Reviews

New Spring by Robert Jordan

artenian's review against another edition

dark mysterious relaxing tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated

3.5

daumari's review against another edition

4.0

I see I gave it a 5 star initially... upon reread, I think 3.5 rounded up to 4 is more accurate. I love having more Wheel, and I adore baby!Moiraine and Siuan, fresh-faced 22-year-olds who spend half the novella as Accepted, woo. But, on its own without the context of the grander story? I'm not sure it holds up as well, but it's a fun prequel (kind of like Rogue One, where we know the conclusion and it's contained, but weaker).

The strengths of NS are building Aes Sedai lore, and the test for gaining the shawl- we don't see that in the main series until the Sanderson books. I decided to place this after book 4 in my reread- I've seen recommendations for after 5 ([b:The Fires of Heaven|13895|The Fires of Heaven (The Wheel of Time, #5)|Robert Jordan|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1327866286l/13895._SY75_.jpg|588034]) for story reasons or after [b:Crossroads of Twilight|113435|Crossroads of Twilight (The Wheel of Time, #10)|Robert Jordan|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1408325146l/113435._SY75_.jpg|195579] for publication order, but by putting it between 4 and 5 it really reemphasizes the urgency Moiraine has over her goal: to find the Dragon Reborn and keep him safe until the Last Battle. (Some prefer not putting it so early because an Aes Sedai introduced in 7 shows up here but honestly, she's formidable no matter when she comes in so let her pop in whenever.)

I would NOT recommend new readers start here even if it is a prequel unless you really like learning about the magic system upfromt; however, due to casting I suspect elements of NS are going to be pulled into the first season of the Amazon Prime adaptation of WOT.

spoiler thoughts:

Spoiler

The Black Ajah are a great bogeyman because they're so mysterious, and the White Tower is in denial of their existence... but honestly it's a wonder that they're able to pull off anything? By sheer numbers- Egwene discovers there are over 200, or about 20% of Aes Sedai- there's enough to cause chaos, but with their structure and inherent backstabby nature... yeah.

I cannot remember if Queen Etheinelle references the events of NS later, though surely her consort and second son being murdered would affect her perspective on interacting with sisters.

amiewg's review against another edition

3.0

After taking a break from WOT for about a year and a half, this was a nice way to ease back in. I think if I read this before the Eye of the World I'd have liked it more but since the whole goal of the book is to find out what we know after Book 1, I wasn't as invested.

Moiraine is exactly who she and we think she is...teetering on the edge of unlikeable if you don't know her. And the fact Lan had a hard time makes me feel justified about it.

mielchen's review against another edition

adventurous emotional medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

and I would give it ten stars if I could. fever dream of a book. they are literally lesbians. 

aearion's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

readbyashleyd's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious slow-paced

1.0

nyx_belial's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

Solid book, enjoyed the story and the characters, - parts of the characterisation seemed a little flat 

squeakybones's review against another edition

adventurous lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

kathydavie's review against another edition

4.0

It was nice to get the background information.

jrice92's review against another edition

4.0

Reading the Wheel of Time series (or as much as possible) is one of my 2019 reading goals and I have to say the Prequel a New Spring is a great place to start.

Much shorter than any other WoT book at roughly 330 pages you get a great into to the characters and world... 14 more books to go!