Reviews

The Shadow Rising by Robert Jordan

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friendofgosig's review against another edition

adventurous medium-paced

4.0

It was slow at the beginning, partly because it took 200 pages for Jordan to arrange his characters, to have them in place for the three set pieces of action that take place in this book. It also didn’t help that it was over a year ago that I finished the previous book, so I had to find my place too. However, once the story got going it was as exciting as the other books, and I do enjoy the feeling of knowing there is so much still to come. The scope of the world is vast, and I know that even four books in I have barely touched the surface, but that comforts me more than anything else, because the layers of storytelling are so cleverly laid that it is a pleasure to spend time in this world.

Perrin’s story is my favourite, and the ladies in Tanchico my least favourite. The ‘romance’ elements are not so well done, and the female characters are fairly flat, and the antagonism and arrogance that they all show is pretty frustrating. I am hoping that they grow up soon.

matthewr1775's review against another edition

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adventurous inspiring mysterious 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? Yes

4.5

gridner's review against another edition

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adventurous dark medium-paced

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

4.0

drewfead's review against another edition

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adventurous tense medium-paced

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

4.25

adam_z's review against another edition

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5.0

Completing my re-read of the fourth volume in Jordan's epic Wheel of Time series, I'm struck by the depth of character development. The youths of Emonds Field have all changed in the two years since they departed their village following the trolloc attack at Winternight. Late in the story, the chapter covering what I'll call The Battle of Emonds Field is perhaps some of the most well-written fiction I've ever read. Jordan excels at putting the reader in the minds of his characters, and this shines especially well in this chapter. Tolkein's weakness, in my opinion, was in his descriptions of battles. I often found myself confused as to what exactly was going on & skimming just to get through it. I never felt lost as Perrin was leading the Two Rivers folk in defense of the Green. The breadth of emotion that is covered, from the fear of failure in battle, the sorrow at those lost, the exuberance of victory & living to see another day, and finally reunion with Faile was amazing. I actually teared up twice while reading that chapter.

Its a shame that so many people are scared off from trying this series due to its immense length. Yes, it is a lot to bite off, but it is most rewarding to those who do. Like the SAS says, "Who Dares, Wins" ;)

zehl's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced

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

4.25

strawverri's review against another edition

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5.0

can I just say that nynaeve is the most annoying character ever? elayne is also up there with her too... the female characters wield so much power yet they are stupid girls. enjoying the books but seriously I just want to skip over all the parts that have nynaeve name in it