I eagerly devoured the first 3 books of this series. I thought it had the makings of one of the best fantasy series I have ever read. The use of 'knacks' and the tales of a 7th son of a 7th son just seemed so original and interesting. In fact, I think the first 2 books of this series would make fantastic movies.

I am now on book 5, and I can barely make myself read it anymore. The plotlines have become so dull and muddled. The discussion between the characters seems so forced, and all the characters seem to speak in largely the same voice-- which sounds exactly like Orson Scott Card's voice to me. Even the quality of writing seems to have diminished compared to other Card books that I have read. The 5th book is the worst of all so far, for me, and it plods at an even slower pace than even some of Robert Jordan's worse novels.

I would provide specific examples, but I don't won't to give any spoilers for people who haven't read the books.

This series is supposed to be 7 books long, but there has been almost a 7-year delay between book 6 and the final book. I wonder if Card has completely lost his way with this series.

Anyone else have any thoughs?