The Wheel of Time saga continues! Soon after The Fires of Heaven . . .
Rand has saved Cairhein from the rogue Aiel tribe, who has fled but is not a threat at present. He's also helped Andor by defeating its Forsaken ruler. Camped there, he ponders his next move, the goal being tactical (restoring Elayne to her mother's throne) and strategic (preparing for the final battle). For the latter, he starts a school for men who can channel, led by a fallen False Dragon, Mazrim Taim. In addition, he's planning to strike south, at the Forsaken Sammael ruling in Illian, using Mat and his uncanny command abilities.
Meanwhile, Aes Sedai opposed to Elaida have set up an alternate White Tower, in Salidar. There, powerful events unfold for Nynaeve and Elayne as they enjoy the company of a legendary hero come alive and hold a Forsaken captive, forcing her to reveal ancient secrets. They communicate through dreamwalking with Egwene and the Aiel, providing mutual assistance to planning next steps for both Rand and the Aes Sedai's move against Elaida. Egwene will join them, and the impossible starts happening . . .
Perrin has saved Two Rivers and established himself, albeit unwillingly, as lord there. He and his wife, Faile, gather an army and march with Loial to assist Rand in Andor. He arrives, but can any truly help the Dragon Reborn?
Elaida's Aes Sedai grow tired of Rand's games, and take matters into their own hands. The Dragon Reborn is about to learn just how far Aes Sedai can be trusted . . . if he survives. A battle is looming, and not the one al'Thor intends.
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I started this book in June. The first 600 pages were slow, and then a number of surprising twists occur with insufficient development. This uneven pacing irked me, even as I was happy to see the story progress. The last 100 pages were especially suspenseful. Six books down, eight to go.
Rating: B+
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