The Dragon Reborn
Just finished The Dragon Reborn. This felt shorter than the two previous books (not sure if it actually is or it's just my imagination) and didn't give a similar rush. Although it certainly had its moments.
Let's see.
There was surprisingly little of Rand in this book. Most of his journey to Tear went unwitnessed, except for a few dream scenes. And this book must be where I began to dislike Moiraine. She's insufferable, at times, and knowing that she has her reasons does not help.
Well, now that I think on it, very few of the characters were too interesting in this particular book. Nynaeve and Egwene act like bitches towards each other, Mat's trying to run from the inevitable, Perrin's getting pwned hardcore by Faile and Faile is being a spoiled brat.
I'm also noticing a pattern that I didn't notice when I read these books before. Steven Erikson would call it convergence. My memory of the Wheel of Time series was... well, a blur, seeing as it's been that long since I read them, but the books seemed more... seamless, back then. Blending into one another more seamlessly. And now that I read them again, I'm shocked at how I could possible have missed something this obvious. First book, they go to Shienar and to the Eye of the World. Second book, they're scattered but they all still end up in Falme. Third book, they're all scattered again yet they again all end up in Tear. (Wait, no, Min doesn't. She's on her way to or in Tar Valon. Anyway. Everyone we follow in this book end up in Tear.) I know it doesn't go on like this for much longer, but really, this is far less confusing than I remembered. Of course, back when I first read these, I hadn't read Erikson; now that I have, keeping up with Jordan's character cast and their whereabouts when they're not together is a cakewalk.
Anyway. Although it seems like I'm just complaining, I did enjoy the book. Obviously. Otherwise I wouldn't have read it this fast. Some highlights that I remember off the top of my head:
The crazy foreshadowing of Egwene's Accepted test. Her as the Amyrlin Seat, without having held the Oath Rod? Why, Mr Jordan, you sure were a devious one..!
Thom Merrilin. I like the guy and I'm glad he's still hanging in there.
Mat delivering the letter to Morgase. That sometimes things do work out as planned - well, somewhat as planned.
Nynaeve healing the Aiel woman. Also, her chat with the Wise Woman in Tear. She's a good character when she's not bitching at everyone.
Rhuarc. I remember I liked him, even if I don't yet remember why I liked him so much, but from what we've seen of him thus far I'm fairly certain I'll find out soon once I read on.
Hopper in the Wolf Dream. Now he can fly, like an eagle. <3
Perrin doing blacksmith stuff in Tear. And the hammer.
That they finally figured out that the dude calling himself Ba'alzamon isn't the freakin' Dark One himself, but Ishamael. Although... Did he just die like that? Why did I have the impression that Ishamael played a bigger role overall?
Anyway, think that's all I've got to say for now. Carry on.
Let's see.
There was surprisingly little of Rand in this book. Most of his journey to Tear went unwitnessed, except for a few dream scenes. And this book must be where I began to dislike Moiraine. She's insufferable, at times, and knowing that she has her reasons does not help.
Well, now that I think on it, very few of the characters were too interesting in this particular book. Nynaeve and Egwene act like bitches towards each other, Mat's trying to run from the inevitable, Perrin's getting pwned hardcore by Faile and Faile is being a spoiled brat.
I'm also noticing a pattern that I didn't notice when I read these books before. Steven Erikson would call it convergence. My memory of the Wheel of Time series was... well, a blur, seeing as it's been that long since I read them, but the books seemed more... seamless, back then. Blending into one another more seamlessly. And now that I read them again, I'm shocked at how I could possible have missed something this obvious. First book, they go to Shienar and to the Eye of the World. Second book, they're scattered but they all still end up in Falme. Third book, they're all scattered again yet they again all end up in Tear. (Wait, no, Min doesn't. She's on her way to or in Tar Valon. Anyway. Everyone we follow in this book end up in Tear.) I know it doesn't go on like this for much longer, but really, this is far less confusing than I remembered. Of course, back when I first read these, I hadn't read Erikson; now that I have, keeping up with Jordan's character cast and their whereabouts when they're not together is a cakewalk.
Anyway. Although it seems like I'm just complaining, I did enjoy the book. Obviously. Otherwise I wouldn't have read it this fast. Some highlights that I remember off the top of my head:
The crazy foreshadowing of Egwene's Accepted test. Her as the Amyrlin Seat, without having held the Oath Rod? Why, Mr Jordan, you sure were a devious one..!
Thom Merrilin. I like the guy and I'm glad he's still hanging in there.
Mat delivering the letter to Morgase. That sometimes things do work out as planned - well, somewhat as planned.
Nynaeve healing the Aiel woman. Also, her chat with the Wise Woman in Tear. She's a good character when she's not bitching at everyone.
Rhuarc. I remember I liked him, even if I don't yet remember why I liked him so much, but from what we've seen of him thus far I'm fairly certain I'll find out soon once I read on.
Hopper in the Wolf Dream. Now he can fly, like an eagle. <3
Perrin doing blacksmith stuff in Tear. And the hammer.
That they finally figured out that the dude calling himself Ba'alzamon isn't the freakin' Dark One himself, but Ishamael. Although... Did he just die like that? Why did I have the impression that Ishamael played a bigger role overall?
Anyway, think that's all I've got to say for now. Carry on.