Reviews
no review my thoughts are exactly the same as they were for book 2
More of a journey book I've used the word "journey" rather than filler because there is good world building and a lot of character building in this book. But this does not feel like a book where Jordan intended to tell a complete tale. It feels more like he wanted to introduce us to more cultures, lands, towns, peoples and then in the last 200/150 pages he wanted to wrap it up so started making it really interesting. I'm not keen on the whole "ooh I've killed Ba'alzamon" "ooooh no you haven't" thing that's happened three times now. These happen with little reason either. However, I like Jordan's writing style and its very immersive.
There were times when I felt super engaged in the story, and other times where I felt I had already read certain scenes? It was weird. Anyway, I think what helped was less of a focus on Rand, who I still find the MOST irritating. Actually, most of the male characters annoy me. I digress. So, yeah, I'm still kind of on the "these are good, not great", but want to continue.
despite some qualms i had with this book i cannot give it less than 4 stars. i'm in love with the characters, the world, the plot. the book dragged a bit (a lot maybe) in the middle part but it was all worth it for me. i'm excited to see what's to come.
Now THAT was bloody brilliant! I adored Mat in this one. Egwayn was still very annoying. I think the main reason is because she's too easily jealous and a little too possessive. It's too childish for me. She's still a good character though. Perrin is interesting. He's not my favorite of the three, but he could have one of the more interesting storylines. This series is more interesting than I thought it would be. The perspectives are never quite the same. I believe this is the first time Mat got a perspective, but Rand barely gets time on the page. I find that fascinating.
I took my time with book. And I’m glad I did. I read the first two books in quick succession. I was obsessed and couldn’t get enough. This one took a little longer to get through, but I’m glad I picked it back up and finished the book. I will read more in the series for sure. Jordan somehow over-explains but at the same time is captivating. I do love getting lost in the books. I have read 12/14 other books since I started The Dragon Reborn, so it was nice to return to this world and see how to story moved along. I’m glad Mat and Perrin had some space to develop during this book. Rand is… fine. I appreciate that he is somewhat of a reluctant hero, but I’m glad others had a chance to shine throughout this book.
4.5 rounded up, this book by itself I really enjoyed, and it’s by far the best so far but my issues with this series in general so far made actually picking up the book difficult and I still don’t love the series.
How have I waited so long to read the Wheel of Time series? These books are good!! Enjoyed all 3 books so far. I’m loving the character developments.
Mat and Perrin finally have their moment to shine in this installment and it was glorious.
four and a half stars.
I enjoyed 80% of this novel. Definitely another step-up compared to its predecessor but hampered by this series’s long-form storytelling structure. Read here for my full thoughts: https://life-of-karrot.com/the-wheel-of-time-part-1/
This book didn't grip me the way the previous one did. I when I started this one I got hooked quickly and after a third of the book, I lost interest. Especially the ending didn't really do anything for me. Despite that, it was still a solid read and a for me much needed part of the series. I especially enjoyed the change in POVs.
** spoiler alert ** The book dragged in the middle, Egwene was annoying as HELL (when she finally got that slap she deserved I cheered for 5 full minutes) and every book finishes with Rand being convinced he finally defeated the Dark One (hold your horses sir, this is the 3rd book in a 14-tome long epic) but I love where the story is going and taking our characters! The appearance of the Aiel is the best thing that happened in the book and it makes me super excited for the next installment.
THE WHEEL OF TIME 1) The Eye of the World ★★★★ 2) The Great Hunt ★★★★★ 3) The Dragon Reborn ★★★★★ 4) The Shadow Rising ★★★★★ 5) The Fires of Heaven ★★★★★ 6) Lord of Chaos ★★★★★ 7) A Crown of Swords ★★★★ ----------------------------------------------- So this one surprised me by being very light on the Rand side of things and very heavy on the other characters. We really got to know Mat and Perrin in this one, but I think my favourite part was following Nynaeve, Egwene and Elayne!
** spoiler alert ** A lot of boat rides in this one lol 3.5/5 I loved seeing Mat come back to life in this. He has potential to become one of my favourite characters in this series with his tricks and irresponsibility. Still finding myself annoyed at Rand’s behaviour. Didn’t get much personality from him in this book, we’ll see if that is meant to set something up for the next book. Perrin! I really like this character as well. He’s coming into himself as well, but less exciting to me than a lot of others here. A lot of new layers introduced here, but not that many that have hooked me like the last 2 books. I don’t care too much for the Aes Sedai here, I hope that section becomes as interesting as I’m expecting in my head. Dragon Reborn seemed like a lot of everyone travelling and of course all ending up in the same place. Yeah ending up together at the end was sort of expected. Not a lot of significant twists in this one.
There was once a time great epic fantasy door stoppers intimidated me. After all, I started A Game of Thrones three years ago and wasn't able to make it through half the book. Most of the books I read were easier to approach trade paperbacks with a readable font, double-spaced and written in first person point of view with a small cast of characters to follow. It then comes as a surprise that I was able to finish two big Wheel of Time books within two weeks. As of Wednesday, I was even afraid that I might be losing interest. Instead, after pushing on, I greatly enjoyed the rest of the book and found myself turning page after page. This time, only 1 chapter was in Rand's POV. He appears from time to time, in short snippets and we see him in the first few chapters. After that, he appears in thoughts, conversations, and dreams. This allows for a lot of character development involving the other characters- Perrin, Mat, and Egwene being the main characters with POV chapters. All of these proved enjoyable and I'm really intrigued by Mat and Perrin's new abilities. (view spoiler)[ Egwene is also shown as a dreamer. Perrin can also dream like Egwene, because he is a Wolfbrother. He still has yet to fully adjust to his situation though and I would like to see how he comes to accept it. Mat, is really really lucky. He has a strange sort of luck, in that he always wins and I want to know where that came from. Rand, is probably going crazy from the taint. (hide spoiler)] (view spoiler)[ I love it when books end on moments of awesome (as both first two books did) and this book doesn't disappoint. When Rand touches Callandor, defeats Ba'alzamon , and becomes proclaimed the Dragon Reborn over and over again by everybody, I resisted the urge to pick up The Shadow Rising immediately simply because there are other books to read. It could have ended there. Ba'alzamon is defeated, Rand triumphed. But then Robert Jordan just goes 'Wait, there's more!' (hide spoiler)] I can tell there are way more in store for our heroes, more moments of awesome, and I was even told that the later books are better. I am excited to continue and I will. But first, I'm taking a break, for real this time. This review is also on my blog The Bookworm Daydreamer
** spoiler alert ** The stone
Now onto book 4!
** spoiler alert ** Not much happened but Rand definitely went a little nuts. More things happened than the first two books though so was still engaging. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
All the details I've missed the first time reading! So worth re-reading this series.
Getting really annoyed with the adversarial relationships between men and women. Geez.
