Review: Faith of the Fallen

In book six of the "Sword of Truth" series Richard is kidnapped by Nikki, a sister of the dark, who wishes to show him what life is like for those who do not have the "luck" of being born into wizardry, and ruling kingdoms, and having friends. She takes him to the capitol of The Order where they are to lead the life of common folk. To teach him the "Truth" of the Order's philosophy, " No individual has greater value than any other, so it is the duty of those that fortune favors to share their bounty with those who are less fortunate."

For herself she wishes to discover the element of common nature between Richard and her father. To find the spark which separated them from their fellow men.

When Richard is arrested pursuant to a complaint from a disgruntled neighbor he tells Nikki where to find a cache of cash to bail him out with. Shocked to discover the size of the cache Nikki is convinced Richard must be guilty after all, and sets out to repay all the people Richard has stolen from.

The blacksmith working on a government project tells her that he not only owes his life to Richard because without him supplying the metals he needed he would have been declared a traitor for failing to keep to the schedule. Furthermore, Richard sold him the metal below the government-dictated price.

The foundry where Richard got the metal was thriving because with reliable supply and distribution it could run more efficiently. The people who supplied the materials to the foundry also benefited from the improved distribution. Even the freight companies working in competition to Richard at worst broke even because the increased production at all levels more than made up for what he was hauling himself.

Frustrate and confused Nikki took the money and bailed Richard out, but still convinced that he had to be doing something wrong arranged as a condition of his parole that Richard would take a job that would eat at his soul.

Meanwhile back in the Midlands Kahlahn and Zed are leading the defense against an army of the Order that is being reinforced far faster than they can kill its soldiers.

The economic and social dynamics of this book are at times a little simplistic, but it is supposed to be leisure reading, so enjoy the story.

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, E. Trevanion Jonsson

Book Review: Faith of the Fallen