Hey guys! The Egwene fans got really ugly in the comments so I kind of eased back on the discussion in this one. But do know that I read them all. Thanks for watching!

@angelavm84

3 жыл бұрын

Hi Mike, I've only discovered your video's a few weeks ago and enjoyed them immensely. So thank you for your work! Just wanted to drop a line though. It makes me sad that people harassed you this much that you cannot share your opinion anymore. I started reading WoT in the 90s, so I am also an oldie, but I agree with you 100%. I do not like Egwene and never will. Her ending was ok, but I'm not sure she earned it. I think she *is* a spoiled ^%$£ and one of Jordan's less endearing characters, although Elayne and Faile are much worse imo;-) She is NEVER humble (not even with the Wise Ones) and that is what turned me off. Too haughty. My favorites are Nyneave and Rand. However I am also aware that people adore her and that is good too! Nobody should be angry at you for your opinion though. Hope that you haven't been turned off from the WoT fandom because of it. Wishing you all the best.

@MFMegaZeroX7

3 жыл бұрын

Sigh. Its unfortunate that people have to be so obsessive with their favorite characters. Personally, I'm fine with Egwene. She is pretty middling on my ranking of the main 6, above Perrin and Elayne, and below Rand, Mat, and Nynaeve. But people have different opinions, and haters exist for all 6 of the main characters (and really, most of the characters with significant POVs). Egwene is spoiled and haughty, but I think that is just flaws of her character that you have to accept. All of the main characters have their flaws. Rand is very flawed (and emblematically so in The Gathering Storm), Mat can be hypocritical and is rarely honest with himself, Perrin is emo, Nynaeve is quick to anger and is also hypocritical, and Elayne is obviously the only one deserving of hate :P.

@muleymcwoolhead4703

3 жыл бұрын

I agree with you on her man. Not very nice. Always bossy. When she defends the tower that’s someone realistic with vohras sa angreal, but I agree most of the stuff she did was pretty Mary Sue ish. Enjoy the reviews man.

@cirodaraujo

2 жыл бұрын

I love egwene, but I totally get your criticism of her arc (and in fact a lot of Gawayn criticism should also be attributed to egwene) - you make very valid points, the only part I don't agree with you is on her elevation to amyrlin, which we now know was a plot by the forsaken (aginor and mesaana) in order to keep the white tower split, the idea was that Sheriam would be able to control her just like alviarin controlled elaida.

@ChristmasLore

2 жыл бұрын

Please, don't edit down, especially because of other people's opinions.

When Tam called out Cadsuane for being a bully with the power just like a man who bullies with his strength was one of my favorite scenes

@jKRONKitup

2 жыл бұрын

Huge moment for me

@stefvanroey8191

2 жыл бұрын

I like just read that scene half an hour ago and it immediatly made Tam a top 10 character. It also helps that it is a charactertrait about cadsuane that has been bugging me for a while now

@counterhit121

2 жыл бұрын

I loved it too

@kojoosei7850

2 жыл бұрын

Oh I loved that part. It is so true

@Dragonsworn864

Жыл бұрын

mvp

I love that Tam scene. Rand almost kills him and his reaction isn't to be afraid and to agree with Cadsuane in that Rand is dangerous. He goes to Cadsuane and goes "What have you done to my son!" Absolute best dad, I love him.

@robertlester641

4 жыл бұрын

Tam spoke for all of us with his "bully" speech.

@beageler

4 жыл бұрын

Tam is the boss. But then, RJ, and by extension Sanderson working off his notes, had this uncanny ability to make anybody the boss.

@dragonreborn0806

Жыл бұрын

I was in tears during the initial conversation. Tam is one of those characters you dont see directly, but love all the same. When tam asked where his boy was and rand said "he's dead" I about lost it.

One of my favorite moments in this whole series comes from when Rand and Lews are unifying. "Why do we live again? ... Maybe it's so that we can have a second chance?" I've had an entire life of second chances and this moment always hits me hard.

What I liked best about the dragonmount scene is that it was the moment that showed what truly separated Rand/Lews Therin from Moridin/Ishamael. Both of them, the two strongest channelers ever, had a moment of clarity where they saw the nature of existence. Both began to wonder if the cycle was a curse that they needed to end. But where Ishamael despaired and decided to side with the dark one to break the wheel and end existence, Rand determined that the ability to try to find love all over again was reason enough to fight to keep the wheel turning. Reminded me of one of my favorite quotes from Batman of all people "There is a difference between you and me. We both looked into the abyss, but when it looked back at us, you blinked."

@nemoonbekend2483

4 жыл бұрын

That's a good Batman quote. Where's it from?

@beageler

4 жыл бұрын

While I'm very happy that Rand got to this conclusion, I can't help but see it mostly like Elan. But then, I suffer from depression. And, thank the Light, I don't have to face the decisions that Rand faces.

@ZachCook1397

3 жыл бұрын

@@nemoonbekend2483 By this point you probably found the movie that it's from but if you haven't it's from Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths and it's between Owlman and Batman

@nemoonbekend2483

3 жыл бұрын

@@ZachCook1397 I hadn't managed to track it down. Many thanks.

I LOVED the chapter when Verin confesses to Egwene ... I too had to wipe tears from my face during that chapter

@beageler

4 жыл бұрын

I jumped up when she said "The dress you are wearing is green." I tried to continue right away, but I just had to walk for a bit, gather myself. And when I could continue reading I was flush with adrenaline the whole time.

@lustrous8916

4 жыл бұрын

A pure white soul.

@victorgonzalez9605

3 жыл бұрын

That chapter was the bomb

I still love this part when Verin says - That, among all things, is the most sacred duty of the Brown--to arm the world with knowledge. I'm still one of them. Please see that they know, although the word Black may brand my name forever, my soul is Brown. Tell them....'" "'I will, Verin,' Egwene promised. 'But your soul is not Brown. I can see it...Your soul is of a pure white, Verin,' Egwene said softly. 'Like the Light itself.'"

This book gave me the most intense reactions of all the books so far. Verins scene, Semirhage’s scene, fount of power, Tams scene, the dragon mount moment. Oh man, tears were shed haha

"Im getting to the point where i feel like Rand is just gonna send the Dark One to his room" ROTFLMAO

@benjamincrowhurst5998

2 жыл бұрын

This absolutely killed me 😂

Another good review, I agree with ur view of Egwene to a degree. Verin was an amazing moment. I think my favorite moment was when Rand exiled Cadsuane and presumed that he could kill her with just his will. "Cadsuane," he said softly, "do you believe that I could kill you? Right here, right now, without using a sword or the power? Do you believe that if I simply willed it, the Pattern would bend around me and stop your heart? By ... coincidence?" I was blown away by this.

@mcina001

4 жыл бұрын

I’m pretty sure this is Rand thinking about using the True Power on Cadsuane. Darth Rand for real.

@gokbay3057

4 жыл бұрын

@@mcina001 No I am pretty sure it is Ta'veren powers. That's what he tried to use on Tuon too, Tuon just barely managed to resist.

@mcina001

4 жыл бұрын

Gokbay What evidence is there that ta’veren powers allow Rand to kill someone just by thinking about it? Also, is there an instance in the books when one of the ta’veren boys actively uses said influence? I always interpreted it as a power of the pattern itself, that the ta’veren is a victim of the influence as much as anyone else. Also, if he was exerting ta’veren powers to force Tuon to his will, why was there such a dark cloud surrounding him during those days after he accessed the True Power that so many commented on (including Cadsuane and Nynaeve)? If I recall correctly, both the Cadsuane exile chapter and the Tuon meeting chapter referenced are from others’ POV, not Rand’s. Both occur after Rand discovers the True Power. I would submit that there is strong evidence that this is Rand feeling the invincibility that comes with access to the Dark One’s power and leading it go to his head/pushing him toward such evil inclinations. I have always considered the Tuon chapter in particular to be Rand using Compulsion via the True Power, something none of the channelers present (male or female) would have been able to detect. Luckily, Tuon’s strength of will was just too strong, and Rand failed. Happy to entertain other ideas, but I’d need evidence to be convinced.

@timgrasak7673

4 жыл бұрын

@@mcina001 I always read it as his will. Rand is the most powerful ta'veren and the Dragon so he has more control of the Pattern than anyone else alive. He also states that he wouldn't use a sword or the power but just his will. There are a few examples or evidence that Rand is able to create by just his will without any power, so during his darkest time I believe that he could also destroy with just his will. No spoilers but chapter 1 towers of midnight prime example of his will.

@mcina001

4 жыл бұрын

Tim Grasak I have no argument about anything that happens in Towers of Midnight or later. I also don’t argue that Rand’s ta’veren nature has no influence here. In particular, I think Rand’s effects on Rodel Ituralde, including in The Gathering Storm, are largely or entirely due to his ta’veren nature. I only suggest the possibility (I’d say likelihood) that Rand uses the True Power or thinks about using it on multiple occasions while he is flirting with going to the dark side in The Gathering Storm (aside from the obvious time he does it). There is nothing definitive that I have read to prove one way or the other, but the food spoilage as he is around and that dark menace seen out of the corner of channelers’ eyes (even Tuon, who could learn to channel) suggests to me something of the True Power link, the “black cord” Rand had seen on various Forsaken in the first four tomes. I suspect Rand himself had such a black cord until his epiphany atop Dragonmount. I am open to other interpretations, including a multifactorial persuasive approach such as your ta’veren reference, in his encounter with Tuon.

Spanking is not just a you thing, Jordan is older than me and I'm quite a bit older than you but I remember that that form of corporal punishment was, basically, the way of humiliating people. And I bet Jordan has some Catholic school background 😂

@TiroDvD

3 жыл бұрын

Still works in Singapore. I remember a podcast that one African country has it that politicians that lie are caned.

I loved the Dragonmount scene. After everything that happened to Rand, this was such a huge payoff. As well as a perfect closure to the Lews Therin stuff coming full circle (quite literally, considering the location) and the Dragon becoming Reborn.

This is funny, I loved Egwene in this book

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

It seems that most do. I'm very much in the minority on her. Just wait--it's even worse (for me) in Towers of Midnight.

@aharris206

3 жыл бұрын

@@mikesbookreviews this is one reason I like watching your reviews :3 They give me a different perspective on the book. I'm just two books away from finishing! o:

@chrissleeping65

3 жыл бұрын

I liked Egwene in this book as well....up until the final chapter's, I mean Verrin gave Egwene the black ajah on a silver platter. With information that took a lifetime of work and Verrin literally selling her soul to get it, and within 24hrs Egwene kills about 60 or so black ajah out of the 200 or so that Verrin had listed and named, the rest escape or end up missing after the seanchan raid. On top of that huge loss ALL of the dark friends in the white tower escape and Egwene has no idea if the forsaken hiding in the tower has left or not. I feel like Egwene really fumbled on this one if I was Verrin I would be pissed

@thomasc9036

3 жыл бұрын

@@mikesbookreviews I tried so hard to like Egwene book after book. I could not make any plausible excuses anymore. Really poorly written or the author purposely wanted her to be a grey char.

@GnarledStaff

Ай бұрын

@@chrissleeping65 Presumably the dark one would know Verin’s betrayal upon her death. That doesn’t give Egwene much time to actually catch them.

Verin Aes Sendai, of the Brown Ajah. What a woman

@beageler

4 жыл бұрын

Aes Sedai I give the full honorific: Moiraine Aes Sedai, Verin Aes Sedai, Nynaeve Aes Sedai.

I loved Verin as well. When I got to this book, this was when I felt like all the books and story was totally worth it. It was coming together and I felt like the story became brilliant. Sure there are lots of issues in it, but not many people can tell such a huge sprawling story with thousands of characters and make it pay off. This was the book I became a wheelie.

I also loved the transformation that we see Rand make ... he is so involved in trying to be strong enough to do what he has to for the world, and as abrasive as Cadsuane was, i felt for her knowing that she had a view of the big picture and trying to make Rand laugh again ... i felt like i could feel the pain he was going through and not being able to enjoy life as teenagers are able to because of everyone depending on him, and suddenly he is able to see that big picture and realizes that laughter is part of why he needs to save the world ... powerful ... i loved the way this book closed

@cloudbloom

4 жыл бұрын

Around the time when he was forced to choke min and after killing semirhage, Rand became the most terrifying character for me up to this point. When he tries to become as hard as possible and said "I must become cuendillar" I felt like he hit rock bottom of desperation and trying to rule out of fear. Great character development, I won't spoil Mike in case he reads this but I think without all the transformations he's gone through by the very end of the series, his actions during the final book would have turned out reeeeeeeeally bad

I think the reason I wasn’t as pissed with Egwene regarding her being pissed off with being rescued. Don’t forget as far as she thinks, she’s just shown the tower how powerful she is by fighting off the seanchan, she feels she’s winning the fight against Elaida, she’s getting the influential sisters on her side & she’s been proven that she’s a dreamer. When she wakes up in the rebel camp she’s no idea that Elaida has been captured, so she under the impression that her chance to conclude the split in a peaceful way. So she’s upset because she thinks she’s now going to have to fight the tower & not only will that mean people will die it will mean sisters will, & she knows that it’ll mean they will either never reunite or that when they do there will be as many if not more discord between the sisters. I also felt that when I read it, that the battle was over when they found Egwene unconscious, I don’t believe the novices etc would’ve left her if the battle was still going on. & I bet she would’ve sent the novices away to either find others or go get help & then passed out, because if she’d collapsed with them around her they would never have left her

Finally we can talk about Verin without spoilers. A sharp reader could spot Verin telling a lie in The Great Hunt. Early in the book Moiraine wanted Rand to be able to travel freely without Aes Sadai guidance so that his Ta'veren nature would lead him to where he needed to be, but when Verin joined the group chasing Padan Fain she told Ingtar that Moiraine had sent her to accompany them.

@derylminnich2489

4 жыл бұрын

Wow...never caught that! But then I was never a cused of being sharp

@davidmauchly4689

4 жыл бұрын

CassesVultus I think I saw that that was weird but thought of it as a mistake or Verin using some Aes Sadai trickery.

@yousillyenglishknnniigit8205

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for holding those spoilers from us mate!

@ChristmasLore

2 жыл бұрын

I cought that on my first read, it was pretty obvious. That chapter was still pretty amazing. The casual, " by the way, your dress is green" (There's such a casual reveal in an anime/manga I loved quite a bit, about big giant babies...😉) Verin is an amazing character.

Verin was great. Definitely a hero. Loved the ending as we move on to Zen Rand.

Hinderstap was a fun horror story for me that does come into play later. Won't say how though.

@beageler

4 жыл бұрын

But the later inclusion is way, way weaker than the chapter in Hinderstap itself. Later it's only a neat little callback, Hinderstap itself is a very effective chapter about the pattern breaking down.

i love that people feel so different about some of the characters, some people hate eggy, some love her, nobody is wrong "Thats just like your opinion man" : The Dude

@markbell4017

4 жыл бұрын

Truer words have never been spoken. Everyone sees something different in a character.

I mean, Egwayne spends like 10 books acquiring skills from all sorts of places, half of which she isn't even aware of, to then use them to her advantage. That for me is like the most satisfying thing ever, when you see your characters grow from the things they have learned. And Egwayne is the learner incarnate and was maybe my fav char in the series when I was reading it. So I respectfully disagree that she's a Marry Sue. :D Love the vids btw!

@cireasa

4 жыл бұрын

10 books. That would be what ... 2 years? Versus hundreds for the rest of power-girls.

@boxbo7926

4 жыл бұрын

Zver Zverot she has to WORK for her power. She has to earn it with everything she has. She struggles to get the respect she wants. Her getting power is really satisfying, and although I get the Mary Sue thing to a degree, she works to get what she wants

@9Jov

4 жыл бұрын

Another point is that people keep forgetting her time with the Seanchan, when her one-power was forced from the a'dam and she accelerated much quicker than her peers in that regard. You are right that it's all wish fulfillment at the end Mike, the difference is that some readers feel like she earned it, whereas others don't. And that all comes from your experiences reading through the series. I think at least.

@Stratocaster893

4 жыл бұрын

Yeah I agree. When I read those books of her in the white tower at the end of the series it was very satisfying. She really did work hard and earn her power. But regardless, two years previous she was an inn keepers daughter with out any training or power to speak of compared to other Aes Sedai who are often over a hundred years old with decades of experience as Aes Sedai. I do think when you think about it that way it is pretty unrealistic for anyone to go so far so quickly. Although the same could be said for Rand, Mat or Perrin. It's almost as if the story should have taken place over the course of 10 or 15 years rather than 2. It would have made all the character arcs feel more developed. I mean in a game of political intrigue 2 years isn't really even enough time for peoples plans to gestate and come to fruition. So how do we really expect Rand to learn how to navigate them? And a person can only learn so much from someone lecturing you. I mean would any of you feel comfortable landing a plane with no experience if someone lectured you on how to do it? Probably not, and human beings with all their complicated motives and conflicting interests are more complex and unpredictable than a plane.

@jeremydanchuk1897

4 жыл бұрын

@@Stratocaster893 Also, without the travelling ability it would take forever to get anywhere. They cross the continent several times in the span of days sometimes.

One of the underlying themes and took me books to figure out... is that this is not about a savior character (Rand). It is about so very many characters deciding to do the right thing and become hero's in their own domains; big and small. So many in the story thought of Rand as the one who will save the world. Only he will simply battle the Dark One. The rest of the other little heroes are just as important. Verin (love Verin) is in her way, a hero, doing what she can to fight the battle. Sometimes even a little boy with a face only a mother could love. Without all the others, Rand would lose the battle. The battle is so much bigger than RandLand thinks. The characters are already fighting the last battle in a way, every day and every decision they make. I love that. None perfect, but stepping up, every time without realizing it.

@beageler

4 жыл бұрын

Stand for what is right, try to be the best person you can be.

Man, the scene with the collar and semirhage was so chilling😖

Completely agree on Verin! She was one of my overall favorite characters since the moment in Great Hunt when she casually dropped to Moiraine and Suian that she knows they found the Dragon Reborn. And then after this book she became hands down my #1 favorite. It's such a good resolution because the Aes Sedai's primary skill is finding loopholes in oaths - and for once it is used for something positive! Also, we've had the setup of a Darkfriend wanting to fight for Team Light all the way back with Ingtar in book 2. (If you ever reread, keep an eye out throughout the series for Verin sabotaging other people we now know are darkfriends. There is a LOT of that.)

I loved the Verin chapter as well. But for me the part that make me teary eyes was: “although the word Black may brand my name forever, my soul is Brown." "I will tell, Verin", Egwene promised. "But your soul is not Brown. I can see it. Your soul is pure white. Like the Light itself” Also everyone miss stuff on first read. I am finishing the Audio books now which is my 2nd-4th reread depending on which storyline and still pick new stuff. Regarding Audiobook I can’t use for first read but I started with WoT for reread and it was great. Next I will try Malazan Audio since I red the main series years ago and follow your Malazan Review . Keep it up and I agree I don’t need to agree with you on everything:)

It was funny how Lews Therin was more sane than Rand after the Semirhage thing.Even at one point after Rand balefired the entire palace with Graendal,Lews Therin was like "We must add the the dead women to the list,but we dont know their names ,we cannot continue like that"

@counterhit121

2 жыл бұрын

And LT even refers to the list as his own creation at one point too. I did a double take to see whose line of dialogue that was

I just thoroughly enjoyed this book. That Veins of Gold chapter, Egwene battling the Seanchan, and Verin’s tea party.. just so much good. Loved it.

@yousillyenglishknnniigit8205

3 жыл бұрын

"tea party"

@yousillyenglishknnniigit8205

3 жыл бұрын

I agree with all!

The reveal of the death of Asmodean is interesting because it’s not in the book, it’s in the glossary!

@matekiss6981

4 жыл бұрын

It was teased in TOM, but I didn't catch either, but the wiki made it clear.

@Turvok

4 жыл бұрын

It's actually in the book too Ya.

@matekiss6981

4 жыл бұрын

@@Turvok It's only one line, easy to miss, but yes. But I'm kinda disappointed, he was a fun character, and had an important role, I expected more of this revelation.

The thing about Egwene for me is that aside from Rand, she objectively undergoes more suffering than any other main character in the series (and subjectively more than Rand). She has undergone trials that those ‘veteran’ Aes Sedai couldn’t even contemplate. Also, I think that Egwene’s central character trait is her ambition, she truly believes that she deserves power and is willing to cut ties with her friends and family to do it. That certainly isn’t likeable, but it is realistic and (for me) interesting. This is something on which she consciously been aiming towards since the first book, while the others are reluctant heroes thrust into positions of power. While the other main characters have to prove themselves worthy enough that to have leadership and power thrust upon them, Egwene doesn’t care whether she has earned it or not, she is taking it anyway. I really respect that and enjoy that characterisation, but I can certainly see why a lot of people may feel the opposite. The flipside is that she has to pay heavy prices for her power that I think a lot of people either don’t realise or gloss over. More than anyone else, she is forced to isolate herself from close interpersonal relationships. Friends are a weakness for her, and family certainly is. She can’t even acknowledge her love interest at first because she just can’t afford to. While all the other characters have some sort of relationship or comradery with some of the other characters, particularly at this point in the story. Consider the meeting between Rand and Tam. They are distant at first, but I would argue that it only ended up as disastrously as it did because of his madness, not his position as the Dragon Reborn. If Egwene were to meet her parents, she would have to treat them as the Amyrlin seat treats everybody. I find that really sad and think that that is a high enough price for anybody. I want to make it clear that I respect all opinions and can certainly see why people may not like Egwene. I think it is a testament to Jordan’s writing that he can make characters that are so complex and realistic that people can have all different kinds of opinions on them, I just wanted to present some arguments that people maybe sometimes overlook.

@meonlydanielle

4 жыл бұрын

I agree, I respect the amount of work she puts into everything, and the lack of whining or running away. Also, I don't mind if he feels differently. I just wonder if readers don't notice things as much in characters that they dislike. Maybe something we all suffer from, at least in the first read.

I like your reviews but I really wish you’d quit apologizing for your opinions. You waste so much time on this and it’s completely unnecessary.

@SeiShinCasios

4 жыл бұрын

I agree with this.. its good to state thats its your opinion, but you ramble about it for to long. I think the like/dislike ratio tells you well enough that most poeple here appreciate your honest reviews :)

@jbizzlemcnizzle

4 жыл бұрын

I agree that listening to someone respond to backlash or criticism from viewers is not why I watch these. I don't always agree with Mike (especially with WOT) but he doesn't need to justify himself to me or anyone.

@alanh3101

4 жыл бұрын

Absolutely this!

YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So true - Elayne and Avi totally end up loving each other more than Rand mate, i thought this too. But then again, what would one expect to happen in this scenario in a matriarchy driven world, rather than what we are used to? Or were used to? This is why i love Min so much, she's literally the only person in the entire saga that sees Rand. And Rand is a legend, a seriously decent bloke!! Min's the only one that sees it - tbh i remember first time through, i could not read the strangle scene in one hit. It killed me.

@madisongoodyear5040

4 жыл бұрын

Dan Carmo I won’t be bad if Rafe goes a little more in this direction with the show. Avi and Elayne as Rand’s lovers, important people in his life... but keep Min has his significant other, and kind of pair Avi and Elayne together as “sister wives”

I've read this series 4 times and every time I get to that Verin chapter 😭

Man that verin chapter is just soooo good it took me days to process it, every time you mentioned her i was like man i can't wait for you to find out what happens. I was really starting to worry about rand i thought he might actually turn to the dark side so to speak.

Just finished this one. My favorite WoT book so far. Egwene and Rand are easily two of my favorite characters of all time, this booked sealed it.

Great review! So many things I agree with. So when I first read this series. I hated Nynaeve at the beginning and thought I should side with Egwene...by the time i got to the end I couldn't stand Egwene and loved Nynaeve. I loved that moment when she defended Mat. Nynaeve is loyal. Egwene though...I do think she is a Mary Sue character. Yes, she goes through things like wearing adam, white tower training, wise one training....but in the end of the day she's had what 2 years of training, some of it pretty intense true. She's not a taveren. When you have Rand with what he does or knows, he has Lews therins knowledge in his head, which is huge. Mat has memories of how many people in his head? Rand, Mat and Perrin are taveren that explains a lot about them, Egwene does't have that excuse...she just thinks she knows the best. All the time. Everybody bows down to her . I did cheer for her when she accomplished something, but what an unlikable character. It's just mind boggling. Anyway I think Tam got it right when he said Aes Sedai are bullies. They are, yes they have their moments, but I stopped rooting for Aes Sedai after Dumair Wells.

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

***SPOILER FOR TOWERS OF MIDNIGHT*** Early on in Towers of Midnight when even Nynaeve basically bends the knee to Egwene I almost threw something. Nynaeve?! Come on.

As one of the "old guard" you mentioned toward the end who loves watching the new crowd experience this series, I have to say that what you said about it being 'surreal knowing you only have one more book with the comfort of knowing that there's still another one when you're done' (paraphrasing) really resonated. I had literally decades of knowing there would always be more eventually, so as the end approached it was rough and exciting and depressing and amazing and surreal and satisfying. I'm not saying that one experience is more earned or valid than the other; I'm saying it's a unifying part of the way newer and older fans tend to be affected by the process of reading of such an involved series. Our opinions might vary on the value of a particular character arc or plot-line, but this is something I've seen over and over (even on re-reads). That's the nature of the wheel, I suppose.

I like you bruv. Hold to your opinions. We don’t all have to like the same bits or characters to enjoy this imperfect masterpiece of a series.

I personally really loved Egwene in this book, but I can definitely understand your criticisms as well.

If you ever decide to reread this series, and make videos on it, I would totally watch it!!

@robertlester641

4 жыл бұрын

SAME!!!!!!!!!

@simonedwards9450

2 жыл бұрын

Yes! 100% his videos are the best!

Verin's quote (Forgive me if it's not totally correct) - "Tell my sisters that even though I was of the black, my heart was always BROWN" always gets me. She was one of my favorite characters in the book. And yes, when you reread the whole story many times like I did (11 times), you get to see times when she indeed said a lie and find that she is Black Ajah. Also, Veins of Gold chapter and Rand's showdown with the Aes Sedai's in the White Tower is one of my absolute fav moments in the whole series. Here is a man who can channel standing in the center of power of women channelers who have hunted men who could channel for 3 thousand years and he exudes such confidence while tied and cut off from the source. Also, when Egwene suggests that Rand could have broken through 2 full circles of Aes Sedai blocking him from the source gives me goosebumps.

I finished TGS last week (and I finished the whole series today), and yes same opinion: Verin is one of the truest heroes of the whole series. She is kinda Snape without all the bullying stuff.

@robertlester641

4 жыл бұрын

Verin *IS* Snape!!! How did I not see this before?

@matekiss6981

4 жыл бұрын

@@robertlester641 Yes the character arc is very similar, but Verin is a kind person. I know the reasons Snape bullying Harry and Neville, but it's still unfair. What I didn't understand (maybe I sould read back), than one of the books (I think in WH) Verin wanted to poison Cadsuane. Maybe she thought, that she is a Black ajah (like Moraine and Siuan thought is NS)?

I actually think that Egwene peaks in this one, sure some people bend a bit too easy for her, but at the same time she really stands up against Elaida. She is surely a bit harsh towards Siaun and Gawyn, but at the same time, Siuan went against her clearly expressed wishes and Gawyn not wanting to understand that she really is the Amarlyn and doesn't need him to save her. But hey, great review as always, really fun to hear your toughts after each book I'm rereading

Love your content, Mike. I think I have something that could add to the Egwene AND the "spanking" conversations. The White Tower is a metaphor for political dominance in civilizations. Respect of authority, respect for seniority, and appreciation for traditions are leveraged most with the generations upon generations of Aes Sedai and it is interwoven even more with the use of women being the most mature force of "magic" in the Wheel of Time, particularly because women almost always have such a larger hill to climb then men when pursuing power. Tradition of political power in the White Tower is one of ruthlessness among its members. They're like a bunch of sharks, meaning that if they don't swim the lanes of chasing power, in one form or another, they almost don't have a use; or at least that's what it is with the members we follow most, and it is especially prevalent with the three Amyrlins we see in the series. They all fight, fight, fight for the power they believe they need to help the world and all they now is this: Be a total dick or get completely eaten alive. DREAD of losing power is just as strong an influence as doing the right thing and it forces the three Amirlyns to be very heavy handed in their messaging. I think what WoT is showing us is that, no matter how much we would like us to think that powerful leaders will change the approach to the office, the office ends up changing the person just as much. Your point on how you could interchange Elaida and Egwene's quotes is quite telling...and emphasizes this point all the more. Now, about the spanking.... The White Tower is all about knocking you down a peg. Just when you think you know something, someone more powerful -- whether in strength in the One Power or political experience or historical knowledge -- someone will come and show up and set you straight, or at least straight by their own opinion. And treating someone like a child is the ultimate insult to an Aes Sedai. They're supposed to be ageless, wise beyond years, powerful and above all, consistently professional. What could be more humiliating to an adult of such a stature than to put them over a knee? Now, I'm not saying it isn't cringy. Personally, years ago when I read this, I remember laughing pretty hard. And this was my first introduction to Sanderson then, but I'm of the belief that the scene with Semirhage was meant to be funny in a humiliating sense. I'm not saying it was EFFECTIVE -- not all jokes work -- but having read more of Brandon's work, I can see his humor-ism all over this. Keep up the good work, man. As a Wheel of Time fan since 1996, I've loved watching you discover the series.

Love your WOT content Mike! Been lurking around from the beginnings and happy to see the growth. Keep up the great work, looking forward to the next two reviews, hope they’re 2 hours each! Lol

I work as a historian. When I read Verin's passage about Brown sisters wanting to produce 'something lasting', 'research or study that will be meaningful' that will 'make tomorrow better', I cried my eyes out. 'This is worth one woman’s life. Few people have had a chance to create something as useful, and as wonderful, as that book you hold. We all seek to change the future, Egwene. I think I might just have a chance at doing so.' 😭😭😭😭

Lol I cried when Ingtar died in the great hunt, then like 50 times after that.

@mcina001

4 жыл бұрын

True that. There were so many powerful moments in the series to this point already, tear-evoking or goosebump-forming, sometimes on first read, sometimes more so on re-reads: Lan’s rejection of Nynaeve near the end of The Eye of the World Ingtar’s reveal and redemption Nynaeve’s visions in the ter’angreal to be raised to Accepted, and later Egwene’s too Rand trying to resurrect the dead child in The Stone Perrin’s moment with Faile when he finally lets himself grieve over his dead family Aram being rejected by his family for taking up the sword Numerous moments in the defense of the Two Rivers Several of the scenes when Rand is seeing life through his ancestors’ eyes in Rhuidean Moiraine’s death and that oh-so-heartbreaking letter to Rand Rand while in the box learning to like Lews Therin’s insane voice Nynaeve finally breaking her block when drowning Rand giving the cup of poison to Eben The Golden Crane chapter in Knife of Dreams Rand being forced to choke Min to near death Verin’s reveal Rand’s Dragonmount moment at the end of The Gathering Storm

@robertlester641

4 жыл бұрын

@@mcina001 "They have caged Shadowkiller"--"We come"

I’m only at the beginning of book 13, but despite Egwene not being ta’veren, it’s obvious to me that Rand does in fact need her help in the last battle. So it does seem to me that her future was set up by the pattern, but indirectly by Rand being ta’veren. Same with Nynaeve. So for all the accomplishments that she had in KOD and TGS that may have seemed unbelievable at the moment, maybe it was truly guided by the pattern as it was needed. Personally, I think Egwene’s arc is amazing and had a fun time reading her chapters, couldn’t get enough!

Thanks for another great review! There are soooo many great moments in this book. Loved everything with Tam, especially him standing up to Cadsuane. Thank you for spending so much time with the Verin chapter. It was a really powerful scene, but for me, the greatest, and hardest scene, in maybe the entire series, was Rand strangling Min... Omg, I have never been so worried. I was going "oh no oh no" out loud the entire scene. Maybe you had so much to talk about that you skipped over it a bit, but this is (to me at least) one of the most important chapters to Rands storyline. This is where he breaks. He goes full robot here and shields away any emotion. This is maybe why I kind of liked Cadsuane as a character, her mission, to keep him human, is so important, she just goes about it wrong. But how do you know that before time? You don't, just try to the best of your ability, and that's how I read her. It's a long comment already but I'm going for it. I totally sympathize with you regarding Egwene. Maybe not as much as you, I like her Tower story line, but I think I know why she bothers me (and it's the same reason I don't like Elayne either). She puts too much emphasis on her being capable and that she gets things done in "her own right". Maybe it's male/female thing, but it bothers me so much. Their dealings with Rand illustrates this I think. Elayne is very particular that Rand has no right "giving her" Andor's throne, but wtf, he actually does. Accept it. It still bothers me that she renames his academy. Anyway, I've rambled enough. Hope my points get through in text. Keep up the great work!

People say "spanking" aged poorly like it was written in the 50s and forget that this was written in the late 90s and early 2000s.

Love the thorough depth of your book reviews! Reading New Spring now before I go into Midnight Towers

There is only 3 current ta'veren. We can know this because of those who have the talent to see ta'veren and the ta'veren can also feel the pull of others.

@beageler

4 жыл бұрын

The pull might be special to the Three, we just don't know. The people able to see Ta'veren are Siuan and Nicola, for reference.

I have been so excited for when you got to the Verin reveal!!! One of the best I've ever read. I knew you were going to love it.

I've been coming to your videos after finishing reading the book since The Great Hunt. I don't really have anyone to discuss the books with so I feel like you help me digest what I just read. Thanks! I'm excited for the end but also sad that we're getting close to it. I kept thinking how you called when Verin declared to be black ajah!

At last! I too thought Verin was a true hero. Ever since you mentioned that you thought Verin may be Black Ajah I have been waiting and waiting for you to reach that famous chapter where she confided in Egwene and I was busting to see your reaction. Well done man...

When Rand blew up the fortress. They all were under a crazy amount of compulsion... none of them would have lived anyway... and Rand sets up a trap to attempt to ensure he kills the forsaken. I feel like this was a safe and smart way to deal with the problem.

@SMClonk

2 жыл бұрын

me too. dont understand, why there was so much anger about that.

@kevinkraczkowski9616

2 жыл бұрын

Because those that were erased will not be reborn.

@SMClonk

2 жыл бұрын

@@kevinkraczkowski9616 I never thought about that. Thank you for your answer. I still am not in the its bad camp, but it makes more sense now.

Bro you are not alone - I also, rolled a tear at this. I would expect you'll be rolling more by the end mate :-)

I've been enjoying your videos - it has become a tradition now to finish a book and check out your review. When finishing a book, more than anything I just want someone to talk to - to recap the action, relive my favorite scenes, and prove I'm not crazy for thinking one thing or another. Sometimes I agree and sometimes I disagree, but just having another perspective to compare to has made reading this series all the more enjoyable. 2 books to go! (my 1st time through)

oh YES 4h memory of light review. I'M READY! Had a blast with this one, I can really feel your passion for the series in your frustration with certain storylines/characters :P Happy you could enjoy the Egwene (and Verin ofc

What am i gonna do now.......... I've caught up on all these awesome wheel of time expose's - i guess id best start another last 3 books re-read lol. Thanks Mike, i'm so stoked i found your channel mate these reviews are literally so good mate. I cannot wait to see your thoughts on the last 2 books!!

Caught up with all your wot reviews in 2 days lol. I appreciate what you're doing and hope (know) you'll love the last 2 books. As for Egwene - for me I hated her first read but every reread I love her more and more so hopefully we'll get your thoughts on a reread sometime soon

kinda interesting how you moved on too quickly over Rand's transformation on top of the Dragonmount, for me thats got to be one of the most important scenes in the series, but i guess the books are so rich that people get attached to different characters and scenes, like how Verin's reveal was so important to you. as always though a good review Mike, i've started rereading the series myself, cant wait for you to finish the series, have been watching your reviews since you started the series :D

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

I had been talking for over an hour with no break so I didn't dwell.

Just wow. I honestly am such a huge fan of the series that I started, because as a young man I judged books by their cover, and thought the Great Hunt cover looked cool. Once I realized it was book two, I bought Eye of the World, cause to me its cover was cool too...that said, being a big fan, ive watched somewhere in the neighborhood of 15-20 book reviews on KZread of this series , and nobody hits the hammer on the head on all the shit I feel about this series as you do bro! I find myself bitching you havent yet put out a vid on a day there's nothing. You're bringing the story back to life for me and for that, i give you thanks sir. There is literally nothing you've said in all of your WOT vids I dont agree with, literally to the point ive started actually looking for something. Keep doing what you are doing, you have a big fan in me. I may just go out and buy the way of kings because of your reviews. PS Great Hunt is my fave too!

This was an absolute pleasure to read. One of my favourites. First 5 star I have given to wheel of time since lord of chaos. For me Egwene came into her own in this novel. I loved Nynaeve as well. It was great to see Tam and Rand come together again, despite what happened. I loved Mat’s time in that Groundhog Day place. Perrin I wasn’t too fussed about, but know he plays a bigger part in next book. Verin’s part was amazing and that twist was fantastic. I agree with you on the Great Hunt - one of the best in the series. Better than the Shadow Rising

The thing with Egwene re her not being teveran & you saying it being coincidence that she has all this power. I think it’s the weave of the pattern or even the effect of there being 3 teveran in her village. It’s mentioned in past books about all the new discoveries, the fact that there are suddenly these women born with the spark that are all so powerful, Egwene, Elayne, Nyneve, the discovery of the windfinders, the aiel wiseones (as far as the white tower is concerned). I always interpreted this as the pattern or the effect of 3 strong teveran needing these discoveries, these people to be there for tarmon gai don. & I always thought that Egwene & Nyneve especially being born in the same village as Mat & Perrin had to be the pattern putting them there ready for Rand to grow up with, so that he & they were more easy with each other, had a better understanding of each other, so that when they pulled on each other, needed to do something for him (even though Egwene bugs Rand a lot), that they’re more willing to. I know Mat try’s a lot to avoid this, but he always does pull through in the end for Rand. Think of it, if they’d not all grown up together, how much more hard it would be for Rand to get them to help him, would Perrin have come to rescue him if he didn’t really know him, would Mat help out with his luck & battle knowledge if they weren’t acquainted, would Nyneve have been willing to link with a male channeler & let him use her power to cleans the taint, would Egwene try to get the rebel aes sedai to be on his side if they weren’t all friends. So that’s my reasoning, the girls aren’t teveran but they’re born to have such power because they’re needed

The Aes Sedai going wild over Egwene is related to their tradition of assigning rank by power level. Egwene is a LOT more powerful than most Aes Sedai (and at least a little more powerful than every single one of those in the Tower). Egwene is also considerably more skilled than a number of Aes Sedai because of how she learned from the Seanchan, from the Wise Ones, from Moghedien... And she's doped on forkroot all the time but still exuding that Aes Sedai calm and self-assuredness. Yes, all Aes Sedai *should* behave that way, but the series has pretty clearly demonstrated that your average AS would act like a total baby over that kind of situation. The only thing unrealistic about them being impressed is that by this time, one fully expects every last one of them to be too arrogant to even appreciate someone--much less be actually impressed by them.

@gokbay3057

4 жыл бұрын

True enough.

@praetorxyn

4 жыл бұрын

Perfectly stated. The Wise Ones would eat the Aes Sedai for lunch in terms of confidence, perseverance, discipline and control.

@madisongoodyear5040

4 жыл бұрын

Daniel Clouser this is actually a SUPER good point(s). 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 bravo

alright, a suggestion for your channel: You have really great intros, both your "standard" one and the really epic readings you do for individual books. My suggestion is don't have them both play back to back. There have been a few times when your intro is basically goosebump inducing, and then instead of going into the video you begin running another intro, and pulls me out of it. Love the channel (obviously) keep up the good work, I've got some suggested reading for you if there's room in your 2025 schedule

You know you are doing WoT reviews right when you reviews get too detailed and too long for one section. Really enjoying them.

I'm very happy that you broke these reviews into two parts because it concentrates on characters better

I always felt the same way while reading ewgene

G'day from Australia Mike hope you and your family are doing well and are safe. Started WOT in the nineties and got to book 10 before life got in the way, finally picked the series back up a year and a half ago and finished it (re read the last four books straight away). Really enjoy following your journey through WOT. I agree with a lot of your character assessments, don't apologize! Smashed out the Stormlight Archive and Lightbringer series after that (it's worth finishing although a bit divisive). Anyhow I'm on book 3 of First Law trilogy now and will then kick into the 5 stand alones, am loving it so far. Next up I think will be Dresden then The Dark Tower series (massive King fan, have read most of the back catalogue before that with The Stand being a fav). Daniel G and your channel are my go too's for reccomendations and enjoyment, can't wait for WOT tv to come out. 👍🍻

mate FYI just putting that quote up pulled another goddamn tear from me - just one, and they don't fall easily. Loving your work here :-)

Had me rolling on the floor with the line about rand sending the dark one to his room!

Right there with you on egwene buddy.

Glad to find another Great Hunt fan! Also my favorite of the series

I'm not much of an Egwene fan either, BUT from Verin's Confession through to the end of The Battle for The White Tower she was pretty fierce. Not her usual bratty "I want my way," but more regally commanding-like she finally stepped out of her head/ass and did something worthy of an Amyrlin Seat; as is her decision to Cleanse the Black Sisters from The Ajahs.

Great point of view Mike. Although I disagree on the stand alone critique. This has been by far my favorite book of the series. I just finished yesterday. Pattern has been finish a WOT book and watch your reviews following and it has been great thank you for taking the time to share your insight. While I believe Jordan to be an excellent writer I view him as the poet of this series. His writing is so pure and beautiful and the world he created has many layers of magic, loyalty, love, friendship, all the feel good stuff. I found Sanderson's effect on the story excellent. Sanderson seemed to have known what (hardly anything) was missing with Jordan's books and just exploded. I found every sentence in this book to be well communicated and just damn good writing. I highlighted so many areas, not just sentences, but full paragraphs. I see what you mean on the "act 1" comment. I think when Sanderson decided to do three books from the one he took the opportunity to conclude the White Tower saga at the end of "book 1". He knew from being a reader himself that it was time to conclude that line. I also agree with you on Elayne chapters. Although I do love Caemlyn, it reminds me of Loial and Rand becoming friends. Thanks again Mike. I believe after the next review your rating of Gathering Storm will be higher!

I think if the TV show is done well you will get a different feel about Egwene. She is captured and tortured by the Seanchan for months and taught how to be really really powerful with her weaving. She is tutored under the Aiel wise ones for many months who are very strict and everything is based on being strong of mind to control the world of dreams. She is then pushed into the political mechanization of the white tower that she cares more about than anything and the politics and intrigues that have controlled it for millennia, and is trained by Siuan who is probably the most expert living on this topic. She accomplishes what she sets out to do but I think you simply ignore what she went through and the help she received to accomplish everything.

@TheRoyalfatty

4 жыл бұрын

All while being an Aes Sedai supremacists. It's almost like she didn't learn from her experience from the wise ones.

@jenpohorsky2810

4 жыл бұрын

I agree - if the show is done well, I think people might view Egwene differently. But that’s because while I wanted to like Egwene, and I liked her story in theory, I don’t think it was executed well. Some obviously found it satisfying, I didn’t and that’s just my opinion. I have high hopes for the show - I want it to succeed and I think it can improve the story and characters because the bones of it are really, really good. I just find the characterization lacking and storylines drag beyond their usefulness in the series.

Verin is the best. I feel you. I cried 3x. During Golden Crane, Verin reveal and The End.

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

Hero.

@ChristmasLore

2 жыл бұрын

Siuan's stilling Verin's Chapter Tam/Rand when they meet, whe comes back. (The Apple orchard's chapter was great too). I still have the last book to read. I hate Nynaeve so, so much, she even ruined the first "Golden crane" for me. I did enjoy Lan's own "Golden Crane" moment, because that's the real one, the one that counts for me.

@barliechoy

Жыл бұрын

I can't even talk about the golden crane last charge without tears...it's a problem.

I think a big thing about Ta'veren is that people around them change and their threads on the Wheel of Time get manipulated and change. Egwene having grown up her entire life with these 3 Ta'veren boys and traveled with them in the first few books made her into a almost pseudo-Ta'veren or at least someone who has lots of innate power and authority.

The only thing I would have liked to hear you talk about is the borderlanders. A lot of fun watching you catch up to those stuck at the end.

you didn't get emotional at "the front ranks of the shaido exploded"?

@MrBdl32

4 жыл бұрын

Ashaman kill!

@ChristmasLore

2 жыл бұрын

You're getting emotional about a massacre...? Ok. Just so you know, both Rand and Perrin just hated it. They got physically sick from it.

Another great review👍 we cant all like the same people, but I mostly aggree with you. I feel likedifferent caracters evolved either in a good way or bad from this point on. On both the good and dark side. Enjoy the rest

Good for you ! Keep your opinions just as they are. It's so funny that the fandom is so polarized on which girl is the best (Nyneave, Egwane, Elayne).. to me they are practically the same character in different situations ... 💜 Verin forever

Loving this review. And here's some help: Ishamael = ee-SHAH-my-el

Thank you for the great reviews. I wish the last 2 books reviews will come in 2 sections too. I don't understand how you didn't start reading TOM right away. Personally, I would have started TOM the second TGS ended. Prkl I had to wait a year.

Great review as always, even if we don't completely agree on Egwene. Did I miss it or did you not touch on Nynaeve and Lan's storyline in this book?

The reincarnation cycles are where they learn things without learning. I always thought that they compound things from previous lives

Yeah bro I've been giggling to my self every time you mention Verrin being black Aja. Thinking like you are gonna be blown away and I'm so glad it was as good for you as it was for me ;).

I enjoyed Egwenes White Tower plot. I can see aspects of what you did not like but I actually felt the other direction on it. To me, it felt like Aes Sedai were just overly incompetent, and Egwene felt like a breath of fresh air. I was worried it would come off as you mentioned during my recent reread but personally felt like the buildup for it worked because of just how deranged Elaida was. Or at least, it worked well enough that I was able to suspend disbelief. I did pick up on the sense that she was sort of just allowed to succeed when she should have failed but it didnt bother me in my first read through… so ai might just be biased. It helped that I trusted the author(s). But that point there were a lot of thongs that seemed like they weren’t going to be well done but then pulled a surprise explanation that was well foreshadowed that I somehow just missed. That make the threat of Elaida just killing her on a whim make the story feel more urgent and real to me and ai didn’t worry about the meta narrative as much. If Elaida was even semi-competent she would have managed to repair the tower long ago. It really felt like the Aes Sedai in the tower wanted her gone and only had not moved because the Black Ajah and Elaida kept undermining any attempt to work together. (Someone pointed out to me that Padan Fain had possibly infected Elaida with something of his madness earlier in the series and that makes a lot of sense. I had forgotten they even interacted. ) The aes sedai at this point are acting pretty childish- those who aren’t outright petty or evil.

Good review. Sure it was long, but you were talking about plot points that were important and interested you as opposed to trying to give a plot synopsis. Keep the videos coming.

Tam and Abel arrived in Tar Valon around the beginning of the Dragon Reborn, and both made it back to The Two Rivers by Shadow Rising. Then we didn't see him till this book I believe.

@xyr3s

4 жыл бұрын

we saw him when perrin went to the 2 rivers to fight the trollocs

@johnbrymer

4 жыл бұрын

They have been there for the last three books

Now that you have reached Towers, look up the Towers of Midnight Trailer on the torforge channel.

Hinderstap just got caught in a bubble of evil. It's the same thing that's causing other odd things to happen, like apparitions of dead people and Mat's playing cards coming to life to try and kill him. As the Last Battle approaches and the Dark One gets closer to breaking free, those effects get more pronounced. You're not missing anything that would have been a setup for it or anything.

I felt the same about Verin, that was a very powerful moment and I think she went out as a hero

You're really missing the point of Egwene in the White Tower. The point is how arrogant and entitled the Aes Sedai are contrasted with the virtues like humility of the Aiel Wise Ones. Aes Sedai have an image, and arguably a facade of total calm, total confidence, projecting authority, etc at all times - not to mention basically being bullies who think they're entitled to always being obeyed by everyone all the time. But it's made obvious throughout the series that if the vast majority of them were in the circumstances Egwene finds herself in that they would at minimum have that facade shattered, and more likely be bawling like babies (for example, every Aes Sedai rescued from the Seanchan). Moreover, the Aes Sedai were easily manipulated into deposing the Amyrilin seat (unlawfully, since they wouldn't have had enough votes to do so without the Black Ajah) and dividing up by Ajah and being at each others' throats, to the point where they are literally afraid to travel alone, because if they encounter another Ajah in the halls alone they may very well be attacked. In other words, this arc is less about how special Egwene is and more about how awful Aes Sedai are. Meanwhile, the Aiel Wise Ones actually ARE that mentally strong. They would be completely fine in that situation because it's not fake for them. Egwene learned from the Wise Ones; she's basically a Wise One who never became one at this point. The Aes Sedai respect her because deep down they can see she's stronger than they would be in those circumstances. It helps that she's more powerful in terms of the One Power than everyone in the tower; she's more powerful than almost every Aes Sedai at the start of the series, maybe Cadsuane is more powerful than her but that would be about it. She goes through things that would break basically any Aes Sedai and seems unfazed by it - and that's because of her time as a captive of the Seanchan, and as an apprentice of the Wise Ones in the Aiel Waste where she arguably went through worse. I can't say more without spoiling things but this book is when my opinion of Egwene was at its highest, and I agree with your assessment of her behavior towards Gawyn and Siuan.

@ChristmasLore

2 жыл бұрын

The wises ones are the AS of their world. Neither is really that much better than the other one.

My copy of this book seems to have had some editing issues. It seems to have left out the whole appearance of Tam, skipping over it and jumping to Rand's horrified reaction. Then, in the glossary, it has pages from his talk with Rand, then with Cadsuane, all jumbled and out of order. Was that a common problem with the different editions or does anyone know what happened?

@mikesbookreviews

3 жыл бұрын

That’s incredibly strange.

OK so one reason why Elaida acts SO stupidly is that Padan Fain was her advisor for awhile. Remember that Padan Fain has sort of merged with the evil of the Ruby Dagger and that's basically Wormtongue on steroids. Personally I see Elaida as a tragic character. Not in the Classical sense single Flaw that topples her down. But she just messes up almost at every single step but is literally trying to do her best to help the world and prepare for Tarmon Gaidon. In writing this she sort of like a compliment to Nyneave: a big super bossy person that uses a sledge hammer for everything especially not nails. Nyneave eventually learns to let go, Elaida just clings more strongly to her "I'm the boss" world view.

The revelation about Verin is something that is at once a total blindside, but once you go back and re-read...yeah, it's seeded and built up all along. She straight up lies in the great Hunt, big and bold...but the only ones in a position to realize that are the readers.

Graendal killing Asmodean wasn't really a spoiler, because it isn't revealed in the books at all. Jordan and later Sanderson had to clear it up later because Jordan honestly forgot about it. Re Rand not wanting to hurt / kill a woman, it should be kept in mind that, aside from the obvious fact that the Two Rivers boys were raised to never do that ever, for Rand specifically its' meant to be that as impractical and irrational as this rule was for him, he saw it as something to "hold on to", a sort of last piece of his humanity as he underwent the radical transformation from a simple farm boy to the Dragon Reborn basically overnight. Killing a woman, even one as evil as Semirhage, is almost like the straw that broke the camels back, like the last piece of Rand Al'Thor died with her and he has nothing left to hold onto. That, and of course the last time he DID kill a woman was when, as Lew Therin, he murdered his wife in a fit of madness. Being reborn and then raised in the Two Rivers, perhaps he took that "never hit a girl" value to heart because it subconsciously struck a nerve with him.