This book is my least favorite of the Wheel of Time so far, having
just finished A Crown of Swords (Book 7). That being said, it was
highly entertaining, continued the illumination of the world where it
takes place, and contains plenty of action. In short, I loved it, but
I just didn't love it quite as much as The Shadow Rising, or Lord of
Chaos. Nevertheless my recommendation is to keep reading.

This book does follow the "pick up and leave" formula of the previous
four books, this time starting out from Rhuidean, with Rand and the
Aiel heading back to Cairhien, and warring with the Shaido, in picking
up from the ashes of The Shadow Rising. There is much explication of
the workings of the power with Asmodean, a very interesting character,
and of course Lanfear is still afoot. Rand's relationship with
Aviendha develops more and things take surprising twists that are not
resolved in this book. Mat is developed very highly as a character: I
really started to like him in this book. Nynaeve and Elayne make
their way back to the tower unknowing of the schism precipitated by
Siuan's deposing. Perrin is totally absent. This was a surprising
choice to me, but I barely noticed, and the way it was done (there are
visits to the Two Rivers in the dream world) was artful.

The big one was this: Nynaeve and Elayne join a circus. Now when I
first read this, I was furrowing my brow trying to think if this was
really as silly as it seems. After having read the next two books, I
realize it makes a lot of sense: Jordan's depiction of the world he
has created includes all aspects, which is what makes it great. One
of those aspects is the arts that he depicts. One of the biggest
characters of The Eye of the World is a gleeman; gleeman, poets,
musicians and so on take particularly large roles in these stories.
After considering that, seeing Elayne and Nynaeve in contact with a
traveling show made sense. It also makes sense in the political
context where Jordan presents it. I don't mind so much after a little
thought. Definitely not a reason to stop after The Shadow Rising.

The ending of this book (that is, the last 200 pages) is the big
action sequence, where we don't just get the usual big fight with the
Forsaken, but three (count 'em, 3!) huge battles take place.
Furthermore two major characters are done in during a sequence that
still haunts me. If Wheel of Time movies are made, I will watch this
scene over and over.

Just the 3 first of the serie are somehow worth the reading. Following the readers review I bought straight the 9 first books. What a mistake. the Game of Thrones or even Sword of truth series are far better than the Wheel of time serie. It is as if Robert Jordan is paid by the line like the french writers from the 19th century, Balzac, Flaubert etc...
So far I have finished 1 to 7. From the 4th (till 7th) they just are impossible to finish. Like chewing branflakes forever and being unable to swallow it.
I really regret I went further the third.

Do not make my mistake unless slow rythm and low level action is what you seek.
Robert Jordan has also the gift for beginning threads of stories with no intention of closing them, creating new characters without really caring to give them substance, depth or real influence on the plot.

My recommendation: read the 3 first ones, and then taste the 4th, if you have the patience and like it carry on. If not don't hope it'll get better and you'll get some action or anything ...stop right there.
Same with the 5th etc...
Don't buy them all at once like me.
This a real never ending story, not even close to that, and it just gets slower and slower with more and more characters...
I hate it, but may be you won't.
My bet ? you will.

This is book five in a series of books by Robert Jordan called "The Wheel of Time." It is a well-written sprawling science fiction fantasy saga about a young man who is born to end up battling with the evil force in the world. He and his friends travel all over the world trying to get everyone on his side, getting ready for the big battle which will decide whether the end of the world will go to the evil one or the good people. But not everyone will believe in him. There is magic, and unseen forces, monsters, strange peoples from far away, all kinds of different unexplainable things happening that can only happen when magic is used. It's a fun read, there are many small plots and twists to follow along the way. I love the story line, and the writer is wonderful. It's very colorful, and it is easy to visualize in your head, based on his descriptions, what is going on. The characters are very real and their personalities are very distinct and some are quite unusual. I have looked forward to each book as I have gone along through the series.

If you like the books so far you will love this one the ending is so intense.

The box arrived in good condition if just a bit later then expected (two days beyond stated delivery window). The packaging was well done to prevent damage and the box contained what I had ordered, always a good thing.

I don't understand why sellers do not give a brief synopsis of the book they are selling and would be grateful for this addition. But over all I was happy with this sellers treatment of my order.