The Third Kingdom by Terry Goodkind is the second book which Goodkind refers to as “A Richard and Kahlan Novel.” It follows on the heels of The Omen Machine. I like this book better. It starts out with Richard and Kahlan in trouble, unconscious in the back of a wagon driven by two men who want to eat them. They escape from that dilemma but are still in trouble. It seems that the power released by Jit the Hedge Maid in the first novel, which Richard thought he had averted, has affected both him and Kahlan greatly. In fact, if they don’t get some help soon, they will die. Not only that, Richard discovers there is evil in the Dark Lands which he must fight. Unfortunately, Zedd, Nikki, and Cara are missing and Kahlan is unconscious. He must find his people, help Kahlan, and fight the evil, all while he is struggling with the darkness inside him inflicted by Jit. His only help is a teenage sorceress named Samantha, who is just starting to understand her powers.
The Third Kingdom is a lot more exciting than The Omen Machine. Starting out at a run, the action continues throughout. This is Goodkind at his best. The story continues in next book, Severed Souls. I just hope it’s as good.