This was a strong entry into the series and Sanderson did great job continuing it, despite noticeable changes like shorter paragraphs and more attention to the minor characters (saw way more Gawyn than I needed to). But the characters felt the same with multiple payoffs to thousands of words of setup.

This was Egwene’s strongest arc in the series. However, coming up against Elaida seemed a little too easy for her. She had little agency, but her victories did feel earned. There could be Mary Sue arguments, but her story isn't much different from Mat and Perrin's. If ta’veren is another name for plot armour/convenience she may as well be one. That doesn’t mean I don’t love her character, but I do prefer more struggle and agency.

Rand's story impacted me the most. Poor guy went through a lot, seeing his slow descent into madness (taint notwithstanding). When most protagonists go through hell, readers expect them to brush it off and move on (and that’s what happens in most books). All his tribulations affected him, and this book delved into the consequences. Put any real-world person in his shoes, you’ll see the same happen to them. His ending was impactful leaving tonnes of questions and theories to ponder.

The end is near after so many pages spent with these characters. This world feels so fleshed out and real and I’m excited to see how this all ends.
( )

This was a sad book in the series. Poor Rand and all the other confused characters. I loved the Aes Sedai and Tar Valon scenes.

Here's hoping we see some of the Light in the next book ( )

Fantasy

Wow. Just wow. Sanderson has done an incredible job first and foremost. I believe the series should have finished long ago but nothing in this book felt stretched out just to fill pages. After reading 11 book to get to the final battle, the book sets it up wonderfully and doesn't disappoint. Cue up Tarmon Gai'don! ( )

3.5* ( )