The Wheel of Time turns and read throughs come and pass, leaving memories that become legend. Legend fades to myth, and even myth is long forgotten when the next reread comes again. In one reread, called the third read by some, a read through yet to come, a read through long past, a determined blogger sets his sights on finishing this series once and for all. This read through is not the beginning. There are neither beginnings nor endings to the turning of the wheel. But it was a beginning.
In the year of 2026 I am determined to finally finish The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan. I first started reading this series back in 2017 and have since reread the early instalments without ever reaching that final book. If I had just carried on reading through without worrying about missing/forgetting every minute detail, I would have finished it by now. This is something that irks me constantly, especially as I know that Robert Jordan loves to repeat himself and recap prior important events anyway… So, this year I am determined to set that right. No more rereads! I will continue on with the series no matter how long a break I take in between the books. It’s the only way.
The Wheel of Time is a 15 chunky book long epic fantasy series, which is often seen as a bridge between classic fantasy and modern fantasy. It begins with the classic fantasy trope of a farmer boy being the chosen one destined to put the world right. Over the course of the books a momentous journey occurs revolving around various POV characters traversing the vast world filled with all sorts of wonder and horror.
My journey through the Wheel of Time has been a blast so far. This is without a doubt a comfort read for me. It always feels so warm and cosy whenever I read that first paragraph and instantly gets me back in the mood for being in this world. Obviously, there are many flaws to the series, but it’s one of those which I can easily overlook as the sheer scope and wholesome vibes makes up for any flaws the series may have. I'm also impressed that despite its intimidating size, it remains to be a very approachable and easy read. Allow me to take you back to when this all began. Strap in and get yourself a snack because it's gonna be a long one!
2017
It’s 2017, and I was around 18 in my final year of collage/sixth form. This was a big reading year for me, and I was consistently ploughing through big chunky books, such as The Way of Kings and Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell. What better time than now to start this absolute mammoth of a series? So I ordered the first 3 books box set and patiently awaited their arrival.
The Eye of The World
As soon as I opened that first page I knew I was strapped in for this journey. Well actually, that’s a lie… I remember being rightfully confused as hell at the prologue and having no idea what was happening… But, as soon as chapter 1 starts with the iconic intro to each book, and we first meet our farmer boy Rand, that’s when the journey truly began for me. I dug up the archives and found my original review from 2017:
June 2017 Original Review -
This book reminded me of why I love fantasy. It contains numerous tropes, which are now over-used and even goes parallel with Lord of the Rings at times. However I think The Wheel of Time does Lord of the Rings better, which isn't an easy task...
The plot reads very much like a Dungeons and Dragons campaign, filled with random Trolloc encounters but also meeting mysterious men at strange inns. While being cheesy at times, I couldn't help but smile while reading these scenes as they felt so nostalgic to me as a fantasy reader.
My favourite scenes are by far whenever a new character is introduced (which happens a lot). Robert Jordan introduces his characters in such an entertaining way that clearly highlights their personality and specific skill traits that could either benefit or hinder the group.
The world building in this book is phenomenal, as we explore various places in this first book, while still only scratching the surface of many places yet to come. This makes the scope of the world, but also the potential of the narrative for later books insane.
By the end of this first book I found myself growing attached to nearly all the main characters, particularly the main 3 guys (Rand, Perrin and Mat) and can't wait to read the next 13 books!
5 stars
It’s honestly kind of insane that I’m talking about this book feeling nostalgic at the age of 18, but whatever you say past Ang xD. To be honest, I still agree, that feeling of nostalgia is still there for me whenever I dive back into this world. The part of this review I don’t fully agree with is saying how ‘the plot reads very much like a Dungeon and Dragons campaign.’ If I were to recommend this series to someone today, I doubt I would mention anything along these lines. It doesn’t read like a Dungeon and Dragons campaign, especially when there are books out there specifically for that purpose. I think what I was trying to say is that you are taken on a physical and emotional journey with these characters. Almost the entire first book is travelling, discovering new facets to the world whilst encountering new foes.
So I also made the absolutely mental claim that The Wheel of Time does The Lord of the Rings better…I honestly don’t know how I feel about that, other than that perhaps there isn’t a need to compare these 2 great works of fantasy literature. It is good to know that even 18 year old Ang was coming out with bold statements in his book reviews lol. Anyway, it's clear that this first book had a big impact on me, and it wasn’t long until I picked up book 2.
The Great Hunt
Original Review - June 2017
The thing about this series is that I understand the few negative opinions surrounding The Wheel of Time in general. Yes, it is jam-packed with fantasy tropes. Yes, the women aren't quite as well developed as the men are (as of this point). Yes, certain things seem somewhat convenient for the characters and plot advancement. However, it just doesn't bother me and for someone who reads mainly modern fantasy, it's refreshing to go back to the roots of the Epic Fantasy genre and it can't be denied how much this series makes me smile!
I found the plot in this second book to be even more enjoyable, as it still stuck to the Dungeons and Dragons style from the first book but also felt more adventurous for the characters and therefore me. In terms of the story itself, the plot expands along with the world, as we travel to new places, which of course brings along new characters.
Robert Jordan seems to love introducing new characters... a lot. Normally I'd get bogged down and confused with all the names and trying to keep track of it all. However, much like in 'The Eye of the World', I found the character introduction scenes to be by far my favourite, as it's so interesting to learn more about the different cultures from this world through the eyes of these new people. So it's a good job there's a lot of them!
The only negative thing I would say is that whenever the characters travel through 'The Ways' I find the writing to become quite jarring and confusing, forcing me to often re-read certain parts in order to fully grasp what's going on. However, throughout the rest of the novel, I find it to be incredibly clear and visual, which more than makes up for this.
While this series is a massive one, I can definitely understand the popularity as (so far) it has never failed to make me happy whilst reading!
5 stars
As you can tell from this review, I enjoyed The Great Hunt just as much as The Eye of The World. It’s interesting how I mention yet again about my favourite scenes being character introductions, because that’s something that I haven’t really thought about on subsequent rereads. Perhaps this is simply because I am already familiar with the characters, so the surprise factor is diminished. I will definitely pay special attention to these scenes on my 2026 read through though. The main take away from my feelings at this point on my Wheel of Time journey is definitely joy. I keep mentioning how these books were making me smile. June 2017 was obviously a very happy month in my life!
The Dragon Reborn
Original Review - July 2017
I don't think I have ever been this invested in a series before and I'm so happy! I understand some people's reasoning for not liking The Wheel of Time, as yes... it's filled with a lot of cliches and tropes (at least in the first book) However, I just happen to love each and every one of these tropes! While I'm glad more modern fantasy has developed and become more original, I just find it so refreshing to go back to the genre at its core and this series just makes me so happy for them reasons :D
The Dragon Reborn is actually my favourite book so far and this is why...
In this instalment, there is much less POV time for Rand and I actually think this does wonders for the series, as it allows every other character and plot line to develop massively. For example, I feel as though the female characters really come into their own in this book and become their own individual person with their own distinct personalities. Whereas previously I couldn't help but get confused between Egwene and Nynaeve, as I didn't think there was much separating them. While they are still not my favourite characters in the series, I absolutely loved their scenes in this book as they reminded me so much of why I love A Feast for Crows, due to all the
slowly built up secrecy and court intrigue! (but the White Tower version)
We also get more Perrin, who is my favourite of the 3 Edmond's Field boys! I also started to really grow towards Mat in this book, as he became so much more entertaining to read about and not annoying in the slightest! I also loved Queen Morgase, as she reminds me of Queen Elizabeth 1 crossed with the Queen of Hearts and it just makes me laugh xD I also found Lanfear incredibly interesting as a character and can't wait to learn more about her and her motives!
But what really made this book my favourite in the series so far was the pacing and how it was structured. The pacing was consistently on the increase and slowly built up to an epic climax that definitely satisfies! Also we stayed with one character enough to really develop the story arc before switching POV, instead of switching every other chapter, which can sometimes be quite jarring as in other fantasy books. And then to top it off plot points from the previous two books come back into play and it's just.... *claps* Well played Mr Jordan well played.
I absolutely love this series and I am so glad there are still 11 books to go! All it needs now is a circus and my life is complete! XD
Spoiler alert- Nynaeve tugs her braid
5 stars
The Dragon Reborn seems to mark the point where my enjoyment transitions into investment. This is reflected in my review which focuses more on the specifics of the characters and plot, as opposed to my overall feelings/reactions at the time. I would also still agree that The Dragon Reborn is my favourite out of them first 3 books, for the same reasons as stated in my original review. I feel like at this point on my Wheel of Time journey, the characters really began to come to life and take shape in my mind. Also, back in 2017 I was weirdly obsessed with circus books, so that explains that comment at the end.
After reading The Dragon Reborn, I began reading The Shadow Rising, eager to find out what happens next. If I remember correctly, this was also around the time when the TV show was announced so my motivation was higher than ever.
And then everything changed when the university attacked.
It shames me to admit it, but in 2017 I DNFed The Shadow Rising. Gasps from the crowd. I know… I know… The Shadow Rising is considered as one of the best books in the series by Fandom. It just happened to be at this point where I started university and stopped reading all together, forcing me to DNF this beloved book by default. Not at all the fault of the book, but simply due to life doing life things.
2021
We made it to 2021, and I graduated. Yay! Now that the distraction of university was over I got back into reading, which meant only one thing - picking up where I left off in The Wheel of Time. The only problem was that after this 4 year break, I couldn’t for the life of me remember all the events that have transpired up until book 4. Whatever, it’s only 3 books to reread before continuing on, so what’s the harm? And so begins reread number 1…
Here are my quick mini reviews for my rereads of the first 3 books in the series:
August 2021 Reread - The Eye of the World
I was worried going into this re-read that I wasn't going to enjoy it as much as the first time, but I was instantly reminded of how much of a comfort read this is. I'm so invested in this world again and I couldn't be happier about it. Loving all the characters once more and they just bring a smile to my face, even in their dumbness.
I really hope I get further into the series on this read through...The Shadow Rising has been on my 'currently reading' shelf for years and that needs to change ASAP.
August 2021 Reread - The Great Hunt
The start of this book was actually kinda slow and I found myself wondering why I loved this instalment so much the first time around. And then the second half of the book hit... Jeeeewiz I completely forgot how crazy it is xD So much of it surprised me all over again.
Big shout out to Turak this read through, the man's got style. I found all of the Seanchan stuff dead interesting and I'm really enjoying learning more about the different cultures in this world and I'm sure there are many many more to come!
Incredibly immersive and comforting read, yet again.
September 2021 Reread - The Dragon Reborn
It's interesting to read through my old review and see what my thoughts were when I first read this and how they've changed. I actually really enjoyed Nynaeve in this book and it's funny how I struggled to separate her and Egweyne before because they're both so distinct in my mind now xD I also have no idea why I seemed to love Queen Morgase so much, coz she's just sorta there for me this read through ahaha I guess i just imagined her with good style or something idk.
But other than that, my thoughts still stand, I love that we got to spend a lot of time away from Rand, which was a nice breather. I especially loved the Perrin chapters, but Christ is that Zarine/Falcon girl so jarring! She's making me wanna gauge my eyes out with a teaspoon lmao just everything she says I'm like... urgh pls shut up 🙄 and I hate how Perrin is acting around her too, but whatever. It's looking like she's here to stay for a while so I hope she grows on me a bit, or yanno flies away lol.
Favourites so far are probably - Perrin, Lanfear, Loial and Thom. However, I can't help but feel my favourite of the series hasn't emerged yet o.0
As you can tell, my feelings towards this series stood the test of time and I perhaps enjoyed this read through even more than the second. It’s kind of sad how I started wanting ‘to get further on this read through’, as whilst I did indeed do that, I am still sitting here in 2026 making a blog post about how I still haven’t finished this series… Oh well, I guess that’s the purpose of this post. To make my intent known and manifest the completion this year. Or at least get close enough to where I know I will finish it early 2027. Christ, that would mark 10 years of reading this series… An epic journey in the least. Naturally this time around, I seemed to pick up on a lot more of the finer details and minor characters featured so far, with special note to Turak for some reason lol. I’m right though, the guy does have style. I mean, them nails are insane...
We also get some shout outs of my favourite characters in the past, which is very interesting to me. I still do love all these characters, but I wonder if they are still my favourites at this point today. Honestly, it may actually be Rand that makes the appearance on my favourites, I really do enjoy his story arc and all the prophecies surrounding his character.
Anyway by this point I was all caught up and ready to finally get to The Shadow Rising.
September 2021 - The Shadow Rising
It's actually hard to think back to the start of this book because so much happens and it's all a bit of a blur at the beginning now. Knocked off half a star as I feel a little bit of charm was lost on this instalment and some plot lines irked me a little, well one in particular. I'm just gonna vomit some of my thoughts out coz I have a lot of them and they need an escape.
SPOILERS
Perrin's arc was by far my favourite. I loved that we got to go back to the Two Rivers and I'm so glad it was Perrin who did so, especially with Loail, Gaul and the two other Aiel. Like that's such a fun Splinter group! It's just a shame the good vibes were ruined by fucking Faile omg.... The gang would have been perfect without her ahaha She is still insufferable and I hate how they're married now like wtf... It all happened on like a page and I was just like Bruh... Pls leave my boy Perrin alone. My only hope is that since they're married so soon, she is more killable in the future xD But anyway, the final battle defending the Two Rivers was epic and really wholesome having all these farmers defending against loads of Trollocs and Myrddraal. How did they do it? I don't really know lmao like I swear Trollocs and Myrddraal were insanely hard to kill in book 1 and now they are just dropping like flies to a farmer with a make-shift spear? But whatever, it was still epic. Also very heart-warming when they all turned on the Whitecloaks and refused to let them take him. Goldeneyes! Goldeneyes!
Rand and Mat spent most of their time in the waste, but before that I loved the scene with all the snakey things answering Mat's questions... or not lmao. That whole section was super atmospheric and spooky and I really appreciate these darker moments in the series, as it tends to stay pretty PG most of the time. I also found it funny when Rand and Moiraine also stumbled out that archway thing and were like "Oh, so we were just all in there, huh?"
In the waste, Aviendha was the highlight for me. She definitely has a crush on Elayne and no-one can tell me otherwise. She is so protective over her and hates Rand because he likes her lol. But anyway, I loved how Aviendha's relationship with Rand developed and it was refreshing to have someone not giving Rand the time of day xD I found some of the scenes in Rhuidan to be a bit confusing but I feel like there was just so much foreshadowing in this book, that it's hard to appreciate on the first read? Idk it was just a lot to take in, but I'm glad Mat got a new stick lol.
Elayne and Nyneaves' plot was my least favourite. I initially enjoyed where their story was going with the Windfinders, as I thought that was a dead cool concept and it was fun to discover more channelers who aren't Aes Sedai. This was also the case for the Aiel in the waste. However, the whole hunt for the Black Ajah thing just got quite old... I enjoyed it in Dragon Reborn but now it's just kinda like how are they even still doing this? I get they're super powerful and what but they're hardly trained and yet they're hunting down all of these highly trained channelers and in the end Nynaeve basically matches them with ease? It all just seems a little too easy. Same with how weak the Trollocs and Myrddraal seem to have become.
This comes to my main complaint about this series so far, as the stakes just don't seem high enough or high at all. Everything seems to resolve itself too easily. I'm literally gagging for the Dark One to be set free so the characters face an actual challenge.
Oh and a side note - I'm really struggling to believe that Min likes Rand, and vise- versa. It just seems so random to me, like she keeps saying she loves him and I'm like "nah you don't" or "Why? Give me one reason why and i'll believe you" lol It's just a little thing but it's starting to bug me. Anyway Lanfear's the one for you Rand ;) tehe
As for what I want to see in the next book/s - I want to learn more about Perrin's wolf abilities, hopefully from Elyas. He has to come back, right? I refuse to believe he was just a one off... If Faile would die, or yanno if she would shapeshift into a falcon and fly away or something. I'm looking forward to hearing more about Thom's backstory, as I'm just picking up any crumb I can find at this point xD Oh and also learning more about Tam and Abell. It would be nice to have a POV from them in the next book too. I'd also appreciate the Black Ajah stepping up their game a bit because they just seem incredibly weak right now. Also more Lanfear pls.
Current Favourite Characters - Loail, Perrin, Lanfear, Aviendha and Thom.
4.5 Stars
Now we’re getting into the meaty stuff on this journey. This is the first review where I have seemed to delve into spoilers to give some more specific thoughts to where we are at this particular point in the series. By this point season 1 of the TV show had been released, so that no doubt was a good source of motivation to continue on with the series quickly. By the way, I won’t talk too much about the show in this post as, although I was incredibly excited for it to come out, I have still only watched that first season, and feel like it has altered some of my original thoughts and feelings to certain characters. It’s also cancelled now anyway, so I doubt it will have any future impact on my journey through The Wheel of Time.
Interestingly, my rating for book 4 is the first book in the series I haven’t given 5 stars, despite it being considered as one of the best in the series. I don’t know if this is simply down to me being older and slightly more critical of what I read, or if my enjoyment was genuinely less with this book. I guess I will find out when I read this book again soon. I do state my reasoning to my complaints though, largely being down to how the stakes never feel that high. I can see how this would have troubled me, as in the fourth book of the series there kind of needs to be some feeling of loss and hopelessness to drive the characters forward. If everything is always happy in the end, it can become quite repetitive and formulaic. I can’t comment too much on my thoughts on this review as it was a few years ago and perhaps on my future reread, all my thoughts will change!
October 2021 - The Fires of Heaven
Fires of Heaven by far took me the longest to get through, but that's okay. I was gonna take a little break before jumping into this one but honestly Jordan's endings hype me up too much and I just wanted to jump straight back in 😂 I think I will take a LEEEEETLE break now tho so I don't get too burned out. Although the ending to this one got me just as hyped!
SPOILERS
Anyway, this book kicks off (After the prologue) with Min yet again and she's the queen of the first chapter at this point lol. I love this splintergroup of Min, Siuan, Leane and Logain. Siuan has honestly shot up to be a firm favourite for me, all the fishing metaphors just crack me up. Their subplot was the most interesting to me, watching Siuan struggle to regain the power she once had in whatever form she can get was really something.
Elayne and Nynaeve were pissing me off for the first half of the book. I'm ngl 😂 it wasn't until they got to the menagerie that things started to heat up and I was enjoying their storyline. I love any form of circus setting so this was a really fun surprise. Also Brigitte is an absolute legend, love her. I was really shocked when she became Elayne's Warder like that's nuts and I'm interested to see if that has any repercussions later on. But anyway love her energy so glad she's been pulled into the living world or whatever 😂 Thom has been a favourite of mine up till now but honestly this book he was kinda just there, so not much development from him, apart from this weird flirty father daughter situation with Elayne which is very questionable 😅 (seriously what's going on there?)
Now for Matt Rand and Egwene. I'm finding Rand's descent into madness really engaging and it gives him such villain energy, which I'm all here for. Sometimes I can't help but think how batshit crazy he was in The Dragon Reborn tho and then now he's basically sane compared to then 😂 But I guess madness isn't gonna be something that gets progressively worse but more scattered. Matt's growing on me more and more as time goes on which I figured would happen. Him having all this strategic knowledge sorta downloaded into his brain is kinda mad. I'm still wanting to know more about all this old tongue stuff. Like I get his brain's been filled with a bunch of memories but I feel like this old tongue stuff is coming from something else idk. Maybe like his own Lews Therin? Rand and Naetal is a cool dynamic although I thought Asmodeon was gentled so I am a bit confused but an evil bard is something that I don't think I've seen before so I'm excited to see how that develops.
So did Rand and Aviendha bang? Because it's so unclear. It was only when Lanfear went all nuts and over protective that I realised for sure that they banged. (Even so it's like 80% sure 😂 coz they could have just spent the night 'in each other's arms' or some shit). I'm not really enjoying Aviendha and Rand together right now. I miss the days of Aviendha, just trash talking Rand all day every day. I feel like their whole romance arc needed more time to get to this point. It all comes across very forced, but not as forced as the whole Min thing which is just WACK. Whatever tho I'm sure not reading Wheel of Time for the romance.
As always the battles in this book were epic, especially the fight against Couladin. One gripe I had with that particular scene is that I really wish that Matt had left Rand. When Matt said that he was going to leave and do his own thing I was so excited to see what he would do as up until now I feel like he has just been living in Rand's shadow. But whatever there are still so many books left to go I'm sure he'll get his own storyline soon enough.
In Moiraine's post death letter where she's like in one other path Lanfear took you away and you came back as Lews Therin, her devoted lover. I'm like ...that's exactly what I want. 😂 Lanfear and Lews Therin supremacy. Also not convinced Lanfear and Moirane are actually dead coz I didn't think they were when I read about them falling into that doorway. But then every other character was like "oh well, guess they're dead" and Lan was instantly like "yh she's dead, got to go find someone else, bye" and I was like okay lol. But just like with Morgase AND Thom I bet they'll reappear, at least in the dream world or something. It's kinda annoying how redundant character deaths are in the story because they always seem to come back. That being said it would be mad if Moirane and Lanfear were actually dead coz they're some heavy hitters.
I'm glad we got to learn more about all the Forsaken and how they differ from each other, however I'm still craving more! I just feel like as soon as we start to really get to know one of the Chosen, they die and it's like oh okay... Guess on to the next one?
So, Perrin, Loail and Gaul weren't in this book (basically my favourites) but honestly I'm okay with that. If they're not key players in this part of the story I'd rather they be cut than have a forced filler story line. I'm sure we'll be caught up on what they've been up to for the past (I have no idea how long lol) in the next book so I'm not too worried. I did miss them in the first half though but once the second half kicked in I began forming new favourites so it's probably worth it in the long run.
As for what I want in the next book - I want to know what the deal is with Logain and this halo. I feel like it's time for that to be fleshed out. I want Matt to go off and do his own thing. I want Rand to go all mad lol. Of course I wanna be filled in with whatever Perrin has been up to in the Two Rivers with Loial and the rest of the crew... forgot about Faile... Urgh guess having Perrin excluded from this book had its perks lmao.
Current Favourites: Still Perrin and Loial, Brigitte, Siuan, Lanfear and honestly maybe Rand.
4 stars
Ahhh, so it was now that Rand began to appear on my Radar as my favourite character. This is interesting and encouraging for me, as reading this review now, I honestly don’t understand a lot of what I'm talking about. This is why I am always having to reread the books, as my memory is just awful. I will say that a lot of the events in this book seem very interesting to me, and I am surprised that I have only rated this 4 stars. Obviously, 4 stars is a very strong rating, but it is the lowest rating I have given the series so far. I wonder if on my 2026 read through this will change? I hope so, because it actually seems like a lot of crazy stuff happens in this one. Plus, I finally got a circus, which is wild! If only 2017 Ang was there to see it…
As stated at the start of this review for The Fires of Heaven, I then took a little break before delving into the prequel book - New Spring. It must have been some short ass break because it was only in the next month that I posted my review.
November 2021 - New Spring
Read after book 5, wanting to make sure the show didn't spoil anything from the books for me.
Not as much to say about this one. It's a much simpler, more linear story than the other books, which was actually quite refreshing. I loved seeing Moiraine and Siuan's relationship grow and they definitely have the hots for each other which I'm all here for. After Fires of Heaven Siuan became a favourite character for me and that's only grown in this book. I am now very very intrigued to know how she became Amrylin. I don't know if that's already been discussed or if it's to come but I want the full story.
Seeing Moiraine and Siuan in the white tower pre Aei Sedai was so much fun. Loved all their pranks, romance and just discussions of the ways the Aei Sedai function.
I'm not sure if I'm fully content with how Moiraine and Lan became bonded. I think it was just very different to how I expected, but I guess it's quite realistic for them? Idk I think it just felt a bit anti-climatic for me. But maybe I'll appreciate it more looking back.
I'm also now curious to know who this green is that Lan is bonded to (end of book 5) and whether it is someone mentioned in this book 👀 or if there are any characters I'll see later on.
Current favourites - SIUAN
4 Stars
New Spring is a much shorter book than other instalments in the series, so it’s not too surprising that I had less to say about it. I see discourse online about where to read this prequel. Most people seem to say after book 5, or after book 10. I think it was effective, me reading this one after book 5, as it does give some much appreciated background context to both Moiraine and Siuan. I think on my 2026 read through though, I will read it after book 10, as a nice little interlude deeper into the story. This read through continues with Lord of Chaos!
December 2021 - Lord of Chaos
This was WILD! I'm loving the direction this series is heading and I couldn't be more invested.
SPOILERS
SO, first things first I need to talk about Rand. As the series has progressed I've liked Rand more and more, but with this book he has finally become my favourite. I love that we're getting this internal battle with Lews Therin, (even if Rand doesn't lol). Literally any time Rand starts descending into madness I start smiling sinisterly like yes gimme more, keep laughing uncontrollably. Oh also Alanna bonding Rand without his consent was a huge surprise to me... It somehow didn't even cross my mind as a possibility and It made me so uncomfortable. I was so mad when it happened. I'm really on Rand's side apparently and it's so frustrating that she's just always gonna have that connection to my boy now. But tbh I think it's just gonna push him away more and have him trust Aes Sedai EVEN less, which is one step closer to the dark one tehehe.
All the scenes in the black tower were sick and I love that we got this opposition to the white tower now which was clearly needed. Taim has such style I'm obsessed! He's definitely got something going on and I have literally no idea what but I'm really enjoying him currently being Rand's right hand man. They're the new power couple around. I like the way they have their own progression system. It seems to be developing fast which is exciting.
Nynaeve is an absolute monster. I was rooting for her so hard throughout all this book and I had to stop myself a few times because like Christ, I didn't even know I liked her like that 😂 she's definitely gotten better as a character as it's gone on, or I've just warmed to her more idk. But anyway when she reversed the gentling on Logain I was buzzing! Like we all knew it was coming let's be honest but it finally actually happened and it was all done so well. Logain's whole character arc has been nuts so far. And now Siuan is back in action too which we love to see! I also love Nynaeve and Moghedien together, like they've really been having their own battle this whole time. Oh and the fact that the A'dam is wireless now is so funny to me 😂
One thing with Nynaeve and Elayne's subplot tho, is I swear we spent the whole book talking about finding this stupid bowl and then when they FINALLY go to look for it we just get a couple pages at the end saying how they couldn't find it. And I'm like.... Wtf 😂 did I miss something or is that plot line being wrapped up in the next one? Idk Elayne's a bit of a wet wipe anyway tbf I was wanting her to be some badass Queen of Andor. Why won't anyone listen to Rand? Lol because he's a nutter.
Okay so Egweye... Definitely some strong movements here 😂 At first I was like WTF this is way too soon for her to be Amyrlin Seat. In my head she was gonna become Aes Sedai in this or the next book and then become Amyrlin in the one after or even one after that. But now? Like she isn't even Aes Sedai yet? I just feel like we're being deprived of the full Aes Sedai progression arc, like everyone's just being fast tracked. Has Nynaeve even done one test? Lmao I don't think she has. But anyway, I'm kinda growing to accept it now because firstly she's not even really the Amyrlin let's be honest. Elaida is still the Amyrlin and Egwene's just this fake one till Elaida is usurped, so it's still gonna take a while for it to be official. Also it does kinda make sense in a way to have someone easy to manipulate and to build a better report between Rand and the white tower. However, with how Rand is feeling now I don't think it'll make much difference. Ngl I wanted Siuan back on there 😂 she deserves it and I feel like she'd be much more respected than some 18 year old who's barely an accepted. Side note-this whole Gawyn and Egweyne suddenly being in love thing is ridiculous and I need it to stop.
Ngl I'm struggling to think what Mat even did 😂 I feel like every book he's just doing what Rand tells him to and we got some more of that basically. I'm still waiting for him to spread his wings and actually do something on his own but nope.
I grew to love the Aiel in this book. In previous installments I haven't been invested in the waste or that side of things. However I think something about spending so much time in the waste from the perspective of a wetlander but now having the Aiel in the wetlands is so funny with all the culture shock 😂 I also love how bitchy the handtalk is. Like some wetlander will make a dumb comment and then it instantly cuts to a couple maidens 'exchanging handtalk' 😂 Also when a Wetlander makes some joke and the Aiel are like 😐 and vise versa is making me laugh coz I never understand either of the jokes lmao.
Ahhh Perrin it's been a while... It was so nice to be back in the two rivers in the prologue catching up on everything that's going on. Ngl Faile was kinda turning it out being this mayor type figure. But then Perrin's like 'gtg bye' and we don't see him again for 800 pages 😂😂 but he does come back and Faile too (reeking of jealousy). This whole Perrin smelling emotion thing is cool in theory, but in practice it's pretty annoying... It just seems like a cheap way to show the emotion of non POV characters and I can't help but eyeroll when someone 'smells of rage' 🙄. Anyway, my heart was racing when he was calling all of them wolves and gathering them together... I was like oh boy this is epic! But I swear he didn't even use them in the fight? Idk, but the Dumai's Wells fight was soooo brutal! I need to reread it.The way everything came together was perfect too. Not only having Peerin, Loail and Aram right in the fray, but also Rand at peak madness, his Aielman, the Shaido and then to top it off Taim and the black tower! So good. I love how Rand’s slowly turning into a villain and I'm so here for it. The way all the Asha'man are presented is pretty evil and I'm really hoping it keeps developing in this direction.
Speaking of evil we get some more snippets into the Forsaken and I'm loving this fight for the dark ones favour they got going on, with wanting to become Nae'blis. I'm dead excited to see who that's gonna be... Taim? Rand... ? Pls lol. Oh shit that 'woman' using Saidin at the end to free Moghedien omg. Christ so much happened in this book it's nuts.
Loial’s mother coming to take him back to the Stedding to get married is a moment I've been waiting for and it didn't disappoint. I was so gassed when they appeared outta nowhere 😂 I kinda wanted Loial to be taken away but then for us to get a POV from inside the Stedding of him settling down but then wanting to escape again or something. I want more Ogier characters and a Loial subplot lol.
Overall, this could well be my favourite of the series so far. I am hesitant to rank any of these book against each other tho coz I know it'll all change in a reread 😅
Current favourites - Rand, Taim, Siuan, Nyneave, Perrin, Loial.
Ps. Pls come back Lanfear and flirt with Lews Therin inside Rand's head.
5 stars
So we’re back to giving The Wheel of Time 5 stars! Honestly, I have not read this review I wrote since I published it in late 2021 and reading it now has gotten me so gassed to get back into this world. This one in particular seemed to evoke the most emotions out of me, which is wild to think because there’s so much I don’t remember. I like how I took the time to give Rand some time in the spotlight, as he is the main character after all. It seems as though in my previous reviews I neglected him, which is odd to me, as when I think back to the series now, he stands out as a firm favourite. I am really obsessed with Lanfear, it seems xD. She has constantly been on my favourites list, and I’m not even entirely sure why. It must be that gothic mysterious beauty that I love for Rand’s love interest… I’m not sure. I do love a sexy villain. What can I say? I’m only human.
It’s nice to see Nynaeve shoot up to my favourites in this one too! This just goes to show how much can change in one book of a series. Hell, I didn’t even seem to find Faile annoying in this one. The descent into Rand's madness is something that I do remember very vividly, and it still acts as the primary driving force for me to continue on with my journey through The Wheel of Time. I really hope that he only becomes more and more mad to the point of pure insanity. A guy can dream, right? I just think this would be such a dark twist to the series and would really separate it from other books I have read in the past. I am a horror fan after all. Let me live.
My Wheel of Time Journey is then brought to a halt at the beginning of 2022. Much like how I stopped reading when I was in university, when I first moved out and was working, I also stopped reading for a time. Boo! Naturally, this led to me DNFing A Crown of Swords. Big sad.
2025
We have made it to 2025 and my reading is back into my life in full swing! This time, now that I am much older and have less pivotal life changes in my life (I think), I can see reading sticking around as my primary hobby. This means only one thing… My Wheel of Time Journey begins anew!
There are neither beginnings nor endings to the turning of the wheel. But 2025 was a beginning.
I know I said that I had stopped reading up until this point, and that’s not completely true. During all these breaks from reading I have nearly always had an audiobook on the go. Audiobooks were a great asset in keeping me in touch with the reading world, despite me not feeling the urge or desire to pick up a physical book. By 2025, we have also had 3 seasons of The Wheel of Time TV show released, which is great for fans of the show and whatever, even if it’s cancelled now. But more importantly, this means that there are 4 published audiobooks narrated by Rosamund Pike, who plays Moiraine on the show.
I have dabbled in the The Wheel of Time audiobooks in the past, but I'm gonna be honest. I don’t like Michael Kramer and Kate Reading's narrations. I know, I can hear your gasps from here. I get it. I respect them as narrators and understand that they are very much beloved within the fantasy and audiobook communities, but their style of narration is just not for me. I find their accents annoying and the pronunciation inconsistencies, especially in The Wheel of Time, are incredibly jarring. Luckily, Rosamund Pike is here to save the day and delivers a performance of a lifetime in these books! It makes me so pissed that the show has been cancelled. Not because I wanted more seasons, but simply due to the fact that the likelihood of Amazon issuing any more audiobooks narrated by Rosamund Pike is next to none, now there’s no show to promote. Urgh, whatever I will appreciate that we have the first 4 and enjoy them.
And enjoy them, I shall! During 2025 I spread out listening to the first 3 books in the series and am currently about to start The Shadow Rising. This marks my third time reading that initial trilogy and I hope that it is now my last! At least until I have finished the entire series. I have however only read The Shadow Rising and subsequent few books once, and my memory is hazy as to the events that transpire. Judging by my past reviews I am more than certain I will enjoy them once more and hopefully continue on to the end this time.
2026
At the time of this post it’s January 2026 and I will soon be listening to The Shadow Rising before continuing on with the rest of the series. I have a rough plan to read one book a month, with some shorter horror books in between to break it up, but we shall see what happens. My main concern is that I will experience a burnout. If this does happen, I simply need to make sure that I don’t go back and reread any of the previous books and plough through to the end. Luckily, this shouldn’t be too difficult thanks to the handy Wheel of Time summary video, Daniel Greene has posted. Where the hell was this when I needed it back in 2021!!
If you have made it to this point in the post… Wow… This has mainly been my nonsensical ramblings of frustration at still reading this mammoth of a series almost 10 years after I began. While my Wheel of Time Journey has been a lengthy one, it has still only just begun. I am determined more than ever to finally get to the end of the series! And now that I have posted this recap of my journey so far, I will post my reviews filled with spoiler thoughts as and when I finish each instalment.
There are neither Beginnings nor Endings to reading the Wheel of Time. But 2026 marks a beginning.
I can’t believe you have actually read this far! Thanks! - Ang
(to be continued)
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