Wheel of time readalong 2022 discussion

Final thoughts

Is it bad that I was thankful Perrin and Faile were not in this book? Their drama was the only part I really disliked in book 4. This one has a similar slowing down with some of the Min / Siuan / Leane storyline but it was not as bad and wraps up well toward the end.

I am loving the way that Rand is becoming more and more of an active part of his own story. Even how he convinces Moiraine toward the end that he needs the freedom to be his own man in order to succeed as the Dragon Reborn. (view spoiler)[Moiraine's death broke my heart but was a fantastic end to her character arc. (hide spoiler)]

Egwene also seems to be intentionally naïve as to how she views Rand and I became tired of her constant complaining about his arrogance. Thankfully she has few POV entries; hopefully she matures before she becomes primary again.

Elayne and Nynaeve have an entertaining story with good twists and turns. Especially loved how Nynaeve's arc closed toward the end of this story. Her fear was well developed and pays off excellently.

Mat's story has raised many questions for me but I feel I must reserve judgment until I see how they pay off. It felt like a lot of setup with very little payoff this book but that can be great if there is solid payoff in later entries.

Morgase did not get many chapters but I absolutely loved her story and found it both believable and exciting. Can't wait to see where this goes.

Rand's inability to kill women, even to save the world, makes some sense but also gets tiresome. I think the indicators are there that he is getting over this so hopefully he grows out of that as we move into the next book.

The world's division, when they most need to be united, is well developed and helps raise the sense of dread as Tarmon Gai'don looms on the horizon. As much as I wish they would wise up and unite, I must admit that this political maneuvering and ankle biting is true to the human condition. It helps make the world feel real and lived in while also raising the stakes for what Rand must overcome before time runs out.

I forgot to do this!
So I finished this in April, and I liked it mostly the same as the others, but I didn't see it getting any better or getting out from the slug.... 😶
It's the same, but longer, which is the reason it felt even more boring 😅
But 4 ⭐ still