Update! Finished Lord of Chaos last night!
This book had the most action packed ending of the series so far. I was really impressed at how this all turned out! Okay, let's see....
-Elayne, Nyneave, and Mat are left in Ebou Dar. They haven't found the bowl terengeal yet. I absolutely love how angry Nyneave is about telling her he was going to warm her bottom. I think she's overreacting but it's nice to see the tables turned. I think Elayne is wrong in trying to examine Mat's foxhead medallion. That medallion is Mat's one way of protecting himself from the people he trusts the LEAST. I was glad earlier in the series when Rand told Moiraine that Mat's medallion is OFF limits. It's his and no Aes Sedai can touch it. I've always liked Mat throughout this whole story and I feel that Egwene, Nyneave, and Elayne don't give him a fair shake. The man arrived in Salidar with an army that serves him and Nyneave yells at him like he was caught stealing blueberries or something. I certainly hope there is some point where Mat sets Nyneave straight, or she witnesses him do something that completely changes her respect for him. Mat deserves it I think.
-Rand gets captured!! This was unexpected. Where were all the Aeil that are usually in every crevice or corner if he has guests. I know the Aes Sedai arrived quickly, but jeez! I'm also a little disappointed that Rand fell for their trick. How could he not imagine they would disguise Aes Sedai as servants?? And the way the Aes Sedai acted when they had him captured!! Like he wasn't even a big deal. Oooh, I could FEEL Rand's anger. That was pretty rough how they tortured him like that. Now Rand will NEVER trust Aes Sedai again. "Not an inch, not a hair..." he says. This is unfortunate because Rand will no longer recognize whether they are Salidar or Tar Valon, with him or against him.
I was so glad that Perrin rounded up all those soldiers and all those Aeil, met up with the people from Two Rivers flying the banner of Manatheren, and the wolves!!! They ALL came together to save Rand because at least THEY know that without him the world is doomed. The whole time they spent catching up to the Aes Sedai was a little bit too drawn out but when they got there was great.
-The big battle at the end was, like I said, the best this series has had so far. It's a bit unfortunate that there was no battle with a Forsaken, but this made up for it. Perrin, the Aeil, the nine Aes Sedai with them, the wolves, and all their soldiers arrive to find the Tar Valon Aes Sedai battling the Shaido Aeil who have them surrounded. Why did the Shaido turn on them?? They helped them capture Rand. It was the only part I didn't quite understand, although I did pick up that Sevanna wanted Rand for herself. This was a bloody battle and a bit graphic at some parts too. I didn't mind, it's a battle for God's sake! RJ did a great job addressing all the minor battles and the determination of Perrin to cut a straight path to his friend Rand. That's why I liked that so much, because he was fighting for his FRIEND. Not the Dragon Reborn, but his childhood buddy who he grew up together with.
Rand manages to untie the shield on saidin and free himself from that locked chest with so much force he actually stills two of the Aes Sedai that were shielding him. He then methodically hunts down and entraps the Aes Sedai that had captured and tortured him one by one. Lews Therin (inside his head) was actually encouraging Rand to do this too! He REALLY wanted Galina, but he never found her. BTW, during Rand's captivity, it is confirmed that he can talk to Lews Therin in his head. If only he'd cooperate!
Okay, when Taim and the Asha'man showed up, I almost leaped out of my seat. The image of all of the Asha'man wearing black and channeling against the Shaido was one I will never forget. That REALLY must have made all the Aes Sedai present very nervous. LOL.
It was a great battle. I'm glad that no major characters died. Rand forced the Aes Sedai that came to help him to kneel and swear to serve him. I felt a little bad for them because they tried helping, but after his torture and imprisonment, I don't expect Rand to trust any Aes Sedai ever again. When he told them "Kneel! Or BE knelt!" I was like ooooooooh it's on!! Rand's not going to take crap from anyone ever again! 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!!
-"Halima" freed Moghedian. I had been worrying this would happen for a while now. Now I'm fearing for Egwene, Nyneave, and Elayne because I'm sure that is all Moghedian will be thinking about. Revenge. Although, Halima said she was summoned to Shayol Ghul. Maybe she'll have a new assignment. I can't imagine she would be in trouble, it wasn't her fault she was captured. But, this IS the Dark One we're dealing with here. Another Forsaken on the loose....
-Egwene thinks it might be Logain who freed Moghedian.
-Falion of the Black Ajah ( I think) is in Ebou Dar hunting for an angreal cache.
-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.
-Demandred's last words to the Dark One, "Have I not done well?" makes me believe even more that he is Taim, or is at least working with him. Another hint was how brutal his slaughter of the Shaido was. Maybe he's training the Asha'man to be dreadlords. If so, it just doesn't make sense!! Why wouldn't he just kill Rand?? Also, it said Mazrim Taim had been channeling for 15 years, but the Forsaken were freed only recently. Did Demandred kill him and take his place?? Grrrr!!! I love these books LOL.
I'm very happy with how this series is going and I'm glad I got involved in it. Although, some parts really do drag on forever, I don't feel that the story itself is too stretched out. There's plenty of stuff that could be trimmed and still be able to tell the story, but there's also plenty of major events that are very fun and interesting to read. Plus, since there's so much content, I bet a re-read of the series would be very fulfilling. Which is why I'm sure so many people re-read this series!!!!
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. That also would mean that Warbreaker would have to be put on hold. Sigh, I hate being behind. LOL I suppose I'd want to give those books as much attention as possible, rather than have them be a quick read in between WOT books. Plus, I have you guys to consider! We'll see after I finish CoS.
Thanks again for the feedback guys!!! I hope you continue to enjoy this thread!! I'm having a lot of fun keeping this thread going for you. Take care!!
-Joe