Have to admit my thoughs match Wulfere's pretty much - first book was good, 2nd was even better, 3rd was ugh what have I wasted money on - and I haven't been back to that well ever since.

On the original topic of Jordan - I love the books, but he needs to make at least 50% more progress per book - disappointed with the lack of pace in the last two or three.

Jordan started this neverending saga of books and Goodking is following his lead. The last Goodkind book has almost no bearing on the main story, it could be a novel unto itself.

As for Jordan, his story is never ending and he is filling his pages with repeated character deveoping trash. His characters are having the same insights and the same people are described in every book recently, it is just endless...

SPOILER AHEAD (no fancy invisible ones for me)

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I'm on page 500 of his newest book and they haven't even covered Rand yet or his cleansing of Saidin. It is completely frustrating and, for the first time in his series, I'm starting to skip paragraphs because I can't stand it anymore. It is so slooooooooow. I don't think I'll be spending any money on the next book.

On a separate note, I met Jordan a couple of weeks ago on a flight to San Diego. By the baggage claim I asked him when he was planning on wrapping up the story and he walked off in a huff with his small entourage following...I take that as a bad sign.

I haven't even touched this series yet, because I knew there would be such long waits betweeen books. Most of my friends have been reading it and saying how good it is, but are frustrated waiting for the next part... I almost never read a series until after it is finished, which is why I often seem so far behind everyone else. I can't stand a multi-year wait between books.

Have to admit my thoughs match Wulfere's pretty much - first book was good, 2nd was even better, 3rd was ugh what have I wasted money on - and I haven't been back to that well ever since.

On the original topic of Jordan - I love the books, but he needs to make at least 50% more progress per book - disappointed with the lack of pace in the last two or three.</font>[/QUOTE]Well, you guys are missing out on Book 6 (Faith of the Fallen) which is the best of the lot. Of all of them Book 4 (Temple of the Winds) is probably the weakest, Book 5 (Soul of the Fire) is quite good, if a bit depressing at the end, but Book 6 is outstanding. I do think I'm starting to become a Goodkind apologist. :D

After 6 books I'm still a fan of the Goodking books. I can't say the same for the flat wheel in time. I had a coworker give me his copy of the book. In my off time I was so bored that I even watched TV without cracking the book open. I finally forced myself to start (overcoming apathy) but couldn't get past page 23. Even for free, I am no longer interested in the books. If he had stopped (ie wrapped it up) after 6 or 7 books I would be a big fan, recommending the books to friends. Now, if anyone asks I'll just tell them it is a waste of time.