Temple of the Winds (1997) is the fourth installment in Terry Goodkind’s Sword of Truth series, a high-stakes fantasy novel where Richard Rahl, the Seeker of Truth and newly crowned Lord of D’Hara, faces his most insidious threat yet. When a deadly plague—magically unleashed by the vengeful Emperor Jagang—begins ravaging the Midlands, Richard and his beloved Kahlan Amnell must race against time to retrieve the eponymous Temple of the Winds, a mystical construct that holds the cure. But the temple’s power demands a terrible sacrifice: Richard must renounce his marriage to Kahlan, severing their bond to save countless lives.
Goodkind’s signature blend of epic battles, moral philosophy, and visceral magic shines here, with dark sorcery, political intrigue, and heart-wrenching choices driving the narrative. The novel delves deeper into Richard’s growth as a leader and the cost of wielding power, while introducing new adversaries and arcane lore. Though criticized by some for its didactic Objectivist themes, fans praise its relentless pacing and emotional intensity.
A crucial turning point in the series, Temple of the Winds escalates the conflict with the Imperial Order, setting the stage for the saga’s darker middle chapters.
