AWWWWWW MOIRAINE?!?!?!?
I did NOT want that to happen!!!!
LOL In case you guys didn't know already, I finished Fires of Heaven. I have much to say. First off is that this is definitely the best book in this series so far IMO. Plenty of action, story, twists, turns, and an AMAZING ending.
-Okay let's get right to it. Moiraine: Again, I really didn't want this to happen. It wasn't a HUGE surprise because there was some definite forshadowing of her death throughout this book that I picked up on. It just really stinks because her and Rand FINALLY came to an understanding in this book. Moiraine was a true anchor for these characters as much as they disliked her. Her advice was always priceless and spot on. It may not have been what the characters wanted to hear, but it's what they needed to hear. I imagine it's similar to Obi-Wan Kenobi dying. Moiraine's death was certainly heroic. That whole scene where Lanfear attacks Rand with murderous jealousy was awesome. She skins Kadere because she's so upset about hearing Rand slept with another woman. That's rough!
The way RJ wrote Lan's reaction was heartbreaking. I can't imagine what he was feeling. Then he left so soon!! Moiraine bonded Lan to a Green sister in the event she died. I REALLY don't want this to be the end of Lan's participation in the story. I have a feeling it isn't.
I also KIND of have a suspicion this might not be the end of Moiraine and Lanfear's story. (It might be wishful thinking, I'm still reeling from this event) Okay, so they fell through the terangrael right? Now this was the same one Mat went through in Rhuiden and saw the scary people with pointed teeth who tried to kill him. Lan said he couldn't feel their connection anymore.....maybe traveling to another dimension would sever it?? Maybe not because Moiraine went into another terengrael doorway with Rand and Mat in another book and Lan never mentioned a disturbance in their connection. This is driving me nuts. LOL I hate the thought of Moiraine alone somewhere stuck between Lanfear and those creatures. I still don't totally understand why those people in the terengrael door way were so evil, as opposed to the friendly ones Rand encountered when he went through the other one. Besides, the one Moiraine pulled Lanfear into wasn't destroyed I think. ::sigh:: A lot to dwell on and that's only one subject. Man, I really am loving these books LOL.
-Okay, before Moiraine's death, Rand is full of fury and hell bent on killing Rahvin because he thinks that Forsaken has killed Morgase. Rand later resumes this quest. I'm glad he still went to confront him. I thought Moiraine's death would stop things cold and leave Rahvin for another book. I have to say that this whole final 20 pages was nothing short of groundbreaking!! Rand and the Aeil battling Trollocs and Fades. Rahvin attacking them with lightning and killing Mat, Aviendha, and Asmodean (had to read that 5 times before I believed it.) Rand's battle with Rahvin in the palace and following him into the dreamworld. Meanwhile, Nyneave has Moghedian leashed with an a'dam in the dream world and forces her to help Nyneave go help Rand. MAN this whole scene was awesome. So many things happening all at once. My eyes were GLUED to this book!!! They way they all managed to defeat Rahvin together was perfect. I do wish Rand and Nyneave could have talked for longer and have had a more in depth convo than the one they had. But I understand she was rushing him out because of how dangerous that world was to him. Also, I find it odd that he didn't even acknowledge Moghedian. Oh well.
Now, since Rand used balefire with FULL force to kill Rahvin, Mat Aviendha and Asmodean were alive and well when Rand went back out front. He erased Rahvin pretty far back I'd say. That was not very smart of Rand as I imagine there could have been many other consequences (I think there may be more I don't know of yet) Finally, after all is said and done and they are all settled down in the palace, Rand speakes with a man who has brought 9,000 soldiers from Mayene to serve him loyally. Rand accepts. However the conversation turns to Mazrim Taim. The false Dragon that has escaped and returned to his army. Rand gives him amnesty...of a sort. An offer of alliance. This would not have been my first choice, but the more I think of it the more it seems like a good idea (depending on Mazrim's character...I haven't met him yet) Rand declares that all men who are found to channel have the option to join him. They will not be executed or gentled. A few extra male channellers for Tarmon Gaidon wouldn't be a bad thing LOL. I'm interested to see how this pans out.
Now the loose ends:
- Who killed Asmodean??? He was killed out of nowhere after just being ressurrected. I don't even have an idea who it might be besides one of the other Forsaken.
-Morgase and Tallanvor.........a future together?? I can see it, but not before they have to repair her old alliances and retain her throne. Oh yeah, and show everyone she's not really dead.
-Nyneave and Moghedian: This was the big cliffhanger for me!! Moghedian spoke a little too much and Nyneave deciphered that she is one of the Aes Sedai in Salidar with them. Nice!!! Nyneave knows who she is too but it left me hanging. She makes Moggy drink forkroot to put her into a deep sleep and says "See you when I wake up" Now THIS I want to see. I'd also like to see how Nyneave will explain this all to the Aes Sedai there, as she was not supposed to be in the dream world in the first place (she was secretly training Siuan.)
Sorry this was so long but I had a lot to say. Much more has happened since my last update but I decided to only talk about the ending as there was so much there. I have to go to Barnes and Noble to get Lord of Chaos which I ordered last week. I can't wait to see how they tie up the loose ends. ESPECIALLY finding out who Moghedian was in Salidar. I couldn't imagine waiting a year or two for that answer. All you fans who did have to wait must REALLY REALLY hate me now LOL.
Thanks again for the input guys. You're all really helpful and I hope you continue enjoying this thread. I'll keep you all updated!!
-Joe