Heart of Black Ice: Sister of Darkness: The Nicci Chronicles, Volume IV

Heart of Black Ice is the recent volume in Terry Goodkind’s Nicci Chronicles. It is a wonderful continuation and conclusion of the adventure, and it is also a perfectly self contained piece of high fantasy. It would serve as a wonderful starter book for those looking to enter the fantasy genre, and it can keep the attention of fantasy fans. Perhaps the most captivating feature is Goodkind’s masterful abilities at world building. It is effortless for the reader to be transported in this richly created literary world.

Goodkind’s book has some of the most creative and fully flushed out characters in modern fantasy. Nicci, Bannon, and Nathan battle bravely against an all-consuming dark menace, and it’s impossible not to root for them. Our trio of main characters are all largely separated, which allows an extra layer of suspense for the reader.

The dialogue is both genuine and striking, never forced. The descriptive details in the general flow of the book all add to a profound sense of immersion for the reader. It is all so believable and often reads like an aged historical scroll of some distant global conflict.

Part of this book’s charm is that its trio of heroes are as engrossing separately as they are united, and it makes their eventual reunion all the more rewarding. The Norukai, barbarian raiders, and slavers are the perfect manner of evil antagonist.

Goodkind is commanding with his writing, and this now complete series will continue to prove engrossing and enchanting for years to come.