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emtees's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
This is probably the weakest point of the series for me. For the third time, our main cast separates for different adventures at the beginning of the book, only to be drawn back together for a big conflict at the end. The repetitive structure of the series becomes noticeable at this point, which drives out a lot of the tension. Luckily, since this is a reread, I know that will change with the next book, but I found myself mostly wanting to rush through this one so I could get to book 4, one of my favorites.
Which isn’t to say there aren’t good elements to this book. The decision to keep Rand, our nominal protagonist, mostly off-page, was a brilliant choice that lets the other main characters come into their own and sells the idea that this is much more of an ensemble story than the blurbs would lead you to believe. The slower pace (seriously, almost nothing happens until very late in the story) allows for some strong character development. Perrin and Egwene, two of my favorites, benefit most, as you see the way the experiences and traumas they’ve undergone shape the way they’ve changed. (Well, and Mat; this is the point where Mat becomes a fan-favorite character, a development you’ll either cheer or find extremely contrived. Take your pick.). A couple of my favorite new characters are introduced, and as always, Jordan does a brilliant job introducing new settings and cultures as our characters travel all over the continent on their various quests. Also, Egwene’s Accepted test which is one of my favorite sequences in the whole series.
But overall, this one seems to mostly be there to make time until we get to the climax and the whole series finally kicks into high gear.
Which isn’t to say there aren’t good elements to this book. The decision to keep Rand, our nominal protagonist, mostly off-page, was a brilliant choice that lets the other main characters come into their own and sells the idea that this is much more of an ensemble story than the blurbs would lead you to believe. The slower pace (seriously, almost nothing happens until very late in the story) allows for some strong character development. Perrin and Egwene, two of my favorites, benefit most, as you see the way the experiences and traumas they’ve undergone shape the way they’ve changed. (Well, and Mat; this is the point where Mat becomes a fan-favorite character, a development you’ll either cheer or find extremely contrived. Take your pick.). A couple of my favorite new characters are introduced, and as always, Jordan does a brilliant job introducing new settings and cultures as our characters travel all over the continent on their various quests. Also,
But overall, this one seems to mostly be there to make time until we get to the climax and the whole series finally kicks into high gear.
Content Warnings
Minor: Mental illness, Slavery, and Body horror
Fantasy mental illness: Some horror elements
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