Faith of the Fallen

This novel features a strong protagonist, separated from his love by an evil emperor.

I love characters that aren’t just fighting for a good cause, but are fighting for love, and this series features a gripping love story. The characters find a way to beat impossible odds using wits, magic, and courage. It’s one of the few books I was excited to read more than once.

I like books that entertain, but also inspire me on how to better live my life. Faith of the Fallen (Book 6 of the Sword of Truth series) is a riveting story right from the first sentence. It’s full of homilies that sync with my worldview on how to live with yourself, and how to live with others. “Your life is your own. Rise up and live it,” argues against passivity. “Pity for the guilty is treason to the innocent” is a call for justice. The author echoes the philosopher Hannah Arendt in saying, “Evil is not one large entity,… show more.

A sword-and-sorcery classic! Faith of the Fallen was my absolute favourite of the Sword of Truth series, which puts it up against some very stiff competition. One of the reasons it was my favourite, and why it’s being included in this list, is the extremes the main characters are forced into and what it reveals about them. As the hero Richard has spent the previous five books becoming more powerful and capable, it’s fascinating and inspiring to see how he reacts when the story’s villain renders him seemingly powerless and attempts to break his spirit.