While I love Linden, these are TC's Chronicles, and he is the stronger character. Nothing wrong with liking both, and being satisfied with both, however.
I think it's kind of sad that one of the reasons that people are dissatisfied with Runes is because TC isn't there. This is one of the reasons why, when authors have a cash cow, they write it to death - like Shannara, the Sword of Truth, The Wheel of Time - they want their cash cow to remain fat. God forbid that they branch out and try to write something else. I've always admired Donaldson for branching out.
It's also admirable that Donaldson is writing this story it needs to be told - not, necessarily, as all of his fans want it to be told.
"Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage." (Anais Nin)
I like Linden too... but I've heard several people now claim they like her more than TC... that really annoys me.. I'm going to eat the people who're saying this
I respect SRD, and I see the need for Linden...but that doesn't mean I have to like her. I'm a vocal Linden-despiser (heh) whereas I'm a big fan of Covenant.
Much as I like Linden she and the Land are nothing without Thomas Covenant. Much as I enjoyed the "Runes" it is the fact that Covenant may be still alive somewhere that has got me hooked to every word.
I think Linden is a well written character, but I have never read any other book with a character like Covenant! Hated and feared by everyone (even his own wife) yet willing to do anything for the things he loves. Even give his life to redeem the Land! How many people have posted about how angry it made them when Covenant took advantage of Lena, yet 83% percent of everyone polled so far say that Covenant is there favorite character, because he went to such lengths for the Land. He is a testemant to the writing ability of SRD.
Linden Avery turned my stomach in the Second Chronicles. I actually felt anger at her for some of the stuff she did or said or denied Covenant!? Now, that is a sign of a GREAT writer when he makes his fans feel that kind of emotion. SRD? Way to GO!!!
However, I can tolerate Avery, but it is definately Thomas Covenant who is such a fascinating and hidden character.
It is better to be thought a fool than to open one's mouth and remove all doubt.
Interesting... to be honest, in the first chrons I really didn't like TC, and not only because of the 'incident'. In the second, that changed completely - but I really didn't like Linden. Now, with Runes, that's also changed completely.