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4.06 AVERAGE
4.06 AVERAGE
5☆
Loved this even more than TSR. While the former explored more on Worldbuilding, aiel lore and culture, this one focused more on the character development (Moiraine particularly) and as someone who cares more about the characters than worldbuilding i obviously enjoyed this more. Rand, Mat and Moiraine were the best characters in this book and my goodness, the battles were absolutely amazing!
Overall it's my favorite book in the series so far.
P.S. Moiraine is now t1 female character in the series tied with Nynaeve. Mat has solidified his position as the second best character in the series and of course t1 is Rand Al'Thor
Loved this even more than TSR. While the former explored more on Worldbuilding, aiel lore and culture, this one focused more on the character development (Moiraine particularly) and as someone who cares more about the characters than worldbuilding i obviously enjoyed this more. Rand, Mat and Moiraine were the best characters in this book and my goodness, the battles were absolutely amazing!
Overall it's my favorite book in the series so far.
P.S. Moiraine is now t1 female character in the series tied with Nynaeve. Mat has solidified his position as the second best character in the series and of course t1 is Rand Al'Thor
This was much slower for me than the previous few books. I still ultimately enjoyed it and think Rand was by far again the standout. My complaints with Nynaeve and the accepted sisters still remain and I think something really has to change there for me to actually enjoy hearing about them.
I loved Asmodean in this book and thought that was a cool idea to have one of the Forsaken teach Rand - I just wish he was used more often. Rands growth and flashes of insanity were absolutely my favorite parts although I enjoyed Mat in the small sections he was involved with.
I think Jordon has reached a critical character capacity though and that certainly worries me. Perrin doesn’t exist in this book and you hear barely anything at all from Thom or any of the side characters that aren’t explicitly introduced in this book. There is great potential for important characters to get wholly marred in the woods in the future and I would hate to see that as I like most character POVs. So far, I am getting the feeling that Jordon bit off more than he could chew here and I’m just hoping that he is able to pull it off anyways.
The best part of the book was the last 5th or so. The first chunk was not very interesting to me and I think that I could’ve done without most of it. It built up to a great climax though and I think that the balefire bringing Mat/Aviendha/Asmodean back to life was a really cool idea.
But again, Rand is just a really cool character. You don’t even really notice the changes until you take a moment to reflect on what he was like in TEotW.
Still excited to read more, but a bit more apprehensive now.
I loved Asmodean in this book and thought that was a cool idea to have one of the Forsaken teach Rand - I just wish he was used more often. Rands growth and flashes of insanity were absolutely my favorite parts although I enjoyed Mat in the small sections he was involved with.
I think Jordon has reached a critical character capacity though and that certainly worries me. Perrin doesn’t exist in this book and you hear barely anything at all from Thom or any of the side characters that aren’t explicitly introduced in this book. There is great potential for important characters to get wholly marred in the woods in the future and I would hate to see that as I like most character POVs. So far, I am getting the feeling that Jordon bit off more than he could chew here and I’m just hoping that he is able to pull it off anyways.
The best part of the book was the last 5th or so. The first chunk was not very interesting to me and I think that I could’ve done without most of it. It built up to a great climax though and I think that the balefire bringing Mat/Aviendha/Asmodean back to life was a really cool idea.
But again, Rand is just a really cool character. You don’t even really notice the changes until you take a moment to reflect on what he was like in TEotW.
Still excited to read more, but a bit more apprehensive now.
When Wheel of Time hits, it hits hard. When Wheel of time misses it misses hard. I think the majority of this book missed.
Not much happened
My favorite character wasn’t in it
All in all confusing.
That being said, the hits are hard enough that I still think I enjoyed the book and will continue the story
Not much happened
My favorite character wasn’t in it
All in all confusing.
That being said, the hits are hard enough that I still think I enjoyed the book and will continue the story
In the end of the Fires of Heaven, or rather near the end, Moiraine talks about how men from the Borderlands are strange. They would rather take a knife to the heart than let a woman come to harm. It isn't a bad quality but without context it feels like those men consider women in need of protection. It isn't a sentiment that lacks nobility but the reasoning behind it may cause many women to swell with rage. Robert Jordan, however, truly understands that there is a fine line between wanting to protect women because they need to be and choosing to protect them so that they, more valuable to the world than the men's own percrived selves, may survive.
Now that sounds equally sexist but consider the context of the book and it makes sense. Rand has the blood of Two Rivers and hates when Maidens of The Spear die at his behest, fighting for him and carrying his honour. He hates it because he believes their lives are worth more than his. Yet, this is exactly what the Maidens believe as well. And herein lies the rub. Jordan makes it clear what he wishes to say through veils that would make Aiel shy away. Maidens realise that Rand is important, more so than they. And men, when they shield the women in the world of Wheel of Time, they believe the same while the women hate them for it, much like Rand does. I understand when Rand or Mat says he does not want to hurt a woman and I understand where he comes from, even after all that he has seen. However, the events of the book do change him, making him realise, as much as the reader, that it is not up to him to protect everyone and definitely not up to him to decide whose life is more valuable. I am glad Jordan made Rand and Mat take their time to realise this.
The theme of one's own desires battling with duty now echoes in every character in the series. Nynaeve knows she wishes to become Aes Sedai and learn healing but she loves Lan with everything. Elayne knows she must share Rand with another but her desire to be Aes Sedai is unmatched. Egwene is driven by a desire to learn continuously but wants nothing more than to help the man she once called friend. Moiraine struggles with this every day. So do Mat and Aviendha in their own separate ways.
Rand suffers most of all as I mentioned before, finally making a choice in the end. Throughout he struggles against himself and his choice at the end reflects who he is now and how closely aligned that is with who he thinks he is. This is character development at its finest and for a person like myself who covets good character development, this book is nothing short of a masterpiece. His journey from pure Borderlands man to the Dragon Reborn isn't complete and has been a laborious but careful building of character through many books. But where he is now shows how much he has changed, and the fact that we as readers note it happening through every page is testament to Jordan.
As far as plot is concerned, not a lot happens but many things take place that have successfully turned this series on its head. I was gasping out loud at some moments and shaking my head at many. I personally really enjoyed the whole journey with the menagerie and was most intrigued by Siuan and Leane. It's going to be really interesting, knowing that Jordan is no longer containing these arcs to single books. The action does leave a little to be desired except for the battle with Couladin and his army. It is a sequence beautifully written, especially keeping the characters involved in mind. Truly, the character development is the real star of the book, with so much change happening to these people that I cannot help but feel that they shall be unrecognisable by the time it all ends. I only hope that future books do not drag as much as this one and don't have so much of people from one sex commenting on the behaviour of the people from the other sex. It got boring after fifty pages and this book was a 1000 pages long.
The Fires of Heaven moves the plot of the Wheel of Time forward even if only from a character perspective. There isn't a lot of action and definitely no new characters or new worlds but somehow this still feels like a very compelling story. More seeds are lain for resolution in the future and shocking events occur that will mean that this series shall never be the same again. Even though a dragging story and ramblings weigh it down, this book is still compelling and worth a read. Jordan's abilities are for all to see, given that a book with not much happening still remains a book with a scant number of negative qualities. For the first time, I feel genuine terrified of what might come in the next book.
Now that sounds equally sexist but consider the context of the book and it makes sense. Rand has the blood of Two Rivers and hates when Maidens of The Spear die at his behest, fighting for him and carrying his honour. He hates it because he believes their lives are worth more than his. Yet, this is exactly what the Maidens believe as well. And herein lies the rub. Jordan makes it clear what he wishes to say through veils that would make Aiel shy away. Maidens realise that Rand is important, more so than they. And men, when they shield the women in the world of Wheel of Time, they believe the same while the women hate them for it, much like Rand does. I understand when Rand or Mat says he does not want to hurt a woman and I understand where he comes from, even after all that he has seen. However, the events of the book do change him, making him realise, as much as the reader, that it is not up to him to protect everyone and definitely not up to him to decide whose life is more valuable. I am glad Jordan made Rand and Mat take their time to realise this.
The theme of one's own desires battling with duty now echoes in every character in the series. Nynaeve knows she wishes to become Aes Sedai and learn healing but she loves Lan with everything. Elayne knows she must share Rand with another but her desire to be Aes Sedai is unmatched. Egwene is driven by a desire to learn continuously but wants nothing more than to help the man she once called friend. Moiraine struggles with this every day. So do Mat and Aviendha in their own separate ways.
Rand suffers most of all as I mentioned before, finally making a choice in the end. Throughout he struggles against himself and his choice at the end reflects who he is now and how closely aligned that is with who he thinks he is. This is character development at its finest and for a person like myself who covets good character development, this book is nothing short of a masterpiece. His journey from pure Borderlands man to the Dragon Reborn isn't complete and has been a laborious but careful building of character through many books. But where he is now shows how much he has changed, and the fact that we as readers note it happening through every page is testament to Jordan.
As far as plot is concerned, not a lot happens but many things take place that have successfully turned this series on its head. I was gasping out loud at some moments and shaking my head at many. I personally really enjoyed the whole journey with the menagerie and was most intrigued by Siuan and Leane. It's going to be really interesting, knowing that Jordan is no longer containing these arcs to single books. The action does leave a little to be desired except for the battle with Couladin and his army. It is a sequence beautifully written, especially keeping the characters involved in mind. Truly, the character development is the real star of the book, with so much change happening to these people that I cannot help but feel that they shall be unrecognisable by the time it all ends. I only hope that future books do not drag as much as this one and don't have so much of people from one sex commenting on the behaviour of the people from the other sex. It got boring after fifty pages and this book was a 1000 pages long.
The Fires of Heaven moves the plot of the Wheel of Time forward even if only from a character perspective. There isn't a lot of action and definitely no new characters or new worlds but somehow this still feels like a very compelling story. More seeds are lain for resolution in the future and shocking events occur that will mean that this series shall never be the same again. Even though a dragging story and ramblings weigh it down, this book is still compelling and worth a read. Jordan's abilities are for all to see, given that a book with not much happening still remains a book with a scant number of negative qualities. For the first time, I feel genuine terrified of what might come in the next book.
4.75/5.00
"Far Dareis Mai carries your honor, and you take ours away".
The fifth installment of the Wheel of Time is rich in worldbuilding and filled with crazy twists and turns. As a welcome surprise, there is an excellent battle scene in the book, which superseded expectation and was woven beautifully in to the plot. However, Robert Jordan's writing is a point of frustration. His brilliance in writing a thematic and intricate plot, jaw-dropping twists, super-coherent and satisfying magic system, combined with incredible character moments, is dragged down by repetitive descriptions, innumerable pointless characters, cringeworthy romance and irritating character flaws.
I come out on the largely positive side for this book. The wheel weaves as the wheel wills. Glory be to the Lord Dragon Reborn! Hail Lord Mat!
Spoiler
Story/Plot -> Jaw dropping & unpredictable moments such as Birgette's return, Elayne bonding her as warder, Nyneave tearing Moghedien a new one, Rahvin being the final villain, the incredible battle, Mat killing Couladin, the amnesty and so much more! Even the Aviendha-Rand romance was enjoyable. I am really not enjoying the Elayne-Min-Rand part of this romance. I also cringed at the Elayne-Thom part, WTF was that. Remove romance from these books, and the story would be a perfect 10.
Worldbuilding -> No need to rehash the extraordinary worldbuilding in WoT. It is outstanding as usual. The One Power and Tel'aran'rhiod is so well developed in this book, that it is mind blowing. I love how the story weaves around the magic system in such a wonderful way.
Characters -> Rand and Moiraine steal the show here. Rand's madness, his relationship with Far Dareis Mai, with Moiraine is outstanding. The gut wrenching Moiraine death leading to Rand's character development is just heaven. I actually liked Galad? wow. On the other hand, listening to Nyneave's thoughts and opinions on men are just so vexing. If it wasn't for Rand and Moiraine, I would have dropped this score. And what a character moment for the Far Daries Mai leader Sulin!
Dialogue/Prose -> I feel like the writing gets really bad in some places, but is decent overall The whole thing about Rand-Aviendha-Elayne-Min "romance" is just cringe worthy to read. Every time Rand is attracted to a woman, why does he have to talk about Min and Elayne ? I get what Robert Jordan is trying to do. He wants Rand to have three wives, a blonde, a red head and a brunette, which is just cringe for me. I would just go back and delete all romance from WoT books. And why does every female character think men are stupid ? Why do all the men think women are crazy? Why does it have to be stated and reminded every 5 mis ? Why is everyone so angry and violent ? Why do we need so much recap ? Why is every other female character described as "plump" (the only time to use this adjective is to describe a tomato!) ? Why do we care so much about necklines and dress colors ? I have decided to just accept this style of writing and adjust my expectations. I wanted to throw an above average score here, but I am going to give RJ the bonus for the dream world writing, the battle scenes, which are just excellent.
Emotional Impact -> I really enjoyed the worldbuilding, the battles, the plot twists and the ending. I struggled with the writing here, but it didn't "bother" me as much as I just noticed the problems and wished it was better. Moiraine stole the show for me. This book scores high for her.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
this took me literally 4 months to read & enraged me like no book has ever done before yet i love it lol. why do i have to be a wheel of time fan? it is mostly suffering for me. nynaeve can go to hell. i love aviendha but she was not acting right. i do not think i can survive without my girl moiraine
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
adventurous
mysterious
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