Reviews

I didn’t realize I needed to read a larger series to really understand the breadth of this novella. I saw a review saying it could be enjoyed as a standalone, and while that is technically true, I think it is a little oversimplified and misleading.

Just because one can read this book in under three hours if uninterrupted and could entirely understand the plot is irrelevant. The book references other adventures Richard and Kahlan have been on, adventures that sound way more interesting than the predicament they’re in. This makes sense, though, when you take a step back and realize these are novella’s in the background of a different series. Same stars, just a continuation of adventure after a brief explanation of D’Hara, the palace city, Rhaul and Dark Rhaul, his late father, and the Confessor wife who had had a miscarraige in a previous book.

During the allotted time that the King sees to his kingdom, a peasant arrives with demands to surrender the world to the Golden Goddess. Kahlan insists it is odd for people of his culture to make demands (which felt strange to me) and is later mysteriously mauled during the investigation. A sultry stranger comes in to (rudely) point out Richard’s folly. She is repeatedly said to be sultry, except this has no effect on Richard because he loves his wife, but he trusts her instantly, and their healing magic weaves differently in Kahlan after she’s attacked. If I’ve already lost you, then we’re on the same page.

In the end it was just the first of a long series of novellas to burst out of Goodkind’s fully realized world, and this little taste isn’t enough for me to commit to the fifteen book series that precedes it.

bigskynavygirl's review

Go to review page

3.0

I’ve read most of the books in this world now and they were all decent. Some definitely were better than others, as with any series. This one just seemed to have all sorts of pointless back and forth that left me just sort of face palming.
“Why?”
“Because.”
“But why not try this?”
“Because they don’t work that way.”
“But why?”
I grew up reading the books but this one was sort of a let down.

itbella's review

Go to review page

1.0

1/5

Decently interesting premise, but if I have to read about this goddamn author waxing poetic abt the female characters' "figures" or "gorgeous physiques" I'm gonna lose my mind. This dude clearly has some issues imagining female protagonists with any characteristics beyond Physically Attractive & Powerful. This shit was so annoying plz don't make me read any more male fantasy authors

armedwithabook's review

Go to review page

5.0

Warheart was just the right conclusion to the Sword of Truth series - it was complete, with the possibility to evolve more. I am so glad that Terry Goodkind revisited Richard and Kahlan in the Children of D'Hara novella series. I love those two characters so much! The Scribbly Man transpires after the events of Warheart. Richard and Kahlan have taken their rightful place in the D'Hara Empire and now, anybody and everybody from around the world, has come to pay homage to them. Things start to get interesting when a man demands their surrender. Who is he? And who has sent him on this mission?

The Scribbly Man is a quick dive into some of the unforeseen consequences to Richard's actions to save his world in . Engaging, terrifying and mysterious at the same time, the novella takes us back to D'Hara in its full glory, plunging the reader right back into familiar territories, whether it is the formidable Mord-Sith or the amazing People's Palace or the brilliance of the Mother Confessor. I can't wait to read the next one!

andydcaf2d's review

Go to review page

4.0

An odd little addition to the Sword of Truth series, need to find out where this is going in the next 2 books. Will Richard and Kahlan finally have kids??? What is the Scribbly Man and where is he coming from???

More...