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emotional
funny
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Blood, Vomit, Murder, War
Moderate: Toxic friendship
adventurous
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Writing: 2⭐️/5
**SPOILERS**
This is a shorter book than several of the previous and yet it felt like one of the most tedious so far. Several times throughout the novel, Jordan would have paragraph-long descriptions that read like Wikipedia entries. Beyond the tedious sections, Jordan also left out most – if not all – of the most action-packed sequences in favour of revisiting them via flashback. Several times we join characters after something exciting happens, and are told about it in the character’s head, instead of just being allowed to experience the story altogether. This drew out the reading significantly. I will also never forgive RJ for not letting me see Nynaeve and Lan’s wedding.
I also, personally, felt the reluctance to say the word, “Rape” in rape scenes was a pointed choice that I don’t agree with. Also, knowing that RJ intended the Mat rape scene to be a “humourous role-reversal” really takes any unintentional realism he may have woven into that scene feel gross, unnecessary, and lacking compassion.
Characters: 2.25⭐️/5
Every RJ novel I read, I complain about how the characters never remain consistent. And, here we are again. At multiple instances, Elayne and Nynaeve’s names could have switched and it wouldn’t have mattered. In fact, the only characters who really retain their own personalities are Rand, Mat, and Perrin – though even they fluctuate to some extent.
The characters have such fantastic potential and yet they cannot seem to remain consistent long enough to meet that potential. And, though there are 2700 named characters throughout this series, several of the more minor characters feel so unimportant the only purpose they seem to serve is to make the plot more confusing and convoluted.
Plot: 3.0⭐️/5
The plot could have been more interesting, but there was no reason for anything to take as long as it did. This book – to achieve the necessary plot – could have lost a solid 100-200 pages and been a stronger, more interesting read. Some parts were definitely interesting, so elements were definitely engaging, but overall it fell kind of flat, and I spent most of the time wishing I got to see the fight between Perrin and Rand instead of two paragraphs on what a longboat is.
Who Should Read This Book?
- Those who read book one to five of The Wheel of Time and are able to overlook some misogyny
Content Warnings?
- Toxic relationships, blood, gore, abuse, domestic abuse, war, sexual assault, rape, toxic friendships, gaslighting, misogyny, sexism, death, murder, injury, injury detail, sexual harassment, emotional abuse, slavery,
Post-Reading Rating: 3.0⭐️/5
This one really didn’t have that amazing moment at the end. It was just okay.
Final Rating: 2.5⭐️/5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, Gore, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Suicide attempt, Murder, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Sexual harassment, War, Injury/Injury detail
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book is a part of a very in depth series, and it is unfair to review it individually, perhaps, however, I did feel that the ending was anticlimactic. I certainly hope that was not truly the end of that particular forsaken!
Spoiler:
This book handles rape regarding two characters- one is obviously easily acknowledged and culturally acceptable- sadly. Our culture is woman caught = woman raped. However, Matt is also raped. He says no, he tries to avoid the Queen and is pressured into the bed. He shows the same racing thoughts that many that suffer sexual abuse have, the same shame, and the same dread. BUT he also suffers what many survivors suffer from those around them. He is told basically that he asked for it and it served him right because he was always flirting. The difference is that no one has the right to force your body into ANYTHING and that Matt would always stop flirting if the woman showed no interest.
This hit close to home.
Spoiler:
This book handles rape regarding two characters- one is obviously easily acknowledged and culturally acceptable- sadly. Our culture is woman caught = woman raped. However, Matt is also raped. He says no, he tries to avoid the Queen and is pressured into the bed. He shows the same racing thoughts that many that suffer sexual abuse have, the same shame, and the same dread. BUT he also suffers what many survivors suffer from those around them. He is told basically that he asked for it and it served him right because he was always flirting. The difference is that no one has the right to force your body into ANYTHING and that Matt would always stop flirting if the woman showed no interest.
This hit close to home.
Content Warnings
Minor: Animal death, Confinement, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, Slavery, Toxic relationship, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Sexual harassment, Colonisation, War
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This felt like a chore and I am really upset about the TW’s in it. Definitely check warnings.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body horror, Body shaming, Bullying, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gore, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Stalking, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Sexual harassment, War, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Sexual harassment