Book 4), The Shadow Rising (The Wheel of Time

If you liked the first 4 books, you'll like this one. This is the one where things move past the beginning level adventure and into the nitty gritty. If you haven't read the first 4 books...do it. Start with the Eye of the World.

I received this book promptly, it is in excellent shape, the jacket is also in excellent condition. I was pleased to be able to pick up this book to fill in my hardback collection of Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time series.

Horrible margin formatting on that Samsung Galaxy Note 4 Kindle App and also the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2. IPhone 6 Plus is fine. Barely readable. Problem is in the Book. NOT settings. Other books are fine but so far ALL the Wheel of Time books have this problem

Passionate, good story excellently constructed, but too long, indigestable and boring. Half of the content could be deleted and the book would be perfect. Is (was) the author paid by the word? This is true for all the 9 books. Everything could be contained in maximum 4 volumes.Since Harry Potter, this method seems to be very commun.

Another great adventure in Robert Jordan's series "The Eye of the World". I'm a slow reader, but anxious to finish this book so I can move on to the next. Excellent book from the seller.

I recently purchased all 14 books of the Wheel Of Time in audiobook format, all read by Kate Reading and Michael Kramer (which was published by Macmillan Audio and Audio Renaissance).

In general I love Robert Jordan's work, and thought the reading by Kate and Michael was good.

The physical media, however, leaves much to be desired. The packaging was exceptionally poor, and the CDs arrived so badly scratched that they were difficult to play. Every one of the 14 books had one or more CDs with audible defects (popping sounds, skips, etc). Very unimpressed with the publishers...

Some, like this one, also had particularly poor production, for example chapters starting mid-track (I know it's a small thing - but how hard can it be? I've never encountered this on any of my other audio books).

Bottom line: these are great audiobooks for Robert Jordan fans, but be prepared for some work & frustration (and/or numerous/repeated returns) to get them to play properly.

what can be said when the first 25 pages of the book were missing.
Difficult to ascertain flow of story without the first 25 pages. Had been looking foward to reading the next book in the series. Now must attempt to fill in the gap.

Thats it, I'm done!

I'm done with this arrogant, sexist, shrewish female characters. I'm done with these 18-20 year old guys who ahve the emotional development of a 13 year old. I'm tired of the author skipping over exciting parts to make more room for his characters to pine over their lost childhood love. And most of all, I am tired of Naeneve tugging her damn braid. This series may be for some, but it sure as heck sint for me

$9.99 (Kindle edition) for a book that has been in paperback well over 10 years? I understand that Macmillan wants to charge a higher fee for new releases but this book is several dollars cheaper at your local bookstore and that price takes into account the printing of the book, transportation to the store, profit for the publisher and for the book seller. The electronic version shares almost none of those expenses yet they have decided to charge the consumer an extra $2.00? Shame on you Macmillan. Much like the music industry that failed to accept the future before it was too late, Macmillan seems focused on scalping the consumer for a few extra bucks now at the expense of a long term relationship with the buying public. Looks like I will just pull out my old paperback and save myself $10.

The Shadow Rising
Robert Jordan
Tor, Oct 2 2012, $15.99
ISBN: 9780765334671

The weary battered band of travelers split up after their recent escapades to possess Callandor and confront evil (see The Dragon Unborn). Rand, Mat, Egwene, Moiraine and Lan journey together as Rand turns to the Aiel wasteland. Nynaeve, Elayne, Julian and Thom head to Tanchico to uncover the plans of the hideous Black Ajah in order to thwart and ultimately defeat this evil. Perrin, Loial and Faile travel home to Emond's Field by Two Rivers to join the fight to repel the more powerful Trollocs and Whitecloaks invaders. Min seemingly vanishes in Tar Valon.

In the Forsaken, Rand finds a mentor as he apparently continues his path of destiny while Mat faces a near death experience that leaves him with memories of a dead warrior. Perring and Faile marry while never losing sight of the peril facing the Two Rivers.

Book Four of the Wheel of Time takes a different approach to the storyline as the adventurers split into separate escapades and subplots). Each of the prime subplots move forward the overarching premise as well as providing background into the respective cultures and geographies where the action occurs. Although this writing approach can feel disjointed and difficult to follow who's who, where and why with a seemingly quadrillion heroes and as many malevolent beings, series fans will enjoy the action as the heroes establish divergent BHAGs.

Harriet Klausner

After finishing The Shadow Rising, I am comfortable in saying that is this book in which The Wheel of Time series became an epic series. Author Robert Jordan changes things up for the second book in row, first with Rand Al'Thor's return as a major point of view character and the second with all the major plot threads did not end together in the same location as the previous three books had done.

With Rand return as a major point of view perspective, we find him more confident in his role as the Dragon Reborn and learning to direct as well as react to events better than he had previously. Interestingly it is Rand, who had never interacted with an Tinkers or Aiel in the previous three books, that learns of their history as well as his own in the Aiel Waste. Along with Rand are Egwene, Mat, and Moiraine who's views of Rand's development round out the picture of a young man learning to use the One Power and if he is going mad or not. Perrin returns to Emond's Field with Faile, Loial, and three Aiel planning to turn himself into the Whitecloaks to save his village and family, by the end he has become a local hero and war leader. Then there is the hunt of the Black Ajah by Nynaeve and Elayne to the western shore of the continent only to find something even more dark than former Aes Sedai. And on top of all these major plots are the events taking place at the White Tower, the news of which hasn't reached any of the major characters.

With all these plot threads and new locations, it would have been easy for this book to become a mess. However this book was so good that I found it hard to put down when I had to get back on the clock. To me that is the best way to express how much I recommend this book.

One of the longest of the books feels like a whole trilogy rolled into one. Almost every character starts in the same Place (Tear) then forces and fate separate them. Perrin Heads to Two Rivers with Loial and Falile. Perrin I feel has gotten the more of the boring chapters, But in this one he really comes into his own, I love everyone calling him Lord Perrin after how much crap he gave Rand when the Tahrien people started calling him that. Nyneave and Elayne travel with Thom and Julien travel south following the black Ajah and try to retrieve the stolen ter'angreals. Rand, Mat, Egweyne, Morane, and Lan travel with the Aiel to their Homeland the Waste. Those chapters are really interesting and have a lot of history of the Aiel, which really leads to the legend. And there's also drama in Tar Valon with Min and the Amyrlin seat, which has one of the biggest shocks in the entire book.

What I liked about this book is it seems to jump back and forth between characters, and skips a lot of the filler where they are just traveling to a destination, there's still some, but not as much as in the last couple of books.

This book flowed a lot better than the Dragon reborn the first chapter was a bit too long (50 pages) but after that the book didn't let up.

Oh, Robert Jordan - you so clever! Completely subverting the pattern established in previous three books, are you? Instead of the book comprising several parties journeying across the known world and converging for some major battle where one of the Forsaken is destroyed, people split up, go separate ways, make their journeys in moment or at most days that barely take a few pages to describe, spend their time establishing themselves in the culture in which they've arrived, and the ending battles kind of don't really resolve too much and end up with the Forsaken enemy as Rand's tutor. Now I'll have no idea what to expect in the next book!

The Good: Subverting the pattern here was definitely a good idea; a fourth example of "the plot" would have been too much. Jordan returns to the Two Rivers we saw so briefly at the beginning of the first book, and defies the adage that the prophet cannot return to his home town - Perrin does quite well by himself there, and Emond's Field is as fun to read as a battlefield as they were the quaint touchstone of fantasy normalcy. For that matter, Matt continues to grow as an interesting character, and we return to seeing Rand frequently, and as someone worth seeing that frequently.

The Bad: Could Nynaeve be more insufferable? Or Egwene, for that matter? Or any of the women? Or the men, too? Okay, so by this time almost all of the characters are caricatures of stubbornness, of handling their own affairs poorly but knowing how to meddle best in others', in driving drama due to emotional stupidity. In other words, they're kind of like me, and like most everybody who has drawn breath, but that doesn't make it fun to read. It's so frustrating!

The Takeaway: Another solid novel; I barely finished reading this one before I was a quarter of the way into the next.

This one is all about history.

One of the things that makes the world of Wheel of Time so attractive is that it is clear from the outset that Robert Jordan put a lot of work into the world of his story before he actually started the story itself. I get the feeling, reading these books, that he could tell you everything that happened here for the last four thousand years, if not more. In detail, with names and dates and places, all off the top of his head. Or at least from his copious sheafs of notes.

In this book, the emphasis on history is most clear when Rand goes out to meet the Aiel. For those of you with a taste for classic sci-fi, the Aiel resemble the Fremen from Frank Herbert's Dune books. They're desert people, and unsurpassed warriors, with a complex system of honor and obligation. There's where the similarities end, of course - in these books there is no Spice, there are no sandworms, and no one in this would would ever think they could conquer the Aiel. Twenty years prior to the start of the series, four of the twelve Aiel clans crossed the mountainous barrier into the "wetlands" with the singular purpose of killing King Laman of Cairhien. Those four clans alone broke every army that stood against them, and only returned to their desert because they got what they wanted - Laman's head on a pike.

No one knew why they had done this. Prior to the Aiel War, the nation of Cairhien had exclusive rights of passage through the waste, a gift that they didn't understand, and ultimately didn't fully appreciate. But without those rights, and without the offense that King Laman caused, and without the Aiel retaliation, this story never would have begun.

Reading this book, you start to get a better view of the historical context in which it is placed, and nowhere is that clearer than in Rand al'Thor's trip into Rhuidean, the forbidden city of the Aiel. Any man who wants to become a clan chief, or any woman who wants to become a Wise One, may go there, but only once and twice, respectively. What they learn is their final test - the true history of their people. Those who cannot face the truth do not come back. Stronger men and women go on to become leaders, but never speak of what they saw. In order to fulfill his destiny, Rand must learn the history of the people he was born from, and by doing so, change the world.

It's a fascinating sequence, actually - it's the history of the Aiel from the day the hole was bored into the Dark One's prison, through fifteen generations of the Aiel as refugees until the establishment of the city of Rhuidean itself, only told backwards. We find out why they never touch swords, why they veil their faces, and why they believe they are punished for sinning against the Aes Sedai. We get to see the incredible changes that occurred in only three or four hundred years, and then reflect that the time span we see only covers a small portion of the time that has elapsed since the Breaking of the World. We truly begin to understand how broken the world was and how hard life became, once we compare the hardened warrior Aiel to their Da'shain Aiel ancestors. It's a fascinating and moving story, and it serves as an excellent centerpiece to the novel.

History rests in other places as well through the book. Mat gains the memories of two thousand years, in a surprising exchange with otherworldly entities in a land beyond a twisted red doorway. We learn that the Sea Folk are looking for their Chosen One, just like everyone else, and Elayne and Nynaeve are pretty sure it's Rand. They're off to Tanchico to look for an artifact that could prove Rand's undoing if the Black Ajah or the Forsaken get their hands on it first.

In fact, speaking of history, there has been a lot of speculation over the years on how the world of this book is related to our world. There are clues scattered about that suggest it is our extreme future - fairy tales about Anla, the Wise Counselor, Materese, Mother of the Wondrous Ind, and Lenn who rode to the moon in the belly of a fiery eagle (who could be Ann Landers, Mother Theresa and John Glenn, respectively). Jordan never came right out and said whether this is our world's future or not, but a short passage in this book dropped a pretty big hint. While looking around a palace in Tanchico for the artifact that could harm Rand, Nynaeve travels the Dream World into a museum of antiquities. There, she sees many things that amaze and baffle her - fossils of extinct animals, for example often with some kind of emotional resonance. In her search, she finds this:A silvery thing in another cabinet, like a three-pointed star inside a circle, was made of no substance she knew; it was softer than metal, scratched and gouged, yet even older than any of the ancient bones. From ten paces, she could sense pride and vanity.If that ain't a Mercedes-Benz hood ornament, I'll eat my library.

Over in the White Tower, history is being made as Siuan Sanche becomes only the third Amyrlin Seat in history to be deposed in a move orchestrated by the hardest of the Red Ajah, Elaida a'Roihan. And all around, the shadow is indeed rising - the Forsaken are out there, building their power and waiting for Rand so that they might defeat him before he battles their master, the Dark One.

But the best part of the book, in my opinion, is none of these. The best part centers around Perrin Aybara, the young blacksmith who was one of the original three young men to travel out of the Two Rivers on that spring night long ago.

Back in The Great Hunt, the vile Darkfriend Padan Fain challenged Rand to meet him - failure to do so would result in pain and suffering brought down on all those whom he loved. Through circumstances not entirely under his control, Rand never got to meet Fain, though he did manage to cause him great inconvenience nonetheless. Fain meant to keep his promise, though, and in this book that promise is realized. The Two Rivers has been under siege by creatures from the Shadow - Trollocs and Myrddraal - and less Dark, though still not very nice Children of the Light, an army of zealots who sees Darkfriends in everyplace they look. Rand can't go home to help - his destiny lies in the Aiel Waste - and Mat's destiny lies with Rand. Egwene has to go to the Waste as well, to learn Dreamwalking from the Wise Ones, and Nynaeve is off to Tanchico to hunt the Black Ajah.

That leaves only Perrin, who goes back to his home to find it a very different place. He and Faile, the Hunter for the Horn whom he loves, along with Loial and three Aiel, travel back to the Two Rivers and Emond's Field to put paid to the Trollocs and see that the people there are safe. In the process, Perrin the blacksmith's apprentice finds himself becoming far more than he ever thought he would be.

This sequence is one of my favorites in the series thus far, and I'm including all the books that come after this one. It's written with such depth of character, and the relationship between Perrin and Faile is built with such care that every scene between them resonates with emotion and meaning. In one book, Jordan has taken a character who had been the least interesting of all the protagonists, and made him into the one you care the most about. It's not for nothing that Jordan gave Perrin an entire book off in The Fires of Heaven.

The historical insight we have gained here will help us along through the rest of the series, as we take a broader look at the world as it is in the present. Every character, not just Perrin, is changed and moved forward, if not always in likable ways, and we get the real sense that a new history is being made right now. We know that stories will be told of Perrin Goldeneyes for generations to come in the Two Rivers, that Elayne and Nynaeve will become legends among Aes Sedai, though whether as heroes or object lessons we can't be sure yet, and that the fate of the future rests not on Rand's back alone. He makes the Aiel face their past, and those who can survive the ordeal will be the shapers of the future.

The thousand or so pages of this volume can drag, if you're not paying attention to what's going on. The history of Rhuidean is a good example - the first time I read it, I was really confused and didn't really see the point of the whole thing - I wished it had focused less on the post-Breaking history and more on the Age of Legends, with its jo-cars and hoverflies, the Nym and the Ogier and the Da'shain Aiel working together. But once you give it thought - why it was vital that the clan chiefs and Wise Ones remember, and how the events of nearly three thousand years ago directly led to the birth of Rand al'Thor and the very story we are reading, it goes from being a slog to an adventure.

Still, I recommend taking notes.

----------------------------------------------------
"Rand al'Thor may be lucky if the next Age remembers his name correctly."
- Thom Merrilin
----------------------------------------------------

The Shadow Rising is one of my favorite books in the Wheel of Time series (the 5th book, The Fires of Heaven, is a close second favorite). Note: I am assuming the reader has read up to the third book, The Dragon Reborn.

In the last book, it ended with Rand being proclaimed the Dragon Reborn with the fall of the fortress, the Stone of Tear, in the city of Tear. Rand makes the decision to head into the Aiel Waste, to the city of Rhuidean (with Egwene and Mat tagging along, and of course, Moiraine), Perrin travels back home to the Two Rivers to help his village, Nynaeve and Elayne journey to the dangerous city of Tanchico to obtain an object that could be dangerous to Rand that the Black Ajah is after.

I felt The Shadow Rising was aptly named for this book, as the Dark One's forces (Darkfriends, the Black Ajah, and the Forsaken) are all working behind the scenes to further along the the DO's machinations in the world.

Again, I can't begin to express how amazed I am to see how Jordan foretold future plots and events from his beginning books into later books. Plot lines and events that get introduced here make sense in later books, and when I read this book the 1st time, I didn't catch it, but re-reading it I was able to see how certain events occurred to sow chaos and mistrust between the factions of the Light to prevent them from uniting. Each book has built on past books, but each new book in the series introduces more complexities and also intertwines with the overall story arc in the series.

There is a lot happening in this book, the main stories are told from the point of view of Rand, Perrin, Nynaeve & Egwene with a few from Mat. You learn more about the history of the Aiel, and I really enjoyed the glimpse of the past into the Age of Legends. It was always something I wondered about when I read the 3 books previous to this one, the wonders and amazing feats that were accomplished during the Age of Legends. It was quite interesting to read about, especially the parallels of certain objects in the Age of Legends with our own world (for instance, "jo-cars" being cars, "sho wings" airplanes, "hover flys" helicopters, and the description of "tall, silvery buildings" can be nothing but something similar to a skyscraper).

I also enjoyed how the Forsaken were given more page time in this book, and of course, getting more glimpses of Padin Fain who is still mad with his hatred for Rand and continues to cause trouble for him (sending the fanatical Whitecloaks to the Two Rivers).

If there were any annoyances I had, it was the character of Faile, Perrin's love interest. She got on my nerves with the way she tricked Perrin and tried to manipulate him into allowing her to travel with him back to his home, and she continues to be one of my least favorite characters in the series. I think her traits are something the other stubborn women characters also have, can get irritating to read as well, with their erroneous thinking that certain of the male characters needed guiding by them and were clueless without women.

This is something you see throughout the entire series, and I can understand how the women in this fictional world gained so much power over the men. It makes sense that women would gain the upper-hand, especially the female channelers (the Aes Sedai), as it was those of the male gender that broke the world and with no male channelers to balance out the power of the female channelers, you get a shift in power toward women. I think this thinking filtered down even into the general population, not just those who could channel, and so you get a world that views women as the dominant over men in many ways.

Oh well, I've gotten off-topic of my review of the book.LOL. This book is one of my favorites!

As you can see, "The Wheel of Time" is a colossal fantasy series. Each volume is over 600 pages long (except the prequel New Spring), the details are vastly complex, & the characters are many. And it's addictive, at least sometimes. It's really hard to understand what's going on if you read the fifth volume or the seven volume first, so you'd have to start way back in the beginning with The Eye of the World. I started reading this series back in 2003, and continued on with the story ever since. Being the first volume in the series to exceed over 900 pages, The Shadow Rising is considered one of the more important and enticing volumes, and I tend to agree. It contains important background information from some of the major characters, and it reveals more about the world that the late Robert Jordan had created. Some of the details are fuller, and the characters are more carefully thought out. We also get to see some stronger character development from some of the characters (and that's a strong point since Crossroads of Twilight didn't have ANY).

Picking up where the third volume has left off, Rand al'Thor has discovered in the country of Tear that he is the Dragon Reborn. And now he, along with his friends, must go to the Aiel Waste and see to the Aiel (People of the Dragon). Meanwhile, Perrin Aybara, a friend of Rand, decides to go to The Two Rivers to defend his home against Trollocs and Whitecloaks (Children of the Light). With the help of Faile (his female friend) and Loial (his Ogier companion), he travels West, away from Tear. In the Two Rivers, Perrin leads the people against the Trollocs while building an uneasy truce with the Whitecloak Dain Bornhald, who believes that Perrin has killed his father and now wants him arrest and held as a Darkfriend. But it doesn't stop there! Nynaeve and Elyne travel to the dangerous city of Tanchico to stop members of the Black Ajah and bring them to the White Tower (in Tar Valon) for justice. Thom the gleeman, Juilin the thief-catcher, and Bayle Domon the sea captain assist them during their journey. In Tar Valon, Min is disguised Elmindreda to avoid being questioned by Elaida, who is starting to see some connection between her and Amyrlin Seat.

I did have a few problems with this book. Some characters had a very 2-dimensional tendency (such as Ordeith and Couladin), while others felt very forced when it came to their personalities (such as Nynaeve and Aviendha). Aviendha was especially annoying as she kept taunting Rand about Elayne, whom he loves. The Trollocs were written as if they were only distractions. They could've been given at least a more believable appearance, instead of being seen as mindless maniacs who are looking for nothing but human flesh. As seen in the earlier books, we see the continuing romance between Nynaeve and Lan. I don't see how this really works. It's as if Jordan was compelled to add just one more subplot to a few add more pages to the story. I didn't really see any connection between them. The minimal amount of foreshadowing must've ruined it for me. I also didn't see any connection between Rand and Elayne. So he's the Dragon Reborn. Does that directly make him your future husband? Yet another problem I had with this book was something from the writing itself. I've seen the words "seem" and "seemed" many times here, and it got irritating when I was in the second half of the book.

But alas, the good outweighs the bad. Jordan's writing continues to amaze me. I have never seen so many details since Tolkien's Lord of the Rings trilogy. Information about the Aiel and the Black Ajah is made interesting. I especially found the Aiel a very compelling race of people; they sound like they're from the Middle East and Northern Africa. And what can I say about their sense of humor? They humor is twisted! And let's not forget about the cast of characters. Each are highly distinctive, and are unforgettable. Rand al'Thor, Egwene al'Vere, Mat Cauthon, Moiraine Damodred, Siuan Sanche, Loial, Rhuarc, Dain Bornhald, and Egeanin are just a few of the many that really stand out. Some may be annoying at times (Nynaeve and Luc, for instance), but at least they're given a good purpose.

This year and last year, I started to reread the entire "Wheel of Time" series. After a second reading, I've come to admire this series much more (though I have no idea how I'll feel about Crossroads of Twilight when I reread that one). The Great Hunt and The Shadow Rising are just two of my favorites. I'm hoping to finish the eleventh volume (Knife of Dreams) by this November, when the next volume (written by Brandon Sanderson) is being sold in bookstores.

Grade: A-

I am currently re-reading the "Wheel of Time" series in antisipation of the final book, and I am finding that by reading the series a second time I am enjoying it much, much more. I have just finished "The Shadow Rising" and am now begining "The Fires of Heaven" and I have to say that next to "The Lord of the Rings" this is one of the very best series of books in print. Jordan captures each charactor vividly, taking you inside their world and making you a part of the story. Now that Rand is openly proclaming himself the Dragon reborn, the Forsaken are loose, the Two Rivers is under attack, Perrin is fighting with being something he never wanted to be, as well as Matt, Moiraine (my favorite charactor of all) is still as mysterious as ever, but showing the human side that was there in the prolog book, Ninaeve, Elaine and Egwin all chasing something that they must catch, but that frightens them beond compare, this is a great read well worth investing the time into. I highly recommend reading this series one book after the other so you don't loose track of the story line. "Shadow" is exillarating, entertaining, captivating, and never, ever boring.

The Shadow Rising is the fourth Wheel of Time novel and, through the highly scientific method of checking a few fan-forums, appears to be regarded as the best. At a whopping 1,000 pages and just shy of 400,000 words in length, it's also the longest.

The Shadow Rising picks up after the events of the third book. Anyway, Rand al'Thor has taken the Sword That Is Not A Sword, Callandor, The Sword Which Cannot Be Touched, The Sword Which Has Too Many Fricking Names, Just Pick One And Stick With It. As a result he has been proclaimed the Dragon Reborn and the nations of Tear and Mayene have sworn loyalty to him. With the evil Forsaken seizing control of other kingdoms across the continent, it appears that Rand has little choice but to go to war against them. Instead, he wrong-foots both his enemies and allies by delivering humanitarian aid to the neighbouring, warring kingdom of Cairhien and travelling into the Aiel Waste, where he hopes to unify the feuding warrior-clans under his leadership. At the same time, his friend Perrin returns home to the Two Rivers, which is under attack by Shadowspawn, and Nynaeve, Elayne, Thom and Juilin head to the distant city of Tanchico in pursuit of the evil Black Ajah, Aes Sedai sworn to the service of the Dark One.

This breaking of the narrative into three storylines which proceed simultaneously worked very well for the third volume, The Dragon Reborn, and continues to work well here. Jordan's sometimes sluggish pacing isn't so much of a problem as we flip between events in Tanchico, the Two Rivers and the Waste fairly rapidly, and there's an additional subplot set in Tar Valon which delivers some devastating plot developments on the Aes Sedai front in a very economical manner. The worldbuilding is advanced impressively as we get a decent look at the Age of Legends and the way the world was before and during the War of the Shadow, and character-wise we see some interesting maturing and advancement for the likes of Mat, Nynaeve, Perrin and Rand. Unfortunately, other characters come off badly. Moiraine is inert for a lot of the narrative, and Elayne continues to annoy whilst Aviendha is probably the most irritating character in the series at this point. Also, Jordan's somewhat juvenile views of male-female relations reaches their apex here, with supposedly comedic or ironic musings on the way men and women interact falling very flat indeed. The book also wears its influences strongly, although the mixing of Dune with the Scouring of the Shire is diluted by enough original characters and ideas so it doesn't irritate as much as the first book's nods to Tolkien.

The pacing is crisp, the characters and world develop most satisfyingly, and Jordan very cleverly laces some narrative time-bombs into the mix which don't bear fruit for several books, but when they do are all the more satisfying.

The Shadow Rising (****½) is indeed the best book in The Wheel of Time sequence and impresses as it marks the transition of the books from the 'adventure' phase to the 'political' phase and does so most satisfyingly. The book is published by Orbit in the UK and Tor in the USA.

This is the point at which I became more involved and more replused by the Wheel of Time series. (Does Love-Hate sound familiar to anyone here? Anyone?). If you are reading this, you have either read this far, or have just finished and are seeing what other people thought. Either way, no plot spoilers needed.

The characters are separated into four groups as other revewers have discussed. The book gets more involved as Jordan decides to further develop his second line of characters. However, it starts to have a Sunday afternoon mini series feel.

Main things this book does well
1) Doesnt leave it to Rand to save everyone
2) Gives some of the other characters (Perrin, Nyaeneve, Elayne, Thom) room to breathe and develop
3) Has a better handle on the action sequences (not just 100 pages of Inns and smalltalk followed by 2 pages of action)
4) The dream sequence in Rhudean is pretty awesome
5) Nice return to the Two Rivers (Tolkien-feel) environment
6) Dramatic last 200 pages (first time I have been unable to put the book down since end of book 2)

Main things this book does poorly
1) Terrible opening 200 pages in Tear (esp the discussions between Elayne, Egwene and Rand)
2) Lot of stuff you never wanted to know about the Aiel
3) Moiraine's character role is getting weaker, as is Lan's, Mat's
4) Faile (although better than book 3)
5) Far too many redundant second layer characters
6) Poor English paragraphs more frequent
7) Blatant rip-off of various Dune book aspects (which I wouldn't mind in of itself, borrowing is perfectly acceptable in fantasy, but not taking a crisp concept for a people and watering it down to the point where we even get to know things about their society that we wouldn't even know-or care- about our own. There, Ive said it.)

When you get to the end of this book, its decision time. Many of the reviewers have said the first four books are the best. Some extend that to the first six. For me, there is still enough there for me to pick up book 5.

Recently I started reading the WOT series, and I was pleasantly surprised. It is a very engrossing series, just what I like; the right amount of magic, the right amount of heroism, and intrigue. What I also liked, is that in books 1-2-3, something major happens in every chapter, that prevents you from putting the book down. It is indeed an exciting series.

This book however (The Shadow Rising), the author has cut down on the action, and filled it with more mindless chatter. And lots of description. Every outfit, every dress, every stitch in the dress, every street in the city, every character more than once, etc... I found it exhausting. To the point of, if you skip the first two pages of every chapter, you know you will be missing nothing, because it is mostly a description of moods, outfits, the land, the sky...and so forth.

What also disappointed me, is well in this book, I read, and read, but nothing happened. Most chapters ended with nothing going on, just chatter. Whatever happened to keeping us on our toes, and at least one major event in each chapter?
The ending of this book was ...meh, compared to its predecessors.

Will it stop me from continuing to read the series, NO! I will start on the fifth book, and I hope it is better than this one.
PS. I have the same review posted on Goodreads.

In The Shadow Rising, things start to slow down. In fact, it often feel like the reading of the story must take longer than it took for the events to actually occur.

Part of the problem is that Mr Jordan tells us nearly everything except when the characters make a bowel movement. Also, he regularly launches into pre-set spiels in which he re-describes something or someone who we've encountered numerous times before or re-explains something we've been told dozens of times (e.g., Loial sounds like a bumblebee, Perrin likes to think things through, wet bowstrings are bad, trollocs eat anything as long as it's meat, Aes Sedai never lie but ....). Every time a Tinker shows up, you may as well skip the next two paragraphs because they invariably describe first the "eye-jarring" wagons and then the even gaudier clothes. The format is nearly the same each time. This is especially noticeable when reading the novels one after the other, of course.

A similar problem is that although Mr Jordan's world is large, diverse, and interesting, there is not much realistic diversity within a culture or group. Every Aes Sedai of the red ajah hates men, all the greens love men, the whites are arrogant without exception, the browns love books and don't notice the ink on their noses. All Domani women are seductive, and people from Tear use fishing metaphors. It gets to the point of ridiculousness when, even though they've nearly been destroyed by enemies, Tinkers are still cringing at the swords of the people protecting them. And the Aiel, who use spears and knives and are the fiercest fighters on the planet look disapprovingly at another culture's choice of weapon. Oh, come on -- get over it.

Another device that's getting annoying is the technique of giving the reader (and other characters) information by having a character say something out loud that they didn't realize they'd said. Or stop in the middle of a sentence that they realize they shouldn't be saying. Or stupidly have an important and potentially damning conversation in front of someone who they just met.

In addition, some of the writing is overdone. We occasionally hear of measureless steps, heartbeats that take centuries, moments that last forever, infinite slowness, bottomless drops, razor edges of something or other.

Okay, that's a lot of complaining, but that's what happens when you read these books contiguously. You start to notice this stuff and it grates on the nerves. But, even so, the slowly advancing plot is still unpredictable and compelling and the characters are mostly enjoyable. The best parts of The Shadow Rising actually focus on the secondary characters of Siuan Sanche and Egeanin. I truly enjoyed their stories and look forward to hearing what happens to them.

So, even with all my gripes, The Shadow Rising is still keeping me entertained.

The shadow rising is the lengthy continuation of Jordan's vast epic the Wheel of time series. Strangely, although this story was flawed, I found myself really enjoying this one. I think, because the characters behave less like children but more adults (at least most of the time).

That said, there are a few things I really don't like.

There is something quite artificial about Jordan's view of women in the Wheel of Time Series. He doesn't quite get that women can be just as competitive as men, cruel, heartless, and mean, especially to our own gender.. If we are competing for the same men. we don't become best friends with the competition, discuss hairstyles and clothing tips over tea. Nor do most women think its cool to share a husband and fondly discuss how dumb and predictable men are every 5 minutes. In fact men might be surprised at how little they are actually discussed!

I mention this because Jordan has a lot to say about how women act and behave and most of the time its quite a lot of nonsense. If Nynaive and Egwayne do not get along they simply would not spend any time together! If Elayne and Min love the same man they would fight for him. The women bond and coo, and collect friends like Barbies is very strange and unnatural. Its like a man's view of how women act, but its just doesn't ring true.

Then lets bring on the uber-raced Aiel. Okay, can we get it... They are stronger, faster, more perfect warriors than anyone else. Not only that they seem to practice poligamy. The perfect guy fantasy. Please. The moment I heard of a red-haired fair-skinned race living in the desert I kept wondering where they kept the sunscreen. The moment the Aiel women begin discussing sister-wives I get the icky feeling that this will be played out between Rand/Min/Elaine in the future... Meh

4 stars. Entertaining, but flawed. Jordan might want to tone down the guy-fantasy elements, and the male-bashing clone-women.

After slowing noticably in "The Dragon Reborn", Robert Jordan regains the pace, and my interest in the series, in "The Shadow Rising". After struggling through "Dragon", I found "Shadow" to be much more enjoyable to read.
There are many subplots going on at the same time in this book. Rand, having declared himself the Dragon Reborn by removing Callandor from Tear, is trying to decide on what his next move will be. Ultimately, he decides that there should be a conference of all the Aiel clan chiefs, so he proceeds to the city of Rhuidean, where he learns about the Aiel customs and practices, albeit in a rather strange manner.
Dain Bornhald, captain of the Children of the Light (Whitecloaks), is determined to avenge the death of his father, Geofram. Dain believes that Perrin is responsible for the death of his father, so he leads his Children to the Two Rivers, home of Perrin, Mat, and Rand, where he is determined to face off against Perrin.
Elayne and Nynaeve are still pursuing the elusive Black Ajah, led by Black Aes Sedai Liandrin. Their journey, where they discover the strange "Sea Folk", takes them to the town of Tanchico, where their search continues. They are determined to find the Black Ajah before the Black Ajah can spring their trap they have prepared for Rand.
At the White Tower, rebel Aes Sedai, lead by Eladia, have overthrown Amyrlin Seat Siuan Sanche and stilled her. Forced to flee the White Tower, Siuan, Min, and Leane set out into the wilderness. How long will Siuan live? Most Aes Sedai who are stilled don't live very long, but Siuan is determined to gain revenge on Eladia and her allies.
The only complaint I have about this book, and the reason for four stars, is the number of new characters that Jordan introduces. There are so many now that I've found it hard to remember who everyone is, except for the characters that have appeared in all of the books so far. However, I did think this book got the ball rolling again after book three's let down. Let the Wheel of Time continue to turn.

With The Great Hunt, Jordan distanced himself from the Tolkien-clone market almost completely (apart from a few respectful homages) and demonstrated that his work could stand confidently on its own. The third novel, The Dragon Reborn took the strengths of the previous titles and the result was a near-perfect example of traditional high fantasy. The Shadow Rising, likewise builds upon these virtues and offers a mostly fast-paced and enthralling adventure that is exciting, colorful, and at times even romantic. Unlike the previous three novels, The Shadow Rising's plot doesn't adhere strictly to the pursuit of a mythical artifact (or MacGuffin). Instead, the novel focuses on four distinct plotlines primarily from the perspectives of Rand, Perrin, Elayne, and Min. Each plot does have its own goal and narrative arc, and one in fact is in pursuit of a powerful artifact from 'days of yore', but the emphasis is typically on character development and lore, rather than the main plot.

At this stage in the series, many of the weaknesses in character development and pacing--especially from Eye of the World--have been fine tuned. Rand, for example, has become far more compelling since his days as a humble sheepherder, and Mat went from being a one dimensional sidekick to being a truly entertaining trickster readers can actually relate to. On the other hand, Jordan often struggles to advance his female characters's psychologies in truly meaningful ways. When not disapproving of another character's actions by crossing or folding their arms under their breasts (a common description when they become 'catty'), Jordan's female characters often muse on the idiosyncrasies of the opposite sex. The men don't fare much better, and are typically mystified by women in general. The problem is not necessarily a simple one, even though Jordan's gender politics can come across as much. It would be unfair and cheap to accuse Jordan of outright sexism; rather, he takes some basic truths about human nature and social issues and over generalizes ad nauseam. In Jordan's defense, the gender politics are supposed to mirror the conflict inherent in the male and female halves of the True Source (the fact that the magic system is gendered is interesting in and of itself). While the symbolism does make for some interesting discussion, the device conflicts with some of the characterization and ultimately the work's verisimilitude.

Writing issues aside, tSR succeeds because, frankly, it's too much fun to dismiss. Each of the four main plot lines have their moments of greatness, whether it be a heroic battle, lore expansion, or simply a humorous or romantic scene. While the overarching plot still revolves around Rand, character-wise, tSR belongs to Perrin. Characters like Rand and Mat have grown considerably, and Egwene and Nynaeve continue to explore their powers both magically and socially, but it is Perrin's reluctant heroism and leadership that often steals the show. Combined with his budding romance with Faile, Perrin's chapters often provide many of this book's most exciting and delightful passages.

One of the most celebrated aspects of tSR is its focus on the Aiel. Oftentimes mentioned but rarely elaborated on in previous books, the Aiel get a lot more attention this time around as we learn a great deal about their customs and history. The chapters in the Waste are almost always entertaining or otherwise fascinating because of this, and they are in fact worth the price of admission--and time--alone. True to his style, Jordan goes to great lengths in describing the Waste; the environment and its ecology, and how it shaped the Aiel culturally.

As the fourth tome in Jordan's massive fantasy series, The Shadow Rising is the first to stray from the 'quest narrative' format of the first three entrees, and as a result it's also the first to not stand comfortably on its own. The book spends a lot of time expanding established lore and developing characters readers should already be familiar with and it should go without saying that newcomers to the series will want to begin from the beginning--The Eye of the World. Jordan's writing can be problematic at times, especially when he insists on using repetitive phrases to describe character emotions, but as usual his world-building and storytelling are top-notch, making tSR a great work of escapist fiction.

9/10

Author Robert Jordan's vast cast of characters go their separate ways after their stronghold is invaded by minions of the Forsaken, who appear to be jockeying for position in anticipation of their Dark Lord's return.

This huge novel is essentially three intertwined novels. Rand goes into the Aiel Waste with Mat, Egwene, Moiraine, and Lan on a journey of self-discovery as he begins to confront his awesome responsibility as the Dragon Reborn. Perrin returns to the Two Rivers and finds it plagued by Trollocs, Fades, and the fundamentalist Whitecloaks. Nynaeve and Elayne, accompanied by Thom Merrilin, hunt the Black Ajah in the intrigue-torn city of Tanchico. Perrin's storyline is the most involving, with rousing action and a touching romance as Perrin is thrust against his will into a position of leadership. Such a lengthy novel will inevitably have sections that are a bit of a slog to get through and probably should have been cut, but the reader who perseveres will be rewarded.

This book still haunts me. My original impression at the end was that
this was my least favorite of the series. The Great Hunt and The
Dragon Reborn left me thirsting for action, and this book delivers
some action, but it is well-spaced and well-intentioned, unlike that
in The Dragon Reborn, which was all over the place. The Shadow Rising
is, on the other hand, a big, long plodding epic with great twists and
turns, and great glimpses into the workings of the world where it
takes place. This is a very emotional book: many of the characters
have their worlds turned right upside down and things are very
different at the end than they are at the beginning.

For specifics, Rand sees right into the Age of Legends in one very
powerful set of scenes, and it was not what I expected at all. Mat's
whole outlook on life changes in a set of scenes that are not very
WoT-esque at all, and some critical changes in the White Tower change
the tone of the story forever (even though this only occupies a few
pages, it is critical to the story).

Furthermore, we see the intricacies of Aiel culture quite thoroughly,
which is very interesting. It turns out, of course, that the Aiel,
their origins and their peculiar culture are critical to understanding
the themes of the story. Perrin returns to the Two Rivers and
everything there changes, in a place that seems like it would never
change (another great theme).

I have to recommend this book: I found certain passages so moving that
I have marked them in my copy and re-read them several times before
finishing the book (and afterward). The title is appropriate: this is
a dark book where the outlook at the end is rather bleak for all the
characters, and the world has changed dramatically. It's reminiscent
of The Empire Strikes Back in that respect.

Before I picked up this book, I loved Robert Jordan's stuff. It was one of the best fantasy series' i'd ever read and looked like it was just gonna get better. After reading this book, I became an absolute utterly obsessed fanatic. This thing DEFINES the word "epic". This is mindshatteringly HUGE, and I don't mean just lengthwise. This thing soars over an entire world while twisted plots and schemes rush in and out of each other, as everyone influences everyone else. The small things matter just as much as the big things, and Jordan's no slacker when it comes to details. This thing is extremely lush with intricate detail and is so well done that it is still extremely exciting.
This book in particular draws ideas from everywhere into a synthesis of experience and pain and hope and light and dark. One large thread in the storyline gives a feel of "Laurence of Arabia meets Tolkien" in the lush writing that makes RJ's fans love him so much. All the while there's betrayal left and right, and while THAT's happening, off somewhere else events are taking place that lead to a much more stark, real feel without taking away a bit of the quality the hugeness lent. Every character is represented in top form and more character development happens in this book among the main characters than the next 3 combined! Please, if you like fantasy and like it bigger(like earlier Jordan or perhaps Michael Moorcock's "Elric" stuff) rather than smaller in scope(Lord of the Rings and Shannara gave me that feel, seemed a bit more petty), then get this now and read for the very first time the the best epic fantasy book written so far.

Who knows if this review will in fact be read (as there are so many), yet none-the-less here goes. I had a little difficulty keeping this one open for the second half (if you believe it, usually the problem lies with the first half)! Don't get me wrong, it's a great read, but the reader HAS to be commited to this series to completely enjoy #4. Mr. Jordan gives us further insight into the characters of Rand and company.
Rand is going into the Aiel Waste, to do what HE wants and thinks has to be done (still under the watchful eye of Moraine). For the reader, this (I should say these) section(s)of the novel is/are where the Aiel become more in-depth, including their customs, septs, clans, etc.
Perrin... he has his hands full! He hears of Two Rivers being under attack from Trollocs, and decides to go and see what can be done about it. Personally, I feel that the main "chunk" of this novel is about this scenerio (but others may differ).
Elayne and Nynaeve are still searching for the Black Ajah, and they get themselves into a big 'ole frying pan there!
I won't give away any kind of endings to the scenerios above (as I myself hate that)but I will say that "The Shadow Rising" is by far (hands down, no contest, etc.) the best and most descriptive "chapter in this saga". Even with the slower parts, it still easily gets five stars! Oh, and the total amount of pages (1008 pages) is including the Glossary (starting at pg984) and the "About the author page), so while yes it is still a high number, don't be too discouraged by that amount of pages... I'm sure glad I wasn't!

As you all already know, this is the fourth book in The Weel of Time series. Some say it is the best, some even say it is the best literature ever (which is totaly ridicouluos, but nevermind). I read first three books, and this one indeed seemes the best one. Rand is in Aiel waste, facing stubborn clan-chiefs together with Moiraine and Wise ones, trying to fulfill his destiny as He who Comes With The Dawn, Perrin is defending Two-rivers, at three fronts - Whitecloaks, Shadowspawn, and misterious Slayer, Nynaeve and Elayne hunts black Ajah in Tanchico, Mat regained his memories, and everything just started to boil. This book is a good fantasy, a kind of book that will keep you wake during the nights, turning pages and reading. Only thing that is very poor done is composition of the book (not only this one, but all three of them). In every book, protagonist find cuendillar, and in every book there is one major battle in the end. One can't shake the feeling that this whole WoT series could be much shorter, becouse Jordan has this habit of finishing book in last twenty pages, quickening his pace at maximum, so you start to wander couldn't those 980 pages be used to something more than endless slow pa ceted blabber. Kinda getting on nerves sometimes. Forsaken (chosen) are rummaging the world more freely now, and for the first time in series three Forsaken finds themselves in the web of the RJ story. This book is just the thing to set your mind to wonder on a grassy plain in these summer thay, but beware, this book isn't nothing more.

I REALLY dug this one. I mean, the opening sequence of the attack on Tear... the revelations in Rhuidean... seriously, someone else in one of the reviews says that the past "sounds suspiciously like technology"... and why shouldn't it? Jordan does a brilliant job of codifying the un-codifyable -- magic, folks -- and, in the flashbacks, showing its natural outgrowth in a developed and peaceful world! As Clarke says, "Any technology, sufficiently advanced, becomes indistinguishable from magic"... this works in reverse, too. And the the place of the Aiel, both in the present of the novels, and the past... jeez. It's just brilliant. And I still love Mat. Finally, he gets a way to stand up to the Aes Sedei.
On the down side... wish that the portals and the races we met in this installment had been continued elsewhere. Wish that the Aiel baddies were a _little_ more human. I wish i hadn't been able to pick up on "zaim" (Aiel for "corn") as a direct derivation from "maize." I REALLY want to just slap Nynaeve around. GOD, she's annoying. But I KNOW people like that. So at least it supports the overall consistency.
Jordan has a great imagination. If he's managed to parlay that into a vast and profitable series, which has, in turn, spawned hordes of ravening fans... well, more power to to him. And as I just shelled out $20+ for "The Path of Daggers," I guess I'll just ravine (can one actually _ravine_?) along with the rest of them.

Despite the fact that the extremely famous Wheel of Time series seems to have lost some popularity with fans by the 10th book, this is a good epic (at least for the first 4 books I've read so far). Just like Tolkien allegedly created his world to explore the various invented languages, so too it seems that one of the motivations behind Jordan's creation is to suggest how mythology is born, lived and forgotten. As a result, the Wheel of Time world is centred on the idea of the revolving wheel where the succession of ages, is circular. The series contains a very well thought out universe and mythology as well as interesting characterisation and good writing. I don't really consider fantasy a favourite genre but this series has been good at least in the beginning.

This fourth book contains many good parts that I enjoyed - the description of the history of the Aiel and their insanely harsh world, the mysteries of Rhuidean and some of the investigations in Tanchico. However, much of the book is spent in Rand-space - waiting for Rand to decide what to do, looking for Rand, Rand moping etc etc. This seems to go on for a few hundred pages and the tidbits of information in the midst of all this just aren't enough to stop the mind from wandering.

These faults (which are basically the same in the previous book) largely spoil what could have been a much punchier continuation of the saga.

After reading 4 books of a series that currently stands at 8 (with at least 2 more on the way), comprising more than 3000 pages thus far, it is perhaps time to take a step back and try and determine just what it is that Jordan is doing. This is no generational saga--the same basic set of characters is maintained throughout "The Wheel of Time," give or take the odd disappearance or even death (though, it should be noted, thus far no one of any importance, save a few of the bad guys, has bought it for good)--and there are no breaks in the flow of events to give the reader a chance to catch his/her breath (unless, of course, he/she simply becomes tired of it all and stops altogether). This is purely genre fiction, which is to say that it will appeal only to those who go for the sort of high/epic fantasy largely invented by Tolkien and practiced by countless more or less derivative, and more or less rewarding, writers in the decades since the appearance of "The Lord of the Rings." Unlike other such genre writers (Stephen R. Donaldson, for example) Jordan has nothing particularly new to bring to the high fantasy concept, so for fantasy aficionados "The Wheel of Time" provides at best another imaginary land to explore, another set of fictional "cultures" to experience, another reworking of commonly used myths and legends (the Arthurian legends in particular) to re-familiarize oneself with. In short, this is nothing groundbreaking, nothing to mistake for literature, and nothing that will be read decades from now, when future writers are busily rehashing Jordan's rehashes and are the more popular for it--assuming, of course, that high fantasy is a commercially viable enterprise then.
As I say this, I must admit that "The Shadow Rising" marks a turning point for this series, and one for the better. There are moments--most notably in the chapter entitled "The Dedicated"--when Jordan ceases being derivative long enough to be what seems to me genuinely inventive. While his central characters are spun to the four corners of his imaginary land in a manner similar to "The Dragon Reborn" or "The Great Hunt," for once Jordan is under no compunction to hastily arrange for their simultaneous meeting in one particular locale at the end. And it is no small thing that for once I was wrong in a prediction; Jordan's first in-depth exploration of the Aiel society surprised me, if only because I was very much expecting a simple copy of the Fremen from Frank Herbert's "Dune." Beyond such high points, most of the action amounts to the sort of wish-fulfillment that characterizes most of the genre; in other words, whether you imagine yourself in the place of Rand, of Perrin, of Elayne or anyone else, Jordan will make you feel good about what you...er, the characters...have accomplished.
Jordan is not the finest writer you will ever read, but he puts together a competent enough narrative. If you enjoyed the first three books in this series, you'll love this one; if you didn't enjoy them, you probably didn't make it this far, and you're not reading this review. Enjoy your new doorstop.

I've now re-read the entire Wheel of Time(WoT) series several times. This book is, in my opinion, the best of the ones he has written so far(through Crown of Swords). Jordan, as always, does a fantastic job of building up to events, and making you suspect how they will turn out... and then coming up with something completely different. His descriptions are phenominal. There are several parts of the series that, quite litterally, bring me to tears, not only once, but every time I re-read it. This is the only series that gets the reader that involved. For those who have not re-read the series, it is _well_ worth it. There are so many clues and hints of what is to come that you never pick up on the first time through. Small details, nasty and intricate plot turns that get skipped on the first read. I've bought the entire series in hard-cover because my paperback editions were, quite litterally, falling appart. The first 25+ pages of The Shadow Rising are now somewhere unknown, as they have fallen out. While it was all but impossible to put these books down when I first read them, by now that compulsion is gone since, obviously, I know what is to happen. However, I find the books even more emotionally gripping as I read through them again and again. There are some parts that, after reading them, you need to take a long pause, and run through it again in your mind. A fabulous writer. An incredible series. If you have never liked Fantasy, this is the book to start with. If you already enjoy Fantasy, there is so much that is new an original that you will constantly be surprised. In a final note, if you like Jordan, try Terry Goodkind's the Sword of Truth series... It's not as good as Jordan, but closer than anything else I have read.

I wont write any spoilers,so feel free to read this.. :)
The Wheel of Time spins,and weaves the lives of our heroes..
I like the fact that they are gaining in Power..When I played ADND I never liked low level characters,and I was always anxious to grow..The heroes grow in power here..And at last Mat shows some of his ..Rand is as always talking to himself,thinking,plotting,not trusting anyone etc..
The chapters in Rhuidean are truly masterfully written.
I like the fact that the Forsaken show some intelligence (well,not all of them..but Lanfear does..)
I dont like the fact that they have no apparent purpose in their evilness..It is as a previous reviewer wrote a "I ll take the world cause it is there" story..anyway..
Now to the ever present most annoying feature for me:
The women!Ok,I ve actually met some women that act like Nynaeve,or Aviendha,or Egwene..BUT NOT ALL OF WOMEN..
If I lived in this world I would surely take oaths of celibacy ,and become a monk in order to avoid them..
They b&^$h and nag all the time.Aviendha especially this time takes the trophy of "Bi%ch of the milennia" from Nynaeve's hands..She expects Rand to respect and act according to an honor code he hasnt ever heard of..And he gives him hard time for not acting as he "should" ..
The book is not a page turner..It took me a month to read while the previous,only 3 days at most each..
It [isn't horrible],it just is not THAT good..
I like the fact though that is one of the few books that I tend to like the "bad guys".(Lanfear)
Oh,and somebody SHOOT FAILE... :)

This is the most 'nothing' book in the series so far. Not a whole lot really happens. Reading it and coming to the end, I realized that Jordan realized that he had a fantasy franchise on his hands and was going to milk it for all it was worth. Don't get me wrong the book is well written, there are some tense moments that get your blood racing. But there is no big monumental event like the first three books ended with. Yes there is the big meeting of the Aiel, but since when is the climax of a fantasy novel a meeting. The final two chapters pack in all the action or confronting multiple forsaken, which could have been built up more along the way. There is the trolloc attacks on Emonds Field, and the rise of Perrin as a warrior leader among his hometown people. However there are certain plot points that are beginning to wear on me: The Whitecloaks being so corrupt, yet none of them seeing that they are corrupt, the ever present fear of the Dragon and the One Power, and the fact that none of the 'good guys' can get it together and kill the 'bad guys'. When you have beaten a forsaken, just kill them, don't wait for a trial, when you have pure evil at your fingertips ready to be killed, don't let it walk free. I can see why most people I have talked to about this series give up around the fifth book.
T

The Wheel of Time is probably the best-known and most widely read fantasy series other than The Lord of the Rings.
When The Eye of The World was published in 1988 or 1989, it created a sensation -- a tremendous first volume that had the usual good-evil battle and tons of action but also was filled with magic, history, politics, sociology, cultural background and realistic characters. When I re-read the first five books, I was amazed at the details of history and politics that Jordan provided in his world. Jordan also has numerous protagonists, not just one or two primary ones like many other fantasy writers.
The Shadow Rising continues to feature strong men and, through their magical abilities and powerful personalities, stronger women characters that are a constant feature of the first three books. Jordan has been rightly lauded for the prominent and powerful roles he created for the female characters.
The Shadow Rising's overall excellence is part of the reason the first five books in this series became the dominant entry in the fantasy genre by the mid-1990s -- so much so that The New York Times noted that Jordan had come to dominate the genre that Tolkien made famous. In The Shadow Rising, the writing is still smooth, the various characters and their motivations work well, and there's action aplenty. Jordan also produces some outstanding imagery and action and history in the middle portions of the book (concerning the history of the Aiel) that provide tremendous background to the series as a whole.
Unfortunately, starting with Lord of Chaos (book 6), Jordan's creation became unwieldy. Instead of concentrating on following the themes and story-threads of books 1-5 (which combined are more than 3500 pages, hardcover), he created new storylines, bogged down the narrative and halted the pace of the epic. Book 8 in particular is an unmitigated disaster -- 650 pages (hardcover) of wheel-spinning (pardon the pun) with almost no progress to the story. Book 9 seemed to have jump-started the narrative once again but reviewers have generally panned book 10; there are likely at least 3 more volumes forthcoming and the series will not be completed until at least 2007.
The Shadow Rising is great, as were the previous three and The Fires of Heaven (book five). But narrative stalling and the increasing time intervals between the publication dates of each volume have made the series more frustration than fun.

I finished this book this evening, and am rather unsure how to go about even reviewing it, let alone assigning it a star rating.

When I first started reading it, I was enthusiastic, but that quickly waned. The first third of the book felt like a history textbook. Dates, names, places. Political plots, too-detailed descriptions of things. "Wool-headed men", "unfathomable women", "Rand/Mat/Perrin knows about girls" memes kept on to the point of annoyance. And when things did start to move, we'd shift to a different set of actors in similar boring activities. I almost stopped reading.

And then it all changed. Everything I loved about the series came back. The story pulled me in. The characters were again vivid. The shifts in location were mostly acceptable (though sometimes frustrating). New friends, new enemies, and we're not always sure which is which.

The time with the Aiel was priceless, even though it did repeat the "wool-headed men" (or "wetlander") theme way more than needed.

The ending to this book was good, but not great as the endings to the first three were. Yes, there was a triumph of sorts, but very little was resolved, and there was some sadness there on the last page. (And no, this is not a spoiler, it's a minor detail.)

If it had a better start, or even a typically grand ending, I'd have probably given it 4 stars. But I just can't bring myself to do so just now.

The Wheel of Time turns and brings Volume 4 of the saga, TheShadow Rising (TSR). For my money, TSR (perhaps along with Volume 5)form the peak of the series, before it meanders and loses itself. In TSR Rand edges ever closer to his destiny and we start to understand the Aiel, that fascinating people based on Frank Herbert's Fremen of Arrakis. We learn a bit more about Min (my favorite character of all!). Perrin too comes fully into his own in TSR as the attack on the Two Rivers reaches a crescendo. The White Tower is shaken with dissension. The Atha'an Miere or the Sea Folk also make their appearance and one can sense how the Dragon is slowly but surely gathering all his people for the final campaign. But the highpoint of the book is the Rhuidean experience where the history not just of the Aiel but the world of the WOT series is recapitulated as series of time capsules. At long last, many of the threads spun by Jordan... start to make some sense. The ingenious manner of the unveiling of these threads is almost enough to make one forgive Jordan for the absence of a decent prologue to the series. A book not to be missed; even if you are one of those tired with long plotlines, keep at it and I promise you will not be disappointed. But still only 4 stars for my now patented complains about Jordan's cartography and the excuse for a glossary of characters and concepts. END

This book is the fourth book of The Wheel of Time series and it's a great book!
In the books before this one Rand, Perrin, and Mat live in Two Rivers along with Egwene and Nynaeve. When an Aes Sedai comes, Moiraine and her Warder Lan, their lives change.
Rand is the Dragon Reborn also known as Lewis Therrin. He denies it, doesn't want to accept that he is the Dragon Reborn who must someday fight the Dark One. He travels to the Aiel Wasteland fulfills the sayings ... fate has decided that he is the Dragon Reborn and even as Rand tries to run from it he just ends up proving he is the Dragon Reborn. He is now in the Aiel Wasteland and awaits for the leaders to proclaim him the Dragon Reborn. They will follow him because the proficies say that he will unite the clans and lead them but also one of the sayings is that he will destroy them. Some of the Aiel are uncertain what to think about that and others decide to go against him. What to do? Who to trust or turn to? Rand doesn't know anymore ... there isn't anyone he can trust ... maybe Ewgene but ever since she became Aes Sedai she acts just like one and that is just what he's trying to get away from. The Aes Sedai who try to keep him on a leash.
Perrin goes back to Two Rivers, hearing that White Cloaks have been poking around. He finds things uneasy and full of tension. He has to put aside his jealousy ... what he finds is Lord Luc who seems to have an interest in his companion and friend (more than friend) Faile. He also finds White Cloaks who have overstepped their authority. They have taken Two Rivers people prisoners and they are guarded. Perrin takes the risks involved and decided to rescue them. Faile supports his idea and even though she is suppose to stay out of harms way she goes where he goes, watching his back. After the prisoners are rescued Perrin says it's time to hunt Trollocs. But more is in store for him than he would have believed and it's something he wouldn't ever want to happen, maybe Trollocs are smarter than he has thought ... the price is too high to pay ... And he soon finds that out ...
Meanwhile the Tower is splitting. It's been rumored that there are Aes Sedai who serve the Dark One. The Ajah (Aes Sedai) are categoried in colors, the colors mean different things (like Brown Ajah seeks knowledge and Gray Ajah seek harmony and peace, and so on.). Well it's been rumored there are Black Ajah in the Tower who serve the Dark One and all Aes Sedai swear that that is not true. But unfortunately it is ... they act like any other Aes Sedai and wear are Ajah, wearing a color (not black) so they fit in perfectly. So who is it that is splitting the Tower? The enemy is from the inside and there isn't any knowledge as to who it is ... until it's too late. The Black Ajah have started to play their hand in the game ... Do they have a winning hand and if they do what will that bring?
Basically about bad vs. good it is filled with adventure and mystery, fear and danger, a little romance mixed in it, triumph and happiness all make a great story and this has it all!

There are great novels, there are good novels and there are bad novels. What is frustrating thing about the "Wheel of Time" series is that there is so much that is exceptional within them, so much potential for greatness, that you feel cheated as they fall short. When these books are good, they are very good; but there is so much tripe between the exceptional parts that it is difficult to keep one's interest up.
One major problem with these books is that Jordan has created caricatures, not characters, and their character traits are used simply for flavor. As an example, take Nynaeve - she's bossy, stubborn, opiniated, doesn't take advice, and bashes the male characters constantly for little more than "being male". Yet these traits never push the story forward. Jordan uses them to describe her, to guide her dialogue, but she never pays for these obviously negative traits, never fails because of them, never learns from them. She could be an intensely interesting character, chronicling the growth of a woman who thinks she knows it all into a powerful Aes Sedai who is truly wise, yet as written she is simply annoying (and it's just as annoying that she's getting away with it). I suppose she will become the latter by the end of the series, but I fear it will be unsatisfying.
Of the main characters, only Perrin has been allowed to grow, progress and become interesting; all the others (especially the women) are trapped within their cliches, never becoming more than a few emotions and habits.
Another major problem is the that "good" side is simply too powerful. There is no situation they get into that they are unable to handle in an immediate fashion. While some plots will take the entire series to resolve, the "tense" situations (which provide an immediate connection to the story) are resolved far too quickly and with too few consequences. Whenever a main character is in a "bind" you can be sure they'll be back in control of the situation by the end of the chapter. The only real "power" of the bad guys is their omnipresence...they can appear anywhere at any time, beyond all logic and reason.
The last major problem I'll mention is that for all the enormous power the main characters possess, there are no consequences for using that power (other than the bad guys trying to get you). You'd think that the ability to "channel" a huge amount of energy would come at great cost, or have some potential for backlash that could work against an untrained wielder. This is not the case, and as such channeling becomes like simplistic "Harry Potter" magic. I enjoy the Potter books as much as anyone, but that simplicity seems out of place in this more mature work.
I realize I've been very negative here. To be honest there is much to appreciate in these books. The writing is very good, the descriptions are beyond complete, the scenes effective and the world he's created is compelling. If only Jordan had the ability of a George R.R. Martin concerning character development and plot twists, these would be classics.

The seals of Shayol Ghul are weak now, and the Dark One reaches out. The Shadow is rising to cover humankind. In Tar Valon, Min sees portents of hideous doom. Will the White Tower itself be broken? In the Two Rivers, the Whitecloaks ride in pursuit of a man with golden eyes, and in pursuit of the Dragon Reborn. In Cantorin, among the Sea Folk, High Lady Suroth plots the return of the Seanchan armies to the mainland. In the Stone of Tear, the Lord Dragon considers his next move. It will be something no one expects, not the Black Ajah, not Tairen nobles, not Aes Sedai, not Egwene or Elayne or Nynaeve.

Against the Shadow rising stands the Dragon Reborn.

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.

Fans generally agree that the Wheel of Time series peaks somewhere through books 4-6. Certainly, this book is as entertaining as Book 3, and better than books 1 and 2. While the first three books have artificial endings (where all the main characters "coincidentally" end up in the same place for a climactic battle), this book ends with open resolutions to most of the subplots.

To wit: Of the Big 7 original characters, 5 (Rand, Mat, Egwene, Morraine, and Lan) undertake a journey into the desert wastes and the homes of the Aiel. This race of people is finally developed, and we get a feel for their culture and origins (not what you'd expect!). This is Jordan's forte and this culture is possibly his greatest invention of the series. Bad feelings start to brew between Aiel, and there is something strange about the peddlers that tag along with the merry band, but there is little action outside the nifty flashback sequences of Rand's trip into Rhuidean (the best part of the book), until the last few chapters. That's okay because (aside from the introduction of YET ANOTHER surly, obsessive female companion for the group) the development of the cultural and historical basis of the Aiel is neat stuff.

That leaves Perrin and Nynaeve, who each go off on their own adventures. Perrin's blood feud with the inquisitory Whitecloaks reaches a new level as the latter occupy our heroes' hometown. Trollocs also start to arrive, and Perrin soon finds himself the leader of his besieged kinsmen. His girlfriend Faile (Book 3's most irritating addition) reaches new levels of inanity in the first half of the book before settling down into a reasonable and even likeable character. Finally Nynaeve and Elaine continue the hunt for the remaining Black Ajah, which leads them to a city under siege from numerous forces - the Seanchan (the cross-channel invaders of Book 2), more Whitecloaks, and at least one of the Forsaken, in addition to the Black Ajah. This plot line is left gapingly wide open, but that's okay because it is a series, after all.

In general, the book is highly readable, exciting, and contains lots of new information and neat ideas that flesh out Jordan's world. Sure there are the usual Jordan irritants - Faile and Aviendha's behaviour most obviously, but more distressing is his treatment of Lan, the Warder. He has gone from the formidable sword-swinging prince/warrior to a simpering child, pouting over Morraine's treatment of him and mooning over the bullying and annoying Nynaeve. But most of these problems work themselves out by page 500, leaving the last half of the book as the best reading of the series, so far.

Books one and two of the wheel of time series were awsome. Book three "Dragon Reborn" definitly kept me going, although I was begining to have reservations about keeping interested in a storyline that lasts for 8 books (or more). With "Shadow Rising" I have finally had enough. I only read the first 200 pages of this 700 page book. It was boring reading! I looked ahead in the book to see if it got any better, and all I could see was more plot twists and turns that could keep this series going on for 100 books. I've had enough! I like epic's, but I also like a story to have an end in sight. I'm tired of hearing about the Amirylan Seat. I'm tired of hearing about people's hate for Aies Sedia. I'm tired of hearing about all the threads of the pattern and what it can do to people. I'm tired of the whole series and where it's plot is going (if it goes anywhere). Robert Jordan is a very competent writer. I have enjoyed the places he has taken me. But it is time to move on. I need storylines that have a resolution to them in at least 4 to 5 books, not 8, or however many books Jordan will need to finish this series. Goodbye "Wheel of Time", with no end in sight it is time to move on.

I admit it. When I first read 'Eye of the World', I thought the Aiel were a neat idea. A mysterious xenophobic group of people. But, as Jordan has done with so many things, he shreds the mystery. By the end of the book, the reader knows everything about the Aiel. I mean everything. Jordan spends at least 400 pages concerning Aiel.
'..Shadow..' follows the by-now-familiar pattern of Jordan's books..an interesting beginning followed by a fast descent into mediocrity, then wraps it up into a mind-blowing final 100 pages.
Sometime around the middle of this book, Jordan's constant use of the same phrases really started to bother me. He spends way too much time having characters upset with others...also the amused looks are way too much.
Example: Character X (usually one of the Big 3) is teased/mocked/embarrassed by a supporting character (usually an Aiel). Character X's traveling companions always look on with a smile on their faces, enjoying X's discomfort. Jordan must have used this 15 times.
Even more annoying though is Jordan's arrogant characters. The Aiel Wise Women are at the top of the list. They think everyone else is 'foolish'. Apparently they despise everyone who thinks differently from them. From there it's a short step to the rest of the women. They think all men are 'foolish'. Jordan's favorite term for men is 'wool-brained'. After about 80 instances in this book alone, I, for one, was very tired of it.
Finally Jordan likes to have a character muttering under its breath..usually about something derogatory to another character. The first time it was funny. The next 15...no.
Wrapping it up, 'The Shadow Rising' is not a great book. Robert Jordan is not a great writer. It is entertaining. As I said earlier, the final 100 pages are slam-bang entertainment. I couldn't put the book down (I even took an extra lunch hour to finish the book off). If you're looking for good fantasy, WITH good writing, check out Donaldson's Thomas Covenant books.

I wanted to give this a 3 3/4 or something, but this will do. I am reviewing these books as I read them..so here goes.
Yes this books had some slow moments, but they are brief and the rest surly makes up for it. I loved the beginning in the Heart of Stone and the "bubbles of evil"..and I also enjoyed how Rands character has changed---realistically. He has all this new responsibility pushed on him..and he has to worry about going mad....so he's a bit edgy. Which I like cause it fits that he would no longer be the innocent farmboy he was. I could not put the books down during his scenes at Rhuidean. I enjoyed learning more about the Aiel and seeing some of the hints Jorden throws in that give you some insight into the rest of the series. I did notthink he told too much...because I still don't get some of those Aiel customs! But all the Aiel--Rhuidean scenes were well worth the read
I enjoyed Mat..like usual! And I fully understand his reluctance to be around Rand...with him changing so much and with Mat having to go through his own problems. I really LOL during his talk with the fox people at Rhuidean...that scene was very exciting and left me wanting to know more about Mat's part in this. It looks like it is going to be big.
Perrin at Two Rivers was great. I really like this character and I enjoyed his road towards being a hero...even if it's a reluctant one. I can see that he will also play a major role. I'm happy that Faile has calmed down...she was really getting on my nerves for awhile. But I enjoy her and Perrin's relationship...they remind me of the Honeymooners. These scenes were also great.
As for the rest. Moiraine is really starting to get interesting...I almost feel bad for her. Egewene iis growing up and getting sterner..she annoys me the least. And I can finally begin to see her as a leader later on. Nyneave and her hair tugging entertains me as much as Mat..and Isee her mellowing a bit. I can see that sooner or later she is going to let go and be able to use her power to the fullest. As for Elayne..sigh. She's spoiled..but I expect that..but her treatment of Rand annoys me. I see where Jorden is heading here..so hopfully he gets to it soon.
Min and the Aes sedai..this was a great twist..I can't wait to read more. Especially Logain. I also love Aviendha...even though I see her joining the Rand worshipers.
Over all. I liked this installment..and will continue reading. I still think "The Great Hunt" and "Eye of the World" were the best. This series although slow at times (but that's all a matter of personal taste. Some people like detail..some don't.) still has my interest..mainly because i want to see if my theories about everyone are correct. I see everything being set up and I can't wait till they unfold.

The Wheel of Time series hits some new heights with this fourth book. It starts where the third book left off--the Stone of Tear. Rand is the Dragon Reborn, the Stone has fallen, and the sword called Callandor is in Rand's possession. But Rand can't stay in the musty fortress forever. The Last Battle is coming and Rand has a long way to go to get ready for it. Meanwhile, Mat is trying to find some answers, while the women are hunting down some of the members of the Black Ajah. In some parts this book is slower than the previous three, but some of the parts that I mention below are what make this book an easy 5 stars. About a third through the book is a part where Rand has a series of visions where he learns about the true history of the Aiel. There is lots of history in those two chapters for you Wheel of Time buffs out there, so you might want to make a chart or something when you get to that part. That part's very fun to read. Another good part is where the young Tinker named Aram picks up a sword for the first time. I found that scene very moving and convincing. When you read about Tanchico, there will be mention of a museum-type place where there is a dinosaur-like skeleton (from what I gather of RJ's description). If you've been paying attention, he mentions it in book 2 in a sentence somewhere. Although I started the series with book 3 (and loved it!), I wouldn't recommend starting with book 4--unless you're really desperate to read this book. There is simply too much stuff you'd have missed out on. Like most of the Wheel of Time books, I own this one in hardback and am most pleased with it. I highly recommend this book.

There is little comparison to this one, all my friends that have read this series agree with me that this stands alone in its creativity, riskiness, adventure, character development, enjoyment... ok the list goes on. Basically I'll do a quick little review of the others leading up to this, since I doubt I'll review them individually: Book 1 Wheel of Time set it up but feels oddly segregated from the rest of the series, even if the majority of main characters are introduced here, so I'd give it an 8/10. Book 2 The Great Hunt certainly picks up the pace with quite a few character developments and a kick-shove into Jordan's world of magic that takes your breath away and leaves you begging for more, so this is definately a 9/10. Book 3 The Dragon Reborn seemed like it'd be the highlight with a title like that, but almost slacked-off the pace with very few chapters from Rand's perspective and only one really great twist to the end, so I give it an 8/10.
Finally we reach this one, the great one, one of the best fantasy books I've ever read: 10/10 easily. Every anty you can think of us upped in this book: characters are richer, enemies are trickier, twists are some of the best seen in any genre, and every character gets his share of the glory and grandeur of the storyline. Let's hear it for Perrin! The series drops off this climb like a boulder plummeting down a cliff after about Book 6, but you should enjoy Book 5 after this one, it doesn't disappoint, just not nearly as inventive.

When I said that 'The eye of the world' was the best book ever, I was wrong. The first book was just outlining the plot, the second and third were good (Not as good as the first.), but this beats all. This is where it starts to get interesting. There's so much going on in this book, that when R.Jordan switched from one character to another, I didn't mind as much. The story was quite complex and there wasn't a great amount of travelling as in the first three books, more interaction between characters and a deeper plot. Having read the first three books, reading number four was a lot easier as I understood the societies and the background. (I do recommend reading the 'Robert Jordan's Wheel of time' for geater understanding.) There was less of 'what age is that? What on earth is a fade? and such, but more 'Perrin, you can't do that.' and 'Mat! Oh my God, I can't read on.' sort of thing. I thought the books would get less enjoyable as the series went on (As most series do), but this book totally turned it around. It made me laugh, it made me cry and at one point I refused to read it for a fear of what might happen. I enjoyed this book because no matter how the plot goes, all the characters are human. They aren't all innocent and pure, or all evil (except the 'Dark one'). They have faults and are not always right. Rand was much better in this book, I felt. He was less unsure and more determined. Mat was the same, but I love Mat they way he is and Perrin's character was more matured and defined (The interaction with Faile really made me smile, It was like 'Wow, couples really act like that, not always 'love struck' and romantic). This was the best book ever and all I can say is 'read it yourself, and all will become clear'.

This novel is where the series begins. I think the first three novels could be read independently, similar to Tolkien's Hobbit, and still be enjoyed. However, The Shadow Rising, offers no real conclusion and begins the torture known as the Wheel of Time. I like the overall plot of this novel; I gave it five stars. The focus on Rand is good, but I don't understand how he has become so knowledgable and wise over the course of a year. The side story with Perrin and Faile has great potentail and the ending is awesome, but they way it is written makes me cringe when I read parts of it. Nynaeve and Elayne are my least favorite part of the novel. I honestly consider skipping all chapters concerning their part of the plot. And once again, Mat is my favorite character. Robert Jordan has created some annoying characters, but Matrim Cauthon redeems them. And the action in the White Tower is also well done, if not believable.
What happens. The novel begins with Rand holding the Stone of Tear. He becomes involved with Elayne before leaving the stone for the Aiel Waste. One of the best parts of the novel occurs when Rand and Mat enter Rhuiden. He is marked as the chief of chiefs, and begins the unification of the Aiel. Rand also finds a teacher to help learn Saidin. Mat journeys with Rand to Rhuiden and stays with him after they leave. Mats memories return and his luck continues. Perrin leaves Tear to return to the Two Rivers to save his people from the Whitecloaks. Instead he fights Trollics and becomes lord of his people. In the wolf dream Perrin learns a lot about those twisted doors. From a child's game, "Courage to strengthen, fire to blind, music to daze, and iron to bind." After reading this novel for the third time, I noticed that whenever Mat enters those doors, the snake people always make sure he was no musical instruments, iron, or devices to make light. Nynaeve and Elayne go to Tanchinco to find something that might hurt Rand and meet a forsaken. Egwene and Moraine accompany Rand to Rhuiden.
This novel, as I remember it, is one of the last real good ones by Robert Jordan. I like the next ones, but I haven't waited years for them. I am rereading them on my way to Crossroads of twilight, and if book 10 is disappointing, I will understand why many readers complain about the later novels. But Book 4 is still fantastic, and while it is not imperative to read the first three before starting the fourth, the first three are the best, so I encourage you to read them first.

I am not sure if it was the end of this book or the middle of the 5th when I finally gave up. Jordan can write, I will give him credit for that, but after so many, many pages his flaws and frailties become far to noticable...and ingratiating. I found myself hating some of the phrases and mannerisms so much that the story was all but chased from my mind.
It all starts well, and after taking the time to work with the story you find yourself hooked and the pages fly by. At first Moraine and Lans distain are justified, he is reclusive and she is feared by most...not making them very polite and socialable people. But soon, every other person adopts this behavior and everyone is fighting everyone constantly. They act more like children than the adults they are supposed to be.
Someone said that Jordan was sexist. I am not sure I agree with this, but he is certainly childishly portraying the interaction between men and women. Men are bumbling idiots that can't hold their own against the amazing intellect of women and women can't stand men at all (except to use them). In fact, I was ecstatic when Rand finally turned his powers on the females, they had become so annoying.
Also, I couldn't keep things straight with Rand. His character cartwheels between attitudes and personalities like the weather. I should say Jordan is doing a good job portraying his descent into madness, no one can make any sense of him.
Perrin's in the only charachter that I found myself tolerating, and if the books were based on him, not Rand, Egwene, the Aes Sadi, etc. I may have finished the series.

The fourth book in The Wheel of Time is chock full of detail about people, places, societies and plots. As far as I'm concerned, this is where the series really departs from just another, albeit exceptional, fantasy series. The amount of detail in the world is mind-boggling. Every character -- even those you thought were only in that one scene back in book one -- has a purpose and every society is so intricately thought out that it is literally hard to remember that this place was invented by some guy.
Sometimes the plot in this volume is a little slow as action gives way in favor of information. However, some of the action is the best yet. Perrin's return to the Two Rivers is particularly affecting and the climactic battle scene there is so moving that I actually cried.
I was also glad to see Mat coming into his own. From humble beginnings as an annoying sidekick, he is starting to have experiences that make him one of the most interesting characters in this book.
Another fine job by Robert Jordan!

Despite my having only finished to the end of the fifth book ( the last three should arrive monday.. courtesy of the store.com ) I have found this one thouroughly engrossing. The detail while, I admit, arduous and slow at times is well worth it when you realize the true depth and complexity of the characters and environment.
I particularly enjoyed Jordan's focus on Perrin is this novel, and not to spoil it for others but he doesn't appear in book 5 at all. Without a doubt this is my favorite of the series and I reccommend it to anyone, even though at times it reads like a trashy romance novel.
This and the other WOT books, captivated not only my imagination but my life as well. An almost ridiculous compulsion to finish each novel only to pick up the next drawn by the anticipation of "what next?" makes this series, and this novel in particular, a favorite and memorable to the last.
I hope those of you who buy this and other books in the series enjoy them as much as I have. I can not, however, be held responsible for any lack of sleep due to reading these books and an inability to put them down.

I finshed reading book 4 The Shadow Rising and I believe it is so far the best book of the series. I liked the start of the (maybe) relationship between Rand and Elayne. I also thought it was funny the way Aviendha keeps telling Rand that Elayne is the only woman for him and then begains to describe Elayne in detail to Rand and maybe or maybe not knowing that Rand is embarrassed by it. The part with Perrin and Fail( I think that is her name if I'm wrong I'm sorry) was interesting. Why in these type of stories the guy allways seems to think it is for the best that the girl stay behind and be safe when she clearly can take care of her self,Does the guy not know that the girl he is trying to protect can easily get killed staying behind. You would think he would want her near him so he can have a better chance to keep her from harm. Perrin seems to think it is ok if he gets killed as long as she is safe Oh! BROTHER! I know this is just a story but some times this just bugs me.( and this is coming from me a guy no less). I'm glad I'm single. Oh well I recommened this book highly and the series.

The Shadow Rising takes place on at least four major fronts, three of which I'll mention here: Tear, Rhuidean, and The Two Rivers. In Tear, we see Rand Al'Thor taking command of an Aiel army and fighting off Trollocs and trying to avoid falling in with Lanfear, who apparently is in love with him, or what she can use him for, in a well-described and choreographed close quarters battle. Matt Cauthon is as irrascible as ever about Aes Sedai meddlings, and soon follows Rand, Egwene and Moiraine Sedai to Rhuidean, a sacred and restricted city of the Aiel that is located deep in the waste. Meanwhile, Egwene Al'Vere has been stretching her skills at entering the dreamworld of Tel'Aranrhiod and has accompanied Rand into the waste not to explore Rhuidean as he has, but to gain dreamsleep instruction with the Aiel Wise Ones. In a really meaty section, Perrin Aybara travels to The Two Rivers to give himself up to the Whitecloaks. Faile follows him. What happens there is some of the most vivid storytelling yet in the Wheel of Time, with tremendous character and relationship development, and invention at showing us how the Wheel can warp events around the Ta'veren. An outstanding book, which I may well follow up soon by reading Jordan's book 5.

I'm consistently amazed at how high many people review books in general. The same goes for this book, which is good, but not 4.5 star material. If I could give it 3.5, I would, because that's where I think it is so far as fantasy goes.
I like the book. I do. Jordan is able to keep me turning pages from page 200 to page 900. The first 200, however, are painfully slow as he attempts to bring those people who have not read the first 3 up to speed. For those previously uninitiated into the Wheel of Time series, it's probably helpful. But for those of us who have read his other works, it's a slow, dry stretch of pages.
The book does get more interesteing after that, and Jordan does have a decent way with words that makes the pages go faster. But some of his literary tricks are just plain tiring. As another reviewer asked, how many times can a woman fold her arms under her breasts and how many men's faces are carved out of stone? Similarly, is it really necessary to continuously portray the characters as 12 years old? The maturity level of the characters is severely lacking, which is more pronounced in the beginning of the book than the last 3/4 of it, but nonetheless something that never ends.
Conversely, there are some plots that are worth reading. Perrin's saga is good. Min is a great character. And of course we always want to know mroe about Rand. And that's where the problem begins. All in all, this is 1000 pages where Rand accomplishes as much as you could read in 50 pages. And that's where my real problem starts to come in with this book.
Nobody ever dies. Characters keep being added. At this stage, there is war raging all over the world and not 1 of nearly 40 characters ever dies. They're only ever grazed or nicked. Not that I'm rooting for anyone to die, you see. But every battle is the same formula: Describe slow anticipation, start the battle, then in 2 pages of action end the battle in a nondescript manner.
And yes, I said 40 characters that are entreneched in this book. And 7 different plot lines (Rand, Perrin, Min, Nynaeve/Elayne, Black Ajah, Whiteclocks, Padain Fain, the White Tower, and the Forsaken/Dark One). Well, make it 9, and that keeps Matt, Thom, and several other characters out of it. Among those 8 plot lines I can count can count 37 characters that are running with some story. Nothing ever ends. Even when Rand battles at the end, there is no finality.
So, in reviewing the book, I'm not sure it's worth even 3 stars. Maybe more like 2.5 or 2. I don't want to say it totally sucked, especially the Two Rivers part of it all. But the remained of the book was clearly lacking, not nearly enough of the plot talks about Min and her role in the overall picture.
I think it is best left at this. Around page 900 I was looking forward to book #5. After the last 100 pages, I'm not really looking forward to it quite so much because the ending was so lame and predictable, the payoff of 1000 pages just was not there.

Friendship is a constant of mankind since our Creation. God *designed* us to need friends and to want to be friends to others. Often, the best stories and myths are those that take this very real element of the personal, and make that a distinctive part of the tale. Such was the case with *The Hobbit* and *The Lord of the Rings*, as it was also true with *The Chronicles of Narnia* stories.

Yet all too many movies and novels fall far short of the quality they could achieve and entertainment they could provide, if they simply focused more on camaraderie. One series that has not made that mistake is *The Wheel of Time* series by the late Robert Jordan. Since I have already reviewed the first three, I will not go over the plot yet again for the series, but will examine two main threads that were the most prominent in the current book's narrative.

*The Shadow Rising* takes place shortly after the end of the events of *The Dragon Reborn*. Rand, Mat, and Perrin, the three ta'veren, and their friends and guides are in the city of Tear where Rand proved himself to be the Dragon, Lewis Therin Telamon, Reborn in a new body and personality. Meanwhile, we learn more of what it means for the three young men to be ta'veren. Rand, as the Dragon Reborn, was created by the pattern to be a ta'veren. His two best friends were chosen by the pattern of the Wheel of Time to assist him and are thus ta'veren who are gifted with unique abilities and pull others towards them just as Rand pulls Mat and Perrin towards him. This development of the abilities and significance of the three men is the first main plot point.

The second main plot point is one that was, in many ways, inevitable. The Shadow, the evil one who is trying to break free and destroy all of creation had to have some victories and negative impact at some point in the plot. You can't have a multi-book series without this happening at *some* point. This book is where he does. Thus, the title. Between the catastrophes and near or actual losses that occur to the characters and their loved ones, as well as the release for certain of ALL of the imprisoned Forsaken or servants of the Dark One, the Shadow is not winning, but most definitely is rising.

Of course, the ta'veren coming more fully into their own powers also means that the friends of the young men are also coming into their own powers and abilities, and finding new depths of skill and courage. All of this makes for some compelling reading.

What ties all of this together? What I started out by mentioning. Friendship. The deep friendship and love of each other and family keeps these characters from separating when they otherwise might try. It is not just that they have no choice due to the Wheel's forcing them together, as Mat would like to claim. No, it is that they all, deep-down, care for each other, and want to help each other.

For me, all of the action scenes, as neat as they were, were secondary in my enjoyment to the compelling depths of the love and loyalty these men and their friends have for each other.

Despite all of my gushing, their were some problems. The romantic parts of the story seemed to move really, REALLY quickly. Even though some of the romantic storylines are plausible, they do not feel likely or believable. Not really.

The second criticism is how one ta'veren's great victory at the very end seemed to be too sudden. I can see how it can work within the story, but it just felt like it was rushed, and that kind of soured it a bit for me, by yanking me from the story as I realized how contrived it seemed.

Despite these criticisms, I must say that along with the emphasis on friendship, I also appreciated how this was one of the few fantasy books that actually had logical battlefield tactics, and military veterans that actually act like they are military veterans. Joshing and kidding around is one thing in peaceful times. When the stuff hits the fan though, well, it's time to pull out the aggression and no-nonsense part of each person from down deep. The overall aspect of the military man and tactics he might use was portrayed realistically enough given the setting it is in. For that, I was really glad.

Despite the setbacks that occurred and the partially contrived ending, this book was a fun, memorable story of friendship and daring against all odds. A worthy volume in this terrific series. Highly Recommended.

The best book I've read so far in the WOT-series. There were some quite complicated moments, but they all made sense after some logical thoughts. Robert Jordan is just an enormously clever author.
There surely is some new character development in this book. I got the chance to get further into Perrin's personality. I love the the new sides of Faile's which was presented in this book too. I've fell in love with her. Also I got the chance, for almost the first time, to get into Moiraine's mind.
I hope that I'm not the only one who has got the chance to do all that. I know I'm not the only one. So all of you other Jordan fans: Get finished with Dragon Reborn and read this!
Some serious plot-twists awaits too. What happened in the ending must have been one of the most surpring moments in any of the WOT-books. As an ending to my review: Take some time off and give yourself the joy of reading this, the fourth instalment of the WOT-series. Have a good time!

'The Shadow Rising' is the fourth book in Robert Jordan's 'Wheel of Time' series. It follows the adventures of Rand, Mat, Perrin and an ever growing number of secondary characters and plot threads. It's a good book, but I'm glad there are websites that give quick summaries of the books in the series, so I can quickly get up to speed on a particular plot thread that was last mentioned briefly two books ago. There is a lot going on and there is no way I would be able to keep it all straight without some kind of help. But with those resources to rely on these books are a lot of fun as you can see things hinted at by Jordan two books ago start to play out now, and you know that some things hinted at now will manifest a couple of books down the line.
Knowing that there are seven (soon to be eight?) more books to come is daunting, but let's face it- I've been sucked in and am in it for the long haul.

This book is amazing. Simply put, it's time to buckle your seatbelts because you are about to learn so much about the world that the wheel of time takes place in. The cultures involved, the pasts of the people, everything. This is now an epic fantasy series, for sure.
The storyline is great. The threesome of Rand, Matt, and Perrin splits and there are multiple threads to follow - each one equally satisfying but I find the POV that Perrin is in and Nynave's POV are more exciting. We also get more in depth glances and plot lines that the Forsaken are directly involved in. We see their thoughts and their actions outside the battle sequences from the previous books. Very interesting to be reading the plans and thoughts from both the light and the darkside concerning the same event.
This book is phenomenal. It is long, maybe the second longest in the series, but that is not a problem in my opinion because it is so facinating and interesting. The only problem is the final action sequence, while cool, is not as spectacular as some of the battles in the final
Be prepared for character development, huge action sequences, twists and turns, and some great overall reading.

I read this book twice a couple years ago. I loved it; it's my second-favorite of the series (after Lord of Chaos). This is a VITAL book in the series, it answers many questions about Rand's background and the Forsaken. In fact, for the first time in this series, a book manages to tie up more loose ends than it leaves!
There are a couple parallel threads in this novel (Rand/the Aiel, Nynaeve/Egwene, and Perrin/Faile). All threads are independently resolved nicely at the end with no major cliffhangers, although the protagonists remain in different parts of the world throughout the book and at the end. The Rand/Asmodean and Nynaeve/Moghedien conflicts in particular were very well written, with outstanding portrayal of these characters' distinct personalities coming alive in their struggles.
The Two Rivers part with Perrin/Faile vs. the Whitecloaks was in my opinion weak compared to the adventures elsewhere. However, this narrative takes up so much of the book that it's impossible to ignore, and interesting questions are brought up (i.e. Who is Slayer? What is the significance of the Manetheren heritage in the Emond's Fielders?).

A somewhat slower beginning makes way for the best book of the Wheel Of Time yet. While they do linger a fraction in Tear, the story picks up pace once the group of main characters breaks up into smaller portions. Rand's section is particularly potent with a fabulous insight into Aiel society; most notable is the strength of the plot devices and handling used during the Rhuidean segment. Perrin's inclusion also adds great strength, however, the revelations about the fate of his family perhaps should have affected him more deeply than is evident. The final story arc in the novel is also involving, yet is easily the weakest of the 3 - the ending seems largely full of ease and convenience. The greatest improvements, however, are the adversaries. In contrast to previous novels, they're more 3 dimensional than ever before, without simple black or white agendas. There are fewer easy answers, with the conclusion resulting in an inspiring climax.

I was wondering whether I should write a review of this book or the fifth one in the series, but then I realized I couldn't remember the difference between them.
I can't remember which events took place in which book, and I'm having a hard time even remembering the events themselves. How is it possible to write thousand page novels in which nothing happens, or something happens but seems so insignificant that you can't remember?
Actually, most of the Wheel of Time books don't seem like novels at all. There's no three-act structure to be found in them, but really there isn't any plot either. People just run around, do things, run around some more, and never really seem to get anything accomplished. Horribly, it's as if each part of the series is just hacked out of a longer book, some demonic novel that's far worse than any single book in the series.
And don't listen to what you hear about how this book deals well with relationships between men and women. Okay, so Tolkien had maybe two major female characters. That's better than what we get here. Do you know what we get? About every two pages a female character will think, "Men! I'll never understand them!" then go and have vague desires towards somebody. Conversely, every two pages a male character will think, "Women! I'll never understand them!" and also have vague desires. Really, that's it. That's the extent of those groundbreaking relationships Jordan constructs.
This series was never great, though the first book was better. But I think the concept of a well-planned fantasy land with magic and monsters and an Evil One was what really caught my interest. Unfortunately that interest stayed much too long. Now I can't believe I read so many of these books. So save yourselves! Stop reading this series right now!

Although I enjoyed this book as an afternoon's read, I did not find it as engrossing as the previous installments in this series. The plot drags considerably as Jordan delves ever more deeply into local color and points of characterization that have either already been made, or are easily imagined by the reader.
In fact, that's my chief complaint about this novel, which I found far less memorable than its predecessors: there's so much detail bogging down the story that ultimately, very little actually happens. While there was enough buildup in the first three books to allow for a fourth to wrap things up, instead we have new plot points, new characters, and a lot of other things that bring us no closer to the climax.
I find myself thinking, as this series goes on, that Jordan should have taken a leaf from Michael Moorcock's Eternal Champion, and told us the stories of several Dragons, rather than just one

Wow. Action, adventure, romance, mystery, humor - this book (and the entire series) has it all. I can't even begin to describe it. I love these books so much, when I'm not reading one I go through a sort of depression, in which the world around me seems drab and dull...until I pick up the next Wheel of Time book. Jordan describes everything so well, making the land rich in detail AND history/lore. You can picture the great White Tower of Tar Valon, and this image also brings to mind the history and current affairs of the Tower...it's just amazing. I've heard that Robert Jordan made ten pages of notes for each country in the Wheel of Time...and it shows! All the history is very consistent, and believable. But, don't get the idea that it bogs the books down - it's just the opposite. It makes the land much more believable and enjoyable.
You really care about the characters. Each one treats the situations he/she gets in differently - Jordan doesn't go by stereotypes, he actually creates "real" people, that are very easy to believe in and identify with. There is a large cast of characters, and each one basically has different adventures that appeal to different people. This makes the books rather complex - the Shadow Rising is the first book where all the seperate threads didn't come together at the end. But this just makes the books more interesting. For example: Some people thought Rand's adventures in the Aiel waste were the best scenes in the book. I didn't like them at all, and would have found them pretty boring if Moiraine hadn't been there. (Moiraine's my favorite character.) Instead, I was hooked on Elayne and Nynaeve's quest in Tanchico.
There are three main plotlines in this book, with a fourth (Min and the White Tower) popping up occasionally...which was funny, because I thought that was more important to the series as a whole then, oh say, Perrin's adventures in Emond's Field: population 10. But there were several good battles with Perrin and Faile - the last one brought tears to my eyes, and the note he left her was sooo sweet! All four are all resolved (somewhat) at the end, but like I said before - they aren't connected.
Once again, there were several humorous scenes in this book. Incredibly, I heard some people complaining about them, saying that they're "immature" and a "waste of time." I, personally, am very glad that Jordan puts them in, because they certainly help you care about the characters more. Remember that this is a STORY, not a TEXTBOOK. If Jordan suddenly made every character not make ANY mistakes, and ALWAYS say just the right thing, then the series would get drab and dull, fast.
The Wheel of Time books are the best that I've ever read. But if you haven't read the first three, then by all means do so now, because they MUST be read in the right order to get the best enjoyment out of them. And if you choose not to read them at all? It's a pity, because you're missing out on the best fantasy series (no, the best series, period) ever created.

And thus do we enter an amazing stretch of books. I loved The Shadow Rising, I loved the parts of the world we got to explore here, and I loved the new points of view.

I'm still amazed at how brilliant the idea of "ta'veren" was. I, along with the rest of the fantasy reading world, got sick of the farmer-turned-savior trope right about when the hobbits return to the Shire in The Lord of the Rings. It was fine for Tolkein but man, we all know how done to death it is now. So how do we make a fantasy novel compelling when you really just want your characters to start as farmers? Make them ta'veren! Brilliant! Of course they end up becoming important to the world, the very fabric of reality is weaving itself around them. Of course random people will all of a sudden look at Perrin and say "Now there goes a leader!" even if we the readers know Perrin sucks at it. The Age Lace or Time Tapestry or some other weaving analogy wants it to happen this way! I just love the idea, it makes it impossible for me to be annoyed that a couple farmers are deciding the fates of entire countries.

I already feel so rewarded for sticking with the series this long. The little things, like Egwene saying "Be steadfast" when Aviendha has to go through her Wise One ordeal. The echo of Egwene's rise to Accepted brought a huge grin to my face, and it really meant something for her character. I feel like she's put all those crappy visions behind her and accepted her fate. The Aiel call their loved ones "shade of my heart" and that just made me melt, I think it's so sweet and endearing. And then the epic chapters in Rhuidean, where we learn how both the Aiel and the Tinkers started. A sharp eye will pick out all sorts of references in that chapter, and it really is amazing and rewarding if you've stuck with the series.

Although this installment starts out pretty slowly, I love having Rand back instead of just glimpses of him through other character's eyes. I've never been a fan of Perrin but his chapters are really good in this book. Mat, to make up for being a non-entity in books 1 and 2, does something awesome in every chapter he's in. He is by far my favorite of the three farm boys! But everyone's opinions differ on that. The world has become a lot larger for the Emond's Fielders, but it shrinks at the same time. We have characters spanning the continent and traveling quickly becomes more and more simple. It really does give us the feeling that a world and everyone in it is at stake.

Siuan and Egeanin are new points of view and I loved both of them. Really looking forward to more from both of them, especially Egeanin.

Can't wait to start the next one!

This series rocks!!! To all those Jordan-bashers, let me tell you that this series has been a non-stop roller coaster ride from the beginning and I hope it never ends! If you people had any imagination, you would be just as enthralled as I am. Robert Jordan makes his characters real by giving them flaws and thoughts and emotion. Rand, Mat, Perrin, Egwene, Elayne, and Nynaeve are all experiencing a rite-of-passage in their lives. A rite-of-passage is an event or ceremony which significantly changes a person's life, such as marraige or puberty. Robert Jordan has masterfully incorporated their rites-of-passage with the plot and and excellent battles and magical abilities. From book one, I was captivated. However, in order to really understand the book, you must start with the first one and open your mind, because you will be amazed!!!

With "The Shadow Rising", Jordan proved he is a consistent story-teller. Unfortunately, his writing skills are a little weak. The most frustrating aspect of reading his work is that it simply becomes monotonous because he maintains such a plodding pace througout the book. I also found several sections annoying to read because of clumsy wording and structure. However, in contrast to the preceding three books, Jordan has a lot more to say in number four. As a result, he's forced to move faster and still keep it within 700 pages (sheesh!). The overall storyline is getting more interesting and the fight scenes are improving tremendously, but the characters still remain fairly flat and childish. I certainly wouldn't compare Jordan with Tolkien. The air of the story actually reminds me more of Roger Zelazny's "Amber" series, only with the plodding style of Jack Chalker.

Actual rating: 4.5 stars

This of course is the 4th book in the Wheel of Time Series, which at the time of this writing, has 11 books (+1 prequel and an encyclopedia). As with the other books of the series, I will rate and review this book on its own merits instead of allowing any shortcomings in other books to mar this one.

After the major events of the previous book (The Dragon Reborn), Rand, "the" main character (among many "main" characters) must now decide what to do next while other major political and powerful entities react themselves to those same events. At this point, Intrigue begins to play a more major role in the story, but not at the expense of some very well portrayed battles. Once Rand makes his decision, he then endeavors to pursue it until it comes to a resolution one way or another. Because of this, I feel it's fair to say that this book had a clear cut beginning and clear cut ending, qualifying it as a stand alone book despite the fact that quite a few things wouldn't make sense to someone who hasn't read the first three books. The story isn't all about Rand though. There are other side stories as the other main characters pursue other objectives. The best of these is Perrin's. Nynaeve and Elayne also pursue an important quest. This book also provides a greater understanding of the Aiel and the Aiel history. The book ends with a couple of great battles, one of which was the funnest to read about at this point in the series.

What I liked:

*Great Battles! Even the smaller ones have great importance in the over all scheme of things. They're not just thrown in for filler.

*Better understanding of the Aiel.

*Political Intrigue. I find that as fascinating as good action and battles!

*Rand doing what he feels is best and not necessarily what is popular. Not enough people like that in the real world! That's not to say that Rand is always right, mind you.

*Perrin's "coming of age".

*Even Faile, a character I don't particularly like, gained some respect in my eyes in this battle.

*More laughing out loud moments due to Mat.

*Moghedien's entrance

What I didn't like:

*Though she gained some respect in my eyes, Faile is still quite irritating at times.

*Nynaeve and Elayne's quest, though important to the story and at times exciting, is a bit tedious at times. Their constant snippishness gets tiresome as well.

*The history of the Aiel was a bit long winded. The main points probably could have gotten across with more brevity without losing much if anything. I've reread the whole series multiple times but I always find myself having to skip over this part of this book.

In Summary:

Despite those minuses, it's still a great book. I can't bring myself to punish a book just because I don't like some of the characters (in real life I don't like all the people I've met after all, but I still work and interact with them). I don't mind the pace of a story slowing down, if the information that is provided is relevant and leads to an exciting conclusion and that's what this book provided. For that, I give this book 4.5 stars. Since the store doesn't accomodate fractions of stars I had to either round down to 4 or up to 5. Since some people who have read the whole series are allowing there opinions of later books to affect the rating they give this single book, I feel no guilt in choosing to round up to 5 stars to offset one of those silly people (If they hate the series so much, why do they keep reading it?).

I Promise: I'm going to be spoiler free.
This is the fourth book in the Wheel of Time (WOT) series and the second best in my opinion (#3 "The Dragon Reborn" is the best in my humble). All of the tenants of excellent fantasy are there. Jordan is a great writer who builds an incredible world with a compelling history. In this book, Jordan gets the balance of history, character, exposition and action right.
Shadow Rising is a treasure, but be warned: as of this writing Jordan hasn't finished WOT. By the end of this book, the series is MOVING and you are riding through at a great clip. You cannot WAIT to find out what happens next, so you HAVE to continue. Unfortunately, Jordan doesn't pick up the pace and from here on things start to slow down.
My guess is the end of this series isn't going to happen until 2006 (I believe there are going to be 12 books, but I don't think there's an official word).
Is it going to be worth it? I don't think so. WOT has gotten very complicated and is becoming turgid. Sometime around Book 6, the action began to crawl. Book 8 (the last one I read) was almost 700 pages and took place over three days! BUT there are those who say there's light at the end of the tunnel. Book 9 is supposed to be head and shoulders above Book 8.
Is Robert Jordan the Van Halen of fantasy writers, starting off with a bang then fading off into mediocrity? Or is he the Rush of fantasy writers, high highs and low lows but not giving up and always working on making it better?
I've read the first five books twice now beacuse it is too difficult to wait a year between reading books. (And he's coming out with them once every three years at this point!!).
My advice is to wait until Jordan's finished them all. The books are complex enought that you are much better off reading them one right after another. Especially since there are books where one or more of the main characters don't even appear!
By the time he finishes, we'll know if it was worth the wait.
You've been warned!
My grade for the series:
1. Wheel of Time: A-
2. Great Hunt: A
3. Dragon Reborn: A+
4. Shadow Rising: A+
5. Fires of Heaven: A
6. Lord of Chaos: B
7. Crown of Swords: C+
8. Path of Daggars: C
9. Winter's Heart (haven't read, waiting for Jordon to finish)

The story continues as Rand, having subdued (in a sense) Tear, sets off for the Waste. _The Shadow Rising_ has a few amazing chapters about the history of the Aiel, helping make it one of the best books in the series. The Aiel customs are worthy of a book just to themselves, and watching Rand try to learn them is hilarious. The sense of lurking evil is also slightly more potent in _The Shadow Rising_ than in the earlier novels. Rand encounters the Shadow while trying to gain Aiel support; Mat, while obeying the prophecies of the mysterious people in a ter'angreal; Perrin, back at home in the Two Rivers, in scenes that are some of the most affecting in the series. I'll just say that the Bornhalds come back to haunt him. Egwene begins to study with the Aiel Dreamwalkers, eventually gaining the most maturity of any of the Two Rivers friends so far. Elayne and Nynaeve continue the search for the Black Ajah with two additions to their team and a few surprises to discover in post-Seanchan Tanchico. The ending, although not as battle-filled as the previous two books, is one of the most vivid-- I hate it for what happens during it, but I'll read it over and over. For a while, the fate of the world literally hanging by a thread of the Power.

This book is the best. Throughout the book you learn the history of the Aiel, and the end (which has to do with the history) is absolutely amazing! I never thought.... well, if you like the Wheel of Time so far, you will find this book the best of the four so far.
This book about:
1.)Perrin leaves the Stone of Tear with Faile with news of The Children of the Light invading the Two Rivers. He hurries to Emond's Field to make certain no harm comes to the town's inhabitants and intent on letting himself being arrested by Dain Bornhald, the leader of the Children in the Two Rivers until the threat is dropped. On arrival, he discovers more than he can believe and handle; fighting trollocs and The Children of the Light while having nightmarish dreams of a man called Slayer...... His greatest fear is for his lover, Faile.
2.)Rand Al'thor travels to the Aiel Waste to fulfill the Prophecy of He Who Comes With the Dawn. Rand makes friends and bitter enemies in his travels, but his greatest challenge is the test of Rhuidean and the lost origin of the Aiel. Egwene travels with Rand to become a Dreamwalker with the help of Amys and the other Aiel Wise Ones.
3.)Finally Elayne the Daughter-Heir of Andor and Nyneave of Emond's Field (is it al'meara?) are on their way to Tanchico to root out the Black Ajah and find out what the they are looking for; an object that will harm Rand Al'thor the Dragon Reborn. With the help of Thom Marrilin and Juilin Sandars, the two are able to sneak into the Panarch's Palace and......
This book is excellent! BUY IT!

The Wheel of Time is not a series for those with little patience. The story moves slowly, painfully slowly at times; it takes over 200 pages for any character to leave the city of Tear, for example. Nor are all storylines created equal. Rand's journey into the Aiel waste (with the exception of his visions of Aiel history) is both endless and tiring. Min's adventures in Tar Valon are far more gripping, but receive minimal treatment. Perrin's return to the Two Rivers, however, is the best we have seen from the entire series so far. Every page with Perrin is read literally on the edge of the seat, eagerly turning each page.
It doesn't hurt that of all the main characters, Perrin is the most (and perhaps the only) likeable. The others are too wrapped up in their own selves and generate no sympathy, especially Mat. It is striking that the friendship that had been so close in The Eye of the World is now virtually non-existent. Rand, Mat, and Egwene are together but seldom interact except to criticize or complain, and none of them care at all about what had happened to Perrin. A disappointing turn, as the ability to form and hold deep friendships is often what separates the good guys from the bad.

This book and it's predecessor, I have enjoyed, because of the viewpoints of Mat and Perrin. Rand is not the only destined hero. Aspects of the book I find boring and annoying. Sometimes the female characters are of the ditzy, air-headed stereotype. It's good to read the more of the characters' past lives and the lives of their ancestors.

I am about to start reading the series for the third time and look forward to reading this book more than any of the others (although the seventh one comes pretty close.) Of course Perrin is great in this book, and for the first time, the reader can really get a good look at his character and his ta'avereness. Rand has changed to become much harder since we've last seen him at the beginning of the Dragon Reborn, and his dealings with the complex culture of the aiel are fascinating. Mat as always, is great, and provides a light tone to parts of the book. Also, unlike some of the later ones in the series, I actually really like the Nynaeve and Elayne subplot in this book. It is interisting, complex and has a fast pace.
Overall, there is a lot of good action in this book, the plot takes a few directions you wouldn't have suspected and there is a lot of character development for some of the previously more vague people. Please ignore all the idiots who were put off by this book because it was so long, or these annoying people whining about how Robert Jordan is a male chauvenist pig. This really is a great book, and the series would be worth reading for this one alone.

I really like the Wheel of Time series thus far-they are captivating books. The characters are, for the most part, interesting, and the plot(s) are well developed and are nicely planned out. However, I do have a few problems with Robert Jordan and the Wheel of Time.
I feel like Jordan is dragging on the series a little to long. (Note-I have read the reviews for the fith book onward, though I have not read the books.) Jordan is elaborating much more than is necessary in some points. Basically, I feel like he could have cut a few books.
Also, I think that some things are much to coincedential. For instance, I thought that all of those who set out from the Two Rivers meeting in Tear at exactly the same time after being in different coners of the world a little much.
However, I think that the books are well-written and fun. In particular, I liked that Rand was involving himself more with the Aiel in this book, that Perrin backtracked to the Two Rivers, where everything started, and how Nynaeve and Elayne realized, inside the Panarch's Palace, that no woman can do everything. All in all, I think that this book and this series, despite some flaws, is truly excellent.

I finished "Eye of the World" in a few weeks, but it's been months since I started this book, and I'm only about halfway through. I don't think I'm going to finish it.
The title of this book had me intrigued, but it's very misleading. So far, there's very little of the Shadow in it, and almost no forward movement of the overall plot-arch. The series seems to be meandering and getting bogged down in too many subplots and new characters...and if reviews of future books are anything to judge by, I can expect it to get worse in later books (not that I plan to read that far).
A large part of what makes it so hard to get into is that I don't give a flying flip about the characters. They seem to spend all their time whining, arguing, and being angry at each other. They rarely laugh together, they never comfort each other, and they seem incapable of carrying on a civil conversation 80% of the time. It was less bothersome in the first three books because I was still interested in the direction the series was going, but now that the plot is losing focus, there's not a lot to keep reading for. Now Rand is traveling through the desert with the Aiel. Why? Where are they going? What's their goal? I'm not even sure anymore. The reason is lost somewhere in the dense forest of the plot. I've lost all interest in Rand. I have no idea what's supposed to make him so special--he just seems like an ordinary guy (and not a very interesting one, at that) who just happens to be really powerful. You'd expect the Dragon Reborn to be unusually courageous or intelligent, or *something.* I thought that maybe he'd develop into someone interesting as time went on, but his motives and personality are just growing murkier. This could be blamed on his growing madness, I suppose, but somehow, Jordan manages to make even incipient madness dull and tiresome.
It's too bad. This series started out with some promise, but I just don't care anymore. The only time I could recommend it is if you need something to read on a long plane-flight; it passes the time, but that's about it.

The Shadow Rising is in many ways better than the first two books in the richness of the story, and would be made better if Nynaeve and Elayne's Tanchico jaunt would be made shorter. But, unlike The Fires of Heaven, it doesn't completely ruin the story in it's mind-numbing repetitiveness.
In The Shadow Rising Rand has taken control of Tear and it's nobles and lords. Mat, in the meanwhile, has become a sort of rebel, avoiding Rand and Moiraine as he gambles the night away with Tear's lordlings. Perrin, in the meantime, is struggling to do what must be done and protecting Zarine (Faile) at the same time. Consequently, his adventure is vastly better than either Mat's or Rand's.
All in all this fourth book was one of the best in the series, and ties with The Dragon Reborn in being my favorite volume. Well done Mr. Jordan.

This is the first book where one of the Forsaken does not die at the end of it, or is at least wounded. But Rand achieves a status
quo in this book where he is finally starting to exercise some
control over events, in stead of running around re-acting to them
He starts to plan how and what he is going to do, and he starts
becoming independent of Moiraine. Also, this is the last book that is able to deal extensively with all of our three heroes. I found book six to be slightly more exciting, but only just. Book five was slightly less exciting, but it also accomplished quite a bit. It was during books seven and eight that the series started to drag. The fact that none of the Forsaken die in this book does not take anything from it, but in fact keeps the ending from being "same old, same old".

Definitely one of the best fantasy books I've ever read and almost certainly the best of this particular series. All credit to Mr. Jordan for making a LONG book never seem to drag. The confrontation in Emond's Field and the glimpses into the past at Rhuidean are the high points for me. Lanfear and Asmodean are nice additions, too.

This is a great installment to the Wheel of Time series, it follows Rand into the Aiel Waste, we learn some about Mat (my new favorite character), and we get to follow Nanaeve and Egwene on their hunt for the Black Ajah. But best of all, is Perrin's battle in the Two Rivers. Perrin's character develops greatly, and his trolloc hunting chapters are filled with wonderful action, and delightful new characters. Perrin's relationship with Faile improves and it turns romantic at some points.
Robert Jordan is able to write stories that are not just good, they're addicting! There like soap operas, they suck you in and never let you go. The same happens while reading the Wheel of Time series. The characters develop wonderfully and they all grow into seperate plot threads and then at the end of each book, they all meet with a big kabang. Jordan is famous for his wonderful endings like never leave you completely disappointed.
I would recommend this book series to anyone who loves to read books that take you off to a new world. This series sweeps you off your feet and you'll never wanna go back to the real world, just because it seems so bland. Read this book!

This book, the fourth in the series, continues the author's style of drawing in more and more characters and filling-in his world. Every new location has its own, obvious customs (although the same language throughout), and each has been thought-out and planned. I am guessing that Robert Jordan spent a lot of time drawing maps and thinking through societies before writing. It also has some of the best first person perspective battle scenes I have ever read.

Okay, some of you may have read my negative reviews for The Eye of the World and Dragon Reborn. I've also written a positive, 3 star, review for The Great Hunt (the best in the series so far). Well, despite all my complaining about the series and Jordan as a writer (he's a lousy writer), I'm still churning away (I've just started book 5). The Wheel of Time, I've realized, is just a soap opera. And I'm embarrassed to say, I'm hooked!
That said, The Shadow Rising is easily the most entertaining since The Great Hunt. The Aiel are indeed quite interesting. Nevertheless, I'm put off by this book's sexism. Now, I had always suspected that Jordan's writing bordered on the edge of extended male fantasy (why do the novices in Tar Valon have to undress before passing through the arches? Why does Jordan again and again refer to such-and-such female character as crossing her arms under her breasts? Why does Mat view every woman, from Moraine to the Queen of Andor, as kissable?) But in the previous novels, Jordan's chauvinism at least TRIED to be subtle. In The Shadow Rising, Jordan throws all caution to the wind. Mat and Rand wander down to Rhuidean fully-clothed, but Moraine and Aviendha, poor women, have to strip down to their birthday suits and dart off to the Aiel city without a stitch of clothing. Rand faces Berelain, who's dressed to tease, while Mat flirts with every plump servant girl in the Stone of Tear. Later, the Aiel Wise Ones, along with Moraine and Egwene, hold a serious discussio--about Rand-- completely nude in a sort-of Aiel sauna! Nynaeve and Elayne, while in Tanchico, are constantly in either their shifts or some tight, revealing dress. Aviendha, when talking to Rand, cannot stop mentioning how nice Elayne's body looked once while taking a bath. Throw in some female shipwrights who set sail, if you can believe it, completely shirtless, and I'm at a loss for words.
Lastly, and perhaps most sexist, every woman in this novel is fighting over Rand. Egwene loved him, but gives him up for Elayne. Elayne loves him, but she's got to be wary of Min. Lanfear has the hots for Rand and, I'm going out on a limb here, it seems that Aviendha may also have feelings. Other reviews that compliment Jordan's strong female characters are way off the mark. If anything, Jordan's females are surprisingly weak, wielding so much power yet still allowing themselves to stumble, awkwardly, schoolgirl-like over the men around them. These women need some self-esteem. Hey, here's what the world needs, a Chicken Soup For the Channeling Soul self-help book!
P.S. I've started book five and the first chapter has Leane (yes, prudish, awkward Leane, former Keeper/Assistant to the Amrylin) flirting like a hussy with Gaebril Byrne. Really, Mr. Jordan, if you're reading this, find another outlet for all this stored-up sexual energy. I'll buy you a one-year subscription to Playboy. You can consider it an early Christmas present :)

This whole series, right from Book 1, has been absolutely fantastic, and each book is better than the last! (Although Book 1 was right in there with the rest of them.) Mr. Jordan keeps adding new plot twists, and I must say, he's come up with some pretty surprising developments! The appearance of the Black Ajah in Book 2, Ordeith and the Aiel/People of the Dragon in Book 3, Rand, as usual, keeps everyone on their toes and 1 step behind at all times. The girls come up with a...strange...way of keeping in touch over long distances. This is a true literary masterpiece! Everyone needs to read this series, and this book especially! It really clears up a lot of mysteries that went unanswered through the first three books.

Join Rand, Mat, and Egwene on their journey to the waste and follow them in learning who they were and what their role is in life. Join Nynaeve and Elayne in Tanchico and follow them in their pursuit of the black ajah. Go to Edmond's field with Perrin and save the Two Rivers from the wild beasts known as trollocs. See a turn of power in the White Tower and read Jordan's best book yet.

I liked this book a lot. It had a lot of action and more surprises than you can count. I disliked how much drama Jordan put in the book, though.

This is a magical, adventurous, and long book. I would recommend this book to people who love magic, battles, and people who will read big, long books.

Jordan truely is one of the most fantastic authors I have read. The Wheel of Time is a exceptional series that I recommend highly. If you can make it past the first few chapters of "The Eye of the World", get ready for an adventure that leaves you spellbound and ready for the next book in the series. In this book Rand has fullfilled the prophecies of the Dragon Reborn and the Stone of Tear has fallen. Two more of the Forsaken have been dealt with and now the Aiel feel a longing for the Waste. It is discovered that the Aiel Clan chiefs are marked with a dragon upon making it through the sacred city Ruideian. Their secret name is the dragon's people.
Rand, Mat, Eqwene, and some of the others follow the Aiel into the waste. Rand is interested in finding if he is "The one who comes with dawn", the Aiels Chief of Chiefs. Does Rand complete another part of the Prophecies? Twice and Twice shall he be marked. Twice the heron, and twice the Dragon. If he does fulfill another prophecy of the Dragon Reborn, does this fullfill the Aiel prophecies. You'll have to read to find out.
Perrin, doesn't make the trip into the Aiel waste, but his is an adventure in his own. Fain goes after Rand by vowing to destroy the Two Rivers and all he loves. Perrin is the only one who can make the trip to save their boyhood home. Mat has his own destiny to fulfill, for he learns he must die in order to live again. This book will leave you mezmerized and you will not want to put it down.

I am a 14-year old girl with no patience and hardly any attention span at all (you know how we teenage girls are!) and I have to say, this series has had me HOOKED from Book One. Rand, after getting proof of just exactly who he is, continues his fight against the Shadow, while all around his world chaos multiplies. Robert Jordan has done a wonderful job of mixing action and adventure with romance in very intricate detail. You skip so much as one page, you miss something important. Every page is essential. The only thing I'm not sure of is how Perrin "Goldeneyes" Aybara fits in...I guess the Pattern has yet to make his purpose clear. This series is greater than epic: the word hasn't been invented that can describe this series, and (so far: they've been getting better and better!) THE SHADOW RISING is the pinnacle of it all...I hope that Book Five continues this trend. This is a must-read for everyone at some point. You've got to get this series.

Yes, it is slow. Yes, Nynaeve, Elayne and Aviendha are lousy characters. Yes, this is where what appears to be a structural sexism in Jordan's writing is blatantly confirmed.

HOWEVER, Jordan's talents - for recasting (some say plagiarizing, but I fervently disagree - it's called genre convention, folks!) archetypes and symbols is at its peak, and some of the most emotional moments in the whole series occur here: particularly Perrin's return to the Two Rivers - this is the plot thread I enjoy the most. The subtleties of Aiel culture were a real drawcard as well. Rand - at last - is getting a grip on strategy and even on channeling. The scenes at Al'cair Dal and Emonds Field are among the most memorable of the series, equalling the submission of the Aes Sedia at Dumai's Well (vol. 6), the cleansing of saidin (vol. 9) and the climax of the Great Hunt (vol. 2).

Its a shame so much focus has (by and large) been lost since.

With the Shadow Rising, Jordan's narrative takes a turn away from mainly adventure mode, and starts mixing in a lot of political intrigue. It's not too bad in this book, but it definitely becomes a problem in later books. The trip to Rhuidean produces numerous repercussions down the road, and the historical backstory is quite interesting and adds good depth. However, it was in this book that Faile really grated on me, and I can't help but cringe every time I see her name in subsequent books. This is also the last book where all plot lines complete the mission they set out to do within the same book. Overall, a good read and relatively tight narrative.

This book is great, Jordan writes magic. When I read the books I find myself so enthralled I wake up (so to speak) from his world hours later but yet, it seems much longer. In this book Rand has to unite the Aiel under him, as the Prophecy says. I see this book as The Dragon Reborn proving who he is. Prophecy is fullfilled and the people of Jordan's world are starting to believe in him. I am ordering the next book in the series as of this very moment! I will finish the series, of this I have no doubt at all. I also recommend that you finish the series. If you find it becoming boring or off the plot, remember that books require more then just a Reader, they require an Imagination.

I have read the first 4 volumes of the Wheel of Time at least 3 times each. The "Rhuidean" parts of this volume are SO amazing in EVERY respect that I have re-read them more than any other part or whole novel of the never-ending series.
The great thing about this series is that everyone has a favorite character (or two) and everyone has a favorite book, though they be independent of each other. To me, this is the last of the great books from Jordan... and though the rest of them disappoint, after 4 great ones, I am so hooked as to buy evey new one upon first printing... in other words, to this point he wrote 4 great novels in the series, then 4 unsatisfying ones... and yet I cannot help but buy #9 hot-off-the-presses.

The Shadow Rising (The Wheel of Time, Book 4) is the fourth book in the Wheel of Time series. Rand Al'Thor has declared himself the Dragon reborn and he must now protect the world from the Dark Lord. Perrin goes back to Emonds Field due to rumors that tell him that trouble has stirred in his hometown. A massive book yet a page-turner that will leave the fantasy fan yearning for more. I can not wait to read part 5. Highly recommended. 5/5.

one thing i've always had against fantasy stories, including this series is that they never seem to give the enemies more than a two dimensional characterization. this one attempts it rather well with the forsaken and some of the darkfriends, but trollocs are just fodder for rand's lightning strikes.
but my own pet pieves aside, this story is rich and complex. this world that robert jordan has created is imaginative and innovative. it may seem like he is using some stereotypes from our own cultures throughout our world, but he's mixed it up well enough to be considered his own creation.
the story will engross you, as it should and you will be caught up in the characters' drive for survival. enjoy it, and all nine books so far.

This book on its own is a good book, but looses out in comparison to the first two books. The tension and the pace of the first two books is lost, and the author takes this book through its plots and subplots in a more leisurely fasion. Tension is built up more for the next book in the series with a lot of unanswered questions as to what will happen. On the whole a definite buy for the fans of Wheel of time series, but I can see warning signs as that the standard may come down. The very fact of having 6 main charecters and numerous charecter who are important mean that the entire book jumps from one area to another loosing continuity. But the entire story is still good enough for me to buy the next book inthis series

_The Shadow Rising_ is an excellent book. I am quite a latecomer to the World of Time series but having recently sped through Books 1-3, this one has definitely cemented my addiction to the series. I couldn't put it down! Rand has finally shown his full acceptance of his fate and is ready to perform his 'duties' for the world else the Dark One succeed. It is clear to readers that the fatigue and pressure of such a role takes its toll on Rand as he envelopes himself more and more into his own little world - to the extent that even we only see parts of his world and thoughts. Jordan has woven an excellent web around Rand - enticing us with small parts of his plans and thoughts as the Mighty Dragon Reborn - enough to weave the book with solid threads of mystery and to capture the readers imagination more. Perrin has similarly evolved to an acceptance of his place in the world and has a love interest. Mat is still up to his old tricks - observed by all to still be a gambler/pilferer and at times emanating a very selfish attitude. But he is strong taeveren as readers know, and it is not easy for someone like him to escape his responsibilities, and fate. Speeding through from adventure to adventure, answering answers to old planted puzzles, adding dashes of romance, elements of mystery, and magic catapults this book to its status an outstanding contribution to the genre of science fiction/fantasy. In my opinion, some of the weaknesses in this book are those that have stood throughout the series - the portrayal of women, painted too commonly with women all acting 'icy' towards men and amazingly impatient and disrespectful at times, and the element of romance - this has been stronger in this book and welcomingly so but Jordan draws an uncertain hand in depicting this and the romance is always fleeting, and dissatisfying. And just if I could? My suggestion - get rid of Nyaeve! (The most ill tempered, illogical, and irritating character) The fact that a man such as Lan loves her makes it worse Nevertheless, an excellent read and an enjoyable, thrilling one at that!

What a great book! I haven't read through my Jordan books in a while, and for the last month or so I started them all over from the begining. For my money this is when Jordan really gets cooking, and for three books it looked like he was going to write something absolutely brilliant, original, and accessable. This was going to be the series that Sci-Fi/Fantasy readers could read in public, and recommend to their non-Sci-Fi/Fantasy reading friends. This is the start of the golden age of Jordan books...of course by the end of Crown of Swords the golden age had gone with a whimper, not a bang. But that does not diminish the excellence that is Shadow Rising. An awesome book, but it is an absolute must that you read the first three books before you tackle this one. (The first three are also very very good.)

Robert Jordan triumphs in this, the fourth volume of his grand, epic, and best-selling fantasy series. This characters grow, the narrative matures, and the already complex plot twists and turns until the reader is either swept up in the storm or left bewildered. The Shadow Rising is an intesnse and tasking novel, but the patience required is well worth the wait.
In Shadow Rising, we find Rand meeting the Aiel in the wastes, discovering both who the Aiel are and more about himself. This plot line is one of the more interesting and epic in the novel. Here, Jordan eschews the simplistic narrative style he started with in The Wheel of Time, and Rand experiences a series of dream sequences. This gives the novel a richer and more complex texture. That makes it more intereting, but also harder to follow. Readers who expect just more swords and blood will likely be left bored and disappointed (at least until the action quotient picks up).
We also see Elayne and Nanyeve pursuing the Black Ajah in various places. This forbodes the splitting of the White Tower as well as the coming of more Foresaken.
Meanwhile, Perrin learns that the Children of the Light have overridden the Two Rivers and that his homeland is now being terrorized by Trollocs. This sequence is fascinating, because the old Jordan would have made it a straigtforward adventure. The new Jordan has added texture which helps bring Perrin and the Two Rivers folk to life, adding complexity to the narrative in his relationship with Faile, the closing and reopening of the ways, and of the tough choices in challenging the Children, the trollocs and Lord Luc.
The novel starts off slow--even slower than the previous three volumes. What makes the novel tough also is that at the beginning, none of the characters is particularly appealing. Rand is a jerk, Mat is boring, and the others seem to have entirely lost any semblence of friendship or even of decency. Jordan seems to have struggled to keep the plot going while making his characters interesting. But when the adventure begins, the characters again become likable.
Jordan continues to "pay homage" to Tolkien. The Perrin return to the Two Rivers is, in plot and theme, a retelling of The Scouring of the Shire from Tolkien's Return of The King.
The characters, most of whom strarted the series as young adolescents, continue to grow and mature. Jordan's thinly veiled treatment of sexuality is still very adolescent. At a certain point one hope the characters grow even more. We see the beginnings of adulthood in Perrin's relationship with Faile, although one hope that this also begins to show itself in other areas as well. His childish stubbornness in the first charge on the Two Rivers is annoying. Well, there are five more novels to go.
With that caveat and the fact the Jordan does not seem to know what to do with Mat, the world Jordan has created has more depth, more magic, and more history than before. The reader also has the very strong feeling that this all comes togethor in some thread, woven into a large tapestry. We can't see the whole picture, but we can feel it out there.
Overall, Jordan has taken a fairly simple and straightforward fantasy to a far more complex and nuanced level. The Shadow Rising is intricate and imaginative tour de force--a triumphant fantasy novel.

After the last three books, where everyone embarks on a long journey for their own reasons and end up in the same place, this one is mildly surprising for breaking that mold, and having everyone embark on a long journey for their own reasons and ending up across the world from each other.

Rand travels to the desert to recruit what he views as his promised people, the tribal Aiel. Mat goes with him, and obtains some neat little items and a scar. The Aiel Wise Ones, a group of matriarchs, are introduced here. Unfortunately, rather than making them an interesting counterpoint to the manipulative Aes Sedai, Jordan prefers to just make them a grittier version of the same. Egwene also tags along, and is apprenticed, after a fashion, to the Wise Ones to learn about dreamwalking.

Perrin travels to the Two Rivers to ward off various threats to his hometown. On the way, he is involved in an inane subplot involving Faile's commandeering of the expedition as revenge for him (completely understandable) trying to protect her. Frankly, Perrin deserves better than to be caught up in that kind of adolescent crap. I kept expecting Loial to wash his hands of the whole affair and leave for the stedding. Once they arrive in Emond's Field and surroundings, the stupidity tapers off and Perrin leads the defense against both Trolloc hordes and insidious Whitecloak plots.

Elayne and Nynaeve embark for Tanchico, to combat a Black Ajah plot to attack Rand. On the way, they are assisted by the Sea Folk of porcelainware fame. This first glimpse of the Sea Folk is interesting, and hints that their women may not be as arrogant or domineering as they are seemingly everywhere else (this notion will be nicely disposed of later, but it's nice while it lasts). In Tanchico, our heroes meet a new Forsaken and guerilla strike the Black Ajah.

Overall, this book maintains the inertia of the series while developing along different lines than the previous three. Tarmon Gai'don is still in sight (though no one seems very concerned about it), and the characters still seem focused on that fact. There is a sense that the story is starting to get away from the author though. Several new elements are introduced without being clearly tied into the main story. Still, fans of the series won't be disappointed.

I thought I had sleeping sickness but the truth is this book is so boring, the instant I read a page I zonk out! I must admit I found the second and third books somewhat interesting, despite being completely predictable. But man, lets have some action! What fun is it to read about people travelling all over some bland world, while not having a single interesting conversation, and then having a quick battle at the end of the book? Come on, it got old in the second book, overdone in the third, and made me puke in the fourth. I'm not going to bother reading Jordans cut-and-paste plot any longer. Unless I need to fall asleep quickly, that is. Fantasy must be in a really pathetic state if this is the greatest series available right now. The writing is quite lame, the characters wooden, if it werent for the complex political world this book would get 0 stars. Oh wait, I can only set it as low as one. (Think I'll leave it at that). In Summary: Would make a great addition to any library containing Celestine Prophecy.

Wheel of Time, turn turn turn! Tell us the lesson that we should...
The fourth book was quite good, particularly those parts involving Perrin and Faile. I won't get into major plot details, as many others have already beaten me to it. But I do recommend this title. There are some fairly major changes to the overall arc that would leave one confused without this book.
My only major complaint is the start, which took far too long. There were definately some good parts of that, but it would have been nice to get out of the Stone well before page 240. But that's really a minor issue.
The real question for Mr. Jordan is, will it ever end?

Of all the books in the Wheel of Time, this was definitely my favorite. It is full of amazing detail into the Aiel society, and it was definitely cool to have a return to the Two Rivers. What distinguishes this series from others is the fact that there are multiple conflicts occurring at different locations, including the boys' home. This Slayer character, I suspect, is Lan's cousin, who was briefly mentioned in the first book with the name Isam. Other avenues of writing are also opened with Birgitte's warning about the Eelfinn and Aelfinn, those snakes and foxes through the ter'angreal doorframes. This book is Robert Jordan's finest.

This book is AWESOME. For any people who find these books boring, I have to say that I am a 13 year old male who is reading 600-1000 page books by R Jordan.(paperback) If this bookand the others can keep the ongoing interest of a 13 year old whoever gives it a abd report must have a short temper or is very impatient. This book is a must-buy!!! I personally love the book so much because some really awesome things happen to Perrin, who happens to be my favorite character. Also, it really opens up the aiel people to all readers. Even if you have to mortgage your house...BUY THIS BOOK!!!

I'm writing just as I'm starting Knife of Dreams (Book 11). I really feel the series peaked with this book and *The Fires of Heaven*. The info (especially the big thread of getting Rand recognized by the Aiel) is fresh, original, and thought-provoking (and Lan, for my money the most interesting character in the series, is still a Presence). Definitely a page-turner. I was sad to learn that the later books where the plot is really bogging down and Jordan is introducing yet *more* characters to an already mired series, are the ones that made #1 on the NYT bestseller list while the earlier books, where something was actually happening that you cared about, didn't rate as highly. I'm reading the series mainly for closure at this point and have been borrowing them from the library rather than buying. But at this point, the series was still a real grabber.

(Do *not* read this review if you have not read the book and still care. I just give too much away, because I am going to be very specific about what annoys me).
I read this book in three days in late 1995. I have never reread it. There are reasons for that. Lots of 'em.
Positives first. If it really distresses you to read anything negative about this book, then you can just read this part.
-Rhuidean. Forget about selling the prologues to the books; Jordan should just sell the Rhuidean sections on their own. I would say they're worth the cover price, except that to fully understand them you have to wade through lots and lots and lots of sand of Aiel descriptions, dress descriptions, facial expression descriptions, and angst descriptions...
Whoops. Excuse me while I put the annoyed part of my memory back in the cage for a moment.
-Mat finally starts to develop 'special powers' as a character. That this, too, will become a dead end is not yet visible.
-We see the Two Rivers again. Interesting idea in conception, though the execution was depressing.
-Lanfear turns out to be the most interesting female character in the book. I think it's a bad sign when I'm cheering for the Dark side and I'm not supposed to.
All right. Unleash the annoyance!
-The villains are *unrelievedly* Dark. The Forsaken probably sold their own mothers into slavery. The Dark One wants to take over the world because...well, because it's there, I think. No one on the evil side seems to have the shred of a good quality, with the exception of some intelligence on Lanfear's part. That the supposed heroes are stupid, bratty teenagers does not help.
-Rand has become rather crazed, and not due to the taint. Many of his actions left me scratching my head. *Why* does he trundle from one disaster to another? *Why* does he not tell the people around them things it could be vital for them to know? *Why* does he keep up this ridiculous prejudice against killing a woman? (This is yet another sign of the unrealistic quality of Jordan's world. Chivalry has no meaning when the women are so powerful).
-Everyone seems really, really desperate to get out of Tear, especially considering how much time they spent to get there in the last book. And yet Jordan drags the scene, and drags the scene, and drags the scene. I kept expecting the characters to just bolt out of the Stone screaming.
-Moiraine here officially succumbs to Creeping Female Rot. She tells other female characters that she suspects she knows the face of the man she will marry better than they know the faces of their future husbands. Does she bother explaining this? No, of course not. It would get in the way of her regular schedule of meddling.
-For the first time, I started really noticing how many times a woman "crosses her arms beneath her breasts." Why? Was it just so Jordan could add the word "breasts" more times per page?
-Faile is back again. She's posessive of Perrin, she won't listen to him, and she somehow convinces him that he loves her, even though you'd think Perrin would love a dead bird before her. She poisons the Two Rivers plotline, not that it wasn't bad enough without her.
-Lots and lots of people have managed to survive in the Two Rivers. Is Perrin's family among them? Of course not. They have been destroyed, so that Perrin can Angst! And then there is more Angst! And then there is more Angst!
-The Whitecloaks continue to get on everyone's nerves. If this is the Light, may the Dark come swiftly!
-You learn more about the Aiel than you ever wanted to know, yet somehow, none of it is new. The women are still pushy, and they still abide by codes of courtesy they somehow expect outsiders to know by heart, just like the Aes Sedai. Take Dune and sprinkle it with Jordan's "endearing" descriptions of rocks and sand and the battles between the sexes, and there you go.
I ended this book determined to ignore the female characters other than Lanfear as best as I could, other than dreaming of imaginative ends for them. Jordan doesn't write strong women; he writes a collection of shallow, shrill stereotypes, labels them "female," and slaps slightly different names on them.
*sigh*
It really is too bad that seeds like Mat and Rhuidean got planted in this manure.

I am on book #7, and have loved everyone so far! There is A LOT to remember, I have used Google more times since starting this series than I have in the last year! But I am in love with the characters, the stories, the world. Everything. I thought they would get boring, to have so many longgggg books, but they have no got boring for me. On par with the best epic fantasy books out there!

Let's just get it out of the way...the book was too long. That said, it was still full of good moments. I enjoyed Perrins part in the story in particular, he's really coming into his own as an independant character. I liked Mats involvement in book 3 much more than this one. And RAND, finally making some decisions instead of just reacting and running scared. I really enjoyed his displays of strength (at last) and willingness to take charge. For the most part the female characters are still pretty annoying (except Min). I agree with one reviewer who said the Aes Sedai spend too much time working against Rand instead of with him. Don't get me wrong, this is a really solid book with plenty to keep you iterested. It just doesn't quite live up to the incredibly high standards set by the rest of the series so far. I'm still looking forward to reading the next books.

Detail: 10

Plot: 10

Pace: 3

It seems that many of the negative comments regarding the Wheel of Time series (including my own disparaging thoughts) revolve around the comparatively slow pace of action in books 4 through 8. While this may be a true statement, that the action slows down so much and almost hinders the enjoyment of a good story, perhaps what we are really seeing is not so much the fault of the author as the fault of the reader, for expecting that every moment of every book should be action-packed. Because of the nature of writing (and reading) a novel, there will never be a book which takes as long to read as the action it describes, and for that reason, we have become spoiled into thinking that a "good read" is something which grabs our attention and never lets us go. Unfortunately, life isn't always like that, even for those around whom the Pattern is weaving itself constantly.

As Jordan has created such a richly detailed world, so much like a 'real world' that could actually happen, and one so imaginative and interconnected, there will invariably be slow days. Imagine yourself riding along a Sea Folk ship for eight days, your only distraction wondering just exactly what kind of wood a certain beam was made of, or trudging through the Aiel Waste with nothing to do for hours on end but to look at the desert or listen to the plodding of horse hooves, wipe the sweat from your eyes, and dream of water. Instead of complaining that Jordan has `dragged it out', maybe instead we should be thanking him for providing for us a way to experience and comprehend the actions of a few years' time in the span of only a few thousand pages.

That said, I should say that it is a mark of good storytelling to "show, don't tell". Jordan, however, tells more often than he shows, and it shows. I do wish he would keep the points of view a bit fewer, too. We need not see inside the heads of everyone in the story, yet it sometimes seems like we do, and this can be distracting. For 'readiness', it would only get 2 stars, from the length and the sometimes abrupt POV changes. For 'description' it would get 5. For 'an example of how to write a best-selling series', it definitely gets 5. Lucky me, I can borrow them from the library. Overall, if you've read 3, you're probably not going to be wondering whether or not to read another, and you're just here to find a synopsis of action or a head-up as to how many you have yet to go. If you haven't yet started, maybe take a glance at how many there are still in the series and ask yourself if you want be that committed. Chances are, you do.

This is an epic fantasy classic. I loved it. It captivated my attention and kept me reading longer than I'd planned. My favorite storyline was Perrin re-visiting the Two Rivers and helping the townsfolk.

I like to compare The Shadow Rising to The Empire Strikes Back; situated in the middle of a Fantasy/SF series, both were satisfying, complex, and character-driven. The Shadow Rising has plenty of scenes that tug at the memory years later, and Jordan's still trying to match the quality of this effect.
Also Recomended: The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling, The Left Behind series by Tim LaHain and Jerry B. Jenkins, The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkin, The Saga of Darren Shan series by Darren Shan, and the Remnants series by K.A. Applegate.

Jordan truely is one of the most fantastic authors I have read. The Wheel of Time is a exceptional series that I recommend highly. If you can make it past the first few chapters of "The Eye of the World", get ready for an adventure that leaves you spellbound and ready for the next book in the series. In this book Rand has fullfilled the prophecies of the Dragon Reborn and the Stone of Tear has fallen. Two more of the Forsaken have been dealt with and now the Aiel feel a longing for the Waste. It is discovered that the Aiel Clan chiefs are marked with a dragon upon making it through the sacred city Ruideian. Their secret name is the dragon's people.
Rand, Mat, Eqwene, and some of the others follow the Aiel into the waste. Rand is interested in finding if he is "The one who comes with dawn", the Aiels Chief of Chiefs. Does Rand complete another part of the Prophecies? Twice and Twice shall he be marked. Twice the heron, and twice the Dragon. If he does fulfill another prophecy of the Dragon Reborn, does this fullfill the Aiel prophecies. You'll have to read to find out.
Perrin, doesn't make the trip into the Aiel waste, but his is an adventure in his own. Fain goes after Rand by vowing to destroy the Two Rivers and all he loves. Perrin is the only one who can make the trip to save their boyhood home. Mat has his own destiny to fulfill, for he learns he must die in order to live again. This book will leave you mezmerized and you will not want to put it down.

I am a 14-year old girl with no patience and hardly any attention span at all (you know how we teenage girls are!) and I have to say, this series has had me HOOKED from Book One. Rand, after getting proof of just exactly who he is, continues his fight against the Shadow, while all around his world chaos multiplies. Robert Jordan has done a wonderful job of mixing action and adventure with romance in very intricate detail. You skip so much as one page, you miss something important. Every page is essential. The only thing I'm not sure of is how Perrin "Goldeneyes" Aybara fits in...I guess the Pattern has yet to make his purpose clear. This series is greater than epic: the word hasn't been invented that can describe this series, and (so far: they've been getting better and better!) THE SHADOW RISING is the pinnacle of it all...I hope that Book Five continues this trend. This is a must-read for everyone at some point. You've got to get this series.

Yes, it is slow. Yes, Nynaeve, Elayne and Aviendha are lousy characters. Yes, this is where what appears to be a structural sexism in Jordan's writing is blatantly confirmed.

HOWEVER, Jordan's talents - for recasting (some say plagiarizing, but I fervently disagree - it's called genre convention, folks!) archetypes and symbols is at its peak, and some of the most emotional moments in the whole series occur here: particularly Perrin's return to the Two Rivers - this is the plot thread I enjoy the most. The subtleties of Aiel culture were a real drawcard as well. Rand - at last - is getting a grip on strategy and even on channeling. The scenes at Al'cair Dal and Emonds Field are among the most memorable of the series, equalling the submission of the Aes Sedia at Dumai's Well (vol. 6), the cleansing of saidin (vol. 9) and the climax of the Great Hunt (vol. 2).

Its a shame so much focus has (by and large) been lost since.

With the Shadow Rising, Jordan's narrative takes a turn away from mainly adventure mode, and starts mixing in a lot of political intrigue. It's not too bad in this book, but it definitely becomes a problem in later books. The trip to Rhuidean produces numerous repercussions down the road, and the historical backstory is quite interesting and adds good depth. However, it was in this book that Faile really grated on me, and I can't help but cringe every time I see her name in subsequent books. This is also the last book where all plot lines complete the mission they set out to do within the same book. Overall, a good read and relatively tight narrative.

This book is great, Jordan writes magic. When I read the books I find myself so enthralled I wake up (so to speak) from his world hours later but yet, it seems much longer. In this book Rand has to unite the Aiel under him, as the Prophecy says. I see this book as The Dragon Reborn proving who he is. Prophecy is fullfilled and the people of Jordan's world are starting to believe in him. I am ordering the next book in the series as of this very moment! I will finish the series, of this I have no doubt at all. I also recommend that you finish the series. If you find it becoming boring or off the plot, remember that books require more then just a Reader, they require an Imagination.

I have read the first 4 volumes of the Wheel of Time at least 3 times each. The "Rhuidean" parts of this volume are SO amazing in EVERY respect that I have re-read them more than any other part or whole novel of the never-ending series.
The great thing about this series is that everyone has a favorite character (or two) and everyone has a favorite book, though they be independent of each other. To me, this is the last of the great books from Jordan... and though the rest of them disappoint, after 4 great ones, I am so hooked as to buy evey new one upon first printing... in other words, to this point he wrote 4 great novels in the series, then 4 unsatisfying ones... and yet I cannot help but buy #9 hot-off-the-presses.

The Shadow Rising (The Wheel of Time, Book 4) is the fourth book in the Wheel of Time series. Rand Al'Thor has declared himself the Dragon reborn and he must now protect the world from the Dark Lord. Perrin goes back to Emonds Field due to rumors that tell him that trouble has stirred in his hometown. A massive book yet a page-turner that will leave the fantasy fan yearning for more. I can not wait to read part 5. Highly recommended. 5/5.

one thing i've always had against fantasy stories, including this series is that they never seem to give the enemies more than a two dimensional characterization. this one attempts it rather well with the forsaken and some of the darkfriends, but trollocs are just fodder for rand's lightning strikes.
but my own pet pieves aside, this story is rich and complex. this world that robert jordan has created is imaginative and innovative. it may seem like he is using some stereotypes from our own cultures throughout our world, but he's mixed it up well enough to be considered his own creation.
the story will engross you, as it should and you will be caught up in the characters' drive for survival. enjoy it, and all nine books so far.

This book on its own is a good book, but looses out in comparison to the first two books. The tension and the pace of the first two books is lost, and the author takes this book through its plots and subplots in a more leisurely fasion. Tension is built up more for the next book in the series with a lot of unanswered questions as to what will happen. On the whole a definite buy for the fans of Wheel of time series, but I can see warning signs as that the standard may come down. The very fact of having 6 main charecters and numerous charecter who are important mean that the entire book jumps from one area to another loosing continuity. But the entire story is still good enough for me to buy the next book inthis series

_The Shadow Rising_ is an excellent book. I am quite a latecomer to the World of Time series but having recently sped through Books 1-3, this one has definitely cemented my addiction to the series. I couldn't put it down! Rand has finally shown his full acceptance of his fate and is ready to perform his 'duties' for the world else the Dark One succeed. It is clear to readers that the fatigue and pressure of such a role takes its toll on Rand as he envelopes himself more and more into his own little world - to the extent that even we only see parts of his world and thoughts. Jordan has woven an excellent web around Rand - enticing us with small parts of his plans and thoughts as the Mighty Dragon Reborn - enough to weave the book with solid threads of mystery and to capture the readers imagination more. Perrin has similarly evolved to an acceptance of his place in the world and has a love interest. Mat is still up to his old tricks - observed by all to still be a gambler/pilferer and at times emanating a very selfish attitude. But he is strong taeveren as readers know, and it is not easy for someone like him to escape his responsibilities, and fate. Speeding through from adventure to adventure, answering answers to old planted puzzles, adding dashes of romance, elements of mystery, and magic catapults this book to its status an outstanding contribution to the genre of science fiction/fantasy. In my opinion, some of the weaknesses in this book are those that have stood throughout the series - the portrayal of women, painted too commonly with women all acting 'icy' towards men and amazingly impatient and disrespectful at times, and the element of romance - this has been stronger in this book and welcomingly so but Jordan draws an uncertain hand in depicting this and the romance is always fleeting, and dissatisfying. And just if I could? My suggestion - get rid of Nyaeve! (The most ill tempered, illogical, and irritating character) The fact that a man such as Lan loves her makes it worse Nevertheless, an excellent read and an enjoyable, thrilling one at that!

What a great book! I haven't read through my Jordan books in a while, and for the last month or so I started them all over from the begining. For my money this is when Jordan really gets cooking, and for three books it looked like he was going to write something absolutely brilliant, original, and accessable. This was going to be the series that Sci-Fi/Fantasy readers could read in public, and recommend to their non-Sci-Fi/Fantasy reading friends. This is the start of the golden age of Jordan books...of course by the end of Crown of Swords the golden age had gone with a whimper, not a bang. But that does not diminish the excellence that is Shadow Rising. An awesome book, but it is an absolute must that you read the first three books before you tackle this one. (The first three are also very very good.)

Robert Jordan triumphs in this, the fourth volume of his grand, epic, and best-selling fantasy series. This characters grow, the narrative matures, and the already complex plot twists and turns until the reader is either swept up in the storm or left bewildered. The Shadow Rising is an intesnse and tasking novel, but the patience required is well worth the wait.
In Shadow Rising, we find Rand meeting the Aiel in the wastes, discovering both who the Aiel are and more about himself. This plot line is one of the more interesting and epic in the novel. Here, Jordan eschews the simplistic narrative style he started with in The Wheel of Time, and Rand experiences a series of dream sequences. This gives the novel a richer and more complex texture. That makes it more intereting, but also harder to follow. Readers who expect just more swords and blood will likely be left bored and disappointed (at least until the action quotient picks up).
We also see Elayne and Nanyeve pursuing the Black Ajah in various places. This forbodes the splitting of the White Tower as well as the coming of more Foresaken.
Meanwhile, Perrin learns that the Children of the Light have overridden the Two Rivers and that his homeland is now being terrorized by Trollocs. This sequence is fascinating, because the old Jordan would have made it a straigtforward adventure. The new Jordan has added texture which helps bring Perrin and the Two Rivers folk to life, adding complexity to the narrative in his relationship with Faile, the closing and reopening of the ways, and of the tough choices in challenging the Children, the trollocs and Lord Luc.
The novel starts off slow--even slower than the previous three volumes. What makes the novel tough also is that at the beginning, none of the characters is particularly appealing. Rand is a jerk, Mat is boring, and the others seem to have entirely lost any semblence of friendship or even of decency. Jordan seems to have struggled to keep the plot going while making his characters interesting. But when the adventure begins, the characters again become likable.
Jordan continues to "pay homage" to Tolkien. The Perrin return to the Two Rivers is, in plot and theme, a retelling of The Scouring of the Shire from Tolkien's Return of The King.
The characters, most of whom strarted the series as young adolescents, continue to grow and mature. Jordan's thinly veiled treatment of sexuality is still very adolescent. At a certain point one hope the characters grow even more. We see the beginnings of adulthood in Perrin's relationship with Faile, although one hope that this also begins to show itself in other areas as well. His childish stubbornness in the first charge on the Two Rivers is annoying. Well, there are five more novels to go.
With that caveat and the fact the Jordan does not seem to know what to do with Mat, the world Jordan has created has more depth, more magic, and more history than before. The reader also has the very strong feeling that this all comes togethor in some thread, woven into a large tapestry. We can't see the whole picture, but we can feel it out there.
Overall, Jordan has taken a fairly simple and straightforward fantasy to a far more complex and nuanced level. The Shadow Rising is intricate and imaginative tour de force--a triumphant fantasy novel.

After the last three books, where everyone embarks on a long journey for their own reasons and end up in the same place, this one is mildly surprising for breaking that mold, and having everyone embark on a long journey for their own reasons and ending up across the world from each other.

Rand travels to the desert to recruit what he views as his promised people, the tribal Aiel. Mat goes with him, and obtains some neat little items and a scar. The Aiel Wise Ones, a group of matriarchs, are introduced here. Unfortunately, rather than making them an interesting counterpoint to the manipulative Aes Sedai, Jordan prefers to just make them a grittier version of the same. Egwene also tags along, and is apprenticed, after a fashion, to the Wise Ones to learn about dreamwalking.

Perrin travels to the Two Rivers to ward off various threats to his hometown. On the way, he is involved in an inane subplot involving Faile's commandeering of the expedition as revenge for him (completely understandable) trying to protect her. Frankly, Perrin deserves better than to be caught up in that kind of adolescent crap. I kept expecting Loial to wash his hands of the whole affair and leave for the stedding. Once they arrive in Emond's Field and surroundings, the stupidity tapers off and Perrin leads the defense against both Trolloc hordes and insidious Whitecloak plots.

Elayne and Nynaeve embark for Tanchico, to combat a Black Ajah plot to attack Rand. On the way, they are assisted by the Sea Folk of porcelainware fame. This first glimpse of the Sea Folk is interesting, and hints that their women may not be as arrogant or domineering as they are seemingly everywhere else (this notion will be nicely disposed of later, but it's nice while it lasts). In Tanchico, our heroes meet a new Forsaken and guerilla strike the Black Ajah.

Overall, this book maintains the inertia of the series while developing along different lines than the previous three. Tarmon Gai'don is still in sight (though no one seems very concerned about it), and the characters still seem focused on that fact. There is a sense that the story is starting to get away from the author though. Several new elements are introduced without being clearly tied into the main story. Still, fans of the series won't be disappointed.

I thought I had sleeping sickness but the truth is this book is so boring, the instant I read a page I zonk out! I must admit I found the second and third books somewhat interesting, despite being completely predictable. But man, lets have some action! What fun is it to read about people travelling all over some bland world, while not having a single interesting conversation, and then having a quick battle at the end of the book? Come on, it got old in the second book, overdone in the third, and made me puke in the fourth. I'm not going to bother reading Jordans cut-and-paste plot any longer. Unless I need to fall asleep quickly, that is. Fantasy must be in a really pathetic state if this is the greatest series available right now. The writing is quite lame, the characters wooden, if it werent for the complex political world this book would get 0 stars. Oh wait, I can only set it as low as one. (Think I'll leave it at that). In Summary: Would make a great addition to any library containing Celestine Prophecy.

Wheel of Time, turn turn turn! Tell us the lesson that we should...
The fourth book was quite good, particularly those parts involving Perrin and Faile. I won't get into major plot details, as many others have already beaten me to it. But I do recommend this title. There are some fairly major changes to the overall arc that would leave one confused without this book.
My only major complaint is the start, which took far too long. There were definately some good parts of that, but it would have been nice to get out of the Stone well before page 240. But that's really a minor issue.
The real question for Mr. Jordan is, will it ever end?

Of all the books in the Wheel of Time, this was definitely my favorite. It is full of amazing detail into the Aiel society, and it was definitely cool to have a return to the Two Rivers. What distinguishes this series from others is the fact that there are multiple conflicts occurring at different locations, including the boys' home. This Slayer character, I suspect, is Lan's cousin, who was briefly mentioned in the first book with the name Isam. Other avenues of writing are also opened with Birgitte's warning about the Eelfinn and Aelfinn, those snakes and foxes through the ter'angreal doorframes. This book is Robert Jordan's finest.

This book is AWESOME. For any people who find these books boring, I have to say that I am a 13 year old male who is reading 600-1000 page books by R Jordan.(paperback) If this bookand the others can keep the ongoing interest of a 13 year old whoever gives it a abd report must have a short temper or is very impatient. This book is a must-buy!!! I personally love the book so much because some really awesome things happen to Perrin, who happens to be my favorite character. Also, it really opens up the aiel people to all readers. Even if you have to mortgage your house...BUY THIS BOOK!!!

I'm writing just as I'm starting Knife of Dreams (Book 11). I really feel the series peaked with this book and *The Fires of Heaven*. The info (especially the big thread of getting Rand recognized by the Aiel) is fresh, original, and thought-provoking (and Lan, for my money the most interesting character in the series, is still a Presence). Definitely a page-turner. I was sad to learn that the later books where the plot is really bogging down and Jordan is introducing yet *more* characters to an already mired series, are the ones that made #1 on the NYT bestseller list while the earlier books, where something was actually happening that you cared about, didn't rate as highly. I'm reading the series mainly for closure at this point and have been borrowing them from the library rather than buying. But at this point, the series was still a real grabber.

(Do *not* read this review if you have not read the book and still care. I just give too much away, because I am going to be very specific about what annoys me).
I read this book in three days in late 1995. I have never reread it. There are reasons for that. Lots of 'em.
Positives first. If it really distresses you to read anything negative about this book, then you can just read this part.
-Rhuidean. Forget about selling the prologues to the books; Jordan should just sell the Rhuidean sections on their own. I would say they're worth the cover price, except that to fully understand them you have to wade through lots and lots and lots of sand of Aiel descriptions, dress descriptions, facial expression descriptions, and angst descriptions...
Whoops. Excuse me while I put the annoyed part of my memory back in the cage for a moment.
-Mat finally starts to develop 'special powers' as a character. That this, too, will become a dead end is not yet visible.
-We see the Two Rivers again. Interesting idea in conception, though the execution was depressing.
-Lanfear turns out to be the most interesting female character in the book. I think it's a bad sign when I'm cheering for the Dark side and I'm not supposed to.
All right. Unleash the annoyance!
-The villains are *unrelievedly* Dark. The Forsaken probably sold their own mothers into slavery. The Dark One wants to take over the world because...well, because it's there, I think. No one on the evil side seems to have the shred of a good quality, with the exception of some intelligence on Lanfear's part. That the supposed heroes are stupid, bratty teenagers does not help.
-Rand has become rather crazed, and not due to the taint. Many of his actions left me scratching my head. *Why* does he trundle from one disaster to another? *Why* does he not tell the people around them things it could be vital for them to know? *Why* does he keep up this ridiculous prejudice against killing a woman? (This is yet another sign of the unrealistic quality of Jordan's world. Chivalry has no meaning when the women are so powerful).
-Everyone seems really, really desperate to get out of Tear, especially considering how much time they spent to get there in the last book. And yet Jordan drags the scene, and drags the scene, and drags the scene. I kept expecting the characters to just bolt out of the Stone screaming.
-Moiraine here officially succumbs to Creeping Female Rot. She tells other female characters that she suspects she knows the face of the man she will marry better than they know the faces of their future husbands. Does she bother explaining this? No, of course not. It would get in the way of her regular schedule of meddling.
-For the first time, I started really noticing how many times a woman "crosses her arms beneath her breasts." Why? Was it just so Jordan could add the word "breasts" more times per page?
-Faile is back again. She's posessive of Perrin, she won't listen to him, and she somehow convinces him that he loves her, even though you'd think Perrin would love a dead bird before her. She poisons the Two Rivers plotline, not that it wasn't bad enough without her.
-Lots and lots of people have managed to survive in the Two Rivers. Is Perrin's family among them? Of course not. They have been destroyed, so that Perrin can Angst! And then there is more Angst! And then there is more Angst!
-The Whitecloaks continue to get on everyone's nerves. If this is the Light, may the Dark come swiftly!
-You learn more about the Aiel than you ever wanted to know, yet somehow, none of it is new. The women are still pushy, and they still abide by codes of courtesy they somehow expect outsiders to know by heart, just like the Aes Sedai. Take Dune and sprinkle it with Jordan's "endearing" descriptions of rocks and sand and the battles between the sexes, and there you go.
I ended this book determined to ignore the female characters other than Lanfear as best as I could, other than dreaming of imaginative ends for them. Jordan doesn't write strong women; he writes a collection of shallow, shrill stereotypes, labels them "female," and slaps slightly different names on them.
*sigh*
It really is too bad that seeds like Mat and Rhuidean got planted in this manure.

I am on book #7, and have loved everyone so far! There is A LOT to remember, I have used Google more times since starting this series than I have in the last year! But I am in love with the characters, the stories, the world. Everything. I thought they would get boring, to have so many longgggg books, but they have no got boring for me. On par with the best epic fantasy books out there!

Let's just get it out of the way...the book was too long. That said, it was still full of good moments. I enjoyed Perrins part in the story in particular, he's really coming into his own as an independant character. I liked Mats involvement in book 3 much more than this one. And RAND, finally making some decisions instead of just reacting and running scared. I really enjoyed his displays of strength (at last) and willingness to take charge. For the most part the female characters are still pretty annoying (except Min). I agree with one reviewer who said the Aes Sedai spend too much time working against Rand instead of with him. Don't get me wrong, this is a really solid book with plenty to keep you iterested. It just doesn't quite live up to the incredibly high standards set by the rest of the series so far. I'm still looking forward to reading the next books.

Detail: 10

Plot: 10

Pace: 3

It seems that many of the negative comments regarding the Wheel of Time series (including my own disparaging thoughts) revolve around the comparatively slow pace of action in books 4 through 8. While this may be a true statement, that the action slows down so much and almost hinders the enjoyment of a good story, perhaps what we are really seeing is not so much the fault of the author as the fault of the reader, for expecting that every moment of every book should be action-packed. Because of the nature of writing (and reading) a novel, there will never be a book which takes as long to read as the action it describes, and for that reason, we have become spoiled into thinking that a "good read" is something which grabs our attention and never lets us go. Unfortunately, life isn't always like that, even for those around whom the Pattern is weaving itself constantly.

As Jordan has created such a richly detailed world, so much like a 'real world' that could actually happen, and one so imaginative and interconnected, there will invariably be slow days. Imagine yourself riding along a Sea Folk ship for eight days, your only distraction wondering just exactly what kind of wood a certain beam was made of, or trudging through the Aiel Waste with nothing to do for hours on end but to look at the desert or listen to the plodding of horse hooves, wipe the sweat from your eyes, and dream of water. Instead of complaining that Jordan has `dragged it out', maybe instead we should be thanking him for providing for us a way to experience and comprehend the actions of a few years' time in the span of only a few thousand pages.

That said, I should say that it is a mark of good storytelling to "show, don't tell". Jordan, however, tells more often than he shows, and it shows. I do wish he would keep the points of view a bit fewer, too. We need not see inside the heads of everyone in the story, yet it sometimes seems like we do, and this can be distracting. For 'readiness', it would only get 2 stars, from the length and the sometimes abrupt POV changes. For 'description' it would get 5. For 'an example of how to write a best-selling series', it definitely gets 5. Lucky me, I can borrow them from the library. Overall, if you've read 3, you're probably not going to be wondering whether or not to read another, and you're just here to find a synopsis of action or a head-up as to how many you have yet to go. If you haven't yet started, maybe take a glance at how many there are still in the series and ask yourself if you want be that committed. Chances are, you do.

This is an epic fantasy classic. I loved it. It captivated my attention and kept me reading longer than I'd planned. My favorite storyline was Perrin re-visiting the Two Rivers and helping the townsfolk.

I like to compare The Shadow Rising to The Empire Strikes Back; situated in the middle of a Fantasy/SF series, both were satisfying, complex, and character-driven. The Shadow Rising has plenty of scenes that tug at the memory years later, and Jordan's still trying to match the quality of this effect.
Also Recomended: The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling, The Left Behind series by Tim LaHain and Jerry B. Jenkins, The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkin, The Saga of Darren Shan series by Darren Shan, and the Remnants series by K.A. Applegate.

Well, I thought this book was wonderful! I love the proggression of Perrin, but some people might think that he was mentioned to much. Poor Rand! He must choose between Min, Aviendha, Elayne, and his brotherly feelings toward Egwene. Faile is a rather annoying little chit. She controls everything! Mat is sooooooo interesting. I wish that he would have gone into the ter'angreal with Rand, at Rudhiean. It would have been cool to see what his past ancestors did, and to have him, a wetlander at that, become a clan cheif. Egwene and her bunch are too prominent in this book, half of the book is about their terrible lives.

At nearly seven hundred hard back pages, this isn't a book to read if there's a lot going on in your life. Beyond the basic complexities of the plot, and the worlds he's created, Jordan's fourth installment weaves in new characters while still giving the regular cast plenty to do, especially Perrin and Rand.
Ending on much more of a cliff hanging note, this latest chapter of He Who Comes With The Dawn feels ultimately like great set up for the subsequent books. And if you've become as addicted to them by this point as most people have, you'll want to have the next book, "The Fires of Heaven waiting on deck.

In this age of television attention spans, it is wonderful that a contemporary author can take the time to create his own history and develop believable characters that have substance. The Shadow rising is a book which does to the Wheel of Time Series what Empire Strikes Back did to Star Wars, it allows the enemy a chance to be developed into the true evil it should be, setting the stage for the final confrontation. A must read for Fantasy Fans as well as those of us out there who actually enjoy good writing and imagination.

If you've made it this far in the series, you've likely developed a connection to Rand, that goes without saying. However, what the Shadow Rising acts upon is Jordan's perfection in highlighting the development of secondary characters. This book is not written all through Rand's point of view as he explores the Aiel Waste but also through the point of views of Nynaeve/Elayne as they battle the Black Ajah and Perrin as he returns to the Two Rivers to aid them in a fight against the forces of the Shadow and Whitecloaks. This book excels at this character development and is not dull in the slightest. Jordan retains top form!

Grades:

Content: A
Development: A+

Jordan is dragging this series out, and it really need to be put out of it's misery. It wasn't ever very good, chock full of cliqhes galore, has everything to hate about the current fantasy scene. Rand is the usual moron who is the 'chosen one'. And the women are somehow better than he, and of course he is irritated about that and cannot 'understand' them. After getting to the aiel waste he wastes time (along with everyone else who is not from the aiel waste) worrying about the way the aiel live, anyways, the whole thing is boring and seem to take the reader intelegance like there is none, good for those who have allready swallowed the bait, but bad for those who have read anything better. (I sugest "A Game of Thrones" but not this.)

Amazingly well written, the novel is excellent in a way as it weaves the picture of two times, present and past. I am a lover of history novel and this was right up my way. With the twists and turns and anxiety about whats going to happen next, this book had me hooked. I just could not put it down. The book handles a delicate subject matter with great ease.

I strongly recommend every mystery lover to get this book. It will keep you up whole night reading it but you will never regret it.

I must say that I find the lack of REALL praise for this book rather upsetting. Robert Jordan is an excellent writer in nearly every aspect, and from a writers point of view (meaning me), I envy Jordan's creativity and foresight.
In Shadow Rising some may complain it moves too slow, that he focuses to much on the thoughts and small actions of each character. My friends, it is called Character Development. While some may believe the characters should have been developed and made by the first book, it is far from the reality of actualy and SMART writting. Rand and his companions are changing drasticaly, especial Rand himself, and Jordan did an excellent job of helping us follow these changes.
As for confusing plot lines..... if you can't handle it, don't read it. I found the plot (s), entiricate and fasinating, some of the most "boring" parts of Jordan's writing usualy come back with a twist at another point, he's shown this time and again, and I've learned to pay close attention. The writing is colorful and demands concentration, its a book that while it has lots of action, displays other part of the characters lives and personalitys, which in my oppinon, makes it more realistice and belivable.
I believe The Shadow Rising is just as well written and worth reading as the three novel's before it, and I recomend it to anyone who loves a good and thriving fantasy novel. And if you have to spend a little extra time reading the slower parts, Jordan always rewards you in the end.

This is such a good book, The thing I like most is when Perrin goes back to Edmonds Field. A lot of action there, Its cool because Perrins wolf like emotions turn up. The story line is perfectly rounded. You will get hooked on it just like I did. There is so much good stuff in this book and this series right after your done with the last book start over agian. I love the action scenes and when they meet old friends. Another good thing about this book is that it is fast paced. It startes of with an awesome trolloc attack on the Stone. Rand pulls out Callandor and lays some whoopin's on those trollocs. The only bad thing is that he temperarly went insane. This is a great book.

I have just started reading Jordan's works, and I am continually being draw in to his world. Despite some sexism and the oft-read repetition, RJ is still the reigning king of fantasy. He seems to step into this world whenever he feels like it, take notes on what's happening, come back to the real world and compile his facts together. It makes for an amazing and engrossing read, no matter who you are. I quote: anyone who disagrees with me is a "wooden-headed, wool-brained lummox!!"

A very well written book. Up till this point, Jordan has tied up all the characters and most of the sub-plots at the end of each book, but in this fourth book, he leaves Elayne and Nynaeve; Perrin, Faile and Loial; and Mat, Rand and Egwene all separated at the end of the novel and it somehow takes away and adds to the story at the same time. I give it a nine because Jordan puts a lot of action and suspense in to his novel and the complexity just keeps rising. Can't wait till I can buy the next one

I really enjoyed the first three wheel of time books particularly the first and third. So it is (rather was) safe to say i assumed this would be very good. Suffice to say I was wrong.

First of all this book takes forever to get moving. But then it never really does. Every one of the stories is so long winded. You could take out a third of the chapters for each character and have the same book. Also it just gets so repetitive. All the conversations start to run together. I originally disagreed with reviews that said bashed the childish dialogue but now i completely agree. It is all about how men don't understand women and vice versa.

Rand is the main character and i honestly found his story to be the worst. The other ones at least held my interest. Whenever he could be wrapping up or at least moving forward with a story, Jordan just adds characters to slow it down. I really don't know how he got so far off track. i guess it would have been wishful thinking to start a series that is already ten books long and think it never declined. Back to Rands story. This moves slower than any of the other sideplots in the book and the characters just get more frustrating as it goes on. The thing with Egwene and her dreams never really did much for me either. Probably because nine hundred pages from where it started she hadnt improved the least bit.

Really all i can say is that Perrin's story was the only compelling thing in the book and the one with the girls was tolerable but Rands was just boring. By the end i was really just reading it to get done. I figured i could get through this series just to say i did it but after this book, which had a promising start, i just dont see that happening, especially when the majority of people didn't like the most recent one. These books also have very slow starts do to all the characters. Somehow unlike the songe of ice and fire series the storylines are more seperate with each individual book. Jordan should learn from him and just have a prologue to explain the newer developments and then pick up right where the last one left off.

i have read many books longer than this but this seemed like the longest book i have ever read. By the end i didn't care about the main character at all. Really think it over before deciding to read this.

Robert Jordan's "The Wheel of Time: The Shadow Rising" is definitely one of my favorite books in one of my favorite series. Jordan creates a world That dominates that of which Tolkien began. This book is full of mystery, action, romance, and good against evil. It is full of magic and creatures that only Jordan can create.
"The Shadow Rising" takes off from where "The Dragon Reborn" left off. Rand al'Thor has just proclaimed himself the Dragon Reborn. Now he needs to live up to the prophecies. Slowly, though, the evil taint of saidin is growing stonger inside him.
Rand goes to the Aiel Waste for he is Ca'caran, or He Who Comes With The Dawn. It is believed that the Aiel are the people of the Dragon.
This book is definitely a good read. I insist, though, to start with book one, "The Eye of the World". The Wheel of Time is definitely a good series rich with magic and adventure. The world of The Wheel of Time will come alive.

This book is great. How anyone can complain about a book that takes you to a whole other interesting world for 8 bucks is beyond me. Those who need action and plot movement in every single page may be a bit disappointed, but who has that short of an attention span? Oh wait, I just remembered what Age we are living in.

Anyhow this book is great, I think each book in the series keeps getting better. They say it lulls a little around book 9 - 11 and I will have to see. I love the world Robert Jordan creates so I am happy to get as much of the world as I can even if some of the books slow down a bit.

ONE NEGATIVE IS THAT at the time of writing this review I am UNABLE to purchase this book on my kindle. They SAY the store is going to get them back on but we will have to see I guess. I just bought the kindle this week with the main idea that I could read this series on it, so I will be incredibly disappointed if I can not do that.

The fourth book of Robert Jordan's wheel of time is my absolute favourite so far. It cannot be denied that it has stiff competition - seeing that the previous three have been so amazing too. However, I still find this book the best. The series grabbed me from the first line... after that, I simply could not wait to get stuck into it.
The fourth book is the longest so far (I have just finished it)... and like reading tolkien's lord of the rings and discovering the world of middle earth, you develop a thirst for finding out more. You crave to know. That is why I enjoy what some people (who must be uncommited to the series) claim to be tedious reading. I love Robert Jordan's moment by moment writing style, where he leaves no rock unturned as the characters progress. He has managed to write a story where I have found myself ranging from sad, to happy, to tears, to furious at him - thinking 'how can he do it!'.
However, I know that he has his reasons and I am grateful for it - I know the story and it's development will continually shock me.
Perhaps I am just not normal... but I have come to rely on his characters to provide me with the day to day nourishment that I need. I cannot stand to go a day without knowing something more... that is why his fourth book - The Shadow Rising - has been so great to read.
A literary masterpiece, this book, which I stress MUST BE READ IN ORDER with the other books, is fantastic. We find ourselves quite taken up by all of the stories that are going on, his characters stories that are all tied together take hold of you one way or another.
Often we may find ourselves reading a book and desiring to be part of the adventure - but rarely do we read a book and feel that we are in the adventure. Each night, when I turn off my light and switch on my lamp, I am in another place. Where that is, I can never guess until I fold back the covers and step in.
Robert Jordan's series and particularly his fourth book THE SHADOW RISING have left no doubt in my mind that he is deserving of the title - International Bestseller.
This book, and his series is a must read for those willing to be swept away to another world - for those who would like to REALLY live.

The first time I read the series was right after it came out, in 2001, I was soo hooked, couldn't wait for the next book, I bought them all as they came out, in paperback. I have read and reread this whole series a couple of times, and just starting it again and, would love if it just kept going on and on, what a wonderful talent!!! I donated all my paperbacks to the library and now I'm getting them all for electronic reading!!! ENJOY!!!

Heather

It would appear that Mr. Jordan is every bit as stubborn as the worst of his female characters. By the time I came to the end of this massive 1001 page volume, only one question remained: Why can't this man learn when to stop? And to think that this novel is just one *small* part of the full series! Alas, at least 500 of the pages within contained very entertaining and well-developed high fantasy. The way Jordan deals with Mat and Perrin is particularly good (though Mat's sections were much better in "The Dragon Reborn"). Beyond the problem of needlessly excessive length, Jordan's writing suffers another crippling flaw--The author knows how to write only ONE female character: the beautiful and stubborn girl who thinks males are "goat-brained" or "harry lumoxes," and spends most of her waking hours ranting about how stupid they are. Hmmm. This silly sketch comprises the whole of 90% of Jordan's female characters, and makes for very dull reading indeed. In fact, Jordan spends an inordinate amount of time in this book writing about the clash between the sexes. Warning: It's terrible. It's boring. It will make you want to rip the pages from the book. You will wish the letters in the name "Faile" had never been invented. Otherwise, the book contains, as said before, some compelling high fantasy. Enter at your own risk...

The fourth book of WoT series, its better than previous three.

But still its not as good as others are claiming it to be. First of all, I want to know what the hell was Rand's Masterplan?? In the entire book, Rand and others act as though he has come out with an ultimate plan to defeat the enemies. But when the climax happens the plan is never mentioned by anybody. And I think its the tradition of WoT series that everytime the villians are explained as very strong, cunning and powerful, but when they confronts with Rand, they are so easily won over as though they were waiting for him only to screw them up. The females...... more female characters are introduced and they doesnt show any kind of difference from previous female characters, all are rude and ignorant. Even the Aeil woman are annoying.

I'm saying again, dont bother to go for this series.

This book shows the mastery of Jordan's storytelling abilities
as we delve into an entirely different race. The events and
people are so real that one feels they are almost tangible.
Thisis the kind of book that one would stay up to three in
the morning, red-eyed, and can't find the strength to put the
book down. A must-read!

The seals binding the Dark One in his prison are ever weakening. Now he reaches out to touch the world for the first time in three thousand years when he tainted saidin, the male half of the One Power. Once again he makes his presence known. Against the shadow rising stands the Dragon Reborn.
With four dimensional characters, vivid vision and the most complicated plot of any novel, Jordan transcends the fantastic, discovering a tale truer than any text book, a story for all stories, a legend for all time.

The Shadow Rising is an all around Great Books, one of the Best in the series of 9! After I finished the Dragon Reborn i was anxious to dive into the next epic Plot in the Wheel of Time! This book inhansis the the story of Perrin and the Great Dragon Reborn Rand himself. With Ewgene becoming the first Dreamwalker for ages and contining there sreach for the Black Ajha. There are only a few disapiontment i can think of, one there is a lack of action (besides for the ending fight of the book)and this peticular book gets off to a very slow start for the first 250 pages or so, while everyone is simply waiting about Tear, for the Dragon to make a decision. In the end I give it 4 star, I liked it and am continueing the series, but it wasn't quite as good as the first 3 had been

Okay so it's almost impossible to write a series this long and not have some dull moments. I just wish Jordan would get to the point sometimes. He drags things out sometimes just to make it longer. I do love the story development though and was excited when I finished the book. A terrific series still and this book is not bad its just not great.

I have read every book in this series so far and get completely sucked up into each volume. A great series with wonderful character development, excellent environment details and descriptions. A truly great series that everyone should read.

Okay, These books are ill right (that means good), the first 3 are hella tight(which also means good), this fourth one kinda drags at parts, and no chapter really stand out like in the others. But, the main deal about the WoT is that you should read them all and in order.
-Dont waste your money on the hard cover, youll thank me when you buy the paperback...
-If you can check out a summary of the chapter if it starts getting dull, so you can get a better idea of where things are going...
Okay, on to book five...Is it Ail (like ginger) or A-EEL (electric)

You thought that the map, so frequent a fixture at the beginning of a fantasy novel or series, was just an orientation...didn't you? Thought that there were some places this series surely wouldn't go to--Tolkien never actually went to Rhun, after all--he only referenced it briefly as "where the stars are strange." The Wheel of Time wouldn't spin me all over that bloody map, city by city, territory by territory, right?
Think again, baby.
Mr. Jordan is taking us to every single location on that map of his. As I got past page 400 of the Shadow Rising, I began to view the map with hostility. By the end of this book, I hated the map. How many thousands of pages have I already read, I griped to myself, only to find myself visiting half the cities on the map? So, what...5000 pages to go? A city per book?
But my greatest fear is that he is going to introduce another world beyond the map sometime in Book 11, forcing me to tour 10 more cities in 10,000 other pages. I feel like I'm on tour with the Rolling Stones....I'm "past my prime but rolling from Baltimore to Boston, sugar...next stop, Baton Rouge..."
Well, I can't get no satisfaction. But I tried, and I tried, and I tried, and in Book Four, I tried. Mr. Jordan, please--no more Visits to Places on the Map Because They Are There. I feel like I am reading Fodor or Frommer, not fantasy.
Jordan has created an intriguing physical use of Power, strong female roles, and truly evil creatures that actually practice what Tolkien only hinted at. Donaldson is the only other fantasy author I remember that really nailed home how evil the bad guys can be. These are strengths of the work to this point.
The work is in the process, however, of becoming ludicrously long. And that's really a shame.

I loved this book. I think the Wheel of Time series is great and I think this was the best so far. It has a lot more about the Aiel, and the rest of the world. There is a lot of detail but I think that just adds to the book. I can't wait until I read the next one. The only downside to the series is that it can't go on forever.

Wow, what a mess of a book. I had read the first three about a year ago, and recently picked up the second 3 in a set.

Books with lots of characters and backstory are fine, but not to the point where you need a scorecard to keep track of whos who.

There are 3 main male and 3 main femal characters. Then add the head bad guy, his 12 forsaken, their varios minions. Next add a boyfriend or girfriend to each character. Finally add various officals, and people who join the team, people from history, a dozen evil `sisters' and you are looking at close to 100 characters.

And just to make in more difficult, all the the ancient ones have multiple names, and several of the other character use aliases. The characters will use someones true or alias first or last name willy-nilly. I actually had to make a note sheet with all the characters, and who was in what group.

Considering that the book is near 1000 pages, that is a much one os R.A. Salvatores Dark Elf Trilogy, but not nearly as satifiying. The story hops around between all the characters. Is so bad that at one point that the mother of one of the girls who likes Ran, one of the main males, meets a ex-wife of one of the Lords from when Rand was King of a city (for about 300 pages) and one of the 12 forsaken. There was an enitre chapter of them meeting.

The story hops around so much that you barely get to no anyone. It wouldn't be so bad but the book is so tedious. There is so much bloat in the book that the plot crawls along.

But the worst part of the book is its rampant sexism. Holy cow, if the author wrote a book treating women the way men are treat NOW would have a book burning party. The women are constatly making derogatory comments and treating men like slaves. (i.e. Male bodyguards are passed around from `owners' and forced to marry whoever the owner says.) Everyone in power is female and they make rude and sexist remarks constantly. I am actually hoping that every woman in this book dies and slow and painful death.

The story picks up at the end. I've still got 2 more to go in my boxset. Oh, joy. Maybe I can get a root canal instead

In all my years of reading, never have I come across a book so terrible that I had to put it down. Always, there was some redeeming quality to it; some last lingering urge to finish it and see it through. I am not one to give up easily. I give all things a chance no matter how bad they seem.

That is why I read "The Great Hunt" when I absolutely loathed "The Eye of the World". And found myself thoroughly surprised at how much better TGH was. When I read "The Dragon Reborn" I thought, 'If Jordan could focus more on his well-developed, interesting male characters and less on his females, he's got a fan!'

Sadly, that is not the case with "The Shadow Rising".

The book starts off with the same style of TGH and TDB (books #2-3). For about 2 chapters, I was quite pleased that I was holding book #4 in my hands after a week of no Jordan. However that quickly changed due to one thing: Jordan cannot write women.

Why does Jordan feel that in order to create strong female characters, they must all be beautiful, haughty, challenging, petty and immature? How many times can one woman cross her arms under her breasts and glare at another? Whether it's Nynaeve snapping at Moiraine, Elayne snapping at Nynaeve, Egwene glaring at Nynaeve...They are all incredibly annoying.

As if that is not enough, these under-developed female characters are each linked to at least one male character; I happen to like all the male characters. Nynaeve, for example, is romantically linked to Lan, the Warder. Why? Where on earth did this romance come from? Are we supposed to gasp with delight when Lan storms into a room and sweeps Nynaeve off her feet for a kiss? She is petty, short-tempered and mean, and carries a grudge against Moiraine that has no founding. He is barely conceivable as a person. As a friend put it, the old "Petulant Ice Queen somehow wooing the attentions of the strong, noble king" is one of the weakest, not to mention most clichéd, foundations for a romance ever laid.

Jordan either knows very little about women or else knows very little about writing them. It is more than possible to create a strong female who is not young and pretty as Elayne, Egwene, Nynaeve, Min and Faile are. It is possible to show that they are strong without having them be defiant or quarrelsome. It is possible to show their passion for their ideals without having them "bristle with anger" anytime someone disagrees with them. I found myself continuously wondering if Jordan thinks all men perceive women this way; or just him.

I think it is wonderful that Jordan has found a way to have equal male and female roles. I, however, would take the few strong and truly admirable heroines that Tolkien created (Galadriel, Eowyn, Melian) than these dozens of under-developed, catty women.

I stopped reading this series, as well, because of the excess in descriptive words. Jordan needs to realize that over-doing it with the descriptions does not equal a richly portrayed world. Quality, man, not quantity. There are only so many descriptions of inns and common rooms, fireplaces and swords, arrows nocked and people sighing, a person can take. Two pages devoted to describing the shores of Tear don't make me any more excited about reading the book. I have seen ships before. Next time, perhaps he should concentrate on describing scenic beauty. That requires actual writing talent.

Readers who think Jordan exceeds Tolkien are thoroughly misguided and I pity them. I am quite glad the professor is not alive to see his work being compared to that of an amateur, self-indulgent man who thinks his pseudo Olde Englishe, his over-the-top descriptions, his unnecessarily lengthy glossaries and his painfully under-developed female characters place him in the league of the fantasy greats. Jordan will never have the skill of prose that Tolkien had, nor will his series ever touch readers the way "The Lord of the Rings" did. However, if he cultivates his writing abilities and exchanges the excess descriptions for better characterization, his series might earn some of the accolades reserved for the real great works of fantasy literature.

Despite the fact that this series seems to go on forever, the books are well worth the effort. These characters are some of my favorites in the genre and you really delve deeply into their hearts and minds. Even though there are a lot of people out there that criticize the length of the series, I have personally enjoyed it thus far and am looking forward to finishing it.

This is just a terrible book. That's too bad, because the first three were so good. Robert Jordan tries to put too much romance in this one, and it comes across as lame. The plot isn't nearly as epic or dramatic as the previous three. This book, in fact, has caused me to stop reading the series. For newcomers, I reccomend reading the first 3 books. For fans looking into #4, skip it.

I'm not quite finished with this great and adventurous book. I must say that if you are not use to reading books with multiple sub plots you will need to read the whole series slowly...three is no skimming this series. A great story written very well.

The Shadow Rising is the last excellent book in the WoT series. From here on in it's a meandering, slow-paced, hodge-podge of good ideas and "this must sell" pros. With the occasional last 30 page payoff for reading the first 700 pages. Enjoy this book like you enjoyed the first three, because this is the last chance you'll get to stop before the whole thing collapses under the weight of itself, and the money making machine it has become.

The usual cast of interesting characters and a (relatively) fast moving plot generate enough action to maintain the reader's interest. The tale of the seige of Two Rivers with the intertwined love story of Perrin and Faile is very well done. There is even progress in some of the other threads in this bloated epic.
Unfortunately, this is the last book in the series worth the time or money. Someone desperately needs to remind Mr. Jordan that he's not getting paid by the word. Of course, if he is it would explain a lot about the agonizingly slow and plodding nature of the rest of the series.

I don't understand why everyone thinks this book is slowing down...it just didn't climax like the rest and is building up for further books. I have started dreaming the plots of these books, I am so enthralled. Jordan weaves a fairy land like none ever before, and I am caught in his spell.

This book is one of Robert Jordan's crowning achievements. This is the best book of the series and one of the most important. My favorite character is Perrin and in this book he gives a lot of coverage for Perrin. It is one of the most important because this book has where Perrin becomes a lord and Rand becomes He Who Comes With the Dawn. This has to be the most funny of any of the books (if they can be called funny) because of the Faile-Perrin interactions. (Dry humor maybe). I have read this book ten+ times and every time I get something new out of it. If you are willing to read a longer book this may become one of your favorites. Though I do admit that the parts when the women are in Tanchico are some of the most boring parts in the entire series and I am guilty of skipping over them. If you like Perrin, Rand, Faile, Avienda, Egwene, or Mat, then this is a great book for you.

Perrin Aybara and Faile Bashere are simply the best couple in fantasy literature I've ever encountered. Simultaneously sweet and frustrating, these two are a constant joy to read about. "Shadow Rising" is also a classic coming of age story, with Perrin's tragic return to the Two Rivers, the maddening hometown hero worship, and his growth into a reluctant, but strong, general in a desperate war against the Trollocs and Whitecloaks. Throw in people who have a natural mystery about them (Tam the original heron-marked swordsman and Verin the brilliant, but noncommittal Aes Sedai) and the people Perrin once grew up with (the proud "parents" and the naive Companions) and we've got ourselves a truly enriching story.
So why then am I only giving this book 2 stars? Because The Two Rivers story has been reduced to a simple side story in Jordan's world. It may also have been an unfortunate consequence of "The Dragon Reborn," but I skipped almost every chapter that focused on Rand. And as I trudged through SR, I began skimming through chapters that were about Nynaeve and Egwene and Elayne and Mat and eventually skipped entire passages just to get back to Perrin (and to a lesser degree, the side story about Min and the Amyrlin Seat).
I'm still recommending this book. The parts in the Two Rivers alone make it worth the read. I wish I could say it's a standalone, but there are too many details spread out in the first three books that you won't appreciate all the intricacies in SR. I can say that skipping uninteresting parts of this book probably won't hurt because the next book in the series supposedly shifts focus away from Perrin and returns to more important storylines.

The story is entertaining and most the characters (all male) are realistic and enjoyable but the women are just too annoying. I've never read a book with so many occurences of people glaring at one another. Robert Jordan needs to cut most of the bickering between characters and move this story along. The reviews for these books only go downhill from here so I'm doing what Matt should have done; left the women behind. Shame on Jordan's editor too. It's their job to cut out the crap and this book is gold buried in a huge pile of crap.

This is EASILY my favorite book in the series with Perrin fighting Fain, and Isam/Luc in the Two-rivers, and Rand setting out to find out if he is the Aiel's Cara'carn. Mat Is also in for a big surprise as he discovers just how lucky he really is. And all the while you follow Elayne, Egwene, Nynaeve, and now Aviendha who is Egwene's aiel friend and training to become a Wise one

All the Wheel of Time fans say the same thing, that the first five or six books in the series are great, and the downward spiral follows after that.

I don't get it. The first book was a lot of fun, despite the horrible Nynaeve character and the horribly boring Egwene. Book 2, The Great Hunt, was also fun, except for the increasing awareness of recurring quirks, like one character being flustered around another character of greater position or title (repeated on every page). Plus the female characters were grouped together for their own sub-plot---painful chapters you wanted to skip over. But the second book was good overall.

The ominous clouds of Jordan's bad traits began raining in book 3, The Dragon Reborn. The Aes Sedai sub-plot was eye-crossingly boring, with all of those icy stares and blushes. The female characters "sniffed" twenty-three times (I counted). Nynaeve's habit of tugging on her braid was introduced, and she did it endlessly. Rand was left out of the book and the focus was put on these one-dimensional supporting characters. The women all hated men and the men were clueless and subservient around women. And the ending was the same thing for the third book in a row. And on and on...

Things only get worse in the fourth book. We spend considerable time with the Aiel, who are all the same. Did you know that Tolkien's books are recommended by white supremecist groups as good family reading? It's because all the conflict is as simple as Good People vs. Evil People, and all the people of each race are identical. If you know one of them, you know them all. In The Shadow Rising, this is taken the Nth degree with the Aiel, these super-warriors WHO ARE ALL THE SAME. And the Sea Folk, too, are all identical to each other. Jordan is one of those BRILLIANT pulp-fantasy writers who creates a nation of people by giving them some cultural traits, like marriage customs, maybe a tattooing style, and calls it a day. Take away the names and you can't tell one from the other.

The female characters are just as obnoxious and boring as ever, but now it's even worse. Now there's even more of them. Faile was a lot of fun in book 3, her debut, but now she becomes just another insufferable Robert Jordan Bad (or Bitch) Female Character (BFM). At one point, she's traveling with Perrin and calls him. "Perrin. Perrin, come here." When Perrin rides up and asks her what she wants, she just turns to him and says, "Oh yes. I wanted to see if you could be taught to come when I call." Gagh! How does Perrin respond? He just grinds his teeth a little. My god... And there are more BFMs, like Aviendha, another personality-less Aiel character, and Elayne, who gets more pages and a greater role for no clear reason.

The male characters suck too. I just wanted to read about Rand being the Dragon Reborn and wielding his magic sword, but instead we have to wade through hundreds of pages of Mat, who still doesn't have a personality, and Perrin, in love with Faile for inexplicable reasons. Ditto Lan, in love with Nynaeve---why, no reader can understand.

Have I mentioned the agonizingly boring dream sequences? Now it's a major thing in the series. Is there anybody out there who thinks, "Yay! Another dream sequence! I'm entranced!"

Four hundred pages into it and I just couldn't go on. Rand is in this haunted city, his consciousness transported into bodies of Aiel warriors that have lived in the past (complete with cookie-cutter names, no personality, and indistinguishable from all other Aiel). I don't care about these spirits, dreams, Aiel, yadda yadda yadda.

The Wheel of Time series doesn't even have great villains to be gripping antagonists. We just see the Dark Lord popping up again and again in dreams, saying, "Fear me and tremble! I'll crush you, you pathetic fool!" And I'm yawning. The guy never shuts up, and Rand is always kicking his ass.

Have you noticed that the Wheel of Time world doesn't even have a name? It's actually just a continent, but not even that has a name. And if you look at the map, several nations don't even have names. It's all so dumb...

This series is just pulp fantasy for thirteen-year olds. How does the Wheel of Time have such dedicated fans? Go find some good adventure fiction.

The Shadow Rising is a great boook. It keeps you guessing and entertained. Like all the books in the series there are some things you can do without. One that really bugs me is how muuch Jordan describes the characters. It's good to know about the characters, but you don't have to know every little thing they are wearing. You just want to get on with the book.
Another thing that is good but bugs me is how he acts like you haven't read any of the books. He thinks it so much that he describes the same things over and over again. It gets old really fast.
Over all the book is real good and you don't hate it when it starts talking about the other characters and their plots because none of them are boring. I would recommend this book to everyone (after they read the first ones).

There is so much to love about this volume: Rhuidean, the Aiel, the history and backstory, the character change, the signs of things to come . . . Hands down my favorite of the 10 I've read thus far and I find it hard to imagine any of the final 3 could surpass it.

The fourth book of WoT series, its better than previous three.

But still its not as good as others are claiming it to be. First of all, I want to know what the hell was Rand's Masterplan?? In the entire book, Rand and others act as though he has come out with an ultimate plan to defeat the enemies. But when the climax happens the plan is never mentioned by anybody. And I think its the tradition of WoT series that everytime the villians are explained as very strong, cunning and powerful, but when they confronts with Rand, they are so easily won over as though they were waiting for him only to screw them up. The females...... more female characters are introduced and they doesnt show any kind of difference from previous female characters, all are rude and ignorant. Even the Aeil woman are annoying.

I'm saying again, dont bother to go for this series.

This book shows the mastery of Jordan's storytelling abilities
as we delve into an entirely different race. The events and
people are so real that one feels they are almost tangible.
Thisis the kind of book that one would stay up to three in
the morning, red-eyed, and can't find the strength to put the
book down. A must-read!

The seals binding the Dark One in his prison are ever weakening. Now he reaches out to touch the world for the first time in three thousand years when he tainted saidin, the male half of the One Power. Once again he makes his presence known. Against the shadow rising stands the Dragon Reborn.
With four dimensional characters, vivid vision and the most complicated plot of any novel, Jordan transcends the fantastic, discovering a tale truer than any text book, a story for all stories, a legend for all time.

The Shadow Rising is an all around Great Books, one of the Best in the series of 9! After I finished the Dragon Reborn i was anxious to dive into the next epic Plot in the Wheel of Time! This book inhansis the the story of Perrin and the Great Dragon Reborn Rand himself. With Ewgene becoming the first Dreamwalker for ages and contining there sreach for the Black Ajha. There are only a few disapiontment i can think of, one there is a lack of action (besides for the ending fight of the book)and this peticular book gets off to a very slow start for the first 250 pages or so, while everyone is simply waiting about Tear, for the Dragon to make a decision. In the end I give it 4 star, I liked it and am continueing the series, but it wasn't quite as good as the first 3 had been

Okay so it's almost impossible to write a series this long and not have some dull moments. I just wish Jordan would get to the point sometimes. He drags things out sometimes just to make it longer. I do love the story development though and was excited when I finished the book. A terrific series still and this book is not bad its just not great.

I have read every book in this series so far and get completely sucked up into each volume. A great series with wonderful character development, excellent environment details and descriptions. A truly great series that everyone should read.

Okay, These books are ill right (that means good), the first 3 are hella tight(which also means good), this fourth one kinda drags at parts, and no chapter really stand out like in the others. But, the main deal about the WoT is that you should read them all and in order.
-Dont waste your money on the hard cover, youll thank me when you buy the paperback...
-If you can check out a summary of the chapter if it starts getting dull, so you can get a better idea of where things are going...
Okay, on to book five...Is it Ail (like ginger) or A-EEL (electric)

You thought that the map, so frequent a fixture at the beginning of a fantasy novel or series, was just an orientation...didn't you? Thought that there were some places this series surely wouldn't go to--Tolkien never actually went to Rhun, after all--he only referenced it briefly as "where the stars are strange." The Wheel of Time wouldn't spin me all over that bloody map, city by city, territory by territory, right?
Think again, baby.
Mr. Jordan is taking us to every single location on that map of his. As I got past page 400 of the Shadow Rising, I began to view the map with hostility. By the end of this book, I hated the map. How many thousands of pages have I already read, I griped to myself, only to find myself visiting half the cities on the map? So, what...5000 pages to go? A city per book?
But my greatest fear is that he is going to introduce another world beyond the map sometime in Book 11, forcing me to tour 10 more cities in 10,000 other pages. I feel like I'm on tour with the Rolling Stones....I'm "past my prime but rolling from Baltimore to Boston, sugar...next stop, Baton Rouge..."
Well, I can't get no satisfaction. But I tried, and I tried, and I tried, and in Book Four, I tried. Mr. Jordan, please--no more Visits to Places on the Map Because They Are There. I feel like I am reading Fodor or Frommer, not fantasy.
Jordan has created an intriguing physical use of Power, strong female roles, and truly evil creatures that actually practice what Tolkien only hinted at. Donaldson is the only other fantasy author I remember that really nailed home how evil the bad guys can be. These are strengths of the work to this point.
The work is in the process, however, of becoming ludicrously long. And that's really a shame.

I loved this book. I think the Wheel of Time series is great and I think this was the best so far. It has a lot more about the Aiel, and the rest of the world. There is a lot of detail but I think that just adds to the book. I can't wait until I read the next one. The only downside to the series is that it can't go on forever.

Wow, what a mess of a book. I had read the first three about a year ago, and recently picked up the second 3 in a set.

Books with lots of characters and backstory are fine, but not to the point where you need a scorecard to keep track of whos who.

There are 3 main male and 3 main femal characters. Then add the head bad guy, his 12 forsaken, their varios minions. Next add a boyfriend or girfriend to each character. Finally add various officals, and people who join the team, people from history, a dozen evil `sisters' and you are looking at close to 100 characters.

And just to make in more difficult, all the the ancient ones have multiple names, and several of the other character use aliases. The characters will use someones true or alias first or last name willy-nilly. I actually had to make a note sheet with all the characters, and who was in what group.

Considering that the book is near 1000 pages, that is a much one os R.A. Salvatores Dark Elf Trilogy, but not nearly as satifiying. The story hops around between all the characters. Is so bad that at one point that the mother of one of the girls who likes Ran, one of the main males, meets a ex-wife of one of the Lords from when Rand was King of a city (for about 300 pages) and one of the 12 forsaken. There was an enitre chapter of them meeting.

The story hops around so much that you barely get to no anyone. It wouldn't be so bad but the book is so tedious. There is so much bloat in the book that the plot crawls along.

But the worst part of the book is its rampant sexism. Holy cow, if the author wrote a book treating women the way men are treat NOW would have a book burning party. The women are constatly making derogatory comments and treating men like slaves. (i.e. Male bodyguards are passed around from `owners' and forced to marry whoever the owner says.) Everyone in power is female and they make rude and sexist remarks constantly. I am actually hoping that every woman in this book dies and slow and painful death.

The story picks up at the end. I've still got 2 more to go in my boxset. Oh, joy. Maybe I can get a root canal instead

In all my years of reading, never have I come across a book so terrible that I had to put it down. Always, there was some redeeming quality to it; some last lingering urge to finish it and see it through. I am not one to give up easily. I give all things a chance no matter how bad they seem.

That is why I read "The Great Hunt" when I absolutely loathed "The Eye of the World". And found myself thoroughly surprised at how much better TGH was. When I read "The Dragon Reborn" I thought, 'If Jordan could focus more on his well-developed, interesting male characters and less on his females, he's got a fan!'

Sadly, that is not the case with "The Shadow Rising".

The book starts off with the same style of TGH and TDB (books #2-3). For about 2 chapters, I was quite pleased that I was holding book #4 in my hands after a week of no Jordan. However that quickly changed due to one thing: Jordan cannot write women.

Why does Jordan feel that in order to create strong female characters, they must all be beautiful, haughty, challenging, petty and immature? How many times can one woman cross her arms under her breasts and glare at another? Whether it's Nynaeve snapping at Moiraine, Elayne snapping at Nynaeve, Egwene glaring at Nynaeve...They are all incredibly annoying.

As if that is not enough, these under-developed female characters are each linked to at least one male character; I happen to like all the male characters. Nynaeve, for example, is romantically linked to Lan, the Warder. Why? Where on earth did this romance come from? Are we supposed to gasp with delight when Lan storms into a room and sweeps Nynaeve off her feet for a kiss? She is petty, short-tempered and mean, and carries a grudge against Moiraine that has no founding. He is barely conceivable as a person. As a friend put it, the old "Petulant Ice Queen somehow wooing the attentions of the strong, noble king" is one of the weakest, not to mention most clichéd, foundations for a romance ever laid.

Jordan either knows very little about women or else knows very little about writing them. It is more than possible to create a strong female who is not young and pretty as Elayne, Egwene, Nynaeve, Min and Faile are. It is possible to show that they are strong without having them be defiant or quarrelsome. It is possible to show their passion for their ideals without having them "bristle with anger" anytime someone disagrees with them. I found myself continuously wondering if Jordan thinks all men perceive women this way; or just him.

I think it is wonderful that Jordan has found a way to have equal male and female roles. I, however, would take the few strong and truly admirable heroines that Tolkien created (Galadriel, Eowyn, Melian) than these dozens of under-developed, catty women.

I stopped reading this series, as well, because of the excess in descriptive words. Jordan needs to realize that over-doing it with the descriptions does not equal a richly portrayed world. Quality, man, not quantity. There are only so many descriptions of inns and common rooms, fireplaces and swords, arrows nocked and people sighing, a person can take. Two pages devoted to describing the shores of Tear don't make me any more excited about reading the book. I have seen ships before. Next time, perhaps he should concentrate on describing scenic beauty. That requires actual writing talent.

Readers who think Jordan exceeds Tolkien are thoroughly misguided and I pity them. I am quite glad the professor is not alive to see his work being compared to that of an amateur, self-indulgent man who thinks his pseudo Olde Englishe, his over-the-top descriptions, his unnecessarily lengthy glossaries and his painfully under-developed female characters place him in the league of the fantasy greats. Jordan will never have the skill of prose that Tolkien had, nor will his series ever touch readers the way "The Lord of the Rings" did. However, if he cultivates his writing abilities and exchanges the excess descriptions for better characterization, his series might earn some of the accolades reserved for the real great works of fantasy literature.

Despite the fact that this series seems to go on forever, the books are well worth the effort. These characters are some of my favorites in the genre and you really delve deeply into their hearts and minds. Even though there are a lot of people out there that criticize the length of the series, I have personally enjoyed it thus far and am looking forward to finishing it.

Ok. Books one and two were really great. Book three was good for the first 200 and the last 200 pages but I was still interested. But book four was absolutely boring. I felt as if nothing was happenning. With all due respect to Mr. Jordan I didn't even finish the book.(Quit with a couple of hundred pages to go) If you want to read a real series, read Tim Lahaye's Left Bedind series.

I started this series at the end of school last year, and I have been devouring them ever since. This is such an engaging story, and it leaves you falling over yourself to read the next one. I have already gotten 40% through the fifth book, and I am excited to continue this epic journey.

This was the best book so far with three rousing finishes. As many have said here, I liked Perrin's sequence the best. He has turned out to be probably the most "real" character and we get a good picture of his struggle to accept his role as a leader and "savior" of his people in the Two Rivers. Nynaeve and Elayne's story was a little slow, but I did like Nynaeve's battle with Moghedein (Sp?). Last, Rand's trip to Rhuidean gave valuable insight into the series as a whole and his battle with Asmodean in the end was a lot of fun as well. Bravo!

has anybody besides me noticed that the illustrations on the cover of the WoT books have nothing to do with the story?
for example, in the first book's cover, it shows Lan, and Moriane and though they are major chacters, they are not the main focus of the book. Also, in the second book, it shows Rand holding the horn of Valerie like he will blow it, but he is't even the one whom blows it. And it goes on like that in every book, don't get me wrong, this is a great series, and i wouldn't diss the actuall book, just the illustrations.

I am saddened that so few people can see this book for the work it really is. Of course it seems slow, can't anyone else see that it is setting the stage for the great works that are to follow? Rand is not a muttering madman, he is putting his Two Rivers stubborn personallity into the work he knows he has to do. The underlying plots are woven together with subtlety, something that few people seem to be able to understand. Perhaps they don't read the glossary at the back of the book. It's there for a reason!

The Wheel of Time books have been keeping me occupied for quite some time and I love having them as my "go to" read on my Kindle. I've seen other reviews that after book 4 the series gets a little tired, but I have my fingers crossed.

I loved the first three books. I burned through them. From reading reviews of the later books, it all goes down hill eventually. For me, I thought this book lacked the excitement of the first three. As the post title indicates, I have tried to read it two times now and could not get past around page 200. Maybe I will try again, but, as a reviewer, I have to say that there is a lot of fantasy out there to read and this is too plodding to please the true adventure seeker!

I'd recommend this book for readers ages 10 and up.....this is a quest to live until the last battle and to have the advantages so the darkfriends, forsaken one's, black Aes Sedai, Trollocs,Fades,etc, so they won't get them. It is about 3 young men that find out that they are ta'veren, Rand (dragon) ,Mat (gambler),Perrin (talks to wolves and the senses of them).They meet some people and they try to separate them from friends and enemys.It has Mideville time and Magic in the book. I also recommend the other 5 books of his.....
So read them!

The wheel of time series is a majestically complex and exciting story. The fourth book -the shadow rising- is my favorite. What I love the most about these books besides the intriging plots and great writing, is the closeness that you get with the characters. I've gotten to the point where i can almost predict a characters reaction, though the plot remains unpredictable. Each character has a different peraonality and the books are not only full of action, which is great in itself, but also full of every-day problems the characters face.
Jordan can write!!

Seriously. They did NOTHING in 980 pages.
I just DO NOT CARE about the hair color and 'seductive eyes' of a merchant's wagon driver. Jordan may find it more beneficial to make Rand a little less crazy (what's up with the main character going bonkers? Nothing to do with his 'taint') and Moiraine a little less meddlesome than to prattle on and on about some very low cut dresses. That really annoys me. Nynaeve & Egwene, if it's even possible, are even more annoying.
I really can find precious little good about this book.
PS: how many sinuous lines can one thing have in four pages?

This is a great series. I started reading it about 2 months ago and can't stop. I keep expecting to get bored with the story or the characters, but I can't help but be interested in everything this book is saying. With characters like Nynaeve, Egwene, Min, Rand, Mat, Perrin, and even Elayne, as well as the Aes Sedai and Forsaken, how can you not get a thrill in taking a trip down imagination lane. Jordan tells the story so clear and descriptive, I have no problem putting myself there with the characters. Great work and can't wait for more!!!!

I'm just gonna say one thing... if you could give this book more then five stars, I would! Everything in this book is just so... Impressive! I really love the relation between Faile and Perrin... man so sweet! And It's really sad that Perrins family got killed... Jordan has it all in this book! Both sadness, and also happyness! The only thing i missed in this book, was a fight between Rand and The Dark one, but It doesn't really matter, because there are many other fights. I'm Just gonna tell you all! GET THIS BOOK NOW!!!

Great story, plot development and characters. Unfortunately, there are many, many, many, many characters. There is a glossary, but it is missing most of the characters and descriptions that are hard to recall. Be prepared to take notes, or search the internet to figure out who some of the characters are.

The farther into the series you go the more the plot builds up. It is also increasingly harder to keep track of all the characters names, and customs. But I think the farther into the series you go the better the plot becomes. I only have one complaint - thiers a lot of detail sometimes it's is nessasary and sometimes it's not needed. I can hardly wait to read the next book of the series.

I am working to read the entire series. These are well written books that are a joy to read. It does help to read them in order. I have read several of the series and they are all great. The writing is really good and the style remains the same through out the series.

I'm really distressed because when I was reading this book I realized that there might be a mistake. Master Bayle Domon was supposed to have met Thom Merrilin in 'The Eye of the World' because he almost stumbled in his ship fleeing from some Trolocs. This happened just before they arrive in Whitebridge. Then, when they meet again in Tanchico they don't seem to know each other. Is this a mistake or am I wrong? What the heck was Mr. Jordan thinking about when he wrote this Chapter? Please help me.