent character interactions and thrilling quests. But, I am an avid Stephen R. Donaldson reader and love fantasy series that are similar.

Overall, I’d say this is an entertaining read. It’s lengthy with perhaps a bit of filler that really wasn’t needed and would have read better if shortened.

Any fantasy reader will enjoy this first book. I’m looking forward to seeing what’s coming next. ( )

Really enjoyed the first half of "Death's Mistress" with the second half being ok. The story did feel fresh in many places with only Nicci, Red and Nathan being characters from early novels. Nicci and Nathan set off to the old world to spread the word of Lord Raul and end up going much further then they would have originally thought and discovering new lands that they know nothing of. There are many new enemies introduced in this story which is a bit of a shame because some of them were so interesting that it would have been nice to see them developed a bit further before having them discarded. Unless Nicci and Nathan were some of your least favorite characters from the Sword of Truth than you will enjoy "Death's Mistress". If you have not read any of Goodkind's other novels than I think this also offers a good launching off point. ( )

I started of really enjoying this book, it been a while since i have read a book by Terry Goodkind, and forgot how good he was at creating a world. By three quarters of the way through i started to want the book over, the 2nd part of the scar quest was just a bit OTT for me and i am not sure i will read the next in the series. ( )

After the conclusion of the main Sword of Truth story arc featuring Richard and Kahlan, I was dubious about a book in which Richard wouldn't be a main character. How wrong I was. Goodkind is a genius at world-building, and the new world in which Nicci and Nathan find themselves in is fascinating. I am intrigued to read the next volume in the Nicci Chronicles. (I did miss Richard, though. He is probably my all-time favorite male protagonist, with Jamie Fraser a close second.) ( )