Okay. This book is important in the context of understanding Rahl's overall journey and understanding the importance of his ally and sister, Jennsen. However, readers will be a bit lost in the beginning trying to grasp the importance of such a character. It was a quick read, but Goodkind failed to capitalize on Rahl's personal journey in this book...something readers are really ready to dig into. Read it. Get through it. Move on to the next book.