Rand al’Thor leads the Aiel clans across the Spine of the World into Cairhien to confront the warlord Couladin. While Rand manages the political collapse of the Sun Throne and prepares for an inevitable assault by the Forsaken Rahvin, Nynaeve al’Meara and Elayne Trakand travel through Amadicia. They join a traveling menagerie to hide from the Whitecloak inquisitors while seeking the rebel Aes Sedai in Salidar. The narrative culminates in a magical siege at Caemlyn and a showdown in the dream world of Tel’aran’rhiod.
Readers who follow long-form high fantasy prioritize this installment for its escalation of large-scale military strategy and the expansion of the magic system. It provides a detailed look at the cultural friction between the Aiel and the wetlands nations. By the final page, the reader understands the tactical risks of using balefire and observes a significant shift in the global balance of power as Rand begins seizing individual thrones to unify the continent.
Escapist; a moderate read.
Best for readers like The Escapist Adventurer. Which reader are you?
- Published
- 1993
- Language
- EN
