Genre
Fantasy
Reading Time
17-20 hours
Key Themes
See below
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As reality breaks down and the Last Battle nears, Rand al'Thor risks a difficult truce with an invading empire, even as old prophecies unfold and the world itself threatens to destroy his allies before they can face the Dark One.
Rand al'Thor arrives at the meeting place in Bandar Eban. He hopes to make a truce with Tuon, now known as the Daughter of the Nine Moons and Empress of the Seanchan. He brings Min Farshaw and Cadsuane Melaidhrin as advisors. However, the meeting is tense. Tuon first thinks Rand means to harm her, and Rand struggles to control his growing madness and Lews Therin Telamon's influence in his mind. Negotiations are further complicated by the Seanchan custom of *damane*, channelers enslaved to their will, which Rand finds terrible. Despite these problems, Rand proposes a temporary truce to fight the Dark One, a new idea to the Seanchan, but one Tuon considers, driven by her own prophecies.
Perrin Aybara, with Aram, Elyas Machera, and people from Two Rivers and Mayene, relentlessly tracks the Shaido Aiel across Altara and Murandy. His only goal is to rescue his wife, Faile Bashere, captured by Sevanna. Perrin's desperation grows daily, and he increasingly uses his wolf-brother abilities, blurring the lines between man and wolf. He learns that Faile is held in the Shaido camp near Malden, and he considers more extreme measures to free her, including forming a difficult alliance with Prophet Masema Dagar's fanatical followers and even the Seanchan, despite his deep distrust of both.
Mat Cauthon finds himself still trapped in Ebou Dar. He rescued Tuon from the invading Seanchan, but is now effectively a prisoner. Seanchan *so'e'sng* watch him constantly, and Tuon insists on keeping him close, believing he is destined to marry her, thwarting his escape attempts. Mat, frustrated by his situation and cultural differences, carefully plans their escape, relying on his luck and strategic skill. He continues to gather his Band of the Red Hand, including Talmanes Delovinde, and uses his knowledge of Ebou Dar's sewers and hidden passages to plan a daring breakout, all while trying to understand the mysterious Tuon.
Egwene al'Vere, the Amyrlin Seat of the rebel Aes Sedai, is captured by Elaida do Avriny a'Roihan's White Tower forces during a scouting mission near Tar Valon. She is brought back to the Tower as a prisoner, stripped of her stole and ring, and subjected to harsh discipline and humiliation by Elaida and her supporters, especially Silviana Brehon. However, Egwene refuses to break. Instead, she uses her captivity to subtly weaken Elaida's authority, create dissent among the Tower Aes Sedai, and gather information. She begins to inspire loyalty among the novices and Accepted, showing her strength and leadership even in chains, slowly turning the Tower against itself.
Elayne Trakand continues her fight to secure the Lion Throne of Andor in Caemlyn. She faces many challenges, including House Aryth's lingering influence, the schemes of various noble houses, and constant assassination attempts. She works to gather support among the Great Houses, relying on her network of spies and allies, including Birgitte Silverbow. Elayne also deals with the Seanchan's arrival in southern Andor, which complicates her military plans and forces her to consider a truce with them. She must prove her strength and wisdom to her people, all while secretly pregnant with Rand's children, a fact she guards closely.
The Black Tower, the training ground for male channelers, faces increasing internal conflict. Logain Ablar, now a full Asha'man, tries to assert his influence and bring order to the chaos created by Mazrim Taim's authoritarian rule and growing cruelty. Taim's methods become more brutal, and many question his loyalty to Rand al'Thor. Logain suspects Taim is a Darkfriend and is secretly turning Asha'man to the Shadow. He tries to subtly gather support among the Asha'man loyal to Rand, preparing for a possible confrontation with Taim, who now openly calls himself M'Hael, the Asha'man leader, and seems to be training new recruits for darker purposes.
Lan Mandragoran, urged by Nynaeve al'Meara's defiant call to arms, begins his ride to the Blight and Tarwin's Gap. He intends to face the Shadowspawn in his ancestral lands of Malkier. A growing number of Malkieri exiles and supporters join him, inspired by Nynaeve's powerful words and Lan's strong will. Along the way, he gathers more followers from various Borderlands, creating a small but determined army. Lan's journey is a symbol of hope and defiance against the coming Shadow, a desperate attempt to reclaim what was lost and make a stand against the Dark One, even if it means his own death.
Perrin Aybara's combined forces, including his Two Rivers men, Mayeners, Prophet Masema's followers, and an uneasy alliance with Seanchan forces led by Lord Captain General Galgan, finally engage the Shaido Aiel near Malden. The battle is fierce and bloody, with Perrin leading the charge, driven by his single goal to rescue Faile. He uses his wolf-brother senses well, navigating the battlefield's chaos. The Seanchan's *damane* prove very effective against the Shaido. Amidst the fighting, Faile, with her companions Alliandre and Berelain, uses her own cleverness to escape captivity, joining the fight and causing more chaos for the Shaido.
Tuon, after much thought and seeing Rand's power and the growing signs of the Last Battle, agrees to Rand's temporary truce. Her own prophecies and the advice of her Truthspeaker, Min Farshaw, influence this decision. Meanwhile, Mat Cauthon, having finished his careful preparations, executes his daring escape plan from Ebou Dar. He leads Tuon and her group, along with the Band of the Red Hand, through the city's complex sewers, outsmarting their Seanchan guards. The escape is dangerous, but Mat's luck and strategic genius win, finally freeing him and Tuon to move towards their unknown future, bound by prophecy and circumstance.
Despite being a prisoner, Egwene al'Vere continues to use her will and influence within the White Tower. She endures beatings and humiliations, yet never breaks, using her resilience to gain the respect of novices, Accepted, and even some Aes Sedai. She skillfully exposes Elaida's corruption and incompetence, subtly turning Tower members against their Amyrlin. Egwene learns of the Tower's lack of preparation for the Last Battle and the growing signs of the Dark One's influence, strengthening her resolve to heal the split and unite the Aes Sedai. Her quiet rebellion sets the stage for a dramatic shift in Tower politics, proving her true strength as Amyrlin.
Rand al'Thor continues to deal with the immense burden of being the Dragon Reborn, struggling to keep his sanity against Lews Therin's voice and the Dark One's growing influence. He secures the truce with the Seanchan, though a fragile one, and sends them to fight the Shadow in the Blight. He also strengthens his control over the armies of Tear, Cairhien, and Andor, preparing for Tarmon Gai'don. Rand sends Perrin to the Two Rivers to prepare his people, and tasks Mat with taking Tuon to safety. He focuses on gathering the remaining seals on the Dark One's prison and dealing with internal threats from the Black Ajah and Darkfriends, knowing time is short.
Lan Mandragoran, with his growing army of Malkieri and Borderlands warriors, finally reaches Tarwin's Gap, the traditional gateway to Malkier and a key defensive point against the Blight. He finds the Gap poorly defended and the Borderlands nations weakened and divided. Despite the overwhelming odds and the constant threat of Shadowspawn attacks, Lan remains determined. He prepares his forces for a desperate stand, knowing that their fight is not just for Malkier, but for all humanity. His arrival brings hope to many, symbolizing the return of the Golden Crane and a final, defiant act against the coming darkness.
Following the Battle of Malden, Faile Bashere is rescued from the Shaido Aiel. Her reunion with Perrin is emotional but complicated by Alliandre and Berelain's presence, and the high cost of her rescue. The Shaido are broken, but many escape, and Prophet Masema's followers become more unruly. Perrin, having used the Seanchan and Masema, must now deal with the results of these alliances. He is torn between his duty to Rand and his desire to return to the Two Rivers, and the events have clearly changed him, deepening his connection to the wolf dream and his internal struggle with his identity. The victory is bittersweet, leaving unresolved issues.
As the signs of the Last Battle grow stronger, the different protagonists begin to come together or prepare for their roles. Rand, having secured a truce with the Seanchan and consolidated his armies, prepares to summon world leaders to the Field of Merrilor for a grand council. Egwene, still captive, subtly manipulates the White Tower, preparing it for the inevitable reunion and the coming war. Mat, now with Tuon, travels towards Caemlyn, unknowingly heading towards his destiny. Perrin, having rescued Faile, prepares to lead his forces to the Two Rivers and then to the Last Battle. The stage is set for the ultimate fight, with all players moving into their final positions.
The Protagonist
Rand grows increasingly isolated and hardened, but his attempt at a truce with Tuon shows a glimmer of his diplomatic potential, even as his internal struggle intensifies.
The Protagonist
Perrin's desperate hunt for Faile pushes him to the brink, forcing him to embrace his wolf nature more fully and make difficult alliances, leading to his rescue of Faile but also a deepening of his internal conflict.
The Protagonist
Mat's attempts to escape Ebou Dar and Tuon lead him to accept his role as her prophesied husband, solidifying his path as a general and a leader of the Band of the Red Hand.
The Protagonist
Egwene's capture and subsequent resistance within the White Tower solidify her as a powerful and inspiring leader, demonstrating her ability to lead even from a position of profound weakness.
The Protagonist
Elayne consolidates her power in Andor, demonstrating her political acumen and resilience as a ruler, even while pregnant and facing external threats.
The Supporting
Tuon moves from being Mat's captor to his prophesied wife and a crucial, albeit temporary, ally to Rand, slowly beginning to understand the broader conflict.
The Supporting
Nynaeve's unwavering support and defiant actions reignite Lan's hope, setting him on a path of destiny and demonstrating her power of inspiration.
The Supporting
Lan, initially despairing, is spurred to action by Nynaeve, leading him to accept his destiny and ride to reclaim Malkier, embodying a heroic, albeit likely suicidal, stand.
The Supporting
Faile endures brutal captivity by the Shaido, demonstrating resilience and cunning, and ultimately escapes, though her experiences leave a lasting impact.
The Antagonist/Supporting
Taim's true allegiance becomes increasingly ambiguous as he consolidates power within the Black Tower, hinting at his role as a significant antagonist.
This theme looks at the high personal cost and difficult moral choices demanded of leaders. Rand al'Thor constantly deals with his growing madness, Lews Therin's voice, and the need to make harsh decisions for the greater good, such as his uneasy truce with the Seanchan, which he finds morally wrong. Egwene al'Vere, as Amyrlin, endures physical and emotional abuse in captivity, yet she uses her suffering to manipulate and inspire, showing the hidden strength needed to lead. Perrin Aybara sacrifices his moral compass and makes deals with unsavory characters like Masema and the Seanchan, all to rescue Faile, showing how personal duty can conflict with wider responsibilities. Each leader carries a heavy burden, often at the expense of their own well-being or principles.
“"The Light help him, he was becoming a stone. He had to be. If he did not, he would break, and then the world would break with him."”
Many characters change significantly, struggling with who they are and who they are forced to become. Perrin Aybara deals with his identity as a Wolfbrother, increasingly embracing his animalistic side to survive and rescue Faile, blurring the lines between man and wolf. Rand al'Thor battles the identity of Lews Therin Telamon within him, fearing madness and losing himself entirely. Egwene al'Vere, stripped of her position and dignity, rebuilds her identity as a true leader, earning respect through resilience rather than authority. Mat Cauthon, despite his protests, is forced to accept his role as a general and the prophesied husband of Tuon; his identity shifts from a simple gambler to a figure of destiny. These transformations are often painful but necessary for their survival and the coming Last Battle.
“"He was a wolf. He was a man. He was both, and neither. He was Perrin."”
This theme highlights the constant conflict between a character's personal desires and the overwhelming duties placed upon them. Perrin's single desire to rescue Faile overrides all other considerations, including his loyalty to Rand and his moral objections to his allies. Rand's personal wish for peace and normalcy is constantly crushed by his duty as the Dragon Reborn to confront the Dark One, forcing him into a truce with the Seanchan he despises. Mat constantly tries to escape his prophesied destiny and the responsibilities of leadership, yet his innate sense of duty and his luck always pull him back into the fight. Lan Mandragoran's personal despair is overcome by Nynaeve's appeal to his duty as the last King of Malkier. This tension drives much of the character development and plot progression.
“"Duty is heavier than a mountain, death lighter than a feather."”
The book explores different kinds of power – political, magical, and personal – and the struggle to control them. Elaida's harsh control over the White Tower is challenged by Egwene's subtle resistance, showing that true power is not always about obvious authority. Mazrim Taim's growing and potentially dark control over the Black Tower male channelers creates a significant threat. The Seanchan's absolute control over *damane* (enslaved channelers) is a clear example of power used for subjugation, contrasting with Rand's struggle to control his own immense power and the madness it brings. Elayne's fight for the Lion Throne highlights the complexities of political power and the need to control rival groups. The narrative constantly questions who holds power, how they use it, and the moral implications of such control.
“"Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely."”
As Tarmon Gai'don approaches, the world nears despair, yet hope remains. Lan Mandragoran first succumbs to despair, believing his fight for Malkier is useless, but Nynaeve's strong hope and the rallying cry of the Golden Crane reignite his spirit. Rand al'Thor, despite his growing madness and heavy burden, continues to fight, driven by a desperate hope for humanity's survival. Egwene, imprisoned and humiliated, maintains hope for the White Tower's reunification and its role in the Last Battle, inspiring those around her. The spreading influence of the Shadow brings widespread fear and chaos, but the protagonists' continued resistance, even in seemingly hopeless situations, serves as a beacon of enduring hope against coming darkness.
“"It's never over, till you quit."”
Preordained events that guide characters' actions.
Prophecies, particularly those concerning the Dragon Reborn and the Last Battle, are central to the plot. They drive Rand's every action, influencing his choices and forcing him into uncomfortable alliances, such as with Tuon. Tuon herself is guided by Seanchan prophecies, which lead her to accept Rand's truce and to her destiny with Mat. Mat's own prophesied marriage to Tuon dictates his path, even against his will. Prophecies provide a framework for the narrative, often revealing glimpses of the future and shaping characters' understanding of their roles, while also creating dramatic irony when characters try to avoid their predetermined fates.
Rand's internal struggle with Lews Therin's voice.
Rand's internal monologue, specifically his constant battle with the voice of Lews Therin Telamon, is a significant plot device. It highlights his descent into madness, the immense pressure he is under, and his struggle to differentiate his own thoughts from those of his past incarnation. This device provides deep insight into Rand's mental state, foreshadows potential breakdowns, and complicates his decision-making, as he constantly questions his own sanity and intentions. It also serves as a direct link to the history of the Age of Legends and the source of the Breaking.
A shared dream world accessible to Wolfbrothers and powerful channelers.
The Wolfdream, or Tel'aran'rhiod, serves as a crucial plot device, primarily for Perrin Aybara and Egwene al'Vere. For Perrin, it's a place where he can communicate with wolves, gather information, and sometimes exert physical influence on the waking world, crucial for tracking the Shaido. For Egwene, it's a means of communication and a place to subtly gather intelligence and influence events within the White Tower while she is imprisoned. It allows for simultaneous plot progression in different locations and provides a unique magical element that influences the characters' abilities and understanding of reality.
An external threat and a clash of civilizations.
The Seanchan invasion and their distinct culture act as a major plot device, introducing a powerful external threat that forces alliances and challenges existing worldviews. Their practice of *damane* is abhorrent to the main characters but proves militarily effective, forcing Rand to make a morally compromising truce. Their rigid social hierarchy, reliance on prophecy, and unique customs create constant friction and misunderstanding, particularly for Mat and Rand. The Seanchan presence complicates the political landscape, diverting resources and attention from the Last Battle, while also providing a formidable, if temporary, ally against the Shadow.
A symbol of hope and defiance for a lost kingdom.
The Golden Crane banner, the symbol of the lost kingdom of Malkier, is a powerful symbolic plot device. It is resurrected by Nynaeve and carried by Lan Mandragoran on his ride to Tarwin's Gap. The banner serves as a rallying point, inspiring hope and loyalty among Malkieri exiles and Borderlanders who have lost their way. It symbolizes a desperate, heroic last stand against the encroaching Shadow and the reclaiming of a forgotten heritage. Its reappearance signifies a shift from despair to defiance, embodying the spirit of fighting for what is right, even against overwhelming odds, and galvanizing support for Lan's seemingly suicidal mission.
“The Wheel of Time turns, and Ages come and pass, leaving memories that become legend. Legend fades to myth, and even myth is long forgotten when the Age that gave it birth comes again.”
— The opening lines of the book, a recurring theme in the series.
“Duty is heavy as a mountain, Death is a feather.”
— A common Malkieri saying, often invoked when facing a difficult or dangerous task.
“The oak fights the wind and is broken, the willow bends from the wind and sometimes survives.”
— Faile pondering different approaches to leadership and resistance.
“Hope is like a fire. You can't let it go out, even when you're sure you're surrounded by darkness.”
— Perrin reflecting on the importance of maintaining morale during difficult times.
“A man's word is his bond, and a king's word is a nation's bond.”
— Elayne considering the weight of her promises as she solidifies her claim to the Lion Throne.
“There are no easy choices, only hard ones and harder ones.”
— Mat contemplating the difficult decisions he faces in leading his army.
“To lead, you must sometimes be willing to walk alone.”
— Rand's internal monologue about the isolation of his destiny.
“Fear is a tool. It can be used to control, or it can be used to motivate.”
— Semirhage explaining her philosophy on manipulating others.
“The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.”
— A sentiment expressed by various characters, reflecting the ongoing struggle against the Shadow.
“Sometimes, the only way to win is to refuse to play.”
— Moiraine's earlier advice to Rand, recalled by him in a moment of strategic thought.
“A lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is still putting on its shoes.”
— A general observation on the spread of misinformation, particularly relevant to political intrigue.
“The greatest victories are often won by those who are willing to risk everything.”
— Lan's thoughts on the nature of battle and heroism.
“Love is not a weakness. It is a strength, if you know how to wield it.”
— Egwenes reflection on her bond with Gawyn, and how it empowers her.
“The past is a road that has been traveled. The future is a road that has yet to be built.”
— A philosophical musing on the nature of time and free will.
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James Oliver Rigney Jr., better known by his pen name Robert Jordan, was an American author of epic fantasy. He is known best for his series The Wheel of Time which comprises 14 books and a prequel novel. He is one of several writers to have written original Conan the Barbarian novels; his are considered by fans to be some of the best of the non-Robert E. Howard efforts. Jordan also published historical fiction using the pseudonym Reagan O'Neal, a western as Jackson O'Reilly, and dance criticism as Chang Lung. Jordan claimed to have ghostwritten an "international thriller" that is still believed to have been written by someone else.
