That one sentence at Dumai's Wells: "Ashaman, kill."

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

Epic.

@pueblonative

4 жыл бұрын

This is straight up the Battle of New Orleans

@justincroft2299

4 жыл бұрын

"Ashaman, attack!"... Just wouldn't have been the same. Especially considering the result.

@briangallagher3106

3 жыл бұрын

I just finished the book. That scene was insane!

@ChristmasLore

2 жыл бұрын

It's a massacre. Both Rand and Perrin hated it. So did I.

Egwene gets nominated for Amyrlin because she knows how to toh the line. I thank you.

@ericsinger2692

3 жыл бұрын

Slow clap

@Sir_TophamHatt

3 ай бұрын

🤦‍♂️

"That's her secret; she's always angry."

"Kneel to the lord dragon," he said softly, "or you will be knelt." Gets me every time I read it.

Listening to Mike's book review is always a reward for finishing each book 😆

Elayne has successfully made some Ter'Angreal.

@mikesbookreviews

5 жыл бұрын

Ah, yes! I knew I had just forgotten. Thanks.

The forced Bonding was totally a violation... and it's a clear sign that even the "good" Aes Sedai, like Allanah, have a very twisted view of what the limits of their power should be. Allanah wanted to protect Rand... giving him Warder abilities, including endurance, shadowspawn detection, and some others, must have seemed to her, like a win/win idea. And she was so convinced that it was the right thing to do she didn't even bother asking him. The road to hell...

@bartsullivan4866

10 ай бұрын

It seemed to backfire right away, that she would not have control of Rand at all but the opposite. Maybe she goes mad before him. With Rands ability to still women at will makes me wonder if he will do that to her or will she die in one of the future books.

@Sir_TophamHatt

3 ай бұрын

She’s honestly lucky Rand didn’t still or kill her when he found out the bond couldn’t be broken. She wasn’t part of any official delegation that had leverage to protect her. Taim or the Lews Theren part of Rand wouldn’t have even hesitated.

@GnarledStaff

Ай бұрын

She was absolutely thinking about controlling him more than any benefit to him, though that probably played a part in her rationalization.

@GnarledStaff

Ай бұрын

Also, the violation of this happening to man on the edge of madness and dealing with paranoia is such a beautiful driving trauma. Its so uncomfortable and thats why I love it.

This book had 2 of my favorite scenes in the entire series. Logain's cleansing, and Rand's escape. Such a good series.

@mikesbookreviews

5 жыл бұрын

Some great moments, for sure.

@LANFEAR93

4 жыл бұрын

Logain's cleansing? Did I miss something?

@thelatenightgamer2624

2 жыл бұрын

@@LANFEAR93 yes read until winters heart

@JoelAdamson

2 жыл бұрын

I think I cried when Nynaeve healed Siuan and Leane.

in retrospect after studying history, I think it makes perfect sense for Egwene to be used as a puppet. the people in the shadows always set up figureheads.

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

Yeah, after I thought about it, this made sense. But I filmed this immediately after finishing. Now I usually take 2-3 days after finishing a book to let things marinate more.

@Sir_TophamHatt

3 ай бұрын

The irony is that elaida thought she would have the same power as amyrlin as suian but ended up as little more than a puppet, whereas egwene was very obviously intended as a puppet from the beginning but managed to use her position as rebel amyrlin to achieve real power

"The lions sing and the hills take flight The moon by day and the sun by night Blind woman, deaf man, jackdaw fool Let the Lord of Chaos rule"

i have reread and listened to this series of 15 times and I pick up new hints and foreshadowing every single time. the last 4 books will rock your world

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

Now that I'm finally there, I think I'm seeing this. KoD has been a return to form.

Honestly the contrast between the light-hearted tone and the darker bits is why I prefer WoT to say GoT. The quote I always bring up up is "The worst tragedy can only be as tragic as the brightest hope, if you start dark there's not much more black you can get." Yes the series does get dark, VERY dark, but there is always a thread of hope and characters that mean to do right by others and the world, even if they have different and clashing ideas of how to do it. Hell of all of the disturbing things that happen throughout the books the most impactful stuff is done though more implication than anything. Not nearly as graphic or dark as other fiction i have read but WAY more memorable.

@mikesbookreviews

5 жыл бұрын

Eefell This is why I will never stop reading “traditional” fantasy. I love the grit and realism of grimdark fantasy, but sometimes I’d like to not feel like shit for the main characters ha ha

I think the reason why Mat, Rand and Perring are getting away with being humiliated by the girls are that the Aes Sedai is the most powerfull organisation in the WOT world. It is like some small king during the medieval times would be schooled by the pope. A Pope that could use Magic and had sorceress at her disposal^^

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

I get it. Just think it belittles your character that is supposed to save the world in front of those he’s trying to gain the loyalty of.

@stevemadden3642

4 жыл бұрын

Mike's Book Reviews that actually sums up why I hate the fucking white tower so much.

@GnarledStaff

Ай бұрын

It also shows the flaws in the system and themes of disunity among the light. They should be backing Rand but are actively antagonizing him, showing how their arrogance leads to mismanagement of their relationship with him.

@billhanscomb1119

8 күн бұрын

They are arrogant and have been in power for the last 3,000 years. They are just use to getting their way.

Gotta say I just happened upon your reviews due to how KZread handles search results but I must say I’m very impressed by your reviews, it’s nice to see a person review these books who doesn’t have a adolescent nostalgic connection to the series. You enjoy them yet make valid criticisms of them. Overall I’ve enjoyed these reviews because while you get the major strengths of the series and Jordan’s style, your not pulling punches in your criticism. I appreciate your authenticity, keep up the good work.

@mikesbookreviews

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much. That means a ton. As far as constructive criticism, I can understand some not liking it much. I mean, if someone read Lord of the Rings for the first time and called something I loved stupid, I'd be ready to fight, ha ha.

So, I get that you were a bit over all the Aiel stuff (and empathise with the Fremen comparison), and also the aspects of "Egwene is Amyrlin now" storyline. But I just wanted to draw your attention back to her "I have Toh" moment. It's really the point at which I actually started to like Egwene, as I did with Nynaeve later (but never with Elayne), and respect her growth as a character.

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

This is why I stopped recording the episodes like 20 minutes after I finished reading because I didn’t let things marinate yet. I think my frustration with Egwene was more her being such a prick to Rand. She has never really bothered me in the books like Elayne has.

@davidpeacock8276

3 жыл бұрын

I love everything Aiel. Jordan's culture building is one of my favorite things about the series. I pretty much wrote Egwene off as a boring secondary character until this book. I really fell for her in this book. I never thought I'd say this, but I look forward to more Egwene.

@TiroDvD

3 жыл бұрын

I was more ticked off of Egwene being full Aiel in custom and morels in the previous book. Yes she trained with them (being super greedy for knowledge in the Power PSTD and what not). It's one thing to learn and train and show respect; e.g. Karate Kid, "I have toh"; it's another to go full native (on the Cairhiene).

Mike, I'm 100% with you on your conclusion that you miss the sense of journey in the first three books. I just finished Lord of Chaos and I feel burnt-out by the number of irrelevant characters introduced, the tiring sequences on the peculiarities of Aiel culture, and people sort of just "hanging out" in Salidar, Cairhein, etc.. Don't get me started on the World of Dreams. I miss the sense of discovery that Rand and his friends were experiencing in the first three books, and how Moiraine, Lan, Thom, and Loial were indispensible mentors. Now, most of them are in very high positions of power and they all seem to have figured out how most things work. I need a break before I get into the next four... Might go read some Pratchett or Stephen King. And speaking of the next four books, could you maybe do a spoiler-free video on the "Slog" and why you think this label isn't helpful and why I SHOULD keep reading?

Dumai's Wells was the apex of the entire series for me. There are great things that happen afterward, but this is just the best.

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

It was tough to beat.

@Mark-iv6yg

4 жыл бұрын

Mike's Book Reviews The Bonehunters “hold my beer⁉️”

@throatwobblermangrove8510

4 жыл бұрын

@@Mark-iv6yg What part of the series was that?

@Mark-iv6yg

4 жыл бұрын

Throatwobbler Mangrove book six of The Malazan Book Of The Fallen

@throatwobblermangrove8510

4 жыл бұрын

@@Mark-iv6yg So it's not part of the series, which was what the comment you replied to was about. An applicable "hold my beer" statement would have been another scene in the series. ;-)

Your theory about Taim is a very popular one! Also yeah Alanna bonding Rand I do see how you would compare that to magical rape, I mean in a way it is. The fact that she did that without his consent made my blood boil, in fact I think I really started hating the Aes Sedai in this book. There's a lot of very dark stuff going on but I guess people who skim might not catch up on it, I would definitely not think these books are PG.

@mikesbookreviews

5 жыл бұрын

That comment was more towards the people who said this could never be as big as Game of Thrones (on TV) because it's "too PG." I've said time and again, just because Jordan, Tolkien, and Sanderson don't describe sex and violence to the point of GOOD LORD! doesn't mean it isn't there. I can think of something in every WoT book so far that could be a horror show when adapted.

@mikesbookreviews

5 жыл бұрын

And the reason I put an emphasis on that was because I never like to use the word "rape" lightly. And since Moiraine is gone and Verin is acting all sorts of shady in this book, I don't trust the Aes Sedai any further than I can spit. Not even Siuan.

@christopherrousseau1173

5 жыл бұрын

@@mikesbookreviews Even the other Aes Sedai who find out what Alanna did treat it like rape. They even say it a few times throughout the books..

@chadwhitfield6946

4 жыл бұрын

@@christopherrousseau1173 but she becomes one of his biggest supporters after.

@aldenwilkins

4 жыл бұрын

Even though it was done to save her life, Birgette was bonded without her consent as well. Something I never really thought about until now, after many re-reads..

I'm loving your videos! Your way of retelling and sharing your opinions is perfect. I was excited to hear this video because it's such a great ending. My wife and I are reading through this book together and I can't wait for her to hear the ending. This is my fifth time through and her first. Keep reading and sharing. You're on the right track!

@mikesbookreviews

5 жыл бұрын

Fifth time?! Wow. I think I've only done Lord of the Rings that many. Thank you so much for the kind words.

Thanks for this, look forward to your reviews as I work my way through these books. Keep it up!

@mikesbookreviews

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks a ton! I plan on getting back on WoT in January with Crown of Swords & Path of Daggers.

Found this rabbit hole today. Good job man. Earned a sub. I like to read a series then later I'll listen to the audiobook. It helps me to understand it in a conversational way. Also really helps with pronunciation and with the wheel of time there are so many damn names and places. I just had to say if you have never listened to the book, you are doing damn good with pronunciation. 👊

That was my exact same reaction, hope the tv series can depict this final battle properly and do it justice

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

It needs to be EPIC

Super awesome reviews man! Keep it up!

Every question you had for future storylines were the same that the old fans had but we had to wait for 1-3 years for each new installments to get some of the answers. I hope you continue past book 9-10. The last 4 books are really good and faster paced.

@mikesbookreviews

5 жыл бұрын

Oh, I will definitely finish. I'm actually forcing myself to slow down. I'm still very excited.

I’m so glad you’re reading these!!!

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

Reading book 7 after I finish my current book.

just found your channel and videos on Wot and I am thoroughly enjoying the time and effort you put into reviewing the good and bad of my beloved series.

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

Welcome to the fun. Glad you're enjoying them.

Egwene becoming Amyrlin WAS the plan all along. Jordan wrote the ending of the series at the same time he wrote the first book, & planned the story for 10 years before writing anything. If you decide to do a re-read, follow along with the WoTSpoilers podcast & you'll start to see how much is prophesied for things you haven't read yet. Those guys have probably read the series a dozen times each. Mat is a slow build, but he gets a lot of page time in the next book and over the last half of the series as a whole. He is loved because he is a badass fighter in his own right & incredibly smart. Not everyone would be intelligent enough to make decisions for military situations (you've only scratched the surface there) based on those memories from dead generals.

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

I'll get into it when I do my review, but I finished ACoS today and love that I finally got my "Mat book."

Elayne passes on most of what she and Nynaeve learned from Moghedian to the other Aes Sedai. She also makes sure Nynaeve doesn't run away when things are going badly for them.

@mikesbookreviews

5 жыл бұрын

That's fair.

Great review. Keep up the vids!

@mikesbookreviews

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you! As long as you guys keep watching/commenting, I'll keep making them. I love talking with others about what I'm reading.

Between Faile and Egwene I dont know who I dislike more? Leaning more toward Egwene. Especially as the story progresses.

You nailed the ending of the book with that shirt ;)

@mikesbookreviews

5 жыл бұрын

Ha! Now I'm going to pretend the shirt was intentional.

@Turvok

4 жыл бұрын

Master of puppets is almost more fitting lol

Man, Ride the Lightning is such a great album.

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

Indeed.

Only halfway through this review, but some points: I also loathe the idea of these girls who you'd call "friends" of Mat just flat out try to mug him of the medallion and when the weaves don't work, they immediately suggest getting a warder mug him. 'Cause you know, that's what friends do, right? You got a flashy new thingy I wanna try out, so I'll just grab a knife and steal it and afterwards pretend like it was totally fine. Other thought is the way men still respect the "trio" after being berated by Nynaeve etc. I think it's because of LT and the companions and the breaking of the world has had it's effect on how men are viewed by women and how men themselves view themselves. It's sort of a universal trauma in the Randland that started from small and after thousands of years is just part of how things work and nobody really knows why. The Randland as RJ wrote has a lot of these small gimmicks, like spanking grown ups and all around readyness for violence, even towards people close to you.

My friend and I had many a conversation about Elayne in this book. That her skills were the exacting of a new Age of Legends. She can make te'angreal. That's huge! I love Elayne in this book... Though I was expecting the bowl te'angreal to be found. Nonetheless! the ending I got....... Yes. Just..... *Yes*

@SeebsL

2 жыл бұрын

I am biased because I'm totally ok sitting with characters doing nothing if I like them (or like to hate them) but I quite enjoy Elayne's POV. She randomly makes me laugh out loud with her thoughts. And any time the magic system is explored I am intrigued. I think part of her super power is (with a few notable exceptions who rightly see her royal entitlement as condescending) that she is a charismatic magnet, her love gathering in those around her. She is unique among the other characters that she always is surrounded by people who have her back to the point she can be stupidly reckless.

While I definitely don't think this book as a whole is as good as some of the some of the previous ones, this book had one of the best endings in the series so far. Dumai's Wells was amazing and what the Asha'man did to the Shaido was unbelievably dark. This series has had its moments where things have gotten pretty dark (Egwene and the Seanchan comes to mind) but this was some next level shit right here.

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

Still probably my favorite finale of any of the books.

Agree with you about reading them over a long period of time. I started in 2014 and just finished Lord of Chaos today.

Don't tell me if this is right cause it is my first read trough, but your theory about Mazrim Taim makes a lot of sense and i had not thought about it and i am now terrified you might be right. 😵 I really enjoy watching your reviews btw.

You are completely correct! Forced bonding is like magical rape.

There was often a long gap between books 3 or 4 years sometimes, and the fans and discussion boards were always chafing at the bit for more WOT content. So what Jordan would do is release the first chapter early, sometimes up to a year earlier than the book to satisfy the thirsty fans. So often the prologue for WOT books are extra long. WOT discussion forums would pour over these early released chapters and endlessly dissect and analyse each paragraph and word choices in order to predict what was going to happen next. New readers to WOT are both spoiled in that they can just read book after book and get immediate answers to questions , and also unlucky because the waiting and predicting of events is what helped to make this series so special for many of us older WOT fans.

I am loving these videos. It is so much how I felt during the first reading. I was basically disliking MOST of the main characters and how Jordan jumped back and forth and leaving some characters out for a while. However. I promise you that at the end of the story all of these character arcs will come full circle, and you will be satisfied. If you do choose to re-read the series, it will grab you and not let you go. You are hitting SO many things right on, and the rest you are completely missing on, (Do not underestimate the Foresaken, and Padan Fain) which was Jordan's purpose, and I am loving it. Now, specifically, the battle of Dumai's Wells is one of the most gruesome and awesome battles ever written, and I HOPE will be displayed on tv. It is not PG-13. It is damn near X-rated. This book started me realizing what Rand has, is, and will have to go through before the end. Keep all the things he has and will go through in mind when reading Rand's character going forward.

@blueeyedcowboy8291

4 жыл бұрын

Also, the reason they seem to be shoving the Aiel down your throat is because they are so integral for the rest of the series without being the main story, so you need to know their culture. They still have more cultures to enter, so you have to know what the Aiel are, and what they stand for, and why they are even there. They are not just a side group, they are front and center. To put into context....They are the Marines.

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

That seems to be the feedback I've gotten from most viewers. I think it's similar to how I felt watching people who only watched the TV series of Game of Thrones freak out at character deaths I knew were coming.

Just found these videos and I'm about to hit the point on your playlistwhere I have to stop! I started to read these books way back in the very early 2000's, and it was the absolute slog and meandering pace of this one, plus all the attention on the Forsaken dude it followed, that bored me and made it feel like hardly any plot had developed in 800 pages. I was somewhere in the middle of book 7 when I just... stopped and never continued. I remember reading the short story of New Spring, and then learning about the full on book sometime after, so I did end up reading that book too, but then I just never quite touched them again. Here we are nearly 20 years later and I still would *like* to read this series, but I always preferred sci-fi trappings over fantasy when it comes to genre fiction, so it's a bit harder to get into the right mindset to try these books again. It was nice being reminded of plot elements that you covered in these first six reviews, however, so thanks for sharing your thoughts on this! I think I want to make a concerted effort to revisit these books starting this year. Cheers for now!

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

I feel like I've read enough of the series now (on book 12) to say I can see how folks might have jumped off in the middle. A ton of it should have been edited down. But I do see also why so many love it. Even if the last 2+ books are mind-blowing it won't touch Lord of the Rings of The First Law for me, but it's certainly living on the same block.

I just finished it!!!! The first half was my favorite book of the series so far, but the way the Aes Sedai acted as well as Elayne and Nynaeve made me so angry and frustrated that had to put the book down at times. I freaking loved all the stuff about the Forsaken though!! I think they are some of the most interesting characters in the book.

Man glad to see another WOT video from you.

@mikesbookreviews

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching!

Bonding a man is considered rape and Tower Law prohibits it and is an offence punishable by stilling and death. But the White Tower over looks the crime as it is a way to control the Dragon Reborn. Aes Sedai can compel their Warders and force them to do their bidding through the bond. Except in special circumstances.

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

RAPE IS A CRIME...unless it benefits us. - Rule 16, paragraph 2 of the White Tower handbook.

Love the shirt.

I enjoyed Egwene as Amyrlin. Nyneave does not have the temper to be Amrylin.

@manuelp6791

3 жыл бұрын

No no she dose not

Can’t wait to get back to this world

I think there is over a thousand named characters in the series.

@mikesbookreviews

5 жыл бұрын

Think I read somewhere that there are over 2700 named characters. I don't think I could come up with 100 original names, tbh.

@turtleanton6539

4 жыл бұрын

1,300 I think

just a thought... if you ever want to revisit the WOT series after you're done I suggest you try the audiobooks... Michael Kramer and Kate Reading does a wonderful job narrating and it will add another layer to the world.

@mikesbookreviews

5 жыл бұрын

So I keep being told. WoT fans seem to love Michael & Kate.

This particular wheel of time book feels very quotable. I was very curious which excerpt you were going to use from this book.

I think it’s actually hinted in this book between a conversation of samial and Graendal (sorry definitely misspelled those) she kinda tells him where demandred is but he thinks she’s trying to trick him into focusing on an area where demandred isn’t actually at. It’s either in this one or early in the next one without to many spoilers for people who haven’t read farther.

Lord of Chaos cover sort of reminds me of Michael Flatley, the Lord of the Dance

What Alanna did is considered rape by most fans

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

I certainly think so, I just don't like to throw that word around loosely.

Awesome battle scene here

Salidar and the Aiel sapped my will to continue to read the books - I stopped halfway through the next book. It was only last year that I went back and read all of the books.

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

I'm almost done with book 10 and IT'S STILL GOING.

Nynaeve - (You've got) the touch!

Sweet summer child you were asking for more Perrin lol

I remember exactly where I was when I read the finale of this book. I was on the bus heading out of Chapel Hill and I was like 😲😲😲😲😲

Dumai's Wells reminded me of Malazan, just brutal

@MoviesNStuff

2 ай бұрын

I'm currently on my first read through of Wheel of Time, looking at the new Broken Binding Malazan sets (haven't read them yet) if Malazan is anything like Dumai's Wells... I'm in for a ride

I like your reviews Mike, i just finished book 14 ( like an hour ago) and i nearly gave up at book 7 'i didn't because of Matt' i came back to it after a 2 year break (books 6 to 11 were boring for me) but i'm happy i finished it. It's a good series but 7 books would have been enough.

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

I feel like most long-running fantasy series could have been shortened.

@sebastien160

4 жыл бұрын

@@mikesbookreviews i agree, yje problem with books 7 to 11 is that it doesn't bring anything new, so it's just a quest dragging. but the 3 last books from Sanderson kind of save the day.

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

@@sebastien160 I can see that. As much as I'm enjoying ACoS right now (about 60% done), not a ton has actually happened. And I'm confident in what Sanderson will do by the end, having read a lot of his other works.

@Mr_Yod

4 жыл бұрын

7 to 10: 11th book started to be faster.

Egwene lost me in Fires of Heaven and after this book I stopped liking Aes Sedai. That didn't change, with the exception of Nynaeve.

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

After Moiraine exited stage left, my opinion of them faltered.

It’s interesting how perspectives differ. I’ve just finished the 6th book and it is my favorite by far. I don’t want the sense of adventuring or traveling… I want high stake decisions, plotting, characters arguing and telling their side of the story… I’ve read the last 500 pages of this book in 3 days! At the end, it was hard to put the book down.. The first time I’ve had this experience with this series.

It made a lot of sense that Eggvain was made the Amerlyn. They wanted a puppet and maybe Jordan was going for an anticlimax intentionally, because you kind of feel like all of it was unearned - the amerlyn, the aes sedai status. Every Mazrim Taim and “farm at Langley” scene made me howl out in excitement. They were the cherry of this book, culminating in the awesome finale. I don’t think Mazrim Taim is one of the Forsaken because we hear about him in book 1 I believe? The guy gets captured by 6 Aes Sedai too? Why would a forsaken go through all this trouble? My theory is that same with Lewis Therin’s comrades turning to the Dark One and becoming forsaken, Rand is supposed to have his OWN comrades and lieutenants who might or might not turn to the Dark One. I also like the juxtaposition that the ones who Rand didn’t personally like and didn’t get along with come to his rescue in the end - both Taim and Dobraine. It’s very reminiscent of how grown men form friendships, everyone has standards, their own honor and ego, so they are cautious and callus, but when shit gets real the real ones prevail. Well, at least that’s what I’m hoping for.

Dude I’ve watched all of your wot reviews and I could not agree more with your opinions, the Aiel storyline almost made me stop reading the series. The super women as well it’s just too much with them. The sense of adventure does come back but it takes forever imo, great work keep it up brother!!

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks! I've learned to stop worry and just love the the SuperGirls. Except Elayne.

Demandred is a sneaky bastard. ;-D

@mikesbookreviews

5 жыл бұрын

It would certainly seem so.

@mikesbookreviews

5 жыл бұрын

@@christopherrousseau1173 Yo! Spoilers! I haven't read it yet.

@Merecir

5 жыл бұрын

@@mikesbookreviews Just delete his comment. Some people...

I love Egwene as Amyrlin. She is finally interesting. Her attitude and approach just make sense when you think about her development. Im all in.

Two things, 1...yes forcefully bonding someone is considered worse than rape in that world. 2...the difference between this and ASOIAF is the dark parts don't make you feel slimey and gross while reading. Really messed up shit happens but the way Jordan presents it makes it seem less f'd up. Its like a learning experience rather than a fucking tragedy. (I'm looking at you Abercrombie wtf is wrong with you? Gandalf would never push Aragorns face into his own vomit.... I hate you and your books) So unless you go back and reread it the story is remembered "untainted" while the general overtone of ASOIAF memories are "tainted"...that's the real difference between OG fantasy and grim dark.

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

As someone who loves the grimdark genre, I wouldn't want my guy Abercrombie or Pierce Brown describing Dumai's Wells. I'd probably throw up.

I'm following these as I read them and Taim HAS to be forsaken.. Lews Therin knows him too well. He just HAS to be

@ChristmasLore

2 жыл бұрын

It's not exactly subtile !

Alright just finished book 6 unless I missed something in this book. Who killed Asmodean? If I missed it please let me know. If that comes out in the books farther down the line then don't tell me. But if I had to take a guess I would say it was Demandred

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

They don’t get revealed until the last book ha ha

In fires of heaven the rebel Aes'sedai were deciding to choose someone as Amyrlin who is not known by many and so she can't be Judged by other people or something along these lines. But why Egwene when they had high ranked Accepted in their camp, that remains a mystery(I've reached only to book 6 btw going to start 7)

@SeebsL

2 жыл бұрын

Didn't they specifically say they wanted someone who was not in the tower at the time of the cataclysmic coup? Siuan definitely was pushing them toward Egwene. Egwene was one of the few Siuan was sure she could trust to not be a dark friend, which we know from her decision to send her and Nyneave on the hunt for Dark sisters.

I agree that you shouldn't power through the WoT as well It took me 2 years to read it

@mikesbookreviews

5 жыл бұрын

I convinced myself during this one that I was going to forget what happened in which book if I didn't slow down. Anything more than a book a month is probably too much.

@Caredis12

5 жыл бұрын

It took over 20 years to read all the books for me. 😪. I started reading when The Dragon Reborn was published in hardback the first time. After that, we had to wait one to three years between each book, and even longer after Jordan unfortunately died before Sanderson took up the mantle to finish the series. Seriously, take your time and enjoy at your own pace.

@mikesbookreviews

5 жыл бұрын

Caredis12 I can’t even imagine the waits for a series this long. But at least it wasn’t like Martin or Rothfuss and they just stop and then get shitty if you ever ask about the next book.

Nyn doesn't have the leadership skills necessary to handle global politics and subtle maneuvering necessary as Amrlyn. While Egwene has had extensive lessons in honor, obligation, leadership, wisdom, and hard work from the Aiel. As well as experienced magical slavery at the brutal hands of the Seanchan. She didn't spend 2-4 decades in the Tower being molded into an Aes Sedai. She brings a lot more to the table than just sheer strength in The Power. But she takes Some Time to come into her own. And the Sitters didn't know any of that when they raised her. They just wanted a puppet. Instead they got a woman who fully knows her worth and how to endure hardship. The bonding of Rand in this book was intentionally framed as rape. it 100% was an anathema to what Aes Sedai are supposed to be. What she did was so incredibly wrong. And yes, it is important as the story goes forward. This series is only PG if we're only talking about on-screen sex. The violence and themes are SO not PG! In my opinion, Berelain is unnecessary. Except to cause problems for Perrin and Faile. I mean, yeah she has things to do but I just...I can't, man. She makes me grind my teeth, even on my 8th re-read. Faile is acting within the expectations of the culture she was raised in. The borderlands are a harsh place. Women have to be as hard as men, and she has been taught since birth to expect her husband to see her as strong and capable, not a fragile flower. She and Perrin are an odd couple, as their cultures are so completely opposite in so many ways. But now that you've met her parents and heard them talk about relationships and their culture, you kinda see why she approaches things the way she does. She does learn and grow, and that arc starts in Emond's Field. You'll probably hate her in certain books, and maybe you'll hate her like the rest of the fandom does. It's very fashionable to hate her, rather than seeing why she is that way or admitting she grows a LOT as a character over time. I'm used to being fairly alone in this opinion, though.

@TheDevler23

4 жыл бұрын

also, sorry I keep leaving super long comments. I'm sure your notifications are loud, today. I'm binging this playlist and enjoying it SO MUCH! Welcome to the fandom!

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

Oh I understand why Nynaeve wasn't in consideration, even if she should have been. It was just a gripe how Egwene seemed to always "fail upward."

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

It's not a problem at all. The whole reason I started this channel was to talk with others about these things. I'm really glad you're liking it, even with the production struggles I had in the early days of this channel.

@TheDevler23

4 жыл бұрын

@@mikesbookreviews ok that's a totally fair point, lol

@TheDevler23

4 жыл бұрын

@@mikesbookreviews it's genuinely a joy to watch people experience this series! Production quality doesn't matter so much to me as the experience!

On Alana bonding Rand, I also thought it wouldn't be possible without consent. Those rules weren't clearly established in the universe so far, but based on what was said on it so far, no.

Good ending which is common for this series but not worth the slog. Could easily have been cut down by 400 pages

The moment logian senses he can channel if it had been anyone but nyaeve shielding him when she did. There would have been blood

Matt and Perrin are still afraid of rand to the fact that he is the dragon reborn.

Just to pass something along because it was something the author corrected people on constantly is how Taim's name is pronounced. It's Tah-eem and spoiler alert according to his original notes he was going to be Demandred but decided against it as it was too obvious.

Nyaneve has no intention of becoming Amirlyn and I think the other aes sedai can tell. I’m still wondering if she’ll learn how to channel and bounce off to wherever Lan is or back to the two rivers. Elayne has Andor. It has to be Egwene and those three are the most powerful in hundreds of years (Nyaneve’s case 1000 years). And we learn how much aes sedai respect power. What I will say it was far too soon for Egwene but it kinda makes sense since rand is disrupting everything and they’re learning on the job

Good, let the Egwene hate flow through you

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

Gokbay Little did I know she was small beans compared to what Elayne would come.

Wolf pack in the main story. Well, I regretted it.

@mikesbookreviews

5 жыл бұрын

Oh, no.

What Alanna did is really disgusting. I felt extremely VIOLATED reading that as well. However, the other Aes Sedais are even more disgusting. Not only that they tried to justify what Alanna did, but they also said that they would've BONDED Rand without permission if Alanna didn't. That actually put me off even more about Aes Sedais. Based on all those events, I think all Aes Sedais shouldn't be in power anywhere in the world. They think they know everything, but they know NOTHING. They are arrogant and incompetent. They only focus on their own ambition instead of helping the world. All they talk about is how they need to put the White Tower back into power instead of preparing to save the damn world, and they all think of Rand only as a tool instead of a person. Using Rand is the only thing in their minds. Rand is actually the only one, who's competent so far based on the books. Everything he does is to make sure the Last Battle is won, then he got tortured for it! He only killed the damn Warders because they kidnapped him and then hurt Min because she was trying to rescue him. Disgusting! I think all Aes Sedais are the same. They all want to serve their own purpose and ambition. They don't give a rat's ass about anybody else. I am 10 chapters in for book 7 and damn I am starting to hate Egwene as well. She was annoying the last few books, but this book is taking it up to a whole new level. Apparently, only she knows what is right and everything Rand does is wrong! What??? Same for Elayne as well. They never ask Rand anything, all they want is for him to do exactly like they want and he is just a puppet for them to control. Hey, they wanted to be Aes Sedais! Guess what? They are becoming what they wish. Arrogant and incompetent, just like their predecessors. The only Aes Sedai, who's actually competent, is Moiraine. And, she's gone! Sorry for the rant!

@SeebsL

2 жыл бұрын

"Give me your trust, said the Aes Sedai...trust is the color of death."

Egwene powerups without character change,

I just finished this one and still don't know who the Lord of Choas is supposed to be. I liked the ending and enjoyed parts of this one but it was kind of a slog in the middle. I did like the part near the ending where Rand learns to still the hell out of any Aes Sedai that abused him. Being able to cut them off from the source like taking candy from a baby. I did like the school ideas but it seemed that Rand had an Asha man school and a science school going at the same time so seemed a little strange at times.

Always... I got a fever, and the only prescription... is more Mat

At the 5:15 your saying elane and you mean egwene I think. Just a little mistake

Nynaeve still can’t channel unless angry. So that’s why they didn’t chose her imo.

@mariamann8292

3 жыл бұрын

I think, we sometimes forget that, because she's basically angry all the time.

I actually am not sure I buy the Egwene as a puppet Amyrlin; although I think this is probably what the books were going for. It just seems like introducing an unnecessary middleman; why rule through another when you can rule yourself? The Amyrlin is supposed to have a lot of power; it sounds like the sort of thing that could realaly backfire. It is even mentioned that if Egwene wasn't voted in, one or two of the other seemingly more ambitious Aes Sedai would have taken it. I suppose I'm saying that it's not implausible, but I'm not sold on the way it was implemented.

@samszotkowski

3 жыл бұрын

I don't think we got a really clear reasoning why they voted for her, but I think it has a lot to do with her relationship with the aiel and dreamwalking skills being invaluable assets to aes sedai scheming

@andrewbailey695

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah, but they didn't need to make her Amyrlin to utilize that. Of course the series has far more significant plot holes, so I'm not sure how much it matters.

@samszotkowski

3 жыл бұрын

@@andrewbailey695 yeah I really want it to make sense but I'm not sure if it does yet... Hopefully we get to hear about the Hall's reasoning at some point but that moment may have passed

@mariamann8292

3 жыл бұрын

@@andrewbailey695 I think Sheriam wanted to take more of a backseat (in case Elaida wins, Egwene is the one to get killed) and the other two, whose names I've forgotten, didn't want the other one to be Amyrlin.

That bonding yeah that’s not meant to be like oh cool it’s supposed to be like well you know **** and just creepy

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

I'm in book 11 now and Alanna and I are still not okay.

I agree, that bonding without permission is equal to rape.

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

I don't like to throw that word around lightly, but if anything it was like mental rape.

Yeah The Wheel of Time seems PG when you think about it in hindsight. That's because Jordan's descriptions and writing style is Classy. He writes brutal shit but it doesn't feel gross like Martin or Abercrombie.

@mikesbookreviews

3 жыл бұрын

And it’s refreshing when so many modern authors try to go for shock value.

@alexcavoli6191

3 жыл бұрын

@@mikesbookreviews yeah there trying to jump on the previously mentioned band wagon. Cause Martin and Abercrombie are great, terrible, but great. I honestly hated the First Law trilogy, I'm sort of a sap and I was shocked, dismayed, etc. (How could "Gandalf" do that?) by the ending and can't pick it back up. But it was supposed to mess with you and boy did it. And I respect the skill he had to do so at the very least.

I am re-reading the series on Audio books. I feel Audio books give a more interesting experience.

Nice review... Few things mat becomes big book 7 forward. Elaine does not get her stuff till reall book 8. This is the book that starts the madness... Jordan was not a linear writer, he was a scene writer. Basically he write major book scenes first than write the filler between books. Less aiel going forward, more other nations. Lots of digging into aes sedai potlic. Rand is going to get really dark soon.

@mikesbookreviews

5 жыл бұрын

I know I'm approaching the much built-up "slog," so I'm sure I'll be begging for Aiel again in a couple videos ha ha

@timidalchemist8475

5 жыл бұрын

Yeah, sanderson said he was a discovery type of writer than a focused one.

@mikesbookreviews

5 жыл бұрын

@@timidalchemist8475 When Lord Ruler Sanderson speaks, I listen.

LoL... Generousity of the Novella... I drove for three hours listening to the audiobook and didn't make it out of the prologue... It happened with at least one of the other books 📚😂

That's actually the first time you said the words "children of the light" in any of the book reviews.

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

What was I calling them before? Or did I not reference them at all?

@neighborlyfiend1484

4 жыл бұрын

@@mikesbookreviews Not at all, or once "White Cloaks"

Erm the memorable thing Elayne did this book is make like 6 ter’angreals after no one has made them in 3000 years. That’s a huge deal lol

Comparing WoT to MCU really hurt my soul

Mike I wouldn’t have continued with wheel of Time if it wasn’t for you, onwards and upwards.

Haven't read Wheel of Time, I'm just here patiently waiting for you to continue First Law. :)

@mikesbookreviews

5 жыл бұрын

Ha ha I'm about halfway through Best Served Cold right now. Spoiler: I'm LOVING it!

@coleton7048

5 жыл бұрын

@@mikesbookreviews Best Served Cold is so damn good. Abercrombie is a master.

@mikesbookreviews

5 жыл бұрын

@@coleton7048 Without a doubt. I'm even considering reading his Shattered Sea trilogy now even though it's YA. I just like his writing that much.

@coleton7048

5 жыл бұрын

@@mikesbookreviews I read Shattered Sea about a month ago and loved it. It's really just PG-13 where as First Law is Rated-R. Violence is slightly less gory, there's no graphic language, and sex scenes happen off screen. The books are significantly shorter so it's a bit faster paced and there's not quite as much character depth, but it's top notch writing non the less. If you love First Law then you'll almost certainly like Shattered Sea.

@mikesbookreviews

5 жыл бұрын

@@coleton7048 Someone compared it to Mistborn (which I loved) in regards to mature content. I'm sure I'll love it.

If Jordan's PG, tentacle Hentai is your average evening entertainment. :)

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

Ha ha!

I liked some parts of this book a lot but it’s the first time I’ve really been bothered by the repetition and the slog moments. This book was way more drawn out than it needed to be.