Type of bind: Paperback
EAN num: 9780007145652
Format: Import
ISBN number: 0007145659
Label: Harper Collins Publ. UK
Manufacturer: Harper Collins Publ. UK
Page Count: 400
Printing Date: June 30, 2007
Publishing house: Harper Collins Publ. UK
Sale Popularity Level: 1028044
Studio: Harper Collins Publ. UK
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Rated by buyers 
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In Naked Empire, Terry Goodkind weaves a plot that, through the action of the story, illustrates increasingly deeper themes with great relevance to our culture today. Politically, and most superficially, it is a story about the hopelessness of the doctrine of pacifism for establishing genuine peace, but that it rather leads to tyranny. Ethically, it is about whether people are justified in fighting for their values by retaliating against physical threats to them, or whether it is ever proper to turn the other cheek. Epistemologically, it is about whether genuine knowledge comes by revelation from another world, or by reasoning about our perception of this world. And metaphysically, it is about the doctrine of mind-body dualism versus that of mind-body unity, and the results of accepting each. (There is even a bit about esthetics, though not nearly as a much as in Faith of the Fallen, in which the nature of art played a much more central role.)
As usual, the plot advances the stories of the characters and the world in which they live, and Goodkind's characterization is excellent (though Owen is a bit obnoxious at first, but not as bad as Nadine in Temple of the Winds). It is true that Goodkind has begun using somewhat formulaic phrases to introduce familiar characters (but hey, if it was good enough for Homer...). So some of the criticisms about his writing at this point in the series are slightly valid. It is not one of the best books in the series, which is why I didn't rate it five stars. However, the kind of vitriol being spewed by the book's critics--many of whom seem to have a personal grudge against Goodkind--can only be explained by their unthinking bias against his theme, or, in the case of escapists, the fact that his books have themes at all.
Goodkind's work is both entertaining and thought-provoking--a rare thing. Ironically, it is perhaps those who find themselves so angered by his books that need his message the most.
Rated by buyers 
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I would rank this book up there with Faith of the Fallen as the best book in the series so far. While not as explicitly philosophical as Faith of the Fallen (which, aside from Richard's very first premature and out-of-place philosophy speech at the beginning, seamlessly integrated philosophy with dramatic action so that by the climax I was on the edge of my seat not in spite of, but because of the ideas involved), Chainfire cashes in on the reader's love for the characters, and their value to each other, that has been built up since the beginning of the series. The scene in which Richard contemplates suicide is particularly stunning. Publishing house's Weekly's complaint that there's not enough action is shallow and stupid. Who needs sword fights when you've got drama like that? Besides, the "beast" that's after Richard is the best antagonist Goodkind has created yet. Can't wait for the subsequent two books in the Chainfire trilogy.
Rated by buyers -
I appreciate that Goodkind takes on politically sensitive social issues in the venue of his fantasy. I felt he conveyed well the dangers of pacifism, and the morally repugnant nature of strict non-violence when injustice is present and can only be quelled by violent means. By contrast, the nature of righteous/just retribution and aggression was well portrayed. I laud smart fiction, and this moves well beyond the standard fantasy fare.
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