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4.44 AVERAGE
4.44 AVERAGE
4.1 / 5
Overall, I enjoyed this book, particularly how the characters are written and how Brandon Sanderson ties back to earlier entries in the series. He does a great job of weaving in elements, themes, and tropes from the first few books to ground the narrative. This is evident in the way the main characters think and act, as well as in scenarios that echo or expand upon events from books 1–3. These callbacks help make the series feel more cohesive, avoiding the "scope creep" that often plagues long fantasy series, where newer concepts and developments feel disconnected from the story's roots.
Brandon also improves some of the less likable characters—Egwene being a standout example. While she remains infuriating, it’s now for the right reasons. Egwene embodies the arrogance and self-assuredness of a perfect model Aes Sedai. She staunchly believes in the superiority of the White Tower, convinced they are the ultimate paragons of truth, strength, and reason. This perspective is both frustrating and believable, making her more compelling. By focusing on her unwavering belief in the Tower’s ways rather than unrealistically portraying her as the ultimate Amyrlin at such a young age, her character feels more grounded. While some of that idealization remains, it’s far less distracting than in earlier books.
Mat is another character who benefits from Sanderson’s writing—mostly. Sanderson captures much of Mat’s charm, but there are still cringy moments. His one-liners, like calling someone a "useless lump of a pig’s backside," often feel forced and juvenile, like something a socially awkward 12-year-old might come up with to "own" an imaginary bully. These moments detract from the otherwise improved portrayal of his character.
The Tower of Ghenjei sequence, however, felt rushed. I had hoped this storyline would take up a significant portion of the book, but it’s resolved too quickly. The time spent in the tower is brief—just a few hours—and the resolution, while narratively functional, feels anticlimactic. Brandon attempts to add emotional weight, but it falls flat due to a lack of investment in the character at the center of this weight and the overall brevity of the sequence. Given how much the Aelfinn and Eelfinn were hyped, their limited presence feels like a missed opportunity.
That said, the emphasis on Perrin’s character growth is a highlight. Sanderson excels at giving characters tangible, relatable problems to overcome. This approach does wonders for Perrin, who had become frustratingly unlikable for much of the series after meeting Faile. His arc in Towers of Midnight redeems him, making him a more relatable and engaging character.
All in all, this book successfully sets the stage for the Last Battle, preparing our often unprepared main cast for the series’ conclusion. While not perfect, Towers of Midnight does an excellent job of moving the story forward and resolving key character arcs in a satisfying way.
Overall, I enjoyed this book, particularly how the characters are written and how Brandon Sanderson ties back to earlier entries in the series. He does a great job of weaving in elements, themes, and tropes from the first few books to ground the narrative. This is evident in the way the main characters think and act, as well as in scenarios that echo or expand upon events from books 1–3. These callbacks help make the series feel more cohesive, avoiding the "scope creep" that often plagues long fantasy series, where newer concepts and developments feel disconnected from the story's roots.
Brandon also improves some of the less likable characters—Egwene being a standout example. While she remains infuriating, it’s now for the right reasons. Egwene embodies the arrogance and self-assuredness of a perfect model Aes Sedai. She staunchly believes in the superiority of the White Tower, convinced they are the ultimate paragons of truth, strength, and reason. This perspective is both frustrating and believable, making her more compelling. By focusing on her unwavering belief in the Tower’s ways rather than unrealistically portraying her as the ultimate Amyrlin at such a young age, her character feels more grounded. While some of that idealization remains, it’s far less distracting than in earlier books.
Mat is another character who benefits from Sanderson’s writing—mostly. Sanderson captures much of Mat’s charm, but there are still cringy moments. His one-liners, like calling someone a "useless lump of a pig’s backside," often feel forced and juvenile, like something a socially awkward 12-year-old might come up with to "own" an imaginary bully. These moments detract from the otherwise improved portrayal of his character.
The Tower of Ghenjei sequence, however, felt rushed. I had hoped this storyline would take up a significant portion of the book, but it’s resolved too quickly. The time spent in the tower is brief—just a few hours—and the resolution, while narratively functional, feels anticlimactic. Brandon attempts to add emotional weight, but it falls flat due to a lack of investment in the character at the center of this weight and the overall brevity of the sequence. Given how much the Aelfinn and Eelfinn were hyped, their limited presence feels like a missed opportunity.
That said, the emphasis on Perrin’s character growth is a highlight. Sanderson excels at giving characters tangible, relatable problems to overcome. This approach does wonders for Perrin, who had become frustratingly unlikable for much of the series after meeting Faile. His arc in Towers of Midnight redeems him, making him a more relatable and engaging character.
All in all, this book successfully sets the stage for the Last Battle, preparing our often unprepared main cast for the series’ conclusion. While not perfect, Towers of Midnight does an excellent job of moving the story forward and resolving key character arcs in a satisfying way.
Absolutely Fantastic!!!
Though I love Robert Jordan style of writing, Brandon Sanderson's has captivated me through all over the book. He gave full attention to minute details like J.K Rowling. That's make the book more interesting, I didn't feel bored throughout the book though it was around 900 pages.
One more book to go to finish this legendary series and I almost feeling sad to part away with all the characters. The reason I like WOT from other fantasy is because it deals with lot of characters and plots at the same time, not like some other who stick with only a single plot.
I feel that the last book will be more dynamic because lots of plot still remain on the climax, and I am desperately looking forward to it.
Though I love Robert Jordan style of writing, Brandon Sanderson's has captivated me through all over the book. He gave full attention to minute details like J.K Rowling. That's make the book more interesting, I didn't feel bored throughout the book though it was around 900 pages.
One more book to go to finish this legendary series and I almost feeling sad to part away with all the characters. The reason I like WOT from other fantasy is because it deals with lot of characters and plots at the same time, not like some other who stick with only a single plot.
I feel that the last book will be more dynamic because lots of plot still remain on the climax, and I am desperately looking forward to it.
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Just not a big fan of Sanderson. Don’t care for his writing here; it feels soulless and flat
adventurous
dark
funny
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Again, absolutely banging continuation of the story. So many awesome plotlines and hanging on the edge, ready for the final battle!
9/10
9/10
86%
Towers of Midnight was so good, it was excellent for me.
Wow, I can't believe my journey in The Wheel of Time is coming to an end. Just one book left.
Towers of Midnight was so good, it was excellent for me.
Wow, I can't believe my journey in The Wheel of Time is coming to an end. Just one book left.
“Rand sent us away to search for an enemy,” he bellowed. “We return to him having found allies. Onward, to the Last Battle!”
This day will be remembered in honor, Lan thought, galloping forward. The Last Charge of the Golden Crane. The fall of the Malkieri.
The end had come. They would meet it with swords raised.
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
