stephilica's review against another edition
Phenomenal stuff in a mostly plot-focused instalment compared to more character-focused arcs in previous volumes. Mat stole the show this time, courtesy of the Tower of Ghenjei arc (which should have been much longer because it was very cool), but Perrin's trial resolves some lingering threads and gave both comic relief with the greater portion of this book's character development.
As a study in how to succinctly write three chapters that work as stand-alone ambiance disruption, see no further than Aviendha's trip to Rhuidean, every part of which is brilliant--a mysterious stranger, the bait-and-switch structure, Avi's growing horror at herself, and the disquieting consideration of how something may be inevitable no matter what she does. Easily one of the best portions featuring Aviendha in the entire series.
As a study in how to succinctly write three chapters that work as stand-alone ambiance disruption, see no further than Aviendha's trip to Rhuidean, every part of which is brilliant--a mysterious stranger, the bait-and-switch structure, Avi's growing horror at herself, and the disquieting consideration of how something may be inevitable no matter what she does. Easily one of the best portions featuring Aviendha in the entire series.
evpenney's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
comfortfromwithin's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 stars, (9/10). An excellent novel to prepare readers for an epic finale. While I don’t think it was as tightly written overall, especially towards the beginning, there were so many LARGE moments throughout the novel itself. It’s great seeing so many ends being tied up in the wake of the finale. There are some critiques however.
Some resolutions, while they made sense, seemed a little too rushed in the mantra of “tying things up”. I understand it’s probably a little inevitable with a series this large, but it was only ever really apparent to me in this novel.
And yes, the further I get on with the series the more I understand the Mat love this fandom has. One of the few characters, probably ever, that has made me laugh “so bloody much” throughout a series.
Gosh, Perrin, Mat, and Aviendha really shined in this. So happy they got some of the coolest chapters, they all deserve it.
There’s not much more commentary I can give here. I’m 14 books in to a 15 book series, so obviously I have to be enjoying it a lot. I love it… and I guess I’m more excited for what the ending is going to offer more than anything!
Light! I’m anxious.
Some resolutions, while they made sense, seemed a little too rushed in the mantra of “tying things up”. I understand it’s probably a little inevitable with a series this large, but it was only ever really apparent to me in this novel.
And yes, the further I get on with the series the more I understand the Mat love this fandom has. One of the few characters, probably ever, that has made me laugh “so bloody much” throughout a series.
Gosh, Perrin, Mat, and Aviendha really shined in this. So happy they got some of the coolest chapters, they all deserve it.
There’s not much more commentary I can give here. I’m 14 books in to a 15 book series, so obviously I have to be enjoying it a lot. I love it… and I guess I’m more excited for what the ending is going to offer more than anything!
Light! I’m anxious.
mabeebe's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
fast-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
4.75
auronj90's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
slow-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
5.0
cheriekg's review against another edition
medium-paced
4.0
Things are moving, characters are doing things that make sense, the women aren't just sitting around spanking each other...we're almost done.
erosionyeah's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
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? No
3.5
floweringwords's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
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
4.25
alibrareads's review against another edition
5.0
Holy crap, the end chapters with Mat in the Tower of Ghenjei were so insane!! Those were some of the most cinematic scenes I’ve ever read in any book series ever. I could see the scene playing out in my minds eye just as if I were watching an intense fantasy movie sequence, could hear the soundtrack, see the cackling Aelfinn and Eelfin and the three men fighting to escape with their lives. It was awesome.
This is among my top favorite books in the series so far, along with Eye of the World and Winter’s Heart.
I say this about a lot of them, but a lot happens in this book, even a new character or two is introduced. The main characters have really progressed and grown up, becoming more certain of themselves and what they believe/stand for. I’m stoked to read the last book!!
This is among my top favorite books in the series so far, along with Eye of the World and Winter’s Heart.
I say this about a lot of them, but a lot happens in this book, even a new character or two is introduced. The main characters have really progressed and grown up, becoming more certain of themselves and what they believe/stand for. I’m stoked to read the last book!!