Daniel Ramirez’s Reviews > A Crown of Swords > Status Update

Sammael and Graendal (Caddar and Miasia) essentially finish off the Shaido by tricking them into portals that send some into Rand’s army and others spread out from Illian to Ghealdan. Sammael does give Sevanna an Oath Rod though, and she currently holds Galina along with all having all of the Wise Ones that can channel with her.

The Bowl is found, but a gholam impervious to channeling attacks. The Seanchan also begin invading Ebou Dar.

Nynaeve and Lan are married by the Seafolk. Mat’s thoughts on the matter are that, “Only a fool married, and only a madman would marry Nynaeve” (748). He once again almost cries over his utter helplessness to Tylin’s advances. She is moving him into her apartments and getting seamstresses to take his measurements. A courageous hero indeed.

The Seafolk are Rand’s. Into the Woods and Blades, 2 more outstanding chapters. The former echoes the series’ early adventures as Rand and Min sneak into the rebel camp. Blades is dramatic and action packed. The three Ashaman the story focuses on are becoming very interesting characters, and seeing them interact with Aes Sedai without Rand provided great suspense along with just being a novelty given the history

Elaida panics after learning the news of Rand’s escape so she takes advice from Alviarin but then plots to get rid of her. She sends Seaine to look for the black ajah within the tower. Rand sulks after exiling Perrin but also because he believes he sexually assaulted Min, saying he should hang for the monstrous act. Min tells him that she consented and is even offended by the notion that he took advantage of her.

Moghedien attacks Nynaeve’s ship with bale fire, causing her to almost drown, but at the brink she finally surrenders to saidar and beaks her block, and Lan saves her from drowning. They are finally reunited. Nynaeve invites nearly 2000 Kin to the Tower. Reanne reveals that she will be 412 on her next birthday and they reveal the location of the Bowl of the Winds.

Festival of Birds- The funniest chapter in the series so far. Mat cannot wrap his head around the culture in Ebou Dar where women chase men and even beggars have guilds. He is also starting to seriously consider a woman - Birgitte - as a real friend and drinking buddy, and even if she did show any romantic interest in him, he would take offense because she likes men who are “dog ugly.” Comedy gold

The Irrevocable Words is an insane chapter. The Seanchan finally make their first big move after lurking in the background for multiple books and take over Amadicia. It is implied that Morgase is raped by Valda, which was extremely jarring to read as she attempts to put the trauma behind her. She has probably suffered and lost more than any other main character, which is probably what leads her to silently abdicate.

Mat is attacked by assassins at the inn he’s staying at. Elaida’s ambassadors decide to bide their time before sending messages back to the tower. Rand attempts to send Berelain back to Mayene, but is interrupted by a condescending Aes Sedai named Cadsuane who is Green Ajah and claims to have fought more male channelers than any of the Red Ajah. She makes him question his madness, if Lews Therin is real or not.