A Crown of Swords: Book Seven of The Wheel of Time

First off, I enjoy the series, and RJ has a remarkable gift with language.
However, I have a few peeves with his writing. For one, he seems to have a strange, juvenile fixation on nudity, especially breasts. Just take a highlighter and mark every reference; you'll run out of ink!
Secondly, his female characters are almost without exception ill-tempered and man-hating. The men, on the other hand, roll over every time a woman snaps at them. Min is about the only female character who is likable. I'm not sure what experiences RJ has had in dealing with women, but apparently they were far worse than mine have been.
Jordan has a fixation on the war between the sexes which is unsettling. Use a different highlighter to mark the women-against-men passages, and you'll use up another marker.
Thirdly, this book introduces so many new characters and subplots that I don't see how anyone can keep them straight without taking notes. Too much confusion!
Despite these very irritating flaws in the book, it's still fun to read. Jordan paints such good images that his novels do come to life. The concept of the series and the way he is unravelling it are brilliant. You just have to put up with some of the author's fixations.

Now I love fantasy books, I find the people that hate them to usually be annoying people who are usually wrong in every aspect of their lives, and I have found scientific proof that these people should be avoided at all times unless you enjoy listening to people drone on about how they enjoy poetry and wine tasting classes, or giving their children stupid names that will get them beaten up when they're older. Fantasy books are not a guilty pleasure, they are a pleasure in every way, the description is usually amazing, the plot can be exciting and with some amazingly diverse characters who you not only must learn to love or hate, but understand. Don't get me wrong there are those writers that have made a damn good argument against fantasy books, Terry Goodkind springs to mind because they can sometimes just drag a story on longer than needed, filling it up with pointless dribble that no one really cares about, they just want to know the ending. Sadly Robert Jordan is in that frame of people, and many of you may wish to switch away now, but you all know I am right.

Writing this review in light of the fact that I now know it is the half way book solidifies this argument, this story has been going on for so long that every single one of the fans just wants to read the ending now, but by this point in the epic masterwork you realise that you are nowhere near the ending, and it is damn annoying. However we must also look at the writer and how the books have been structured so far to know that we shouldn't expect the end to be near. So here is a quick recap from book 1 - 7 in only seven lines:

Book 1:
Rand is a farm boy who turns out to be the man destined to fight the dark one and break the world. He has some friends.
Book 2:
There are lots of bad guys out there trying to kill Rand and his friends. Rand accepts who he is and prepares to fight.
Book 3:
Rand is going a bit mad, Perrin talks to wolves and finds his love, and this is the first book that focuses on Mat, which is good.
Book 4:
Rand is the destined leader of other people, Egwene realises she is a dreamwalker, and Perrin goes home.
Book 5:
There's lots of characters now, but the important thing is Rand is conquering the world and Mat leads an army.
Book 6:
Aes Sedai capture Rand and he is starting to go mad, he is saved by Perrin and makes the Aes Sedai kneel.

Now that isn't that helpful for anyone because it doesn't really explain anything that has happened, but that is the point that needs to be made. These books are so long and clever that they can't be condensed to a few books because it would ruin them. Don't get me wrong, it does annoy me that it hasn't ended because I want to know how it finishes, but upon rereading these books helped me understand just how amazing they really are, and how well the characters develop.

The obvious protagonist is Rand, a young man who has the weight of the world placed upon his shoulders, and with the added joy of having a mad man in his head gives us an excellent inner struggle dialogue every time he is featured shows how far this boy has grown from the frightened boy in the first book. Rand is a character that is used in many fantasy books and films, a farm boy destined for greatness, but I cannot help but love the fact that we are reading about a boy going slowly mad and knows it. The reader should pity Rand, because it can't be hard to believe that you must die to save the world, and any sign of weakness could open you to danger, which had been shown when taken captive by the Aes Sedai in the last book. Another reason I don't like this book is because it sets Rand into a frame of mind that keeps with him for the next few books, giving the character little time to grow, just depicting him as a harder and colder man.

I can't help but also talk about my favourite character in these books, Mat. Mat in the first two books does very little but drone on about a dagger he found, making him an almost Gollum-like character, which straight away puts these books in danger of following Tolkien, and also gives those idiots the chance to say "all are like Lord of the Rings" which they're not and anyone who says they are should be shunned like witches in the Dark Ages. I cannot stress how much I hate those people. By the third book though Mat is healed and outshines every other character in my eyes. Where Perrin is too annoying, or Rand too cold, or Egwene still trying to find her place in my eyes, Mat gives a light relief from all the sour moods of the books, and what I love about this guy is that he seems to take the fact that he has the memories of the greatest generals of all time in his head in his stride, refusing to let it boil him down to a serious part. The fact he has an army doesn't depress Mat like it does Perrin, but is another tool he can use in life. This book continues Mat's struggle with accepting the fact that he has to help Rand out, even though he just wants to gamble his life away in a tavern flirting with women, like all men should. Mat is tasked with protecting Elayne and Nynaeve, even though they seem to hate the fact he is around, which only makes him hate the job more, but doesn't stop him relishing in the fact he is annoying them.

I suppose I should quickly mention the entrance of one of the most important characters in the series. Cadsuane an Aes Sedai who for some reason isn't really mentioned in any of the other books, which is a bit odd, but arrives expecting much from Rand, but setting up a confrontation between the pair that was inevitable due to Rand's mistrust of the Aes Sedai and Cadsuane's certainty of her role in matters. Cadsuane in my head is that teacher you had in school who no one messed with for no other reason than the fact that she could look at you and see into your soul, and I hope that Robert Jordan (RIP) would like that description of her. She is a smart lady who is angered by the foolishness of the Aes Sedai in their treatment of Rand, and has a lot of work in getting him to love life again, what I particualy like about her is how she treats Rand like a pupil and doesn't show any fear when facing him, which few others have ever done, giving Rand an anchor to reality that is slowly being pulled away from him.

The point I suppose I should hurriedly get to in this book is that it is just a steppingstone in this great masterpiece, building every character up to find and accept their roles, bring in new characters who become part of what makes the Wheel of Time series so amazing. There are points in this book that are unmissable, but is sadly the start of the series slowly spiralling down in many reader's views. Every reader has by the seventh book fallen in love with their favourite character, and is awaiting the much anticipated finale, but sadly that ending is still far off. Please read these books, even if you do class them as a "guilty pleasure" because you will not regret them.

It was at this point that the WoT started to suffer from bloated exposition, and drawing out scenes that in the long run didn't amount to anything. What was truly annoying was the scene in Ebou Dar, where the narrative was drawn out incessantly over Tylin/Matt, the introduction of the Kin and the petty squabbling with the Windfinders. Also particularly annoying was the introduction of Casuane-am I the only one who felt her introduction was a little too convenient (after the disappearance of another prominent Aes Sedai in Book 5)? Along with Faile, Cadsuane has become another character that grates on my nerves. Also the Rand/Perrin argument should not have been off-screen (as it were)-that scene deserved to be told in real time, not rehashed from memory.

Despite those complaints, Ebou Dar has some funny moments, and the second half of the book really pushed the action. We got to see some interesting Forsaken viewpoints, and the ending fight scene was decent. It would not have been bad if not for the lack of action in the first 200 pages.

I was given the first Robert Jordan novel as a gift from a friend, and have been a dedicated reader ever since. The plots and storylines have all previously been richly detailed and satisfying, like cheese cake after a good meal.
However, the latest installment was lacking both the texture and satisfying fullness I associate with a Robert Jordan novel. I gave it a rating of "8" because, although it left me feeling unsatisfied, I'm still hungry for the next installment. Mr. Jordan has truly captured my imagination with this series, which I might add to this point has been an achievement few authors have been able to accomplish. My only dilemma is finding enough snacks to stave off my hunger until the next one is released.Mark P. Trahan

Insanity beckons! Jordan continues to provide more things to question than answers.

I bought the first book of this series because I expected six books to be a complete series. When I finished book six, I nearly went nuts during the 3 months I waited for this one.

A Crown Of Swords did give me some of the things I craved, but, now while I wait for the next one, nothing short of actually waking up one morning IN the Aes Sedai camp, or in Tear, or with Perrin's group is going to be enough.

This book is, as usual, well written, with a gripping self-contained plot, which moves the series forward, and leaves the reader hungry for the next book.

If you're out there Mr. Jordan, hurry up the next one! Please...

Ok, after reading some of these entries I decided to write also. I never believed that I would find a series that would be equal to the Tolkein's series..I found it and I love it. I dont know why everyone is having a hard time with the "complexities" of the story. I think it is great to have things described down to the smallest detail.. because of this technique I then can become totally involved with the book. I read the series over 3 times now and find something new each time.. I believe that being able to be drawn in to a story is amazing, and this series certaintly does just that. Reading the book is like living in that world, everything is described and thought as if you would if in that situation. The book is definately a 1

I was ridiculously eager for this book to be published. And then, somewhat disappointed. To my mind, this is the weakest of the series so far.
This being said, it is still a ripping good tale. Jordan should be commended for being able to (more or less) successfully sustain such a mammoth story over so many volumes and such a period of time.
Although not the strongest effort, again (as with all previous volumes), the plot takes some interesting twists and turns, introducing new characters and new tensions.
My fear, though, is that Jordan really does not know how, when, or where the series is going to end. There are an increasingly large number of loose ends which will need to be tied together or the ending of the series will be a disappointment of major proportions.

Robert Jordan's "Wheel of Time" series is by far the most
engrossing, complex, thought provoking saga that I have
read to date. "Crown of Swords" follows in that tradition of
captivating the reader through it's ever tangling web of a
plot. I was a little disappointed in the rehashing of events
from book 6, even though they were from other viewpoints.
The first few chapters would have fit better in book 6, leaving
book 7 more room to delve into the 'stasis box' full of new
characters. I generally re-read all of the series each time a
new one comes out, but as I finished the last page of
"Crown of Swords", I began counting the days until the next
episode arrives

Robert Jordan's "Wheel of Time" series is by far the most
engrossing, complex, thought provoking saga that I have
read to date. "Crown of Swords" follows in that tradition of
captivating the reader through it's ever tangling web of a
plot. I was a little disappointed in the rehashing of events
from book 6, even though they were from other viewpoints.
The first few chapters would have fit better in book 6, leaving
book 7 more room to delve into the 'stasis box' full of new
characters. I generally re-read all of the series each time a
new one comes out, but as I finished the last page of
"Crown of Swords", I began counting the days until the next
episode arrives

Robert Jordan is continuing with an immpressive series. However, I believe that he has to get to the end of the series soon. From some of the reviews I just read, some readers are getting bored.
His last book was pretty good. I was dissapointed that he doesn't bring the series a little farther ahead. He seems to be dragging it on, just to see how many books he can get out.
I like the idea of the ghuolm (well the guy near the end that hunts people that can channel). Who is the man that Rand meets in before he kills Sammual? I have so many questions that are going unanswered.
The book was great and I look forward to the next. I believe it is called the Throne of Daggers, which is comming out in the fall. Can't wait.

Unfortunately, things seem to be going downhill for RJ, after the horrid release of COS. There was so little substance, with events reoccuring to almost every character, and describied in monstrously long detail each and every time. Min all of the sudden wants Rand's "warm flesh?" When the hell did this appear, and why in Light's name is it RJs style now? Elayne and Nynaeve get a good laugh at Mat being relentlessly raped by Tylin, and I find that disturbing. No doubt I'll read the next one, but there needs to be less pointless rape and more substance. This pattern of 900 pages of describing minor characters and then finishing with 20 pages of quick Chosen killing has to end. I pray to the Creator that it gets better.....

But there're too many of them and they don't seem to get tied together very well. There are too many new characters to begin with and too many new ones being introduced. And with Rand's gargantuan task of uniting all the countries, I have little patience for the unnecessary dialogue and constant bickering.
I couldn't possibly care less about how pretty Rand's buttocks are, or how the set of some unnecessary character's nose keeps him/her from being good looking; and I'm tired of reading about how men and women won't ever understand each other and the inevitability of Nynaeve, Elayne and Egwene bickering with one another. That bit with Mat and Queen Tylin (another useless character) was disgusting and something I didn't need to read.

Let me start by saying that I love Jordan's work. The wheel of time world is very well crafted and interesting, the characters well developed. The best part of this series has always been the ordinary characters, folks we can all relate to, who rise above their droll lives to really make a difference in the pattern, something we all long to do.

There are some great parts to this book, but Jordan's characters begin to get cliché. It appears that Jordan is loathe to change his characters and allow them to appear complicated and multifaceted or duplicitous, as if personality were a linear construct that develops only along a set of well defined traits, but never really matures or changes (just becomes more "powerful"). Instead, he tries to make up for the banality of the main characters by continually introducing new characters and subplots, which appear to get increasingly bizarre and difficult to really relate to as the series emerges.

VAGUE MINOR SPOLERS FOLLOW

The worst part of this book is the ending. Rand becomes a complete idiot along the lines of the Friday the 13th victim who is too stupid to turn on the light or not go into the tool shed where the sharp objects are kept. Yet, he is saved from his stupidity by yet another mysterious character who of course shows up in the MOST unlikely place in just the nick of time.

I want to give Jordan the benefit of the doubt because this started out as easily one of the best series I've read. I hope to read that it has returned to that in reviews of books further along.

Robert Jordan captivates the world again in his latest addition to the incredible "Wheel of Time" series. In this volume, Elayne, Nynaeve, Birgitte and Aviendha are still searching for the ter'angreal that may repair the weather and rid the land of a dry, stifling heat. Matt tries his best to keep track of the women, but with little luck. Elayne and Nynaeve eventually learn a much needed lesson in humility when they realize that in order to find the ter'angreal, they must enlist the help of Matt and his ta'veren abilities, and this means submitting to his wishes. In their search, they stumble across a secret group of women who can channel, and who share some very interesting secrets. Elayne and Nynaeve also meet with the Sea Folk, and from them they learn that this ter'angreal is a large, crystal bowl called the "Bowl of Winds", which in acient times belonged to them. Unfortunately, this odd group of women are not the only ones searching for this powerful artifact, and they find that they may have bitten off more than they can chew. Meanwhile, we learn the Black Ajah finally obtains control over the White Tower at Tar Valon, by command of Maasana, one of the Forsaken, who is hiding out at the Tower, disguised as an Aes Sedai. One of Maasana's right-hand women, we learn, is the Keeper Alviarin, and Elaida quickly learns she is not in power any longer. We also learn the full story of Moghedien's escape from Salidar, and her unpleasant visit at Shayol Ghul. But, instead of being destroyed as she assumes, she finds her soul bound to a seemingly young man who calls himself Moridin. He's not exactly a Forsaken, but he draws the One Power directly from the Dark Lord, which can only mean one thing: he's the one in charge, and Moghedien has no choice but to bend to his every wish. Aran'gar, the mysterious, reborn Forsaken is still posing as Halima, and, aside from being the one who secretly freed Moghedien, continues as a secretary to Delaina Sedai in Salidar. Egwene, the new Amyrlin of the "Little Tower" works to prove that, dispite her youth, she is every bit as strong an Amyrlin as any before her by officially declaring war on the White Tower, and beginning the long march to Tar Valon. Rand is still busy planning to kill Sammael, and keep both Cairhein and Caemlyn together, a job he not only finds challenging, but deadly. At the same time, the renegade Shaido Ael plot with a mysterious "wetlander" and his "Aes Sedai woman"---who are really Sammael and Graendahl in disguise---to somehow bring Rand to heel. The story, at first, seems threaded out in a thousand different directions, but most things fit together well in the end like a jig-saw; but there are still many pieces missing, and we are left hungering for more.

The seventh book of the Eye of the World series is an excellent "bridge" book in that it gets us from one action book to (hopefully) another, keeping us hungry for the next taste while letting us savor the characters, allowing their characters to develop, giving us a fuller dimension to each of them. While this book does less than satisfy our hunger for the story, it does keep the feeling alive, and us hoping for the next book. Be advised, though, Mr. Jordan - more than one such book in an entire series can lead to a possible drop in the conviction that you are among the ablest, and delightful, writers in your genre. A little more action and a faster pace in the remaining book(s) please. Relentless monsters, aren't we

While this installment of the LONG running saga of Rand al'Thor
is a great look into the society of the Aes Sedai, it seems
to move more laterally than forward. There are many mysteries
that the reader is given insight into, while several others are left
untouched. Anyone who has read through the entire series would
wonder if there will ever be a conclusion. On the other hand,
if you have been drawn this far along, it is because Jordan's
writing style is so enticing, the characters become more real
than people you see around you everyday. This does not change,
and the introduction of more characters with depth that is
never clearly up front keeps you waiting for more.

I loved the Eye of the World. The Great Hunt merely made things better and the Dragon Reborn was, while not as good as the two first, a very good book. At the Shadow Rising it started being rather dull with the same story going over and over again and now when the 7th book of the series has come, I begin to despair that it will not end. Never doubt, I love the series but I think Jordan will lose a lot of readers if he does not wrap this series up very soon.
As to the many comments from women that Jordan writes very flat and boring female characters, I would leap to his defence by saying that it is not as easy as it might seem for a man to write a believable female character. As Jordan himself (in the voice of any number of his (male) characters) say "I will never understand women". I do not believe it is possible for a man to create a convincing woman in writing. It is sad because I have to agree with the many comments that the female characters are rather boring after a while.

I wanted to express my opinion on this idiotic whining most of the people who read this book seem to find so neccasary. Buck up you pansies! If it's so difficult to read a long book I am shocked that you claim to be lovers of fantasy, just take a look at classic real-life(character style) fanasies such as The Odessey, The Silmarillion, and every story of mythology ever created. If you can do nothing but whine because in my opinion it is because you lack the ability to compose anything intelligent. Next time before you complain about something, try to do it. If you can accomplish the task than by all means complain, however if you cannot reproduce the act than you have no buissness complaining. Thank you for listening.

After reading a lot of the store reviews for this book, I came in with a low expectation to this book. While I agree that the plot does move a lot slower in this book, as it covers about 1-2 weeks of time, it is very entertaining! Once you get past the first few chapters (which seems to be on par with every other Wheel of Time book), the events and character development that does unfold are easily just as good as the previous books!

-I absolutely LOVED Mat in this book, his storyline was hilarious and could not wait to read more about what was happening in his part of the world.
-We do see some definite growth in some of the characters and, although a little forced at times, shows that maybe there is hope for some of them after all.
-The action is great and different from previous books, I don't want to spoil anything so lets just say there are some new twists to the enemies this time around.

In short, I'm still loving this series and this was definitely a worthy addition to it.

In A Crown of Swords, Elayne, Aviendha, and Mat come ever closer to locating the Bowl of the Winds, a ter'angreal that may reverse the endless heat wave sent by the Dark One and restore natural weather. Egwene begins to gather all manner of women who can channel--Sea Folk, Windfinders, Wise Ones, and some surprising others. And above all, Rand faces the dread Forsaken Sammael, in the shadows of Shandar Logoth, where the blood-hungry mist, Mashadar, waits for prey.

There are many masters in high fantasy. J.R.R. Tolkien would certainly be lauded highest when it comes to development of the world in which the events he illustrates transpire. Robert Jordan, for all the criticism leveled against him for what appears to be a marketing ploy - stringing the series out as long as humanly possible to generate greater book sales - would certainly have to rank near the top for character development. His series is filled with various interesting folk with varied viewpoints and motivations. While most (decent) authors go well into detail in describing the motivations and quirks of their heroes, Jordan doesn't stop there. Even his villains are thoroughly detailed. Moghidien, for example, one of the wickedest of the fallen, has a history and personality that influences how she reacts, as well as insecurities and frailties. Good, evil, benevolent or malign, all of Jordan's characters are fully fleshed out, and we get a fair view into their minds and motivations as the drama unfolds. Yes, the world is on the simple side, and yes, the plot, of late, has lost its pace; but it's a world and plot filled with only the most fascinating of folks. At a series currently juggling over 50 characters, all unveiled over the last 10 volumes, it's a commendable and laudable feat, indeed.

Fans of Jordan's epic series of many volumes of many pages have been whinging since book six that the series seems to have no end in sight. Unfortunately, it's now a race against the clock for Jordan and his publisher, whose decision to prolong the series as long as they have may result in the work never being finished. Ironically, Rand, the hero destined to die on the slopes of the Dragonmount, may outlive his creator. Full sympathies to Jordan, and I, for one, hope he holds out long enough to complete the story he began.

I'm presently rereading the rest of the series (3rd, 4th time?), and reading the revies of CoS has shocked me. I have got so caught up in the world that I never noticed the lack of plot development. In retrospect I can see it, but does it matter? You read epic fantasy for the details of the world, and this is one of the best-detailed worlds I have ever found.
As for stereotyped characters, yes, it is a little repetitive and a little annoying, but I'm prepared to put up with that.
And how can anyone argue Jordan doesn't know where he is going? The complexities of the series are so marvellous he has to have a plan set out. But please, hurry up with #8.

This book is better than the preceding and succeeding volumes, but not as good as books 1 through 5. It's not as long as Lord of Chaos and seems to move faster, but not by much. Maybe the most interesting aspect is the gholam(seen here in much greater detail than the previous book).

This series is the best I've read to date, although I wish Jordan would concentrate more on the main characters. I find the side adventures with Elayne, Egwene, and other characters too tedious and tend to skip over those parts. On the whole however, I have read these first seven at least 3 times each. In response to "Enthusiastic Reader" from Bostons comment on strength of the Power: a direct quote from Moiraine in book one "Is that what you think, child? Is there a rock so hard that wind and water cannot were it away, a fire so strong that water cannot quench it or wind snuff it out?" Jordan "Eye of the World" p.181

While the Wheel of Time seems to be slowing down a bit with "A Crown of Swords" compared to the pace of the other books it is still a very good read. Rand returns to Cairhein after the Aes Sedae kidnapping. Lan retuns to action and a new character is introduced. Mordin is one of the Forsaken reincarnated or maybe the DO himself. It is hinted that he is Nae'blis and the Dark Ones consort in Randland. The Seachan have taken over the Fortress of Light and make their entrance into Ebou Dar. Nyneave and Elyane have found the Bowl of the Winds with Mat's help and Mat's extreme luck seems to be running out. I think the Daughter of the Nine Moons is going to claim him soon (which I feel is a character already introduced in the series) and she will be normal looking to the eye. Forget nonsence about Mat losing his memory and leading the Seachan army. The High Lady Suroth will be uncovered as a darkfiend when Rand binds the Nine Moons as the prophecy predicted in "The Dragon Reborn"...."What does it mean he shall bind the Nine Moons to him...". This will take place when Mat marries the Daugheter of the Nine Moons as the door Ter' Angreal in "The Swadow Rising" Prophesied. Rand confronts Samual and has a mysterious savior. All in all a good read, but by far one of the slower books in the series.

I don't know what to say about the book that hasn't been said yet but what I can say once again is 'READ THIS BOOK!!". Out of all the books this one leaves the most unsaid because of all the new plots and characters that have shown up, and it's strange that it took him so long to write even though it was so short (700 odd pages) but that just means the next book will be even better! Which will be hard because this book was a blast to read and unfortunantly I whipped through it in less than a week. Hopefully when you read this book (you WILL read this book, WON'T you?) you will enjoy it as much as I did, the same goes for the rest of the series

Nearly everything said is done so wryly or dryly. Find a page with conversations(getting harder to find in the sea of pointless descriptions, but at least people can think wryly and dryly), and you will find both terms used at least once. I would love to get a digital copy of the book and run a search on them and count em up. I wouldn't be surprised if they showed up 400+ times each. There has to be more then those 2 near identical options. It seems like Jordan thinks of something he believes to be clever(but it usually isn't) and then repeats it ad-nauseum. Like "but there it was" and "so and so looks at someone else as if for the first time". Those two phrases were repeated in the first 6 books hundreds of times.

This book is mildly decent. But this is one of his warm ups for his successful attempt to write the worst book ever(CoT). Lots of tea, dresses, sniffing and braid-tugging in this one, but is still only foreshadows the massive amounts of them yet to come.

Yes, the Mat/Tylin storyline is more then disturbing. Had the roles been different, people would have been screaming over the rape storyline. Jordan simply has an adolescent view of women. He needs therapy badly.

The worst parts are the Egwene storyline. The irony of her always screaming at Rand for having a swollen head, and then she does nearly the same things is too much to bear.

The books read alot like an school paper that had to be a certain length. It is like the publishers said it had to be a minimum of 12 books, but since the entire story from start to finish could be a good 8 books, we have been subjected to lots of filler and plain bad writing.

Jordan is a lot like George Lucas, both took a story and universe that interested many people and destroyed it, forgetting that story is more important then eye-candy. The unending, and uninteresting descriptions in the book and fx in the movie rendered both terrible and are both forever scarred.

Well I read number 7 and it was a great book I know some reviewers camplianed and didn't like the book but I enjoyed it and to me that is all that counts just my opinion only. It was funny to see Mat get a taste of his own medicane and be chased by a woman and he thinks it is not right,he should be the one to do the chasing.(OH BROTHER! )( Man if I was in that predicument I would love it.) I like Rand and Min's relationship it was abit anoying to hear Rand say that it would be better to send Min away so she will be safe.(I'm sick of hearing that, and like I said on a earlyer review this is coming from me a guy) I'm no expert on women but if they threw themselfs at me I would love it. Plus Mat still thinks he knows better than Nynaeve and Elanine I loved the way they had to appologise to Mat (especaliy Nynaeve who thinks she shouldn't Appologisy at all) All in all a good book. I can't wait to read number 8.

This book was one of my favorites in the series, the character build up, plot twists and the way Mr. Jordan took his readers on an emotional roller coaster alongside Mat, Egweyn, Elayne and Rand's separate yet coincidal missions to save their world.

The Wheel of Time series is the perfect fantasy novel. This isthe most recent book (he has not ended the series!!) and though manypeople thinks he just adds more loose strings I think I gets better and better. There is no problem. He will easliy tie the loose strings together. He already knows the ending (so I guess he knows how to tie the plots together). I think R.J likes plots and therefore loves to hold us on our toes by complicating them. It takes long time for R.J to write a book, but he does it very well. This book has a rating 10 because it just is wonderfull. The series (read the whole serie) would have a rating 15-20 or something.

While this book doesn't contain the same amount of action found in previous books in the "Wheel of Time" series, however, I found the book to be as fascinating as all those before.
Jordan's writing has matured with his characters. I've reread books the first six books and was struck by the differences in the characters from "then" to "now". The characters
really did grow and mature, especially the main protagonist, Rand al'Thor. As we await the publishing of book 8, I think of book 7, not as "filler", but as the deliberate placing of characters
and events similar to a game of chess

The seventh book of the 2009 pre Gathering Storm reread and why are we not at the climax yet? Now, as we continue on our way one of the themes that Jordan seems intent on developing is that of evil. We don't have the glimpse into the heads of those characters as perhaps we should to truly see where evil will take us.

Is this book a good one? If you are not reading the entire series, then you will be lost, and it will not be worthwhile to read. There are so many plot lines, that the book loses people, and story arcs are barely concluded.

Oh, another one of the evil that we are exploring more of, bites it, which is good for the good guys. But that Arc has been going on since book three. What has taken so long.

Then in other arcs, barely a word about our tower in exile friends, which is ripe with political strife and turmoil and evil interlaced within its domain. Perrin, moved off stage for later shenanigans. Which is now a precursor that tells us, more is coming, this is not the last book, we are going to make it longer.

So here is the big picture. The series is too long, or too much is happening in too short a time. Our heroes are being thrust in an ever accelerated pace, after Rand saves Cairhein, to do more grown-up things then they should be capable of or prepared for given what we have walked down the path with them.

All of a sudden our three male Tevern and equally powerful Aes Sedai girls, are still that, boys and girls thrust to do very adult, wise things for which it would take years to master.

And the amount of balls they are juggling in the air, would take years also. It is as if FDR looking around on December 8th said, well lets let these six 20 year old juniors from community college handle the entire American war effort. I'll sit back and take the credit, but they can defeat Hitler and the Japanese, no problem.

Our heroes are faced with so many challenges that they should have had the years to develop especially as we have had 20 years to wait for the end of the series.

Thus we conclude that if you are a fan of the series, this is a transition book. There are some fun and exciting sequences, but even with the closing of some arcs, the book opens new doors and by now we know, that some of the things that Jordan adds, when he adds new things, just can not be finished unless he forces us to read 3000 new pages...

EVEN THOUGH THE SERIES HAS SLOWN DOWN A BIT, THIS BOOK IS STILL A GOOD READ. A LOT OF READERS SAY IT IS SLOW AND THERE IS TOO MUCH DESCRIPTION OF SURROUNDINGS. HOWEVER, THERE ARE MANY CLASSICS THAT ARE SO BOGGED DOWN WITH SYMBOLISM AND DETAIL THAT THEY ARE DIFFICULT TO GET THROUGH. HOWEVER, ONCE YOU READ THEM, THEY LEAVE YOU WANTING MORE (IF YOU ARE INTELLIGENT, THAT IS. THE FASHION/COMIC READING AVERAGE JOE PROBABLY JUST WON'T GET IT). THIS SERIES IS DESTINED TO BE A CLASSIC. IT IS RICH AND ENTERTAINING. I DO HOPE THAT THE SERIES ENDS SOON. (HENSE ONLY 4 STARS AND NOT FIVE) LIKE ALL THINGS, IT CANNOT LAST FOREVER.

I just got my computer and have subscribed to AOL. So I've only just started to find out about the customer reviews page featured in the store.com. I have to say that the comments are interesting and revealing of the readership. Anyway, I read ACOS over a year ago, I agree with a great many of the readers that this book was slow and tedious. The details it raised were expected and not very innovative. However, as with any fantasy series it has to have a down period in order to settle some points. While I applaud Mr. Jordan's vast array of knowledge of world religions (by the very application of Buddhist ideology and other eastern religions the WOT series), the characters are a bit cliche and soap operaesque. Although he is trying to develop the main characters with as much complexity as he can, he falls into the trap of two dimensional characters with predictable vices and desires. Why is there such a dichotomy between the male and female characters? The trite positions they each occupy gets tedious. A point to the readers that Jordan has a truly feminist view: I don't quite agree with you. While the female characters are ostensibly strong, they frequently revert back to traits of feminine weakness. For example, Nynaeve is the portrayed as the strong-willed one, but her heart melts like cotton candy whenever she sees Lan. Her characterization is so polarized into classical tropes of strong-willed matriarch and subservient jellyfish that I don't feel for her, that is empathize with her. Someone made a comment about the characters, about how immature they are. They can lead armies, take care of the sick, yet when it comes to relationships they're like thirteen year olds who are told that someone likes them by that someone's best friend. And like early pubescent relationships, candor and dialogue are absent. This is what I mean about WOT having soap opera qualities it has a safety net of predictable relationship protocols. In fact, nothing is ever dared in the relationships. While the action of the series could be rated PG-13, the amorous relationships are on the scale of Disney. If Mr. Jordan could possibly start taking some chances with his characters, his series would have the complexity that would allow it to be compared to Tolkien or Donaldson. However, for the comments on the length of his installments and the complaints about the repeated details, they are necessary. Jordan is creating a different world, one we are not familiar with. And so the more details he relates the more vivid our picture of that world. I do hope that Rand's character will get smarter. It's okay that he might be going insane. But it's been years since he found out that he has powers, so he has to deal with it. If I am correct about the Buddhist inclinations in the WOT series, Rand has to come to grips with the idea of emptiness and compassion and suffering in order to control his sanity and his confrontation with the dark one, which won't be the LAST confrontation, mind you. As we are introduced into each book, the wheel of time keeps turning, so this confrontation is just one of the infinite confrontations that will take place....

Readers that are impatient and eager for a resolution of
the many, varied subplots will find COS painful. But those,
like myself who enjoy the careful devolopment of inventive
new twists and turns will enjoy COS. Truthfully, I am in no
hurry to be done with The Wheel of Time, it is too rich and
too filled with characters that I have grown attached to.
Jordan's tree seems to be branching into more and more new
areas, at this rate an ending which ties up all loose ends seems almost unimaginable. I hope Jordan's editors allow
him to take his time with the few remaining volumes.

Braids are pulled. Skirts are smoothed. Men are degraded. The three ta'veren are clueless about women. Rand has temper tantrums. Lews Therin cackles madly in the background. The quest for enchanted tupperware continues. Clothes are described in excruciating detail. The required number of Forsaken is killed.

Despite these things, some good did happen in this book. It wasn't nearly as slow as book 6. I almost cried from joy last book when they discovered Traveling, no more month long journeys! I was also overjoyed when Elayne and Nynaeve finally began to grow some sense. Adviendha is having a good effect on them. Some of the same phrases are used constantly, do you know how many times Nynaeve pulls her braid and girls smooth their skirts? Talk about irksome. The constant description of clothes is still incredibly annoying. I think the guy wants to be a fashion designer. The World of Dreams was created simply so the he could describe dresses. hem, moving on. Plot does manage to progress. Another Forsaken was killed. Bet ya didn't see that coming! We can probably predict how many books there will be based off the number of forsaken. The thing in this book that bothered me the most was definitely the Whitecloaks/Morgase. We didn't need to know all the political currents of the whitecloaks if they're all killed by the Seanchan! One chapter would have been enough. Many subplots have not been wrapped up, and instead continue to grow. Ah well. Good, entertaining books, but not prime literature.

After reading this book, I feel as if something has been left out and that I was cheated. I think this comes from reading the other 6 books in the series which make book 7 pale in comparison to them. This book does drag on a bit and could use more excitement like Rand battleling a forsaken, aiel fighting aiel, etc, etc. I by no means want to see a book cover to cover filled with battles but those types of things do break up the monotony of the long drawn out plots that RJ seems so fond of. In conclusion.. while not as great as any of the others this book is still a must buy for any WoT or Jordan fan.

Alright, so anyone reading this book series should already know that you are in for the long haule because there are 14 books (one to be released Jan. 2013; hopefully), which is not including "A New Spring" which is a prequel to the quite large book series (sidebar: it is short, pretty good [you know how it turns out if you started the series first], and gives you some good backround knowledge about Moraine and Suian's search for the Dragon Reborn and how Lan becomes Moraine's warder).

If you are this far you know Jordan can be very long winded at times (possibly an understatement...), and this book is no exception; however, considering you are reading a 14 book series I suggest you sit back and let your imagination run wild with Jordan's extreme detail and descriptive writting style.

I have read all the books and am re-reading the series to immerse myself in the story in preparation for the last book. That being said, everything Jordan has put into these books and the series starts to come to fruition around book 11 (this is not to say the other books are not good) and it is LEGENDARY!!! A modern day epic; if somewhat long. You will love youself for reading this series because it is so great at the end; so if it gets boring just power through it because it is worth it!! Sanderson does a great job picking up the series as well.

Jordan is always compared to Tolkien, and one of the best reviews I have read for Jordan stated how he infuses politics into his series much more than Tolkien had (thus longer and more detailed). So pay attention to everything becuase as I am re-reading the series I am finding out so much more about the characters and the world that they live in that the story is so much more compelling, interesting, and it does not seem as long-winded/boring as it had the first time i read it. Further, another review mentions how Tolkien has multiple other books about the history of Middle Earth and its different people. Try reading a few of those and decide who is more long-winded.

I suggest reading this series to anyone who enjoys reading and has the time and energy to commit to an epic story.

I was disappointed in the seventh book the first time. Now I can't even read it through. It's very hard for a former Robert Jordan maniac to admit that I've gotten over a world I've been in love with for almost two years. First of all there's the slow disintegration of character. You don't notice it the first time - or even the second. But then it seeps in. I LOVED Nynaeve in the first book. I still liked her in the second. In the third I got a little annoyed. By the fifth, she had turned into a braid pulling, futile little baby, which seems to be a trend for the rest of the females in the series. I still like Elayne, though I wonder how long that will last. Min....forget it. And did you notice that every single woman in power has been lowered? Morgase does nothing but feel her heart pound when Tallanvor comes near, Siuan cleans Gareth Bryne's shirts. Min simpers for Rand....Is it my imagination, or is something seriously wrong here?
As for plot. Yup, good old plot. Remember that something like that used to exist? Remember when once-upon -a-time what happened in the books made a difference? I mean, it actually led somewhere *gasp*. Does anyone remember Slayer? Or Luc? Or Mazrim Taim? Or Demandred? Does anyone remember when something more meaningful happened rather then "The Bath"?
And I'm sick and tired of hearing how guilty Rand is feeling all the time. Or how Perrin is too obtuse to know how to deal with his wife (though Faile is one of the biggest pains in history). While it made me like them the first time, I can now repeat every single one of their speeches after seeing one word. You just have to guess if its the "I'm so guilty and the mountain is awfully heavy" or "why are they bowing to me I'm just a farm boy" or my very favorite - lets not forget it- "Are All Women Crazy" and "I'm Never Going To Understand Women." That's no surprise, considering the author doesn't. And considering the fact that these women's main goals in life seems to be to confuse the men (except when they're thinking about how gorgeous they are). I mean, after all, what else does a girl have to do with her life?!
I don't consider myself a radical feminist, but I've had enough. I'm planning to give the eighth book a chance, if only for old times sake (it IS hard to drop an obsession), but if it repeats the pattern, I'm going to get rid of every Robert Jordan I have, and be ashamed of ever having read this junk. Some holes in a pattern can't be repaired.

This book is the weak link of the series. It is still worth reading on it's own and a can't miss if your are trapped in the story of the Rand, Mat and Perrin.
The book ends roughly. It is as if Mr. Jordan was responding to the readers impatience with the release of the sequel. Still, it has the captivation and entertainment value of the series as a whole.
My greatest complaint is that the I started the series before it was completed and my uncomfortable fear is that it will be completed and the story will end.
Don't miss it but don't be in a hurry, we've a while to wait for the finish

Nearly everything said is done so wryly or dryly. Find a page with conversations(getting harder to find in the sea of pointless descriptions, but at least people can think wryly and dryly), and you will find both terms used at least once. I would love to get a digital copy of the book and run a search on them and count em up. I wouldn't be surprised if they showed up 400+ times each. There has to be more then those 2 near identical options. It seems like Jordan thinks of something he believes to be clever(but it usually isn't) and then repeats it ad-nauseum. Like "but there it was" and "so and so looks at someone else as if for the first time". Those two phrases were repeated in the first 6 books hundreds of times.

This book is mildly decent. But this is one of his warm ups for his successful attempt to write the worst book ever(CoT). Lots of tea, dresses, sniffing and braid-tugging in this one, but is still only foreshadows the massive amounts of them yet to come.

Yes, the Mat/Tylin storyline is more then disturbing. Had the roles been different, people would have been screaming over the rape storyline. Jordan simply has an adolescent view of women. He needs therapy badly.

The worst parts are the Egwene storyline. The irony of her always screaming at Rand for having a swollen head, and then she does nearly the same things is too much to bear.

The books read alot like an school paper that had to be a certain length. It is like the publishers said it had to be a minimum of 12 books, but since the entire story from start to finish could be a good 8 books, we have been subjected to lots of filler and plain bad writing.

Jordan is a lot like George Lucas, both took a story and universe that interested many people and destroyed it, forgetting that story is more important then eye-candy. The unending, and uninteresting descriptions in the book and fx in the movie rendered both terrible and are both forever scarred.

Well I read number 7 and it was a great book I know some reviewers camplianed and didn't like the book but I enjoyed it and to me that is all that counts just my opinion only. It was funny to see Mat get a taste of his own medicane and be chased by a woman and he thinks it is not right,he should be the one to do the chasing.(OH BROTHER! )( Man if I was in that predicument I would love it.) I like Rand and Min's relationship it was abit anoying to hear Rand say that it would be better to send Min away so she will be safe.(I'm sick of hearing that, and like I said on a earlyer review this is coming from me a guy) I'm no expert on women but if they threw themselfs at me I would love it. Plus Mat still thinks he knows better than Nynaeve and Elanine I loved the way they had to appologise to Mat (especaliy Nynaeve who thinks she shouldn't Appologisy at all) All in all a good book. I can't wait to read number 8.

This book was one of my favorites in the series, the character build up, plot twists and the way Mr. Jordan took his readers on an emotional roller coaster alongside Mat, Egweyn, Elayne and Rand's separate yet coincidal missions to save their world.

The Wheel of Time series is the perfect fantasy novel. This isthe most recent book (he has not ended the series!!) and though manypeople thinks he just adds more loose strings I think I gets better and better. There is no problem. He will easliy tie the loose strings together. He already knows the ending (so I guess he knows how to tie the plots together). I think R.J likes plots and therefore loves to hold us on our toes by complicating them. It takes long time for R.J to write a book, but he does it very well. This book has a rating 10 because it just is wonderfull. The series (read the whole serie) would have a rating 15-20 or something.

While this book doesn't contain the same amount of action found in previous books in the "Wheel of Time" series, however, I found the book to be as fascinating as all those before.
Jordan's writing has matured with his characters. I've reread books the first six books and was struck by the differences in the characters from "then" to "now". The characters
really did grow and mature, especially the main protagonist, Rand al'Thor. As we await the publishing of book 8, I think of book 7, not as "filler", but as the deliberate placing of characters
and events similar to a game of chess

The seventh book of the 2009 pre Gathering Storm reread and why are we not at the climax yet? Now, as we continue on our way one of the themes that Jordan seems intent on developing is that of evil. We don't have the glimpse into the heads of those characters as perhaps we should to truly see where evil will take us.

Is this book a good one? If you are not reading the entire series, then you will be lost, and it will not be worthwhile to read. There are so many plot lines, that the book loses people, and story arcs are barely concluded.

Oh, another one of the evil that we are exploring more of, bites it, which is good for the good guys. But that Arc has been going on since book three. What has taken so long.

Then in other arcs, barely a word about our tower in exile friends, which is ripe with political strife and turmoil and evil interlaced within its domain. Perrin, moved off stage for later shenanigans. Which is now a precursor that tells us, more is coming, this is not the last book, we are going to make it longer.

So here is the big picture. The series is too long, or too much is happening in too short a time. Our heroes are being thrust in an ever accelerated pace, after Rand saves Cairhein, to do more grown-up things then they should be capable of or prepared for given what we have walked down the path with them.

All of a sudden our three male Tevern and equally powerful Aes Sedai girls, are still that, boys and girls thrust to do very adult, wise things for which it would take years to master.

And the amount of balls they are juggling in the air, would take years also. It is as if FDR looking around on December 8th said, well lets let these six 20 year old juniors from community college handle the entire American war effort. I'll sit back and take the credit, but they can defeat Hitler and the Japanese, no problem.

Our heroes are faced with so many challenges that they should have had the years to develop especially as we have had 20 years to wait for the end of the series.

Thus we conclude that if you are a fan of the series, this is a transition book. There are some fun and exciting sequences, but even with the closing of some arcs, the book opens new doors and by now we know, that some of the things that Jordan adds, when he adds new things, just can not be finished unless he forces us to read 3000 new pages...

EVEN THOUGH THE SERIES HAS SLOWN DOWN A BIT, THIS BOOK IS STILL A GOOD READ. A LOT OF READERS SAY IT IS SLOW AND THERE IS TOO MUCH DESCRIPTION OF SURROUNDINGS. HOWEVER, THERE ARE MANY CLASSICS THAT ARE SO BOGGED DOWN WITH SYMBOLISM AND DETAIL THAT THEY ARE DIFFICULT TO GET THROUGH. HOWEVER, ONCE YOU READ THEM, THEY LEAVE YOU WANTING MORE (IF YOU ARE INTELLIGENT, THAT IS. THE FASHION/COMIC READING AVERAGE JOE PROBABLY JUST WON'T GET IT). THIS SERIES IS DESTINED TO BE A CLASSIC. IT IS RICH AND ENTERTAINING. I DO HOPE THAT THE SERIES ENDS SOON. (HENSE ONLY 4 STARS AND NOT FIVE) LIKE ALL THINGS, IT CANNOT LAST FOREVER.

I just got my computer and have subscribed to AOL. So I've only just started to find out about the customer reviews page featured in the store.com. I have to say that the comments are interesting and revealing of the readership. Anyway, I read ACOS over a year ago, I agree with a great many of the readers that this book was slow and tedious. The details it raised were expected and not very innovative. However, as with any fantasy series it has to have a down period in order to settle some points. While I applaud Mr. Jordan's vast array of knowledge of world religions (by the very application of Buddhist ideology and other eastern religions the WOT series), the characters are a bit cliche and soap operaesque. Although he is trying to develop the main characters with as much complexity as he can, he falls into the trap of two dimensional characters with predictable vices and desires. Why is there such a dichotomy between the male and female characters? The trite positions they each occupy gets tedious. A point to the readers that Jordan has a truly feminist view: I don't quite agree with you. While the female characters are ostensibly strong, they frequently revert back to traits of feminine weakness. For example, Nynaeve is the portrayed as the strong-willed one, but her heart melts like cotton candy whenever she sees Lan. Her characterization is so polarized into classical tropes of strong-willed matriarch and subservient jellyfish that I don't feel for her, that is empathize with her. Someone made a comment about the characters, about how immature they are. They can lead armies, take care of the sick, yet when it comes to relationships they're like thirteen year olds who are told that someone likes them by that someone's best friend. And like early pubescent relationships, candor and dialogue are absent. This is what I mean about WOT having soap opera qualities it has a safety net of predictable relationship protocols. In fact, nothing is ever dared in the relationships. While the action of the series could be rated PG-13, the amorous relationships are on the scale of Disney. If Mr. Jordan could possibly start taking some chances with his characters, his series would have the complexity that would allow it to be compared to Tolkien or Donaldson. However, for the comments on the length of his installments and the complaints about the repeated details, they are necessary. Jordan is creating a different world, one we are not familiar with. And so the more details he relates the more vivid our picture of that world. I do hope that Rand's character will get smarter. It's okay that he might be going insane. But it's been years since he found out that he has powers, so he has to deal with it. If I am correct about the Buddhist inclinations in the WOT series, Rand has to come to grips with the idea of emptiness and compassion and suffering in order to control his sanity and his confrontation with the dark one, which won't be the LAST confrontation, mind you. As we are introduced into each book, the wheel of time keeps turning, so this confrontation is just one of the infinite confrontations that will take place....

Readers that are impatient and eager for a resolution of
the many, varied subplots will find COS painful. But those,
like myself who enjoy the careful devolopment of inventive
new twists and turns will enjoy COS. Truthfully, I am in no
hurry to be done with The Wheel of Time, it is too rich and
too filled with characters that I have grown attached to.
Jordan's tree seems to be branching into more and more new
areas, at this rate an ending which ties up all loose ends seems almost unimaginable. I hope Jordan's editors allow
him to take his time with the few remaining volumes.

Braids are pulled. Skirts are smoothed. Men are degraded. The three ta'veren are clueless about women. Rand has temper tantrums. Lews Therin cackles madly in the background. The quest for enchanted tupperware continues. Clothes are described in excruciating detail. The required number of Forsaken is killed.

Despite these things, some good did happen in this book. It wasn't nearly as slow as book 6. I almost cried from joy last book when they discovered Traveling, no more month long journeys! I was also overjoyed when Elayne and Nynaeve finally began to grow some sense. Adviendha is having a good effect on them. Some of the same phrases are used constantly, do you know how many times Nynaeve pulls her braid and girls smooth their skirts? Talk about irksome. The constant description of clothes is still incredibly annoying. I think the guy wants to be a fashion designer. The World of Dreams was created simply so the he could describe dresses. hem, moving on. Plot does manage to progress. Another Forsaken was killed. Bet ya didn't see that coming! We can probably predict how many books there will be based off the number of forsaken. The thing in this book that bothered me the most was definitely the Whitecloaks/Morgase. We didn't need to know all the political currents of the whitecloaks if they're all killed by the Seanchan! One chapter would have been enough. Many subplots have not been wrapped up, and instead continue to grow. Ah well. Good, entertaining books, but not prime literature.

After reading this book, I feel as if something has been left out and that I was cheated. I think this comes from reading the other 6 books in the series which make book 7 pale in comparison to them. This book does drag on a bit and could use more excitement like Rand battleling a forsaken, aiel fighting aiel, etc, etc. I by no means want to see a book cover to cover filled with battles but those types of things do break up the monotony of the long drawn out plots that RJ seems so fond of. In conclusion.. while not as great as any of the others this book is still a must buy for any WoT or Jordan fan.

Alright, so anyone reading this book series should already know that you are in for the long haule because there are 14 books (one to be released Jan. 2013; hopefully), which is not including "A New Spring" which is a prequel to the quite large book series (sidebar: it is short, pretty good [you know how it turns out if you started the series first], and gives you some good backround knowledge about Moraine and Suian's search for the Dragon Reborn and how Lan becomes Moraine's warder).

If you are this far you know Jordan can be very long winded at times (possibly an understatement...), and this book is no exception; however, considering you are reading a 14 book series I suggest you sit back and let your imagination run wild with Jordan's extreme detail and descriptive writting style.

I have read all the books and am re-reading the series to immerse myself in the story in preparation for the last book. That being said, everything Jordan has put into these books and the series starts to come to fruition around book 11 (this is not to say the other books are not good) and it is LEGENDARY!!! A modern day epic; if somewhat long. You will love youself for reading this series because it is so great at the end; so if it gets boring just power through it because it is worth it!! Sanderson does a great job picking up the series as well.

Jordan is always compared to Tolkien, and one of the best reviews I have read for Jordan stated how he infuses politics into his series much more than Tolkien had (thus longer and more detailed). So pay attention to everything becuase as I am re-reading the series I am finding out so much more about the characters and the world that they live in that the story is so much more compelling, interesting, and it does not seem as long-winded/boring as it had the first time i read it. Further, another review mentions how Tolkien has multiple other books about the history of Middle Earth and its different people. Try reading a few of those and decide who is more long-winded.

I suggest reading this series to anyone who enjoys reading and has the time and energy to commit to an epic story.

I was disappointed in the seventh book the first time. Now I can't even read it through. It's very hard for a former Robert Jordan maniac to admit that I've gotten over a world I've been in love with for almost two years. First of all there's the slow disintegration of character. You don't notice it the first time - or even the second. But then it seeps in. I LOVED Nynaeve in the first book. I still liked her in the second. In the third I got a little annoyed. By the fifth, she had turned into a braid pulling, futile little baby, which seems to be a trend for the rest of the females in the series. I still like Elayne, though I wonder how long that will last. Min....forget it. And did you notice that every single woman in power has been lowered? Morgase does nothing but feel her heart pound when Tallanvor comes near, Siuan cleans Gareth Bryne's shirts. Min simpers for Rand....Is it my imagination, or is something seriously wrong here?
As for plot. Yup, good old plot. Remember that something like that used to exist? Remember when once-upon -a-time what happened in the books made a difference? I mean, it actually led somewhere *gasp*. Does anyone remember Slayer? Or Luc? Or Mazrim Taim? Or Demandred? Does anyone remember when something more meaningful happened rather then "The Bath"?
And I'm sick and tired of hearing how guilty Rand is feeling all the time. Or how Perrin is too obtuse to know how to deal with his wife (though Faile is one of the biggest pains in history). While it made me like them the first time, I can now repeat every single one of their speeches after seeing one word. You just have to guess if its the "I'm so guilty and the mountain is awfully heavy" or "why are they bowing to me I'm just a farm boy" or my very favorite - lets not forget it- "Are All Women Crazy" and "I'm Never Going To Understand Women." That's no surprise, considering the author doesn't. And considering the fact that these women's main goals in life seems to be to confuse the men (except when they're thinking about how gorgeous they are). I mean, after all, what else does a girl have to do with her life?!
I don't consider myself a radical feminist, but I've had enough. I'm planning to give the eighth book a chance, if only for old times sake (it IS hard to drop an obsession), but if it repeats the pattern, I'm going to get rid of every Robert Jordan I have, and be ashamed of ever having read this junk. Some holes in a pattern can't be repaired.

This book is the weak link of the series. It is still worth reading on it's own and a can't miss if your are trapped in the story of the Rand, Mat and Perrin.
The book ends roughly. It is as if Mr. Jordan was responding to the readers impatience with the release of the sequel. Still, it has the captivation and entertainment value of the series as a whole.
My greatest complaint is that the I started the series before it was completed and my uncomfortable fear is that it will be completed and the story will end.
Don't miss it but don't be in a hurry, we've a while to wait for the finish

First things first. I've been a big RJ fan for several years now, gobbling up the books as they came out. For the longest time I was a Wheel of Time fanatic with the best of them. Then, you know what? I grew up. I read other fantasy books, and realized, no, WOT is not the best out there. It's not the greatest world ever created. The characters aren't incredibly well done, or even well done at all in most cases. All that said, I still think books 1, 2, and 4 are among the most entertaining fantasies I've read. However, 6 and 7 have fallen terribly.
The Wheel of Time was never great literature (face it - comparisons with Tolkien are ludicrous; all you need is one look to see that Tolkien's command of language is supreme, and RJ ripped *so* much from the Lord of the Rings; examples: Padan Fain is analogous to Smeagol/Gollum; the Nym are analogous to the Ents; Perrin's return to the Two Rivers is analogous to the "Scourging of the Shire"; etc., etc.), but it's always been entertaining. Yes, books 6 and 7 are still pretty fun to read, but not nearly as gripping. It took me a week to read book 7! Having finished books 1 through 5 in no more than two days apiece, and book 6 in three, that really says something. When I reread the series I found A Crown of Swords almost boring at times. Coming from a fan like me, that's harsh criticism.
Why did I find it boring? Too much filler, too few happenings. Nothing is resolved questionable argument to say the least.
For true fantasy, I suggest the average WoT fanatic should broaden his/her horizons and pick up Tolkien, or maybe Donaldson (just finished the Chronicles of Thomas Covenant - wow!), or even Wolfe. For purely entertaining fantasy, the Wheel of Time is still wonderful, but George R.R. Martin's A Game of Thrones has taken the trophy away. I await Martin's and Jordan's forthcoming works to make my next judgement.
Turn it around, RJ!

Let's get one thing out of the way, Robert Jordan is the best writer in the Fantasy World, is he perfect? No he is not.
Crown of Swords is not as exciting as the Lord of Chaos (the last book in the series). I will try to avoid spoiling anything for people who haven't read it yet. Through most of the book the pace is rather slow, but things start to really pick up the last 2/3rds of the book. The ending was OK, but not great.
I'll take this opportunity to point of some aspects of Mr. Jordan's writing that is frankly starting to irritate me. First of all, the strong female characters are a refreshing change, but seven volumes of reverse sexism (against men) tends to get a little annoying and ridiculous. Nynaeve is getting to be extremely irritating. Second, Mr. Jordan is making the series needlessly complicated with numerous subplots, how he is going to resolve the storyline without an inevitable letdown is beyond me. Third, why is every other woman described as either "beautiful", "pretty" or "handsome"? Are there no average or ugly women in Mr. Jordan's world? And I don't care how Mr. Jordan explains this, but there is no excuse for having all the nations speak the same language and have no organized religion, it is utterly unrealistic (I know, this is fantasy series, but still).
Now that all the bad stuff is out of the way, this is still the best series out there and I can't wait for the paperback edition of the Path of Daggers.

I am captivated by The Wheel of Time series. I would like to say that I don't think that Jordan is trying to be Tolkien and for all of you who wrote bad reviews, why bother? If you don't like the series, you should've put the books down by now! I for one think that the characters are execellently developed, rich, and believable. I would like to thank Mr. Jordan for creating a world in which women are not only equal to men but do indeed seem to best them. The one complaint I have is that men are stronger in the One Power. Why? Im anxioulsly awaiting book number 9!!!!!!!

I have loved Robert Jordan's books since the beginning, and as much as people complained that this one lagged on forever I thought it was great. Mat is my favorite character and Mat was in this book a lot which may be one of the reasons I liked it so much. And for those who don't think enough get's done, make an inventory of what happens. I don't want to give anything major away but if your a Nynaeve fan she does finally lose her block. Thank God. I think this book may be the best in the series only surpassed by the Fires of Heaven (which had a lot of Mat also).

Since breaking my neck, I have had the opportunity to read a lot of books, the best of which is Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time series. Although each book is long, this all helps to maintain the story and keep the reader wanting more. I am really looking forward to book 8, and I must learn to read slower, othewise I will just have to re-read the series again. Keep up the good work Mr Jordan, I know the story will reach a conclusion one day, just please make that day in about 20 years or so. I hope we will see you in the UK sometime soon, Southampton in particular.

Between the constant whining and ramblings of the main characters to the cheap filler in the pages....this book has trully brought what was a great series...to its knees. I hope Mr. Jordan can turn it around and do the last books like the first books....or this series will end with a "whimper" and not with a "Bang" as it should. Get the story moving again Robert! And lets get on with the show!!! I only hope great authors like George R. R. Martin and others' works don't begin to take a TOO much of a toll on the fall from grace Jordan is taking.

I must say that I was dissapointed at the dull storyline of this book. I have read the other books in the series 3 time each, but the path of daggers I couldn't even get to the second to last chapter. I just hope for the sake of Robert Jordan's readers that the next one can pick up where Crown of Swords left off. It focused too much on Rand, and the 3 Aes Sadai wannabes. The only reason this book was interesting was because of the mentions of the forsaken, and the brief references to Perrin, Mat, and of course, The Aiel. Sorry Mr. Jordan, better luck next time.

I waited for a while for this book to come out and when it did I was thrilled! I figured this would finish up the series, but come to find out I have to wait longer. This is absolutely the worst book in the series because there wasn't enough to it. He could have brought the story closer to the end, so people would be anxiously waiting for the next but they are not. Sorry Jordan you can do a lot better, you know you can, as everyone else who reads your books knows. I still give this book a 7 because the rest of the series helps this one out a little

The seventh volume of The Wheel of Time carries us over the halfway point of the series (with the final book now being split into two volumes, bringing the series total to thirteen) in terms of wordcount. However, in terms of the actual story we're much closer to the end. Robert Jordan made a decision in the latter part of the series to reduce forward story momentum in favour of developing subplots and character interactions, a rather controversial choice that has resulted in the series' overall mixed reviews across SF&F fandom. By this seventh volume, we are starting to see the impact of this decision.

The book opens in the aftermath of the massive Battle of Dumai's Wells, when the Dragon Reborn, imprisoned by the Aes Sedai loyal to Elaida, was rescued by his supporters and both sides had to fend off an attack by the Shaido Aiel. During this battle nine of the rebel Aes Sedai swore fealty to Rand to prove their loyalty and the Asha'man, a society of male channellers created by Rand to use in the Last Battle, proved their worth. Resisting the urge to revenge himself upon Elaida, Rand prepares for his much-foreshadowed confrontation with Sammael, whilst at the same time trying to finally win over the Sea Folk and the Cairhienin rebels to his cause. Meanwhile, in Ebou Dar, Mat, Nynaeve, Elayne and several other characters are trying to find the Bowl of Winds, an important artifact that will restore normal weather to the world. In Amador, stronghold of the Children of the Light, a shift in the balance of power puts Morgase's life in danger, and from the south and from the west an even greater threat is emerging to challenge the alliance Rand is hoping to assemble against the Shadow.

There's a lot going on in A Crown of Swords, and the book conveys a feeling of momentum and movement compared to the largely static Lord of Chaos, which makes it a moderately more satisfying read. There's also a widening of the worldbuilding, with the Sea Folk presented in more detail then we have seen before, the introduction of the Kin (a secret society of female channellers) and the revelation of a new form of magic, the True Power, and a convincing reason given why we haven't seen it before (although we have, kind of). We also get to meet a deadly new form of Shadowspawn which presents a real sense of menace, just as we were starting to get bored of Trollocs and Myrddraal. As with the last three books, multiple storylines proceed in tandem and build to a series of large-scale, epic climaxes which shift the balance of power in the world and the story and leave the reader eager to plunge into the next book.

However, several key problems emerge or are solidified in this book. There is a lot of talk and overlong chapters in which very little happens. Forward character development proceeds satisfyingly for several characters, but others (most notably Elayne) seem to be stuck going round in circles to the increasing frustration of the reader. The fact that one of the most interesting and morally complex characters in the entire series dies in this book is also rather irritating (given how reluctant Jordan is to kill off characters in this series). The introduction of the Kin also feels like a redundant step too far. On top of the Aes Sedai, the Aiel Wise Ones and the Sea Folk Windfinders, we really didn't need yet another group of female channellers and their attendant politics. On the other hand, Jordan sometimes gets criticised for his introduction of a whole new bunch of characters among the White Tower Aes Sedai who are assigned to flush out traitors, but he doesn't devote much time to them and they are clearly essential for the resolution of the Aes Sedai civil war storyline.

A Crown of Swords (****) is largely a satisfying continuation of the story despite the increasing longueurs in some of the storylines. Some of the new characters and elements introduced are more successful than others, but broadly there is still the sense the story is going somewhere with continuing hints that we are moving towards a definitive conclusion. Unfortunately, this is the last time for several volumes that this is apparent. The book is available from Orbit in the UK and from Tor in the USA.

While I rate this book highly, this is the first book in the series where I really began to feel that the story was being stretched out deliberately to yield more books in the future. Many of the subplots advance slowly and more subplots are introduced, leaving more loose ends to tie up later. Don't get me wrong, this is still a wonderful book and worth your time. If you're a fan of the series, this is a book you need to read, just prepare yourself for a story that is still as long as previous volumes but not as deep.

While I can't deny that A Crown of Swords doesn't come near the Dragon Reborn, my first and fave WOT read, the seventh book definitely shows that Jordan has something left in his big series. Here's where our favorite characters are:
Rand - off managing political situations by the dozen , walloping yet more of the forsaken, and falling in love with Min at the same time. Sheez, stop cheating, Dragon!
Min - convincing Rand to stop sulking about his madness and to fall in love with her. Poor Min, she used to be the best character.
Mat - He's learned a lot in the Crown of swords, between looking for the Bowl of the Winds, escaping the clutches of Queen Tylin, (who I found disgusting and as evil as the Forsaken), and meeting Birgitte. The high point of Mat's story is when he realizes that he can like a woman, such as Birgitte, as just a friend!
Perrin - he's gone absolutely crazy over Faile, and it's ruining some of his reality as a character. He continues to be a strong character, however.
Moghieden - THE COOLEST CHARACTER IN THE BOOK! I never thought I'd sympathize with the Forsaken, but Moghieden keeps all of the vitality of Jordan's former books. Caught by a magical mindtrap, Moghieden is forced to serve under Moridin. She has the most sense and character of every woman in the book.
Egwene is still Amyrlin, and busy looking for Moghieden. Elayne and Nynaeve are searching for the Bowl of the Winds to save the weather. More about this in the 8th book? I hope!
Although it's wobbling, the Wheel of Time hasn't hit a ditch and broken yet. If you ask me, Moghieden and Birgitte are keeping it on track.

I got lost a few times, but I still enjoyed the book. As with all series', the author is using the exact same wording in every book to describe something instead of using new ways to say the same thing. I appreciate trying to remind us of things, but if it's exactly the same time it becomes annoying. I'm continuing on the saga though!

Writing often takes a lot out of a writer, and in this case I fear that Mr.Jordan has scraped the end of the line here. With a story this large and this complex, the last thing needed are more characters and subplots. Yet, this is what has happened, another set of characters appearing, more irritating subplots, and not much in the way of continuity. However, the previous books in this series were definitely worth reading. I sincerely hope that Mr.Jordan does not introduce more characters in the next book and works on tying up all the lose ends

This series started off well enough. By book 4 the story was starting to lag a little bit, by book 5 the series was going downhill, and by book 6 the story had ground to a halt. Still, I was willing to give the series another chance, and I opened up volume seven with high hopes. Much to my dismay, I found that it was absolutely, astonishingly awful.
For one thing, the story goes absolutely nowwhere. Rand is is still complaining, Elayne and Nynaeve(Light burn them!) are still searching for supernatural kitchenware, and Perrin is still as boring as ever. Jordan tries to bulk up his tedious narrative with needless details. Who cares what Nynaeve is wearing!
The female characters are even more annoying than ever. Elayne is the same chatering fool she was since book 1, but now she is even more vexing since half the book focuses on her. Nynaeve tugs on her braid some 22,000 times during the course of the book. The female characters are seem to have the sane annoying personality. It seems like Jordan couldn't write women if his ife depende on it.
In short, avoid this book at all costs.

I love the Wheel of Time Series. The new books lack the fast paced action which I liked from the first few books. However, I also love all the complexity and intrigue of Jordan's recent books. This is a reason i have held off from buying the Wheel of Time campaign setting for D&D, i figure I don't need it, as just by reading these books, i would probably be able to make one of my own. Jordan is slowly bringing the story to a climax, introducing more and more threads, in preparation for Tarmon'Gaidon. This gives the world depth. Unlike other reviewers, I think that the main characters are far more interesting now than in the early books. I just wish jordan would speed it up... I mean, the series is extremely interesting, and is my all time favourite, but I can't see this series having a DECENT ending in just 3 more books (This is from book 10). In fact, judging by the pace, I'd say, to have a truly good ending, we need about 10 more books. But that's just my opinion. Until then, I'll enjoy the writing, which is still magnificent, if the speed is much, much slower. Until then, I'm staying with this series, unlike others who are jumping overboard.I liked this book, especially the Gholan and Moridin. About the only thing wrong with it was rand's invasion of Illian, it was stupid. I mean, he'd been planning it for so long, and then one morning he wakes up and does it, seemingly for no good reason.

Many people have said that Jordan's series has continued on for too long. I strongly disagree. After reading the seventh book, I am still deeply satisfied with his writing. Jordan's character interaction is the strongest I have ever read in any book. His characters, especially Lan, have continued to develop in such a way to keep the series fresh and entertaining. The later books may get a little chaotic, and some people may not like that, but I believe it strengthens the novels. I look forward to the eighth and last book of the series

Firstly, don't even bother with this review or any of the others if you havent read any of the previous books in the series. Its so complex (in terms of number of characters etc) that long standing WoT readers often have trouble keeping up. Secondly, if you are thinking of writing a review then please, please, please do not give away any plot points. Its very annoying!
This book, in my opinion, mantains Jordans high standards and is an improvement on the last book. Once more the pace is slow and you need to be prepared for this. It won't suit all people no matter how detailed a world he is building up this way. Personally I love this. It makes a marvellous contrast to other books such as the Malazan Book of the Fallen series by Steven Erikson. Both are different but excellent in their own ways. Its good to read books of variety in pacing.
However, Jordan did get a little bogged down occasionally in the last book which I would give 4 stars for this reason. Crown of swords is different. I never once felt that a passage was unneccessary and all the detail simply added up to paint a wonderful picture of another world.
Some would say tht nothing happens in much of this book. I disagree, we see a subtle developments in character interaction particualrly between Mat, Elayne and Nynaeve, the intruduction of new elements to the world (true source for example) as well as a cliff-hanger of an ending. This all serves to set us up nicely for not only the next book but the rest of the series.
The aforementioned character development helps to negate the fact that Jordan still uses descriptions of Nynaeve tugging her braid, thinking all men are dumb etc. This is because you can see that these developments are leading us away from this. Hence me saying earlier that there are no wasted words. Without this, I would have begun to have become fed up with this but Jordan, skilled writer that he is has advanced things at just the right time.
So basically if you love the series then you will love this. It has many classic Jordan moments that stir the soul (a'la dumai wells!). If you are beginning to tire of things then please give it a chance as hopefully you will see the advancements that take place to make this one of the great achievments of fantasy literature. And he hasn't even finished yet!

I love this seris very much but the past 2 books have been increasingly disapointing.Book 6 was unnesicarily long with little real action or plot developement,aside from a few nice scenes and glimpses of the Forsaken.Book seven could have been easily tacked on to the end of book 6,as it has even fewer plot deveolpement,less action,and it resolves completely nothing.None of the things I was looking foward to in book 7 happened.Why? At the beginning of this seris I though 7 would be the limit of the seris but I guess I was wrong.

After spending a week wading through about 150 pages, I put this book down as a boring soap opera. About a year later, I picked it up again, and enjoyed it thoroughly. This book has some weak points, most noticeably, the fact that there are 200 or so women who think and act like cartoonish wenches. Every single one. Unfortunately Nynaeve resurfaced and most of the Aiel Maidens haven't been nuked yet by the Asha'man.
On the positive side, the best thing about this series is the great sense of paranoia and uncertainty which all the main characters can't avoid. Everybody *knows* they're on the right side, even if nobody else thinks so! Everybody backstabs, plots, and schemes to make things happen their way, but who will come out on top? Even among the avowedly "good" guys, there exist huge tensions and rivalries. Very cool! The story threads involving Elaida and the Black Ajah were among the most interesting. Taken slowly, this book rewards when you savor the subplots like this one. By keeping the ultimate bad guy in the background, the threat seems a lot more real, unlike most of the cardboard villains populating fantasy bookracks these days (See Feist, Raymond).
The conclusion w/Sammael, btw, was *WEAK*. Since the plot isn't the main strength of this book, this is not a fatal flaw.
This series is something of an elephant - both flawed and grand simply because of its size. For my money, the positives outweigh the negatives, at least in paperback.
P.S. - this would make a good TV series like the X-files *if done properly.*

I am an avid reader of practically all genres, and I have to say that this is probably one of the most interesting, and long series I have ever read, and I have enjoyed it immensly. I have read some of the previous reviews and I agree with many, but I have to say that to compare Robert Jordan to J.R.R. Tolkein, is like comparing apples to oranges, to use an old cliche'. I have read Tolkein's works at least three times and have enjoyed them each time. But whereas these works seem to be driven by fabulous creatures and mysterious magic, the Wheel of Time series, though using some of these same techniques, depends much more heavily on adult characters and relationships and how they change over time to further its story. My chief complaint is that there is way too much time between books! I got hooked on the WOT a few years back and it was great! There were a number of books already out and I was able to go from one to the next without loosing much of the story line. But then, after the sixth, "Lord of Chaos", I had to wait for "Crown of Swords" I started to forget some of the story line and character relationships. Since COS it's been almost two years! Again I'm starting to loose some of the story line. I think some of the slowness a few people have been complaining about is due to just this. RJ should put all this Conan stuff aside and finish WOT. I have recently begun rereading the series. I figure that maybe by the time I finish, a new book will be out and I'll be right on top of the story. There are very few books I've read, and enjoyed, twice. This is one. In fact, I'm picking up on things I missed the first time. There is just so much about this story that grabs my interest. I feel I know every one of the characters personally and am pulling for them to succeed. And then there is all the references to our own mythology and religions, Shaitan/Satan, Tarmon Gaidon/ Armaggedon-----it keeps you thinking continously. An intersting thing is, my wife's 92 year old grandmother has read this series too. She loves it! But I think she's more worried about when one of the girls is going marry Rand then anything else. If she was an Aes Sedai she probably would have been a green. I know this was supposed to be a review of COS, but I just found this web site and it's been a while since I read the book, and I haven't gotten that far in my reread, so I'm a little shaky on the details. But I'd have to say to those who have complained about it being slow, get over it. A work this length is going to have slow sections. It has to. Reserve your judgement until the final book. And for those who complain RJ's books are too long (my wife being one of them), look at it this way. With prices for books being what they are today, you're getting more bang for your buck, as the saying goes. I personally just love long, involved stories that help me forget some of my everyday cares. Well. I've gone on way too long------Bye, Chuck in sunny Florida

Robert Jordan has managed to take his readers, kicking and screaming, straight into the lands beside the Aryth Ocean. The protagonists are very likable. One can almost feel the agonizing tension between characters before each decision is made, even if it takes three or four chapters to make that choice. Unlike most other authors, Robert Jordan has a very strong grasp on Good and Evil as they really are, and manages to communicate those concepts to the reader in a transparent manner. Almost all of the characters are either aligned with the Good or Evil forces permeating the Epic; but each character may or may not be performing actions for reasons the cause would approve. Every character is definable by what they do, but their reasoning almost always crosses the gray areas between the white and black of Good and Evil (or is that the black and white... sometimes it is hard to say). All in all a masterful representation of epic fantasy. I just wish that some of the plot diversions from books two and three would be resolved already (e.g. Mat Cauthon wedding the Daughter of the Nine Moons). Luckily Mr. Jordan has at least seen fit to apparently (I hope) have set up Mat to cross paths with the Sanchean. The newly introduced master villains, on the other hand (are they ALL Gholums?), are yet another plot twist introduced in the beginning of a book with no explanation by the end of that book. Suspense is good. Losing hair and nails due to suspense is not good. Excellent reading for anyone with the stamina to read a 900 page book from chapter three to the end without putting it down.

The overall series of the Wheel of Time has been a masterpiece. This book starts a downfall of a legend. Don't get me wrong, it's still a great book and series, but I think that Jordan's peak was around "The Fires of Heaven". If he were to just let the story flow and start letting the readers imagination fill in the details this engrossing plot could still go on for another 5 books. I still can't wait for the end I know it will be very imaginative with all the plot twists that Jordan has already come up with.

I love the book the only thing that I hate is the wait for the next one in the series. When reading this series of books it is very anoying to have to wait so long for the next one to come out. I know that he is doing the best he can but the wait is still a pain. I also enjoy the way he goes into detail on the characters of this series though. I am also curious to know how many more volumes there are going to be before this series is ended. I know that he is a talented writer and I am looking forward to the series.

Still fighting the madness that is slowly trying to manifest within him, along with enemies in every direction, Rand continues to grow stronger and gain more support in this volume of the Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan. A Crown of Swords is the seventh book in the series and is definitely better than the last two in my opinion. The characters all continue to evolve as the story continues toward an ending I can’t wait to see. I love this series and hate to see it end, but at the same time I want to know what is going to happen.

After spending a lot of time with this series, I have finally given up on The Wheel of Time.
Robert Jordan frustrates me. You spend more time reading about what the characters are thinking rather than actually getting any of the plot resolves. Furthermore, the story goes into POVs that really, REALLY don't need to be done.
One would think that if you are this far in the series, you should have a broad knowledge of what's going on. But RJ does not think so. He goes on once again to describe every single city and enviroment again and again and again. I mean, how many times can you describe Tel'aran'rhiod?
Sadly, I've given up and will no more force myself to finish these books. If you're looking for something fast-paced, something that will work your mind and not bore you with long descriptions about how some random hawk is flying around, then do not go any further.

I started reading this series just a little over two years agos. I was captivated by Jordon's style of writing and his ablitly to build characters. These books have never let me down. I have been waiting for his next release for over a year now. I read the first 7 books in about 2 months. It wasn't that I didn't have a life, it was because the series is just that good. If you enjoy reading fantasy than you must read the Wheel Of Time saga. You will not be dissapointed.

A Crown of Swords truly justifies everything that anyone has ever complimented Robert Jordan's writing! The plot in the series is growning hot. The Seanchan are already preparring an invasion to reclaim what is theirs, and a split White Tower struggles over whether to fight or join the mysterious Asha'man of the Black Tower, lead my Mazrim Taim and the Dragon Reborn, Rand al'Thor. I truly don't think that even J.R.R. Tolkien could have written this story as masterfully as Jordan did, especially in the ending. I felt chills as Gandalf fell toward his death in The Lord of the Rings, as the Nazgul raced against time toward Mount Doom as the ring neared; as Thomas Covenant was transported to a strange world where the earth held its own mystical powers, and as Belgarion rose triumphantly before Belgarath the Sorcerer and Polgara the Sorceress. I have never before, however, seen such a masterful telling. Read this book, and all the Wheel of Time series. And remember...
...the storm is coming.

I cannot understand people whining about ACOS! In my opinion it is with TFOH the best of the seven. You learn more about the characters, have funny and interesting scenes (see the Tylin scenes with humor, friends, and if not, things like that happen) and at the end, you nearly burst of suspision, what might happen in the next book. What will happen in Ghealdan? Is Taim Demandred? How will the Aes Sedai attack on the Black Tower end?.........
There are no holes in the plot, and even if there doesn't happen so much in the CoF...It's good so. It makes the story more real. I bet, in APoD there will be enough of that.
And people,...do me a favor...stop complaining about the length! If you think it is to long stop reading it, if you can! If you kept up with it to #7, I think you can't. I think the books are much to short. I hope for at least 5 more, but I have heard, #10 will be the final one.
And to everyone who hasn't read the WOT yet.... DO IT!!!!!! START NOW!!!! Only after you started, you will know what you missed. There is nothing similar to the Wheel of Time! Nothing even close. And to those people out there who don't like the series...I feel terrible sorry for you. I absolutly can't understand you.
Robert Jordan, by the Light and my hope of rebirth, you are the MASTER of fantasy and the best writer ever, but please, please hurry on with APoD!!!!!!!!! Your fans are waiting !!!!!!
Christoph Kollen

Good story but if he keeps at this pace it will be well into the next millenium before it ever ends.
I would have given the whole series to date a 9 or 10 if it didn't take a decade to write. With a story this indepth you have to be able to get the next book immediatly or you loose little bits of info vital to the story three books later.
I think Mr. Jordan should choose either Conan or Wheel of Time.

I aint gettin no younger get on with it Jordan!

Though the other books in the series were obviously superior in pace to this one, aCoS stands on its own if one wants to learn the true art of character development. Jordan focusses his boundless talent on expanding the breadth of his most important characters, but unfortunately draws no closer to Tarmon Gaidon. He is milking this series for all it is worth, but be honest: What will we all do when the end finally comes? I'm in no hurry to destroy this world, are you?

I am an ardent R.J. fan. I don't know where to find out the title of his next book and the release time. But I heard that it is expected next Nov., but i'm not sure. I sincerely hope it comes soon. BTW, ACOS is the greatest book i have ever read. But then, WOT is the best series I have ever read. I hope R.J. keeps up the good work.
Will somebody tell me where to get info on upcoming releases? I would be grateful if you'd email me ([email protected]).
V.R.

After book 4 the series begins to meander around. Characters are constantly side-tracked into meaningless, boring tasks. The first 200-300 pages of this book are basically a re-hash of the previous books only excitement (Rand's capture and escape from the "bad witches") seen from different characters perspectives. This is an example of what writing becomes when the author obviously has no idea of where the story is going, and there obviously is little or no editing. The author must being paid by the word count and not the content. The story seems to get written into little boxes, and has to be written back on track again and again. I no longer have the patience to actually read each page. I find myself skimming through to find some useful information or a single point of action. The characters have also stalled out with Rand spending most of his time talking to him-self while the world goes to hell. His big secret plan to quickly deal with one of the forsaken (started in the previous book) continues to drag on and on and on..... This series had a good basic story. Unfortunately you have to wade through crap to try and find it. I'm beginning to wonder if the series will ever end.

This is by far the best series of books I have ever read. Jordan has used the classic "good vs. evil" plot and developed a world and cast of characters that would make Tolkien green with envy. The fact that Jordan keeps the focus on the same characters through the entire series instead of moving on to their descendants like many other authors do is a major plus. The character development is simply awesome. On a side note- I have noticed many people complaining about the fact that the story is not completely focused on one main character. It seems that people dont like reading about the "side adventures" of any character that isn't Rand. You people are going to have to get a clue. You seem to think that characters like Elayne, Mat, Perrin, Egwene, Avienda, etc., are minor characters with no real importance. What you have to understand is that while these might not be as interesting as the Lord Dragon, they are equally important to the story. With out these characters "side adventures", the story would simply fall apart. That anyone could skip over these sections is completely ridiculous. Not to mention completely impatiant. If you people are going to critique a series of books so unique as the Wheel of Time, maybe you should take some time to learn to appreciate the fact that some authors can write stories more complicated than other authors. If Robert Jordan's writing is too complicated for you to read without skipping over the "boring" parts (which are often the most important parts of the story) then you should stop reading the books and go back to reading books you might understand. I hear Dr. Suess has written quite a selection of books that you might like. All in all, while this book might not be as exciting as some of the others in the series, it is just as vital to Jordan's ongoing storyline. My hat is off to you, Robert Jordan.

About a year ago I began reading Fantasy novels, I began with the DragonLance chronicles. Then I moved on to Feist, as I was in the middle of A Darkness at Sethanon a friend brought a beat up old novel of his...The Eye of the World...he strongly suggested I read it...I admit to being very reluctant and read the novel half heartedly. About 2 months after that I picked up this beat up book and re-read it...I had decided to give it another chance...Well..in the last 3 months I have read all 7 books..after book 3 I started buying them instead of borrowing them..What an outstanding series! I'm definately hooked and I'm really enjoying these books. When my friend brought the 2nd and 3rd book over I was leary to continue because of the length of the books...now I find myself thinking, once I reach the end, Is that all? I find the books difficult to put down. Jordan has proven you don't have to have Elves, dwaves, dragons and Mage's to write an excellant fantasy story. P! errin's troubles and the wolves is a brilliant story line. As one who believes wolves are sorely misunderstood and wrongly hated..I love what he is doing with them in his story. I will continue to read these books and as a big Stephen King Fan I'm getting really good at waiting for the next book in a series to appear..I've waited long for the gunslinger books to come out. Kudos to Jordan and a great series of novels!

Robert Jordon describes everything in this book and in the previous ones too.When you read this you will not only find that you are stuck to it for hours at a time .but that you know each and every charactor completly.Jordon gives a perfect life to everyone .He describes in detail feelings thoughts,looks,fears,etc.Also you will be captured by descriptions of landscapes,peoples customs,weapondry.Robert Jordon has some excellent books here and i await a sequel.

First off let me say this: DO NOT read this book until you've read the first six books in Wheel of Time Series. Start with THE EYE OF THE WORLD, THE GREAT HUNT, THE DRAGON REBORN, THE SHADOW RISING, THE FIRES OF HEAVEN, LORD OF CHAOS and then A CROWN OF SWORDS... Okay, now that we are through that I must say that I'm not really a sci-fi book reader fan, more of a sci-fi movie watcher...but I saw one of these books and hunted until I got to the first in the series and I must say that I'm truly hooked on sci-fi books. I ordered all seven books and read them back-to-back. I think that's the best way because now I'm waiting for Book #8, THE PATH OF DAGGERS and the waiting is killing me... I'm taking this time though to read books by a coupla other sci-fi writers, such as David Brin, and David Eddings. I've read that these are some pretty decent reads...so while I wait for Jordan's next book in the series, I'm enjoying myself. Ooops, guess I'm supposed to be telling about the book, but I personally think that one has to read these books themselves, and the telling of the story spoils it for me...so all I'm saying is....GO BUY THE WHEEL OF TIME SERIES BY ROBERT JORDAN....
Anyone needing to talk about this series or books in general, and can recommend some good sci-fi books and authors can always drop me a line or two or three. :) SMEA

1: Tolkien Vs. Jordan? How can you compare the founder of the movement with one of the newer generation? Why would you want to? Of course the up and coming guys are going to be better ( sometimes) I think it is a testament to the Genius of Tolkien's work that anyone would want to gauge the next generation against him. 2; the first 4 books were great, they moved fast, developed engrossing character, scenery and plot, and just plain entertained me. Book 5 slipped a little by getting a bit more talky and less active. All I can say about book six is that I don't remember much, except some relatively undeveloped characters suddenly took over the plot , possibly in an attempt to rekindle some of the lost fire. Book 7. well, bring on book 8, I hope we start to wrap this up soon y'all. Rand has become a little less than a character I would root for, I think Perrin is wholely underdeveloped, Nyneave and Matt are great to read about, as is the Seanchan ally ( her name escapes me now, I guess I have to go back and re-read also) I guess, basically, book 8 better get back to the enthusiasm and action of the first 3 or 4 or I think it will be time to hang up this series and move on to something a little more focused.

Jordan obviously has become very wordy in his descriptions of benign things and when it comes to intricate battles or deaths of main characters he is very short and nondescript.
I am not sure if he does that on purpose but when you finally get to a point in the story where you cant put the book down then he sorta lets you down.
The first three books were the best and the second three were the worst. This 7th novel actually picks up the pace again.

I think this series is misnamed. Instead of the "The Wheel of Time", I think it should be called "The Never Ending Story". The first 4 books were truly outstanding. Robert Jordan was one of the few authors I could justify buying in hardback edition. Books 5 and 6 were still fairly good, but the story was beginning to get bogged down. This book is the first in the series I didn't like at all. Out of habit, I bought book 8 but the idea of reading another of those 40+ page, boring, and in most cases irrelevant prologues was enough to give me a headache. I'm not reading any more of this series. Sometime in the distant future, if I live so long, this series may come to an end. I'll read the last book just to se how things end up. As for the rest of the books, I'll wait for the Reader's Digest version or for the Cliff Notes.

It has been a little over a year so my grasp of the specific events have slipped. How ever I do remember that this book in the series like the others before it were excellent. There can be no comparison between Tolkien and Jordan. Tolkiens books except for the first one were so boring I couldn't even finish them. Out of more then 50,000 (I literaly keep track) pages in the last four years Tolkein would be rated amoung the worst. Likely those that don't enjoy the book and complain about character development would be better suited reading Romance or Peirs Anthony (an author of his own fantasy world(a flowery world)). Or perhaps they have difficulty with the words and phrases. I think that every one is intitled to their own oppinion but must wonder if perhaps they should look for a different class of works such as mystery perhaps. I would like to rate this book with higher then 5 stars but cannot. I have recommended Robert Jordan to friends and haven't gone wrong yeat. I being a big D&D fan, though I have read the vast majority of my librarys other fantasy novels, would like to say bravo to Robert Jordan. I have seen many series turn sour as they continue on (like Tolkiens). Jordan (may he keep it so to the end) has so far kept the series enthralling.:)LL

This book is wonderfully written with fun characters that stayrealistically the same. Jordan doesn't try to excite you by having anunreliable charracter. Everything that is in this book could happen in the world. The foundation of the book keeps you on the same path. You do not jump plots, or twist in FUNKY ways. Once you pick it up you'll will not put it down until you finish. Then you'll bug the Author and Publisher until the next one comes out.

OK. I'm having the same problem that about half of the reviewers here are having. I'm getting EXTREMELY BORED with WoT. Robert Jordan is a great writer but he's abusing his talents! The story is getting so bogged down with details that I'm starting to wonder if *he's* forgetting some of them. It must be such a chore for him to keep track of his own writing! (I find myself having that kind of trouble with the Breath of Fire fan fiction I'm writing, and that's only 200 pages so far! But then again, I'm not a professional writer, yet.)
I loved the first two or three books in the series. The Eye of the World hooked me instantly. I was totally in love with the Aes Sedai and Warders -- so much so that I've underwent the trials of becoming Aes Sedai myself! -_^ But by The Shadow Rising I could tell WoT was starting to lose steam. It's really too bad. The only saving grace of the seventh book is what happens with Nynaeve and Lan. They are the only reason I continued reading WoT, and I found myself disappointed constantly because their relationship is so neglected in the series! I know most people hate Nynaeve but I think she has her charm. A better writer could've made her endearing despite her faults, instead of overemphasizing those faults. :P

I have followed The Wheel of Time series and up until this point I couldn't wait for the next book to come out. But this one was a complete chore to get through!
The only excitement comes in near the very end of the book..and even that was anti-climatic. The sub-plots and cast of characters is getting extremely over-populated, hard to follow and monotonus.
The only reason I continued on to finish this book is simply because it was part of the series and I am hoping the next one picks up a bit and cleans out all the uneccessary and boring characters this books dwells on.
Definately seems like this one was written just because another book in the series was due.

Jordan doesn't try to outdo Lord of Chaos instead he changes the tone and writes a more light-hearted volume. This is all to the good, but as we'll see in Path of Daggers, Mat's character is more necessary to the story than you'd think.
Also Recomended: The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling, The Left Behind series by Tim LaHayn and Jerry B. Jinkins, The Shannara series by Terry Brooks, The Saga of Darren Shan series by Darren Shan, and the Remnatns series by K.A. Applegate

I cannot understand people whining about ACOS! In my opinion it is with TFOH the best of the seven. You learn more about the characters, have funny and interesting scenes (see the Tylin scenes with humor, friends, and if not, things like that happen) and at the end, you nearly burst of suspision, what might happen in the next book. What will happen in Ghealdan? Is Taim Demandred? How will the Aes Sedai attack on the Black Tower end?.........
There are no holes in the plot, and even if there doesn't happen so much in the CoF...It's good so. It makes the story more real. I bet, in APoD there will be enough of that.
And people,...do me a favor...stop complaining about the length! If you think it is to long stop reading it, if you can! If you kept up with it to #7, I think you can't. I think the books are much to short. I hope for at least 5 more, but I have heard, #10 will be the final one.
And to everyone who hasn't read the WOT yet.... DO IT!!!!!! START NOW!!!! Only after you started, you will know what you missed. There is nothing similar to the Wheel of Time! Nothing even close. And to those people out there who don't like the series...I feel terrible sorry for you. I absolutly can't understand you.
Robert Jordan, by the Light and my hope of rebirth, you are the MASTER of fantasy and the best writer ever, but please, please hurry on with APoD!!!!!!!!! Your fans are waiting !!!!!!
Christoph Kollen

Good story but if he keeps at this pace it will be well into the next millenium before it ever ends.
I would have given the whole series to date a 9 or 10 if it didn't take a decade to write. With a story this indepth you have to be able to get the next book immediatly or you loose little bits of info vital to the story three books later.
I think Mr. Jordan should choose either Conan or Wheel of Time.

I aint gettin no younger get on with it Jordan!

Though the other books in the series were obviously superior in pace to this one, aCoS stands on its own if one wants to learn the true art of character development. Jordan focusses his boundless talent on expanding the breadth of his most important characters, but unfortunately draws no closer to Tarmon Gaidon. He is milking this series for all it is worth, but be honest: What will we all do when the end finally comes? I'm in no hurry to destroy this world, are you?

I am an ardent R.J. fan. I don't know where to find out the title of his next book and the release time. But I heard that it is expected next Nov., but i'm not sure. I sincerely hope it comes soon. BTW, ACOS is the greatest book i have ever read. But then, WOT is the best series I have ever read. I hope R.J. keeps up the good work.
Will somebody tell me where to get info on upcoming releases? I would be grateful if you'd email me ([email protected]).
V.R.

After book 4 the series begins to meander around. Characters are constantly side-tracked into meaningless, boring tasks. The first 200-300 pages of this book are basically a re-hash of the previous books only excitement (Rand's capture and escape from the "bad witches") seen from different characters perspectives. This is an example of what writing becomes when the author obviously has no idea of where the story is going, and there obviously is little or no editing. The author must being paid by the word count and not the content. The story seems to get written into little boxes, and has to be written back on track again and again. I no longer have the patience to actually read each page. I find myself skimming through to find some useful information or a single point of action. The characters have also stalled out with Rand spending most of his time talking to him-self while the world goes to hell. His big secret plan to quickly deal with one of the forsaken (started in the previous book) continues to drag on and on and on..... This series had a good basic story. Unfortunately you have to wade through crap to try and find it. I'm beginning to wonder if the series will ever end.

This is by far the best series of books I have ever read. Jordan has used the classic "good vs. evil" plot and developed a world and cast of characters that would make Tolkien green with envy. The fact that Jordan keeps the focus on the same characters through the entire series instead of moving on to their descendants like many other authors do is a major plus. The character development is simply awesome. On a side note- I have noticed many people complaining about the fact that the story is not completely focused on one main character. It seems that people dont like reading about the "side adventures" of any character that isn't Rand. You people are going to have to get a clue. You seem to think that characters like Elayne, Mat, Perrin, Egwene, Avienda, etc., are minor characters with no real importance. What you have to understand is that while these might not be as interesting as the Lord Dragon, they are equally important to the story. With out these characters "side adventures", the story would simply fall apart. That anyone could skip over these sections is completely ridiculous. Not to mention completely impatiant. If you people are going to critique a series of books so unique as the Wheel of Time, maybe you should take some time to learn to appreciate the fact that some authors can write stories more complicated than other authors. If Robert Jordan's writing is too complicated for you to read without skipping over the "boring" parts (which are often the most important parts of the story) then you should stop reading the books and go back to reading books you might understand. I hear Dr. Suess has written quite a selection of books that you might like. All in all, while this book might not be as exciting as some of the others in the series, it is just as vital to Jordan's ongoing storyline. My hat is off to you, Robert Jordan.

About a year ago I began reading Fantasy novels, I began with the DragonLance chronicles. Then I moved on to Feist, as I was in the middle of A Darkness at Sethanon a friend brought a beat up old novel of his...The Eye of the World...he strongly suggested I read it...I admit to being very reluctant and read the novel half heartedly. About 2 months after that I picked up this beat up book and re-read it...I had decided to give it another chance...Well..in the last 3 months I have read all 7 books..after book 3 I started buying them instead of borrowing them..What an outstanding series! I'm definately hooked and I'm really enjoying these books. When my friend brought the 2nd and 3rd book over I was leary to continue because of the length of the books...now I find myself thinking, once I reach the end, Is that all? I find the books difficult to put down. Jordan has proven you don't have to have Elves, dwaves, dragons and Mage's to write an excellant fantasy story. P! errin's troubles and the wolves is a brilliant story line. As one who believes wolves are sorely misunderstood and wrongly hated..I love what he is doing with them in his story. I will continue to read these books and as a big Stephen King Fan I'm getting really good at waiting for the next book in a series to appear..I've waited long for the gunslinger books to come out. Kudos to Jordan and a great series of novels!

Robert Jordon describes everything in this book and in the previous ones too.When you read this you will not only find that you are stuck to it for hours at a time .but that you know each and every charactor completly.Jordon gives a perfect life to everyone .He describes in detail feelings thoughts,looks,fears,etc.Also you will be captured by descriptions of landscapes,peoples customs,weapondry.Robert Jordon has some excellent books here and i await a sequel.

First off let me say this: DO NOT read this book until you've read the first six books in Wheel of Time Series. Start with THE EYE OF THE WORLD, THE GREAT HUNT, THE DRAGON REBORN, THE SHADOW RISING, THE FIRES OF HEAVEN, LORD OF CHAOS and then A CROWN OF SWORDS... Okay, now that we are through that I must say that I'm not really a sci-fi book reader fan, more of a sci-fi movie watcher...but I saw one of these books and hunted until I got to the first in the series and I must say that I'm truly hooked on sci-fi books. I ordered all seven books and read them back-to-back. I think that's the best way because now I'm waiting for Book #8, THE PATH OF DAGGERS and the waiting is killing me... I'm taking this time though to read books by a coupla other sci-fi writers, such as David Brin, and David Eddings. I've read that these are some pretty decent reads...so while I wait for Jordan's next book in the series, I'm enjoying myself. Ooops, guess I'm supposed to be telling about the book, but I personally think that one has to read these books themselves, and the telling of the story spoils it for me...so all I'm saying is....GO BUY THE WHEEL OF TIME SERIES BY ROBERT JORDAN....
Anyone needing to talk about this series or books in general, and can recommend some good sci-fi books and authors can always drop me a line or two or three. :) SMEA

1: Tolkien Vs. Jordan? How can you compare the founder of the movement with one of the newer generation? Why would you want to? Of course the up and coming guys are going to be better ( sometimes) I think it is a testament to the Genius of Tolkien's work that anyone would want to gauge the next generation against him. 2; the first 4 books were great, they moved fast, developed engrossing character, scenery and plot, and just plain entertained me. Book 5 slipped a little by getting a bit more talky and less active. All I can say about book six is that I don't remember much, except some relatively undeveloped characters suddenly took over the plot , possibly in an attempt to rekindle some of the lost fire. Book 7. well, bring on book 8, I hope we start to wrap this up soon y'all. Rand has become a little less than a character I would root for, I think Perrin is wholely underdeveloped, Nyneave and Matt are great to read about, as is the Seanchan ally ( her name escapes me now, I guess I have to go back and re-read also) I guess, basically, book 8 better get back to the enthusiasm and action of the first 3 or 4 or I think it will be time to hang up this series and move on to something a little more focused.

Jordan obviously has become very wordy in his descriptions of benign things and when it comes to intricate battles or deaths of main characters he is very short and nondescript.
I am not sure if he does that on purpose but when you finally get to a point in the story where you cant put the book down then he sorta lets you down.
The first three books were the best and the second three were the worst. This 7th novel actually picks up the pace again.

I think this series is misnamed. Instead of the "The Wheel of Time", I think it should be called "The Never Ending Story". The first 4 books were truly outstanding. Robert Jordan was one of the few authors I could justify buying in hardback edition. Books 5 and 6 were still fairly good, but the story was beginning to get bogged down. This book is the first in the series I didn't like at all. Out of habit, I bought book 8 but the idea of reading another of those 40+ page, boring, and in most cases irrelevant prologues was enough to give me a headache. I'm not reading any more of this series. Sometime in the distant future, if I live so long, this series may come to an end. I'll read the last book just to se how things end up. As for the rest of the books, I'll wait for the Reader's Digest version or for the Cliff Notes.

It has been a little over a year so my grasp of the specific events have slipped. How ever I do remember that this book in the series like the others before it were excellent. There can be no comparison between Tolkien and Jordan. Tolkiens books except for the first one were so boring I couldn't even finish them. Out of more then 50,000 (I literaly keep track) pages in the last four years Tolkein would be rated amoung the worst. Likely those that don't enjoy the book and complain about character development would be better suited reading Romance or Peirs Anthony (an author of his own fantasy world(a flowery world)). Or perhaps they have difficulty with the words and phrases. I think that every one is intitled to their own oppinion but must wonder if perhaps they should look for a different class of works such as mystery perhaps. I would like to rate this book with higher then 5 stars but cannot. I have recommended Robert Jordan to friends and haven't gone wrong yeat. I being a big D&D fan, though I have read the vast majority of my librarys other fantasy novels, would like to say bravo to Robert Jordan. I have seen many series turn sour as they continue on (like Tolkiens). Jordan (may he keep it so to the end) has so far kept the series enthralling.:)LL

This book is wonderfully written with fun characters that stayrealistically the same. Jordan doesn't try to excite you by having anunreliable charracter. Everything that is in this book could happen in the world. The foundation of the book keeps you on the same path. You do not jump plots, or twist in FUNKY ways. Once you pick it up you'll will not put it down until you finish. Then you'll bug the Author and Publisher until the next one comes out.

OK. I'm having the same problem that about half of the reviewers here are having. I'm getting EXTREMELY BORED with WoT. Robert Jordan is a great writer but he's abusing his talents! The story is getting so bogged down with details that I'm starting to wonder if *he's* forgetting some of them. It must be such a chore for him to keep track of his own writing! (I find myself having that kind of trouble with the Breath of Fire fan fiction I'm writing, and that's only 200 pages so far! But then again, I'm not a professional writer, yet.)
I loved the first two or three books in the series. The Eye of the World hooked me instantly. I was totally in love with the Aes Sedai and Warders -- so much so that I've underwent the trials of becoming Aes Sedai myself! -_^ But by The Shadow Rising I could tell WoT was starting to lose steam. It's really too bad. The only saving grace of the seventh book is what happens with Nynaeve and Lan. They are the only reason I continued reading WoT, and I found myself disappointed constantly because their relationship is so neglected in the series! I know most people hate Nynaeve but I think she has her charm. A better writer could've made her endearing despite her faults, instead of overemphasizing those faults. :P

I have followed The Wheel of Time series and up until this point I couldn't wait for the next book to come out. But this one was a complete chore to get through!
The only excitement comes in near the very end of the book..and even that was anti-climatic. The sub-plots and cast of characters is getting extremely over-populated, hard to follow and monotonus.
The only reason I continued on to finish this book is simply because it was part of the series and I am hoping the next one picks up a bit and cleans out all the uneccessary and boring characters this books dwells on.
Definately seems like this one was written just because another book in the series was due.

I have not read a series with such great enthusiasm since Zelazny's "Chronicals of Amber", which is much faster paced but not as informative. Jordan packs his characters to the gills, I know more about the children from "Manetheren" than I really want to, but I find it impossible to skip any word. The fact that the males are completely wrong about their friends abilities in the "courting department" and the females complete mis-reading of their counterparts intentions etc. is a "dead to rights" interpretation of a village upbringing (I was born and raised in an English village of 800 population). My one complaint is of the repetition that Mr Jordan seems to think we need in order to understand his characters. But what characters! They are all unique and gifted, naive but learning quickly. My favorite chapters involve the swashbuckling and the sorcery, and not forgetting the diabolical intrigue. I would definitely rank this work with Tolkien in caliber, I have been reading SF for around 30 years and love many styles, the writers that "hold me" and bring me anxiously back to the pages are the three mentioned on this page. Thank you Robert, "The Crown of Swords" pulled me along and of course left me panting for more. I can't wait to face the Seanchan and "see" Mat Cauthon dragged from the rubble. Please keep them coming, I will read all that you can write.

Jordan doesn't try to outdo Lord of Chaos instead he changes the tone and writes a more light-hearted volume. This is all to the good, but as we'll see in Path of Daggers, Mat's character is more necessary to the story than you'd think.
Also Recomended: The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling, The Left Behind series by Tim LaHayn and Jerry B. Jinkins, The Shannara series by Terry Brooks, The Saga of Darren Shan series by Darren Shan, and the Remnatns series by K.A. Applegate

In the latest book of the Wheel of Time series, Robert Jordan proves that a book does not have to be action-packed to be interesting. He is patient as always with the development of his characters and decidedly rich in detail. The one real sore spot in the book is the situation with Mat and Tylin, which did not have nearly enough buildup of Mat as a typical womanizing soldier to make the humorous irony as apparent to us readers as it is to Nynaeve and Elayne.
While maddeningly slow-paced at times and often switching POV's precisely when we least want it (a credit to Jordan's ability to get us to identify with various characters), there was very little here that did not in one way or another advance the behemoth of a plot the WoT sports; for the most part, this was like the opening in a chess game--the pieces slowly move into position for a powerful onslaught. The introduction of Shaidar Haran, Cadsuane, Rand's devastating injury, the spy in Egwene's camp, and the final build-up to the long-awaited meeting between Mat and the Seanchan's Daughter of Nine Moons all stand poised to flow over the reader in an avalanche of world-shaking action at the start of the next book, while significant plot points which have occupied the characters such as the Bowl, Lan, and Nynaeve's block were resolved.
Everything is in place for an explosion in Path of Daggers. Now it is up to Jordan to deliver.

I've read all the WoT books, and I just love this series. Nevertheless, I only gave this book 9 because of the previous ones. Though it has few good developments (such as Lan's return!), it's generally filled with over-streched descriptions. The only reason I can think of is that we're going to have a great surprise in the 8th book. I still think Jordan's the best fantasy writer in the world. I hope he doesn't take too long with the next book.

I've read them all so far. I like the story I just wish he would use half as many words. Very little really happened in this particular volume. Also, one woould expect by now that the women in the story would have seen enough of the world to lose their obsession with nudity. That gets a little tedious and is a great way to cut out hundreds of pages. Seven huge volumes is really enough to have told the whole story through the final battle

I would have to say that I never have Read anything as incredible as "The Wheel of Time" series. I have never gotten into a author as much as I have with RJ. I started reading out reasding his former Conan novels. And of those were of course good. Then I saw this series and have not put them down since. When I have nothing to read....What do I do? I read his series again. I would have to say that I have read this series at least 5 or 6 times, and I still do not get bored with it. It's strange knowing the characters so well. Most authors that I have read do not go into the detail Jordan does....and as most people get into the action, I get into all of it. I do wish Jordan could pop out those novels quicker, but then again, I don't want the quality taken away. I of course say take your time, as long as their as good as all the rest, why should I care if he takes a couple of years with the book. I also am going to dread the day he writes his last book, but can't wait to see what happens In the end. So in other words, If you haven't read the series, you better get to it.

This is the book that never ends, yes, it goes on and on my friends. Jordan started writing it not knowing what is was, and he continued writing it forever just because...This is the book that never ends. Yes, it goes on and on my friends. Jordan started it not knowing what it was and he continued writing it forever just because...If anyone has ever watched the Sheri Lewis Show with your children would know what I was talking about!

I too have read the WoT series and I confess that I am hooked! This last book seemed to be like the last two. They are starting to get bogged down somewhat. Too many little characters and too much detail on trival stuff. The story line needs to start moving to a finish. I worry that something might happen to Robert Jordan and that the series will NEVER be completed. Please Mr. Jordan, let's get this "show on the road".

Just like the Energizer bunny, this series just keeps ongoing...and going...and going. Personally, I think it has continuedfar longer than it should. The combination of overly intricate sub-plots and the too-long time between releases of each novel has made The Wheel of Time series overly challenging to follow, so that it's no longer enjoyable to read. Hopefully, Mr. Jordan will wrap it up soon and move on to something more exciting.

Jordan's series presents a world so detailed that it sucks the reader into its reality. Since the characters were not born knowing all about their world, we discover it with them. The characters harbor misinformation and misconceptions in the same way we in the "real world" do, making even the main protagonists' opinions suspect and subject to revision. All of this contributes to a rich texture of plausible character development with people so real that readers cannot help but wonder how their friends (the characters) are and what they are up to during the frustratingly long intervals between installments in the series; so far each book has proven well worth the wait. Jordan continues to create individuals whose complex feelings lead to actions that are not always correct; few characters are entirely good or evil; most show doubt and hesitation just as we do. Realistically, good intentions do not always yield the expected results. I currently share each book with two of my sisters, who fight over who will get it first! Buy it! Read it! Share it! Reread it!

Some people complains and say that this book is a 'burn out' in the serie of the Wheel of time, but I say that it is not. I think that it's a very good book, at least as good as the other six before it. The magic is still flowing through the series, through this book.
In some of the books before the 'a Crown of Swords' a hole lot, to much, of the magic disepared, but now it's coming back again, as strong as ever, if not stronger.

When I first started reading the TWOT, I really thought it would go somewhere. After three books of Starwars type dialog, it was getting old. Then the next few books came along, and some of it was good, but this book started a downfall. The world is involved, perhaps too involved and bloated. Movement and tactics is interesting, but the characters are not loveable, hateable, or real in my humble mind. I fear that the TWOT will be the modern tower of fantacy babel. Seeking to reach some srot of fantasy heaven, but falling into the dust at the end.

I can't believe this! After I read the previous six books, I didn't think that this series could improve more. But, Robert Jordan has done it again. I like these books because there are so many characters, but not so many that it's confusing me. What I also like is that not even one of them ever becomes boring. I'm really looking forward to the Dutch translation of The Path of Daggers, which will be released next month. Can't wait!

In an age (is it the third) full of 90 minute Hollywood "thrillers" which leave little room to the imagination and even less to plot quality, A crown of Swords is a refreshing change. Some say the book is too slow and nothing much happens. Perhaps it is slow, but it is intricate and interesting. When you consider World War II took six years, had many battles and even more characters and stories, most of which are untold, can we expect the last battle to be over in a flash? Jordan's characters are so detailed, you almost feel you know them. The sheer political depth of a world-wide conflict cannot, and should not be expressed without the utmost thoroughness. Jordan's depth of character development and understanding of the political and military fabric of the last conflict are unparalleled and worth enjoying, for as long as he chooses to write.

This is yet another of Robert Jordan's masterpieces. Quite possibly one of my favorites and an action-filled book that is very difficult to put down once you start to read. Highly recommended. Even better the second time through!

The seventh book of the wheel of time series is good. But it is pretty drawn out and there's a hundred charcters you have to keep up with. Though this book has a great ending like most of this series. There are a lot of Ashaman, dedictated, and soldiers dying and it's because of one thing: the taint on saiden. Rand has three loves now, and the Forsaken are getting angrier. Some parts of this book especially the ending won't let you put this book down.

A very fun, interesting read.

The Seventh book in a series of books that keep the reader in supense from the begining to the end. I loved the series sence I read the first book and afer I got done with book 5(that was all that was out at the time)I wanted to read them again. Now that there are seven books I have read all of the books at least 3 times if not more and I will keep on reading untill Jordan stopes or I Die(the second isn't any time soon).

When I started reading this series, (back when book 3 first came out) I was absolutly entralled, and still consider WOT one of the best series out their, but RJ's later books don't live up to the standard set by the earlier ones. In "Crown of Swords" the overall plot hardly progressed at all. Still, considering the first 4 book I have hope that the end of the series will be all it's been built up to be.

When I first started this series of books sometime back in another age that became myth and then became legend (etc. etc.) I really enjoyed them. It's hard for me to believe that now. I have just finished this one (at least 4 more to go - argh!!) and it is the most tedious so far. The only way I could get through it was by literally skimming the pages (sometimes *skipping* the pages), stopping at the very rare bit that looked like it might catch my attention. Usually I was wrong though and it was not worth stopping and I could get back to skimming. My wife doesn't know why I persist and at this stage I'm not sure myself - just stubbornness I suppose. And at the heart of it I like the story. If only he had made a trilogy instead of a 12(or so)-ology of it.

I don't even know why I'm writing this review - if you have got this far in the series, there's a good chance you'll feel obliged like myself to try and finish it. But don't feel like you're missing much if you read it like I did - skimming over 90% of it :)

Maybe someone sometime will make a single summary novel out of it and it may become an enjoyable read again :)

P.S. I have to agree with most people on Nynaeve, I almost wish the gholam had got her in this book ...

Jordan's "A Crown of Swords" feels more like a sequel than any of his other books. Some character stories get mini resolutions such as Elayne's & Aviendha's search for the weather bowl, but most only open doors to new and more complex issues. I actually enjoyed this installment more than the last, my only issue with the book was a hasty and neat ending that I'm not sure if I believe is true. Of course you can never be sure of anything in Jordan's world, but here I just felt it wrapped up a little too neatly in the end.

I haven't been disappointed in any of the Wheel of Time books, and this one was the best to date. The Characters are complex and Jordan ties the story together so cleverly that every page in this is series only leads to anticipation on the next one. I love Fantasy, and Jordan's Wheel of Time series is one of my all time favorites! I only have one complaint... that he doesn't write them as fast as I read them!

I've read the entire Wheel of Time series 4 times. I stayed up, bleary eyed and very caffinated, 3 days straight reading his first 3 books. Now that was some good reading! The next couple books were good, but I could put them down. Crown of Swords was just there. It didn't excite me, but I must say, it still far surpassed many other well acclaimed authors. I'd recommend it only to keep up with the story line.

The wheel of time series has nothing to complain about!
The series are complicated, yes, but for those with intelligence it is a very exciting series. This is the story of a farmer who becomes a king. And 100 other stories at the same time. I recommend that some of the losers that rate these books badly should start using their heads and see all the stories in this series!

(Mat rulez!)

For those of you that complain about the books being to long you have obviously lost all your attention span by sitting on your couch watching T.V. For those of you that have grade 10+ reading level I strongly recommend this. You will be counting the days until spring when the 8th book (A Path Of Daggers)comes out. The characters are interesting detailed and for a change not all things end happily.