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4.1 AVERAGE
4.1 AVERAGE
Enjoyed this book much more than Book 10, which was just plain bad, but still not as good an installment as I’d hoped. Strong stars for Mat’s storyline, and the developing relationship with Tuon - it was interesting to see her perception of him change as he was reunited back with the Band of the Red Hand. Negative points for that utterly boring and never-ending storyline regarding Perrin and Faile......yawn, is she saved/escaped yet? Don’t really care. Moving on - still barely any chapters on Rand, except just enough of one - because he’s not been tortured enough in this series, way to come up with that Jordan. Also just enough time in those few chapters for Cadsuane, who I seriously can’t stand, to talk to Rand like a small child and humiliate him repeatedly in front of others. Way to craft the image of that all powerful “Dragon Reborn” character as an author. Maybe I’ll get lucky and in the next book when Sanderson takes over he’ll kill off Cadsuane and I won’t have to be so annoyed by her presence anymore. While he’s at it, maybe Sanderson can also completely eliminate from the next three remaining books any reference to spanking women as punishment, which Jordan seems to be obsessed with, and I find absolutely demeaning.
Spoiler
for some enemy to burn his hand completely off
At least the five middle books could have been condensed. Finally some action to advance the plot.
I gave it a three only because it wrapped up the boring storyline with Perrin's wife being captured.
This was definitely better than the last few in this series. But still really long winded and a lot that could be cut out without missing any of the plot. I really enjoyed Mat in this one. I can’t wait to see where Brandon Sanderson takes the series.
Still far too wordy with far too many non-relavant stories.
The dead walking, food spoiling, buildings shifting… Tarmon Gai’don is finally coming in a big way! And boy did Robert Jordan finally deliver after four sloggy books. Things HAPPENED this book! A BUNCH of things! I’m so excited for this series to be good again! :D
CHARACTERS:
•Rand—Nothing much happened with my boy except LOSING HIS WHOLE FREAKING HAND. At least it was his non-dominant hand? I keep imagining him eventually conjuring up some kinda hand made out of the Power or something. Or maybe he’ll just shoot that flame sword straight out from his stump. The other notable Rand moment was when Lews Therin finally got hold of the Power and did the absolute COOLEST SHIT with it. Epic. Speaking of, now Semirhage has outed Rand’s hearing Lews Therin in his head to everyone. Probably good that others know now, though? Also, I think the Aelfinn saying Rand has to “die to live” might be that Lews Therin will die (again) in order for Rand to keep living. Like, the “Dragon Reborn” will die but Rand al’Thor won’t. And somehow Alivia will help that come to pass.
•Mat—Only Mat would insist he wants nothing to do with nobles, marry a royal, and then have the audacity to be shocked when that makes him a noble too. Now he’s the Prince of Ravens, thus completing the ta’veren furry club. Honestly there wasn’t much with Mat beyond his relationship with Tuon in this book, but he’s his usual battle strategist extraordinaire self, and now (hopefully now???) he and Thom and Noal are gonna go rescue Moiraine! :D
•Perrin—AFTER THREE BOOKS he finally completes his mission, not only saving Faile, but apparently striking the final blow to the Shaido in the process. MY MAN. I hope now he can stop being so moody and get back to being amazing like he used to be. Also, shoutout to the random progression of him and Berelain apparently now being so platonic Perrin’s actually shocked anyone still speculates they’re having an affair. I don’t know where that came from but I am SO HERE FOR IT. Berelain should’ve dropped it like two books ago. Additional shoutout to Tam’s random appearance to help out. Someone please give him the full lowdown on his son.
•Faile—Finally saved! It’s about time. I love that she kept a level head the whole time and even built up a little group of followers. I am sad that her friend Rolan died. Obviously he made a terrible choice to join up with the Shaido as a Mera’din instead of accepting Rand as the Car’a’carn. But he was still a good guy and I’m honestly surprised how little Faile really seemed to care about Perrin killing him.
•Egwene—So we’re all well aware of how utterly idiotic it was for Egwene to put herself in a position to be captured in the first place last book. THAT SAID, she was so incredibly badass this book. The way she is absolutely, effortlessly OWNING the whole Tower while she’s there. Getting all the novices behind her by just being a decent person and Amyrlin, sowing discord amongst the sisters, not letting anyone make a fool of her ever, even planting a seed of doubt (or twenty) in Mattin Stepaneos’s head. Absolute PERFECTION. I can’t wait for Elaida to see how badly she’s failed to “break” her. I also hope that with hourly doses of mild forkroot all day every day, Egwene develops an immunity to the stuff and truly becomes ungovernable.
•Min—Unfortunately did nothing but exist. Again. She acutely feels Rand’s pain and pities the emotions he won’t let himself feel. She glares at Alivia. That’s pretty much it.
•Elayne—If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a hundred times: I’d rather Dyelin take the throne. BUT I don’t even care anymore. I’m just happy this succession nonsense is finally dealt with! It was long past boring. Thank the Light she’s finally ACTUALLY queen and we can (hopefully) move on to other things! Other notable Elayne moment: when she got the other two Aes Sedai (and the Black Ajah IMPOSTER) killed because she refused to plan enough and properly think out the consequences of her actions. In fact, if she had taken even one day to think before acting, those other Black sisters probably wouldn’t have just popped in unexpectedly and it might’ve actually gone to plan without a hitch. At least she finally arrested Daved Hanlon/Doilin Mellar. (Side note: I wonder if Venr, Cieryl, and Tavan—Careane’s three Warders—are also Black Ajah or not.)
•Aviendha—Not only did she not do much, she was scarcely even IN the book at all. She does have another new Talent though: the ability to intuit a ter’angreal’s purpose. How convenient.
•Nynaeve—I don’t think she did anything of note but rally the troops on Lan’s behalf. (Except glare at Alivia, of course, mustn’t forget that.) But I will admit her strategic meddling to force Lan to ride across the entirety of the Borderlands, and get all the Malkieri and those allied to them to join him, before entering the Blight to face his destiny or whatever was pretty badass in an Aes Sedai way. It was pretty shit in a wife way.
•Lan—This poor man had the decency to not scrutinize his wife’s words and got absolutely kicked in the ass for it. But if he’s gonna be emo and broody all the time, he should be ready for his loved ones to absolutely not put up with that shit. You want to go fight for Malkier’s honor despite how pointless that is? Fine, but you gotta take an army, bitch.
•Loial—Not only is he finally back, but he’s stepping up! He’s gonna participate in his first Stump! And probably rally the Ogier to not abandon everyone. (I wonder what they’re gonna make of the Seanchan Gardeners.)
SHIPS:
•Rand/Min/Aviendha/Elayne—I’m not even going to list them separately this time because a) they’ve all pretty much agreed to be polygamous at this point, and b) not a single development happened between any of them.
•Mat/Tuon—So they finally got married. I still don’t know what Mat really sees in her, considering she’s the head of their greatest enemy besides the Shadow, AND she’s grossly committed to slavery and all the horrible conditions that go with it, but oh well I guess. As for her, I think she already likes Mat more than she lets on. I can only assume this relationship will lead to change in the Seanchan for the better.
•Perrin/Faile—REUNITED AND IT FEELS SO GOOD. Their relationship isn’t always great, but ultimately I do like them together and I’m happy this kidnapped storyline has finally concluded. Also, I really want a moment next book where Faile makes everyone who doubted Perrin’s fidelity feel like absolute morons.
•Lan/Nynaeve—Again, their only moment this book was Nynaeve manipulating him for his own good, but they’re still so cute together.
•Domon/Egeanin—They got married! I know I said I didn’t feel too hot about them anymore before, but I was LYING because nope, I still love them. I’m happy she’s finally breaking off ties with the Seanchan and becoming a more decent person. But I wish I knew if she was REALLY going to stick to Leilwin or not. I’m not about deadnaming people, but she only changed it like out of shame, so…? I really don’t know what to call her now.
•Loial/Erith—ANOTHER marriage this book! Never would’ve guessed triple weddings would occur in any one book in this series (unless we count Rand possibly marrying all three of his girlfriends as separate weddings). But they’re so cute together! And I have a feeling Erith is going to be more lenient with Loial than he’s expecting and more considerate of his desires than his mom is.
EVENTS:
MOIRAINE: SHE’S ALIVE. I’m so happy a) because I love Moiraine and have sorely missed her! Even after all these books, she’s still easily in my top 5 favorite Aes Sedai, and b) because I love being proven right. FIVE BOOKS I’ve refused to let my theory go and it was allllll worth it. We better get a move-on with rescuing her because I CAN’T WAIT. I need her to be saved and then immediately bitchslap the broodiness out of Rand.
SHAIDO/GALINA: It looks we have finally, FINALLY defeated an antagonist! For eleven books we just keep collecting new villains without actually dealing with any of them (even freaking Padan Fain is still running around despite how irrelevant he’s become), but FINALLY it looks like the Shaido are really leaving FOR GOOD. And taking Galina with them, to be a miserable slave for the rest of her pathetic life. Very fitting. Don’t get me wrong, I’d rather they all died so we’re really POSITIVE they won’t be a nuisance any longer, but this is satisfying enough. (The only thing that rubs me the wrong way is the fact that someone like Therava still has an oath rod. Wish she didn’t.)
SUROTH: Honestly I wasn’t expecting Suroth to turn out to be a Darkfriend, but I’m not really surprised either, on account of she’s a bitch. One of my favorite moments is Semirhage just completely shutting down so much of Seanchan’s culture as being stupid. And how she so easily massacred their precious empress. Anyway, Tuon absolutely not falling for Suroth’s bullshit for even a moment and sentencing her to become da’covale was EPIC. I wonder if this is the last we’re going to see of her.
BLACK/WHITE TOWER ALLIANCE: The way Rand is like “obviously the easier solution is not to free the bonded Aes Sedai, but instead to let an equal number of Asha’man be bonded in exchange.” It’s just as well though, since the Aes Sedai were wanting to bond Asha’man anyway. Maybe one day they can just *gasp* work together instead of committing to a lifelong magical contract.
HALIMA AND DELANA: Again, after WAY too many books, the rebels FINALLY catch onto Halima and Delana being evil! It’s about time! I’m happy it’s finally becoming public knowledge that there is a woman who can channel saidin too. Everyone should be made aware of that and that saidin is clean.
TAIM: So we knew from the attack in book 8 that Taim was anti-Rand, but, as with so SO many antagonists in this series, that didn’t necessarily mean he was allied with the Shadow. Update: Taim is allied with the Shadow. Turns out the Asha’man have their own little Black Ajah, how sweet. I’m very concerned what the Reds bonding any of these guys might lead to.
THE BOOK OF TRANSLATION: What in the Light is this? The Ogier were talking as though this book can like magically transfer them to some other dimension? WHAT? Is it a ter’angreal like the Aelfinn/Eelfinn doorways? I can’t believe the Ogier are just going to abandon everyone? Why do they think Tarmon Gai’don isn’t their problem? This world belongs to Ogier just as much as to humans.
GALAD: I’ve never really liked Galad, but ngl, watching him kill Valda, and in doing so a) avenge his mother’s rape, b) gain Valda’s heron-marked blade, thus deeming him a blade master himself, and c) basically get voted in as the new Lord Captain Commander was pretty badass. I still don’t like the Whitecloaks either, but if they HAVE to be around, I can’t think of anyone I’d rather have leading them. Hopefully Galad can reform them into a group who actually contributes to society in a positive and helpful way.
ARAM: I find it so funny how after basically adopting this kid and having him obsess over him like a small child with his idol, Perrin barely spares a second thought over him dying. He really didn’t GAF about Aram, which would be kind of sad except I also didn’t GAF about Aram, and am pleased he’s finally dead. Anyone who takes to Masema like that needs to be put down like a rabid dog. That said, I’m happy Perrin didn’t have to do it himself.
OLVER: Okay, this sounds crazy, but after hearing about how EXCEPTIONALLY ugly this kid is for about the hundredth time, I can’t help wondering if he’s Gaidal Cain? It doesn’t make much sense, given that Gaidal got spun out again in book 5, and we first meet Olver not long after that when he’s already nine years old, but I think RJ did say something about how the Pattern can kinda spit you out anywhere on the timeline? So in that case it would make sense.
THE AMAYAR: Are we supposed to know who the heck the Atha’an Miere were talking about when discussing the Amayar? That part confused me so much. They sound almost like the Tuatha’an, people who for whatever reason the Sea Folk took it upon themselves to look out for. And now they like all committed suicide because the Tremalking statue melted after Rand cleansed saidin?
KEEPING UP WITH THE FORSAKEN:
•Aginor/Osan’gar—Is he dead or isn’t he? After cosplaying as Dashiva, I think he was blasted by balefire by Elza (who I don’t think knew who he was), but I would love solid confirmation.
•Balthamel/Aran’gar—Love that she’s a bisexual queen confirmed. Her cosplay as Halima has finally come to an end (thank the Light). I wonder where she and Delana have run off to.
•Demandred—Still kicking. Don’t think he’s done anything of note.
•Graendal—Also doesn’t do much.
•Ishamael/Moridin—Is he the face in Rand’s head? Rand said that was a trick Ishamael knew. If he was that random guy who showed up when Rand was fighting Sammael, why would he help Rand? (Rand already has Lews Therin and four Warder bonds and visions of Mat and Perrin in his head, what’s ONE MORE GUY??)
•Lanfear/Cyndane—Also isn’t doing much, probably because of the cour’souvra. I wonder if she’d still try to ally herself with Rand if given the chance, or if she’s well and truly done with that now?
•Mesaana—Still chilling in the Tower, I guess. Alviarin saw who she was but I don’t think the reader did. But she was punished by Shaidar Haran for it.
•Moghedien—Also passive. Still held at gunpoint by the cour’souvra like Cyndane.
•Sammael—Is he dead or isn’t he? If Moridin was that guy, then he should know. I want confirmation!
•Semirhage—I know she had a plan to collar Rand and co. and all, but she seems wayyyyyyyy too calm about being captured. Makes me suspicious. (Also, obviously not pleased about the mass production of male a’dams. I wonder if Rand will get collared for a minute before the end of all this.)
“When the Wolf King carries the hammer, thus are the final days known. When the fox marries the raven, and the trumpets of battle are blown.” I guess Perrin and Mat have officially reined in Tarmon Gai’don. IT’S HERE.
Overall, SUCH a better book than any of the Slog ones, especially 10. I can’t wait for the last three books to be even better! :D
CHARACTERS:
•Rand—Nothing much happened with my boy except LOSING HIS WHOLE FREAKING HAND. At least it was his non-dominant hand? I keep imagining him eventually conjuring up some kinda hand made out of the Power or something. Or maybe he’ll just shoot that flame sword straight out from his stump. The other notable Rand moment was when Lews Therin finally got hold of the Power and did the absolute COOLEST SHIT with it. Epic. Speaking of, now Semirhage has outed Rand’s hearing Lews Therin in his head to everyone. Probably good that others know now, though? Also, I think the Aelfinn saying Rand has to “die to live” might be that Lews Therin will die (again) in order for Rand to keep living. Like, the “Dragon Reborn” will die but Rand al’Thor won’t. And somehow Alivia will help that come to pass.
•Mat—Only Mat would insist he wants nothing to do with nobles, marry a royal, and then have the audacity to be shocked when that makes him a noble too. Now he’s the Prince of Ravens, thus completing the ta’veren furry club. Honestly there wasn’t much with Mat beyond his relationship with Tuon in this book, but he’s his usual battle strategist extraordinaire self, and now (hopefully now???) he and Thom and Noal are gonna go rescue Moiraine! :D
•Perrin—AFTER THREE BOOKS he finally completes his mission, not only saving Faile, but apparently striking the final blow to the Shaido in the process. MY MAN. I hope now he can stop being so moody and get back to being amazing like he used to be. Also, shoutout to the random progression of him and Berelain apparently now being so platonic Perrin’s actually shocked anyone still speculates they’re having an affair. I don’t know where that came from but I am SO HERE FOR IT. Berelain should’ve dropped it like two books ago. Additional shoutout to Tam’s random appearance to help out. Someone please give him the full lowdown on his son.
•Faile—Finally saved! It’s about time. I love that she kept a level head the whole time and even built up a little group of followers. I am sad that her friend Rolan died. Obviously he made a terrible choice to join up with the Shaido as a Mera’din instead of accepting Rand as the Car’a’carn. But he was still a good guy and I’m honestly surprised how little Faile really seemed to care about Perrin killing him.
•Egwene—So we’re all well aware of how utterly idiotic it was for Egwene to put herself in a position to be captured in the first place last book. THAT SAID, she was so incredibly badass this book. The way she is absolutely, effortlessly OWNING the whole Tower while she’s there. Getting all the novices behind her by just being a decent person and Amyrlin, sowing discord amongst the sisters, not letting anyone make a fool of her ever, even planting a seed of doubt (or twenty) in Mattin Stepaneos’s head. Absolute PERFECTION. I can’t wait for Elaida to see how badly she’s failed to “break” her. I also hope that with hourly doses of mild forkroot all day every day, Egwene develops an immunity to the stuff and truly becomes ungovernable.
•Min—Unfortunately did nothing but exist. Again. She acutely feels Rand’s pain and pities the emotions he won’t let himself feel. She glares at Alivia. That’s pretty much it.
•Elayne—If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a hundred times: I’d rather Dyelin take the throne. BUT I don’t even care anymore. I’m just happy this succession nonsense is finally dealt with! It was long past boring. Thank the Light she’s finally ACTUALLY queen and we can (hopefully) move on to other things! Other notable Elayne moment: when she got the other two Aes Sedai (and the Black Ajah IMPOSTER) killed because she refused to plan enough and properly think out the consequences of her actions. In fact, if she had taken even one day to think before acting, those other Black sisters probably wouldn’t have just popped in unexpectedly and it might’ve actually gone to plan without a hitch. At least she finally arrested Daved Hanlon/Doilin Mellar. (Side note: I wonder if Venr, Cieryl, and Tavan—Careane’s three Warders—are also Black Ajah or not.)
•Aviendha—Not only did she not do much, she was scarcely even IN the book at all. She does have another new Talent though: the ability to intuit a ter’angreal’s purpose. How convenient.
•Nynaeve—I don’t think she did anything of note but rally the troops on Lan’s behalf. (Except glare at Alivia, of course, mustn’t forget that.) But I will admit her strategic meddling to force Lan to ride across the entirety of the Borderlands, and get all the Malkieri and those allied to them to join him, before entering the Blight to face his destiny or whatever was pretty badass in an Aes Sedai way. It was pretty shit in a wife way.
•Lan—This poor man had the decency to not scrutinize his wife’s words and got absolutely kicked in the ass for it. But if he’s gonna be emo and broody all the time, he should be ready for his loved ones to absolutely not put up with that shit. You want to go fight for Malkier’s honor despite how pointless that is? Fine, but you gotta take an army, bitch.
•Loial—Not only is he finally back, but he’s stepping up! He’s gonna participate in his first Stump! And probably rally the Ogier to not abandon everyone. (I wonder what they’re gonna make of the Seanchan Gardeners.)
SHIPS:
•Rand/Min/Aviendha/Elayne—I’m not even going to list them separately this time because a) they’ve all pretty much agreed to be polygamous at this point, and b) not a single development happened between any of them.
•Mat/Tuon—So they finally got married. I still don’t know what Mat really sees in her, considering she’s the head of their greatest enemy besides the Shadow, AND she’s grossly committed to slavery and all the horrible conditions that go with it, but oh well I guess. As for her, I think she already likes Mat more than she lets on. I can only assume this relationship will lead to change in the Seanchan for the better.
•Perrin/Faile—REUNITED AND IT FEELS SO GOOD. Their relationship isn’t always great, but ultimately I do like them together and I’m happy this kidnapped storyline has finally concluded. Also, I really want a moment next book where Faile makes everyone who doubted Perrin’s fidelity feel like absolute morons.
•Lan/Nynaeve—Again, their only moment this book was Nynaeve manipulating him for his own good, but they’re still so cute together.
•Domon/Egeanin—They got married! I know I said I didn’t feel too hot about them anymore before, but I was LYING because nope, I still love them. I’m happy she’s finally breaking off ties with the Seanchan and becoming a more decent person. But I wish I knew if she was REALLY going to stick to Leilwin or not. I’m not about deadnaming people, but she only changed it like out of shame, so…? I really don’t know what to call her now.
•Loial/Erith—ANOTHER marriage this book! Never would’ve guessed triple weddings would occur in any one book in this series (unless we count Rand possibly marrying all three of his girlfriends as separate weddings). But they’re so cute together! And I have a feeling Erith is going to be more lenient with Loial than he’s expecting and more considerate of his desires than his mom is.
EVENTS:
MOIRAINE: SHE’S ALIVE. I’m so happy a) because I love Moiraine and have sorely missed her! Even after all these books, she’s still easily in my top 5 favorite Aes Sedai, and b) because I love being proven right. FIVE BOOKS I’ve refused to let my theory go and it was allllll worth it. We better get a move-on with rescuing her because I CAN’T WAIT. I need her to be saved and then immediately bitchslap the broodiness out of Rand.
SHAIDO/GALINA: It looks we have finally, FINALLY defeated an antagonist! For eleven books we just keep collecting new villains without actually dealing with any of them (even freaking Padan Fain is still running around despite how irrelevant he’s become), but FINALLY it looks like the Shaido are really leaving FOR GOOD. And taking Galina with them, to be a miserable slave for the rest of her pathetic life. Very fitting. Don’t get me wrong, I’d rather they all died so we’re really POSITIVE they won’t be a nuisance any longer, but this is satisfying enough. (The only thing that rubs me the wrong way is the fact that someone like Therava still has an oath rod. Wish she didn’t.)
SUROTH: Honestly I wasn’t expecting Suroth to turn out to be a Darkfriend, but I’m not really surprised either, on account of she’s a bitch. One of my favorite moments is Semirhage just completely shutting down so much of Seanchan’s culture as being stupid. And how she so easily massacred their precious empress. Anyway, Tuon absolutely not falling for Suroth’s bullshit for even a moment and sentencing her to become da’covale was EPIC. I wonder if this is the last we’re going to see of her.
BLACK/WHITE TOWER ALLIANCE: The way Rand is like “obviously the easier solution is not to free the bonded Aes Sedai, but instead to let an equal number of Asha’man be bonded in exchange.” It’s just as well though, since the Aes Sedai were wanting to bond Asha’man anyway. Maybe one day they can just *gasp* work together instead of committing to a lifelong magical contract.
HALIMA AND DELANA: Again, after WAY too many books, the rebels FINALLY catch onto Halima and Delana being evil! It’s about time! I’m happy it’s finally becoming public knowledge that there is a woman who can channel saidin too. Everyone should be made aware of that and that saidin is clean.
TAIM: So we knew from the attack in book 8 that Taim was anti-Rand, but, as with so SO many antagonists in this series, that didn’t necessarily mean he was allied with the Shadow. Update: Taim is allied with the Shadow. Turns out the Asha’man have their own little Black Ajah, how sweet. I’m very concerned what the Reds bonding any of these guys might lead to.
THE BOOK OF TRANSLATION: What in the Light is this? The Ogier were talking as though this book can like magically transfer them to some other dimension? WHAT? Is it a ter’angreal like the Aelfinn/Eelfinn doorways? I can’t believe the Ogier are just going to abandon everyone? Why do they think Tarmon Gai’don isn’t their problem? This world belongs to Ogier just as much as to humans.
GALAD: I’ve never really liked Galad, but ngl, watching him kill Valda, and in doing so a) avenge his mother’s rape, b) gain Valda’s heron-marked blade, thus deeming him a blade master himself, and c) basically get voted in as the new Lord Captain Commander was pretty badass. I still don’t like the Whitecloaks either, but if they HAVE to be around, I can’t think of anyone I’d rather have leading them. Hopefully Galad can reform them into a group who actually contributes to society in a positive and helpful way.
ARAM: I find it so funny how after basically adopting this kid and having him obsess over him like a small child with his idol, Perrin barely spares a second thought over him dying. He really didn’t GAF about Aram, which would be kind of sad except I also didn’t GAF about Aram, and am pleased he’s finally dead. Anyone who takes to Masema like that needs to be put down like a rabid dog. That said, I’m happy Perrin didn’t have to do it himself.
OLVER: Okay, this sounds crazy, but after hearing about how EXCEPTIONALLY ugly this kid is for about the hundredth time, I can’t help wondering if he’s Gaidal Cain? It doesn’t make much sense, given that Gaidal got spun out again in book 5, and we first meet Olver not long after that when he’s already nine years old, but I think RJ did say something about how the Pattern can kinda spit you out anywhere on the timeline? So in that case it would make sense.
THE AMAYAR: Are we supposed to know who the heck the Atha’an Miere were talking about when discussing the Amayar? That part confused me so much. They sound almost like the Tuatha’an, people who for whatever reason the Sea Folk took it upon themselves to look out for. And now they like all committed suicide because the Tremalking statue melted after Rand cleansed saidin?
KEEPING UP WITH THE FORSAKEN:
•Aginor/Osan’gar—Is he dead or isn’t he? After cosplaying as Dashiva, I think he was blasted by balefire by Elza (who I don’t think knew who he was), but I would love solid confirmation.
•Balthamel/Aran’gar—Love that she’s a bisexual queen confirmed. Her cosplay as Halima has finally come to an end (thank the Light). I wonder where she and Delana have run off to.
•Demandred—Still kicking. Don’t think he’s done anything of note.
•Graendal—Also doesn’t do much.
•Ishamael/Moridin—Is he the face in Rand’s head? Rand said that was a trick Ishamael knew. If he was that random guy who showed up when Rand was fighting Sammael, why would he help Rand? (Rand already has Lews Therin and four Warder bonds and visions of Mat and Perrin in his head, what’s ONE MORE GUY??)
•Lanfear/Cyndane—Also isn’t doing much, probably because of the cour’souvra. I wonder if she’d still try to ally herself with Rand if given the chance, or if she’s well and truly done with that now?
•Mesaana—Still chilling in the Tower, I guess. Alviarin saw who she was but I don’t think the reader did. But she was punished by Shaidar Haran for it.
•Moghedien—Also passive. Still held at gunpoint by the cour’souvra like Cyndane.
•Sammael—Is he dead or isn’t he? If Moridin was that guy, then he should know. I want confirmation!
•Semirhage—I know she had a plan to collar Rand and co. and all, but she seems wayyyyyyyy too calm about being captured. Makes me suspicious. (Also, obviously not pleased about the mass production of male a’dams. I wonder if Rand will get collared for a minute before the end of all this.)
“When the Wolf King carries the hammer, thus are the final days known. When the fox marries the raven, and the trumpets of battle are blown.” I guess Perrin and Mat have officially reined in Tarmon Gai’don. IT’S HERE.
Overall, SUCH a better book than any of the Slog ones, especially 10. I can’t wait for the last three books to be even better! :D
One of my goals for this year is to finally finish the Wheel of Time series. I read the first book of the series when I was in 6th grade, so at the age of 11 or 12. I was so enthralled that I sat down and read it in a single day. It's one of those books that I credit with my continuing love of fantasy, especially epic fantasy. So when I read and disliked the 10th book, Crossroads of Twilight, it was a real shock to the system, and I very quietly let myself fall behind on the series. Now I'm 31, and I still haven't finished this series. 19 years is a long time to be stuck on the same series, so it's definitely time to get it finished, before I cross over in 20 whole years!
But I'll admit, I was scared. It's been a long time since I read Crossroads of Twilight, and still just thinking about it gives me a headache. To my memory, absolutely nothing happened in that book. What if this book turned out to be the same way? Not to mention the fact that it had been more than 10 years since I'd read anything in the series. Would I even remember anything? I read a synopsis online, and that helped, but it was still a rough start, I'll admit. I remembered the main characters and overarching situations, but a lot of the details escaped me, and I spent a fair amount of time just pushing ahead in the hopes that things would get clearer in my memory.
There were still some of the problems that I remember from Crossroads of Twilight. Chapters would go by without much of anything happening. I honestly think that about half of the chapters involving Perrin, and a good portion of those involving Mat, could have been cut completely, and not a lot would have been missed. I say this as a reformed Mat fangirl. I think that Jordan was attempting some emotional development, but it came over as simple lack of anything happening.
However, there were also a lot of the things that I loved about this series when I first started reading it. There is so much detail in these books! Each character is imagined lovingly and completely, even the ones that we only really see in short snippets. Each character marches to the beat of his or her own drummer, and I think that's part of what I love about the series. I will admit to a special fondness for the Aes Sedai. I think they were the most powerful women that my child self had ever encountered in literature up to that point, and I still love them for that, despite their many flaws. For all the snide jabs between characters about differences between the genders, Jordan treats all of his characters like people, and my child self thanks him for that.
My favorite story line in this book ended up being Egwene's. (I guess I have outgrown my childhood crush on Mat, although I'll admit a bit of unholy glee at his interactions with Tuon. I'm still not 100% sure I like her, but she's certainly grown on me a bit.) I liked the political war that she was waging, and it captured my imagination a lot more than some of the physical fighting that we see. It was also one of the easier story lines to slip into after such a long time away. Despite reading that synopsis, I'll admit that I didn't really remember a lot of the events that led into the stories in this book (particularly Perrin's). So it was nice to have one section just be unreservedly interesting.
Now that I'm back into the reading groove on this one, I'm feeling much less intimidated. I will admit that I am sad that this is likely the last book that I'll ever read by Robert Jordan, but I'm excited to see how the famed Brandon Sanderson wraps up the series. With style, I hope!
But I'll admit, I was scared. It's been a long time since I read Crossroads of Twilight, and still just thinking about it gives me a headache. To my memory, absolutely nothing happened in that book. What if this book turned out to be the same way? Not to mention the fact that it had been more than 10 years since I'd read anything in the series. Would I even remember anything? I read a synopsis online, and that helped, but it was still a rough start, I'll admit. I remembered the main characters and overarching situations, but a lot of the details escaped me, and I spent a fair amount of time just pushing ahead in the hopes that things would get clearer in my memory.
There were still some of the problems that I remember from Crossroads of Twilight. Chapters would go by without much of anything happening. I honestly think that about half of the chapters involving Perrin, and a good portion of those involving Mat, could have been cut completely, and not a lot would have been missed. I say this as a reformed Mat fangirl. I think that Jordan was attempting some emotional development, but it came over as simple lack of anything happening.
However, there were also a lot of the things that I loved about this series when I first started reading it. There is so much detail in these books! Each character is imagined lovingly and completely, even the ones that we only really see in short snippets. Each character marches to the beat of his or her own drummer, and I think that's part of what I love about the series. I will admit to a special fondness for the Aes Sedai. I think they were the most powerful women that my child self had ever encountered in literature up to that point, and I still love them for that, despite their many flaws. For all the snide jabs between characters about differences between the genders, Jordan treats all of his characters like people, and my child self thanks him for that.
My favorite story line in this book ended up being Egwene's. (I guess I have outgrown my childhood crush on Mat, although I'll admit a bit of unholy glee at his interactions with Tuon. I'm still not 100% sure I like her, but she's certainly grown on me a bit.) I liked the political war that she was waging, and it captured my imagination a lot more than some of the physical fighting that we see. It was also one of the easier story lines to slip into after such a long time away. Despite reading that synopsis, I'll admit that I didn't really remember a lot of the events that led into the stories in this book (particularly Perrin's). So it was nice to have one section just be unreservedly interesting.
Now that I'm back into the reading groove on this one, I'm feeling much less intimidated. I will admit that I am sad that this is likely the last book that I'll ever read by Robert Jordan, but I'm excited to see how the famed Brandon Sanderson wraps up the series. With style, I hope!
I felt like we were finally making progress in the plot again.
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
So this is the final instalment in the Wheel of Time series which was actually written by Jordan himself before he died. I had heard before going into this one that it's the beginning of Jordan bringing all the threads back together in order to compose the final instalment (A Memory of Light) after this one (which would have made a 12 book series) but in actuality when Sanderson took over after this it ended up that he and Jordan's wife agreed splitting the final book into 3 books would be for the best otherwise it would be gigantic.
I do certainly think that this book does show the beginning of Jordan's attempts to contain and draw in the series. Some of the problems and situations our characters have been facing are resolved at long last (some of which I wish had been resolved a little quicker! We all know which two characters I am talking about!) and we do see a lot of political agreements, alliances and shifts being formed which will all no doubt contribute to the Final Battle.
I found that in this book Elayne and Matt were probably my favourite two storylines because of how they were more prominent and exciting. The situation with Elayne trying to reclaim her status and gather support has been ongoing for a while now and seeing some of these supporters questioned and resolved (either for or against her) made me very happy. I also loved hearing about the way that she's progressing with her own internal struggles and seeing the way that this change had affected the way she approached scary situations and intimidating people.
As for Matt I think his story in this book certainly interested me most because of how much focus we had on him as a character for once and the way that he seemed to be actually taking a role in the world once more and the ongoing problems following him. It seemed as though Matt had accepted his fate and was, although not exactly embracing it, content to see it through and discover what his future might hold and who may be a big part of it.
Faile and Perrin's storylines were the ones which have been irritating me the most since they were separated due to unforeseen events. They have each been struggling to get themselves out of the situations they've been sucked into and there's been a lot of fixation on them despite an often disconnect between them and the rest of the world.
I was very happy to see some of the problems between them and their situations come to a close and seeing Faile overcome her pettiness somewhat was certainly refreshing. Perrin seemed to come into his own more once the problems were facing him head on and he was near to his goal, which meant that I could read about him and admire his determination, not be irritated by his lack of action and constant moans.
Egwene was also a fantastic character at some points of this book despite being in her own predicament. When she walked into her situation without planning in book #11 I was somewhat worried at what might become of her and what she may be reduced to, but she remained every bit herself and dignified throughout her ordeal. I love her and admire her, and I think she's certainly one of the much more interesting female characters within this book and the series as a whole. I cannot wait to see what she does next because she's so resilient and strong.
On the whole, although Rand is usually the central character, I felt that this book focused more on some of the others which was nice to bring their storylines a bit up to date with his own. I have a feeling that the next three books will have a different tone to them with Sanderson in charge, and hopefully the various plentiful threads will be all tied together in them to make a superb ending for the series!
I do certainly think that this book does show the beginning of Jordan's attempts to contain and draw in the series. Some of the problems and situations our characters have been facing are resolved at long last (some of which I wish had been resolved a little quicker! We all know which two characters I am talking about!) and we do see a lot of political agreements, alliances and shifts being formed which will all no doubt contribute to the Final Battle.
I found that in this book Elayne and Matt were probably my favourite two storylines because of how they were more prominent and exciting. The situation with Elayne trying to reclaim her status and gather support has been ongoing for a while now and seeing some of these supporters questioned and resolved (either for or against her) made me very happy. I also loved hearing about the way that she's progressing with her own internal struggles and seeing the way that this change had affected the way she approached scary situations and intimidating people.
As for Matt I think his story in this book certainly interested me most because of how much focus we had on him as a character for once and the way that he seemed to be actually taking a role in the world once more and the ongoing problems following him. It seemed as though Matt had accepted his fate and was, although not exactly embracing it, content to see it through and discover what his future might hold and who may be a big part of it.
Faile and Perrin's storylines were the ones which have been irritating me the most since they were separated due to unforeseen events. They have each been struggling to get themselves out of the situations they've been sucked into and there's been a lot of fixation on them despite an often disconnect between them and the rest of the world.
I was very happy to see some of the problems between them and their situations come to a close and seeing Faile overcome her pettiness somewhat was certainly refreshing. Perrin seemed to come into his own more once the problems were facing him head on and he was near to his goal, which meant that I could read about him and admire his determination, not be irritated by his lack of action and constant moans.
Egwene was also a fantastic character at some points of this book despite being in her own predicament. When she walked into her situation without planning in book #11 I was somewhat worried at what might become of her and what she may be reduced to, but she remained every bit herself and dignified throughout her ordeal. I love her and admire her, and I think she's certainly one of the much more interesting female characters within this book and the series as a whole. I cannot wait to see what she does next because she's so resilient and strong.
On the whole, although Rand is usually the central character, I felt that this book focused more on some of the others which was nice to bring their storylines a bit up to date with his own. I have a feeling that the next three books will have a different tone to them with Sanderson in charge, and hopefully the various plentiful threads will be all tied together in them to make a superb ending for the series!