Timewaster's Guide Archive

I noted you didn't ask but I wanted to save  you any frustation but Sammeal is dead. The sooner you know that the better, Mashadar btw was what got him and no the book will not tell you that.

How do you know? The WOT encyclopedia? It seems odd that RJ would leave such an important death so vague. Thanks for telling me though, I would have been expecting Sammael around every corner LOL.

Mat hasn't married the Daughter of the Nine Moons yet (remember that ter'angreal doorway in the Stone of Tear?), so of course he's not dead.

I was thinking of that today actually hahaha. I'm about 100 pages into PoD and I haven't seen him yet. Though Nyneave, Elayne, and EVERY one else EXCEPT Mat took off for the Kin farm to use the Bowl of the Winds. They just left him there!!

As for Nynaeve and Elayne, I agree with Shard that Nynaeve's attitude has gotten much better while Elayne seems to be getting worse (even before she got knocked up).

Um....haven't gotten there just yet. LOL

Hey guys!! I got a lot of reading done last night, and I know I will finish it tonight and have a final update for you maybe tomorrow. I just figured I'd write one now because a lot happened last night.

Okay,

-Rand went to see the Sea Folk. He went to announce himself as the Coramoor. Although they claimed he had to Bargain with them, Rand wasn't having it. He basically told them what's up, and it's his way or the highway. He told them they WILL help transport soldiers and battle the Seanchan. The Wavemistress was stunned to find herself PULLED toward agreement. Rand feels that this is ta'varen working in his favor and leaves with Min.
 
Rand decides to take Min with him to settle the rebels. After leaving the gateway they immediately run into a lady that Min almost mistakes for Moiraine. She is Caraline Domodred. I'm hoping this turns out to be Moiraine's sister or something. BTW, the Damodred's and Trakand's are mixed together bunch if I recall correctly. I forget exactly who married who, but I always wondered if Moiraine and Elayne were related. Also, I wish I got to see Moiraine interact with her family when Rand and the Aeil were in Carhein.

  But anyways a man named Darlin comes too and Min views that Caraline and Darlin are to be married, although it won't be an easy path getting there. With Min and Rand pretending to be Caraline's cousins (she knows who they are) they are led to a tent where there are the rebels with Aes Sedai, including Cadsuane, and a man named Toram who also holds affections towards Caraline and is EXTREMELY jealous. Finally, Rand spots Padan Fain. Man, my heart was racing when I read that. I've been WAITING for the two of them to square off. When Rand was explaining to Caraline who Fain was, I laughed when he said "He is a Darkfriend.......and a dead man." I wonder why Rand didn't immediately seize him with Air but I understand he was worried about the Aes Sedai, because a few of them were Red. A jealous Toram challenges Rand to spar with wooden sticks. It is a fairly even battle until Fain attacks. I didn't expect Fain to be this powerful. I always wondered how he overpowered a Myrrdral a couple of books back. I see how the powers he gains from/as Mordeth are useful. Amassing a huge fog and creating creatures that are made of the mist yet can kill in brutal ways. Rand reveals himself by using balefire on on of these things. That makes Toram fly into a rage, blaming Rand for all of it and runs away. It also earns him a swift slap across the face from Cadsuane. I like her a lot.

-Fain himself makes an attempt on Rand and actually scores a hit with his cursed dagger. Since the dagger is instant death he runs away. Fortunately the sisters were right there and could immediately apply Healing. My heart jumped in my throat when is said Fain got him with the knife because I remember the horrible death a Novice suffered from that blade when Fain was in the White Tower a while back. He cut Rand right over his unHealable wound from Ba'alzamon. When brought back to the palace the Asha'man decide to take a crack at Healing. One actually manages to do a better job than the Aes Sedai. She demands he teach her how he did it. LOL That had me laughing too. How awful it must have been for her to ASK a male channeler to teach her something. He claims he didn't really heal it, he sealed the wounds off from Rand. Only temporarily though. This was a really good chapter. I'm a little concerned that the wounds are only sealed off and not fully Healed. I bet Rand is going to wake up foaming at the mouth with revenge for Fain. I REALLY REALLY want to see Rand battle him.

-The Kin lead Nyneave, Elayne, Mat, Lan, and some soldiers to the house that holds the Bowl of the Winds. There they encounter two Black Ajah and other soldiers. A fierce battle ensues between Mat, Lan, and the Red Band against the Darkfriends while Nyneave battles the two Black Ajah herself....and they're LINKED. She begs Mat to go upstairs because she heard Elayne scream and felt channeling. (I see what you guys were saying about Nyneave's attitude changes.) When Mat arrives he finds chaos. Elayne is injured and several of Mat's soldiers are dead along with Reanne and a few Kin. Killed by a mystery man who Mat does battle with. He isn't named, but is faster and stronger than a Myrrdral and pretty much kicks the crap out of Mat. A soldier who tries to save Mat has his throat ripped out by this mystery man. Mat continues to fight the man and at one point on the ground, Mat's foxhead medallion slips out of his shirt and when it touches the mans face it burns him. Realizing he can use the medallion as a weapon, Mat chases the guy into a closet. But when Mat breaks the door down, the man is gone. They get the Bowl of the Winds, Heal anyone that can be healed, and Mat orders all of them to leave Ebou Dar immediately.
  Now THIS was a great chapter. I'm very intrigued by this mystery man Mat fought. Apparently he can channel, because he must've Traveled to get out of that closet. I don't know why he was burned by the medallion though. Is he MADE from the One Power?? LOL Perhaps I don't know everything about this medallion. Also, Elayne said her flows vanished with him, just like they did with Mat's medallion. As for his identity, I initially suspected Moridin/Ishamael. Now I'm not so sure. Remind you I haven't finished the book, so we'll see. I love it when Mat gets into the fight. I would have to say he's my favorite character right now. All the stuff with Queen Tylin is hilarious.

Okay, I should probably do more updates for a few reasons. First and most important, I know you guys like them and I really am humbled by your enjoyment of this thread. Second, so much stuff happens in a few chapters which means the longer time between updates, the bigger update I have to write. Unfortunately, since I have to cover so much, important things are left out. Like my update from a week ago. This update above, was only a couple of chapters, and look how long it is. There is lots to discuss. So if you guys feel I'm slacking......let me know! I'm always reading, and I can pretty much do an update anytime. I check this thread EVERY day so don't think your messages don't get through. This thread is for you guys as much as it is for me too!! So, I have only about 65 pages left and I will finish CoS tonight. Which means FINAL update tomorrow hopefully. I'm really excited to see how this ends. Take care guys!!!
-Joe

And your patience is rewarded! LOL

Update you guys! I made it to page 502 on Crown of Swords last night! A lot has happened and this book is getting better and better. Let's see.......

-Rand continues to battle Lews Therin in his head. He frequently battles for control over saidin with Therin, sometimes it requires all of his concentration. Lews Therin still hasn't had a conversation with Rand since he was trapped in the Aes Sedai chest in the last book.  Cadsuane was introduced and she kind of put Rand in his place. She is the oldest Aes Sedai alive, no wonder nothing would faze her. I like her and I think she could add a lot to the story, but I'm not sure what her motivations are. Apparently she comes in and out of retirement for big events and every other Aes Sedai treat her with as much reverance as they would the Amyrlin. She asks Rand if he has heard voices yet, because other men who can channel hear them before they go mad. This makes me think it might not be THE Lews Therin in his head but a side affect of the taint. The madness is trying to take control of saidin to do Light knows what. I bet this is what happened during the Breaking of the World. When all male Aes Sedai went mad and destroyed almost everything. Earlier in the book Rand thinks of the possibility of cleansing saidin. It was a quick though but I have suspicions that it may become a huge plot device later on.

-Mat remains in Ebou Dar with Elayne, Nyneave, Aviendha, Thom, Juilin, and Birgitte. Seems he has attracted Queen Tylin's affections. She basically raped him in his room. Those Ebou Dari women sure get what they want! He also spotted the woman who tried to kill her and Rand back in EotW (I think it was EotW.) I remember that scene vividly and I'm glad RJ keeps bringing these characters back. She works for Jaichim Carridan the questioner, who is also a darfriend. He was visited by Sammeal recently too. Interesting that the man whose sole purpose is to hunt down darkfriends when he is one himself. Perfect cover I guess!
 I get bad feelings in Ebou Dar, especially when it's Mat's viewpoint. Those damn dice rolling in his head always seem to signal bad luck and they are in such a dangerous place. He has had multiple battles with people trying to kill him already. At least he finally got his apologies from Nyneave and Elayne. Now THAT was  a fun scene to read. He recognized Birgitte and they actually decided to get drunk and talk things out. At the same time Elayne was somehow drunk too through the bond she has with Birgitte. VERY well put together scene. I'm honestly glad to see them working together now. I always felt Mat deserved a fair shake.

-Elayne and Nyneave discovered the Circle of women who were either Tower rejects or ran away from the Tower. After a VERY frustrating scene where they tossed out Elayne and Nyneave, not believing they were Aes Sedai, Elayne returned with Merillille and the rest of the Aes Sedai from the palace and brought them all to their knees. This was the first time that Elayne REALLY took charge as queen and Aes Sedai. She put Merillille in her place by explaining that since Egwene raised her to the shawl, and Merillile follows Egwene, then she WILL get the respect she deserves. Elayne also promised the Circle that they can return to the Tower and resumse their training. They were more than grateful and FINALLY revealed their knowledge of the Bowl of the Winds. I thought they'd never find this damn thing! LOL Reanne (leader of the Circle) also revealed that she is 412 years old. Merillille fainted at this news but I'm not entirely sure what the big deal was. If she was Aes Sedai or Accepted, wouldn't it be normal for her to age slower??

-Moghedian has been VERY humbled. She is now under the watch of Moridin whom I haven't met yet. He wears a small box on a necklace that is linked to Moghedian. If he crushes it, she will be crushed. I'm sure it burns her BIG TIME to be controlled by someone she's never met before. She is sent to Ebou Dar. I don't know why she was but I assume it's to hook back up with her Black Ajah pupils she sent there. On the way she spots Nyneave and balefires the ship she saw her on. She suddenly realizes that she was disobeying her instructions from Moridin and quickly gets out of there. It's fun to see Moghedian being the one who is controlled now, but I still worry about her quest for vengeance against Nyneave most of all. Now they are in the same place, perhaps looking for the same thing???

-Alvarian, Elaida's secretary, is a Darkfriend. She answers to Mesaana who I would like to see more of. She teaches Alvarian to Travel....for what purpose I don't know. This also kind of deflates my notion of Elaida being a darkfriend. Although I don't know that for sure, she may just be a witchy Red with a bad attitude afterall.

-Perrin was kicked out of the palace by Rand. I have NO idea why this happened. Is Rand losing it?! When the viewpoint is on Rand his actions are explained. When it's somebody elses viewpoint Rand seems so weird. His actions and his words are so strange and different then when we are in his head. I don't know yet where Perrin went but Berelain and Faile and som Maidens and soldiers went with them. It kind of seems that Rand is wasting a lot of time not going after the Forsaken. Maybe I'm just impatient but I want to see battles!! LOL

-Sevanna and the Shaido Wise Ones are unknowingly working with Sammael and Graendal. They use disguises when they meet with Sevanna though. I'm not sure what they are planning or why they still don't just gang up on Rand. Also, I'm a bit tired of the Shaido in this story. I never liked them opposing Rand and the rest of the Aeil and I always felt that they were one antagonist too many. It's frankly annoying and I was upset that they weren't completely wiped out in either the Carhein battle or Dumai's Wells. I'm sorry if this bothers people, but whenever the Shaido become the focus it kind of deflates my enthusiasm for the story. I feel that everything with them has gone on way too long. That's probably my biggest complaint about the books. Since Shadow Rising they have been a problem. Do they still think Couladin was the real Ca'racarn?? Do they really think they can destroy Rand and the rest of the Aeil?? Is their only motivation being Sevanna's revenge?? It's really annoying and kind of seems to throws a wrench into the flow of the story. I really hope they get taken care of SOON.

 -Also, when Sammael and Graendal leave the Wise Ones and are walking through the woods, they are being followed by someone called simply the "watcher." He sees black flecks across his vision and somehow avoids detection from either Forsaken. I think this is Moridin. When he met with Moghedian she noticed black flecks across his eyes and the story explained that is was from the "saa." I hope I learn more about the saa and why the Forsaken are being followed now. Also, who is Moridin?? Another Forsaken reborn??

-Morgase has been "rescued" by the Seachan from the custody of the Whitecloaks. They say they will restore her to the Throne only is she submits fealty to the Empress. They feel that it is time for their "return." Morgase escapes with Lini and Tallanvor and HOPEFULLY she will go straight back to Andor. I also have a feeling that the Seanchan and Mat have a big storyline coming up. They claim to be Artur Hawkwings armys decendants and we all know that Mat is Hawkwing reborn. Also, Mat apparently is supposed to marry the daughter of the Nine Moons, which is also something I've heard the Seanchan talk about. We'll see where this goes......

Okay, that's not really all of it but this is long enough and I'm going to go make myself something to eat! I'm really enjoying this story, except the Shaido, and I'm almost done with the book! I read 100 pages last night!! I hope you guys get your fix and I amd glad this board is so popular. Thanks for the responses guys and I will talk to you later. Have a great day!!! Happy Easter!!

-Joe

Quote from: JoeC on March 31, 2009, 09:49:48 PM

Okay, I have to go to Barnes & Noble to pick up my copy of Crown of Swords. I don't know if I will take a break between CoS and Path of Daggers or not. Patrick Rothfuss' new Kingkiller book comes out this month and I've been waiting for that for a while. Or I could put it on hold until I finish WOT.

You don't really have a problem here, because Kingkiller Day2 does not come out this month. Pat told us about this. Keep on reading WoT! I'm starting a reread next year to be fresh for the final 2 books 

That's really unfortunate because I was very much looking forward to the next book. Funny thing though.... I met Pat at a book signing in Cambridge, MA in November (i think) of 2007. Very nice guy, but I do remember him telling me, from his OWN mouth, that the second Kingkiller book was coming out in April of '09. I jokingly complained that I didn't want to wait and we had a few laughs. So, I don't know why he is saying Amazon had it wrong with the release date, because he confirmed it to me in person. Oh well, I understand writers are busy guys. BTW, I'm 200 pages into CoS and I should have an update in a few days. Things are good, but they haven't taken off just yet.

Quote from: JoeC on March 31, 2009, 09:49:48 PM

and the wolves!!! They ALL came together to save Rand because at least THEY know that without him the world is doomed.

Yeah, their response when Perrin says "they have caged Shadowkiller" was a very nice moment.

"We come." So cool....

BTW, he needs to go back to Tear and get Callandor so this crap won't happen to him again!! That thing has been stuck in the Stone of Tear for like 3 books!!
Patience, Callandor will return eventually.  Oh, if you go back and reread the scenes where he uses it you might notice something...

When the Trollocs and Lanfear attack the Stone of Tear at the beginning of Shadow Rising??

-Herid and Fel are torn apart by a gholam. I actually don't remember who these people are. I won't go to another WOT encyclopedia because I ran across some spoilers last time.
As stated already, Herid Fel is a single person and is the philosopher that was helping Rand puzzle out the Prophecies and his answers from the Aelfinn.

Ah yes, I remember him now. Sorry. But the short paragraph at the end of LoC made it seem like "Herid" and "Fel" were two different people. I remember him now. He was easily distracted and rambled on about things unless interrupted. I had learned about gholams a while back but this was the first I've seen of one. Apparently they are extremely dangerous and powerful. I look forward to seeing more of them. Hopefully soon!!

Quote from: JoeC on March 27, 2009, 11:30:36 PM

-Egwene is the Amyrlin Seat. This is exciting, though unfortunately I knew it was coming as it was spoiled for me on after I googled Wheel of Time. My mistake.

I can't believe it...the exact same thing happened to me!  It was a long time ago, but that was the only major surprise that was spoiled for me while trying to refresh my memory using EncyclopediaWOT.  I also can't believe how entertained I am by this thread.  We are vicariously enjoying WOT through your fresh eyes, JoeC.

Glad you're enjoying it!
BTW you guys, Perrin's back! After complaining that he wasn't in the book he is in the first chapter I read last night. Go figure! Berelain is a real hoochy too. I like Faile better. I've only got about 65 pages left so I will have a final update tomorrow evening. See you guys then!

So, where's that update we were promised, uh, two weeks ago?  We need our vicarious reading fix!

So needy Douglas!! j/k  Sorry about that. Been very busy(women...grrr) coupled with the fact that this book has not had as many major events than the last. I see that it HAS been awhile so I'll give an update!

-This book has mostly been about Rand, with the girls in Salidar as the supporting story. Still no Perrin...what's up with that? I see Rand has fully taken on the role as Dragon Reborn. He has real authority and exercises it very well. Even when he doesn't want to ( executing an Aeil he liked because they broke the law Rand made, very sad.) His character has grown so much. His growth in power is accompanied by the growth in problems he has to face. I think it's very odd that since the real Dragon has been reborn, the HERO of all life on that world, lords and ladies still play the game of houses and actually plot against him??? Even though this is a bit weird, it is a good example of selfish human nature.

-Nyneave Healed Logain, Suian, and Leane. VERY interesting. How can she have found something so easily that other Aes Sedai for thousands of years couldn't find?? It is a bit odd that Suian and Leane aren't back to full power.

-Egwene is the Amyrlin Seat. This is exciting, though unfortunately I knew it was coming as it was spoiled for me on after I googled Wheel of Time. My mistake. I'm happy for her and I think it's the right move if the Salidar Aes Sedai want Rand on there side, but having an Accepted boosted to Amyrlin would definitely cause resentment I think. She certainly fits the role with this new attitude change she picked up from the Wise Ones.

-"Halima" has infiltrated the Salidar Aes Sedai. She revealed herself as Aran'gar, the male Forsaken reborn as female. VERY nice idea by Mr. Jordan. A woman who nobody thinks can channel because she isn't Aes Sedai, but can wield saidin. No wonder she wanted Logain killed as soon as she got there. I'm very curious to see where this goes.

-The Forsaken have agreed to let "the Lord of Chaos rule." I still don't know why they don't all band together and kill him. Or why they didn't do it earlier. Lanfear could have killed him herself if Moiraine hadn't interfered.

-Mat took the Red Band army to Salidar to bring Elayne back to Rand. His first meeting with Egwene (as the Amyrlin) Nyneave, and Elayne had me laughing out loud. I could just picture him in my head mouthing off too them. When they tried to hold him with air, their flows disappeared because of his foxhead medallion. Their reactions were priceless. Mr. Jordan has a very good idea of how to inject humor into his novels at the right time. Elayne figures it's a terengal that stopped their powers but she has to investigate more. That terengal is perfect for Mat, as he distrusts Aes Sedai and with it they can't use their power on him! Now I know it absorbs saidin too because "Halima" tried to use power on him when they danced. He spun around thinking it was one of the other women though.

-Mat, Nyneave, and Elayne must go to Ebou Dar to get the bowl shaped terengal that may or may not change the weather, which has been oppressively hot. I hope they succeed, but I'm more interested to see the conversations between the three along the way. Including how Elayne plans to investigate Mat's terengal.

-Oh yeah, Alanna has bonded Rand as a Warder. I don't know exactly why she did this or why Rand didn't demand that she break the bond, but I actually liked that this happened. For some reason I can't quite say, I see this going in a very different direction than I thought. Plus, I kinda like Alanna.

Well that's all for right now. Sorry this wasn't very thorough. I just got home from work so I am very tired. I will try to update more often. I am almost done with Lord of Chaos and I put in my order for Crown of Swords yesterday. Thanks for the feedback guys!!
-Joe