Title: Stone of Tears
Author: Terry Goodkind
First published September 15, 1995
703 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780312857066 (ISBN10: 0312857063)
Rating: 4.1
Overview
In Stone of Tears, Richard Cypher and Kahlan have saved the world from the evil clutches of Darken Rahl. But their victory is short-lived when Rahl summons a sinister power from beyond the underworld.
Creatures of horror escape and wreak havoc on the unsuspecting world. The only way to stop Rahl is to prevent the Keeper, an evil entity of immense power, from being freed.
Richard must face the pain of his birthright and his curse, while Kahlan embarks on a dangerous mission to find the help they need to stop Rahl. They will face war, suffering, torture, and deceit.
Will they find the elusive Stone of Tears and save their world from violent death? Courage, faith, and a little bit of luck are all they have to rely on.
About the Author
Terry Goodkind was an American writer known for his epic fantasy series, The Sword of Truth. He also created the television show The Legend of the Seeker and wrote The First Confessor: The Legend of Magda Searus, a self-published prequel and origin story about the first Mother Confessor.
His works have been translated into over 20 languages and have sold over 20 million copies worldwide.
Editoral Review
Martin Cruz Smith’s novel Wolves Eat Dogs takes readers deep into the heart of post-Soviet Russia, with all the intrigue, corruption, and danger that implies. Known for his outstanding thrillers, including the acclaimed Arkady Renko series, Smith delivers another engrossing story filled with unexpected twists and turns.
The novel follows Renko, a Moscow detective, as he investigates the death of a wealthy American businessman who had been investing in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. Despite repeated warnings about the dangers of radiation, the businessman had continued to sponsor various projects in the abandoned zone, and Renko soon discovers that there are several suspects who might have wanted him dead.
As Renko delves deeper into the case, he encounters a range of complex characters, from wealthy oligarchs to struggling peasants, all of whom have their own motives and secrets. Meanwhile, he must navigate a byzantine bureaucracy that is rife with corruption and cover-ups, and must contend with forces that are far beyond his control.
Smith’s writing is excellent throughout, with vivid descriptions that bring the setting and atmosphere to life. He also does an excellent job of weaving together multiple storylines, and his pacing is spot-on, keeping readers engaged and eager to find out what happens next.
His portrayal of post-Soviet Russia is both nuanced and insightful, debunking stereotypes and revealing the complexities of a society in transition. One of the book’s main strengths is its characterization, as Smith excels at creating fully-realized characters with their own distinct voices and personalities.
Renko, in particular, is a compelling protagonist, with a deep sense of compassion and a dogged determination to uncover the truth. His relationships with the other characters are also well-drawn, and there are several memorable supporting players who add depth and richness to the story.
One potential weakness of the book, however, is its complex plot, which can be difficult to follow at times. There are numerous subplots and minor characters, and some readers may find it hard to keep track of everything that’s going on.
Additionally, the book’s conclusion may be somewhat unsatisfying for some, as it leaves several loose ends unresolved. Despite these minor flaws, Wolves Eat Dogs is an excellent thriller that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.
It’s a testament to Smith’s skill as a writer that he can tackle such weighty themes as legacy, corruption, and the fall of the Soviet Union without ever losing sight of the human drama at the center of the story. This book is a must-read for fans of the genre, and for anyone interested in the complexities of contemporary Russia.
Overall, I give Wolves Eat Dogs a rating of 4 out of 5 stars. It’s an engrossing, well-written thriller that is sure to satisfy readers who enjoy a good mystery with a richly-drawn setting and compelling characters.
