"When I thought of my wife, it was not disgust or anger I felt so much as a kind of revulsion."
When I first read about this premise of The Vegetarian,"When I thought of my wife, it was not disgust or anger I felt so much as a kind of revulsion."
When I first read about this premise of The Vegetarian, it was difficult for me to imagine how this seemingly mundane lifestyle choice would evolve into the horrifying reading experience as which the novel is marketed.
Yeong-hye suddenly decides that she wouldn't eat meat anymore – an event not exactly far out of the ordinary. Granted, we may assume that in Korea – at least at the time of publication and in certain social circles – vegetarianism was a more radical ideology than it is today in Central Europe. It's puzzling to her husband, from whose perspective the first act is narrated. It's even more outlandish to the older generation of her parents. But it's really the concomitant effects that get under their skin, and the reader's.
Yeong-hye experiences a severe change of personality. To others she appears taciturn, aloof, unapproachable. The things she says rub people the wrong way. She is drastically losing weight and her sickly countenance is more than worrisome. If her new dietary habits are the cause for the biographical disruption, she has to be brought to her senses.
The Vegetarian is about control, or perhaps the lack thereof. What I've just described is the build-up for the anger and frustration that drive the drama in the eponymous first chapter (first published as its own self-contained novella). The events are not for the faint of heart and trigger warnings should be taken seriously.
The situations depicted in this book seem intelligible, at least to some extent, when considered against the backdrop of dreams, restrictive social norms, child abuse, artistic expression, or even just the want for peace and quite. But our conceptual means fails against the helplessness and horror on display.
The graphic prose makes this a very visceral read. Interspersed are dream sequences of animal abuse convey to the reader impressions of the trauma that haunts Yeong-hye's subconscious mind. Yeong-hye and her brother and sister grew up with a domineering father and in an environment of domestic violence rooted in his experience in war. She herself is controlled by deep-seated compulsions that gradually influence her perception of reality.
The second act, told from the perspective of Yeong-hye's brother-in-law, is about sexual obsession. Desires are yet another from of being controlled by unknown forces of the mind, and here again they shape his experiences and relationships. These wants are notoriously difficult to explain rationally. Perhaps there is survival value to the fact that we instinctively back away from behavior that we cannot understand.
To my mind it seems fair to say that free will is less decisive than is generally supposed. There is so much about our daily lives that happen out of habit and cognitively solidified behavioral patterns. It's not just eating disorders or obsessively washing your hands. Each day there are probably only a couple of instances that result from, or even require, genuine decision making.
Yet, most people feel the urge to put things in order, with their standards for orderliness firmly established by childhood experiences and life-long reinforcement. Much strife and violence stems from the all too human predisposition for judging others.
The Vegetarian conspicuously exposes this opposition in the dramatic extreme.
Charlie Gordon is a simple man who does cleaning work in a bakery. Unlike what you may think, on some level he is painfully aware of his cognitive limCharlie Gordon is a simple man who does cleaning work in a bakery. Unlike what you may think, on some level he is painfully aware of his cognitive limitations. Flowers for Algernon explores the fascinating premise: what if intellectual disability like his could be "cured"?
As Charlie undergoes an experimental procedure that dramatically enhances his intelligence, we witness a complete transformation of his perception of himself and the world around him. This reframing of his life reveals layers of family and social dynamics that were previously hidden from him.
In the beginning, readers understand situations that Charlie himself cannot comprehend, allowing us to feel both his frustration and vulnerability. As his awareness grows, we see him develop a condescending attitude toward the minds he once admired. He begins to recognize the limitations of their understanding, particularly regarding his own condition – a realization that causes him deep anxiety about what they claim to know about him.
As Charlie's enhanced intelligence begins to deteriorate, the story ultimately comes full circle. The narrative becomes increasingly disheartening as we witness Charlie's regression with a profound sense of loss.
The story is told from a letter-esque first-person perspective that makes the reader experience the transformation through Charlie's eyes. In this aspect, the novel may not be without its inconsistencies. The beginning occasionally strikes a false note, as when Charlie remembers the word "Rorschach". But first-hand access to his emotional reactions vividly reveals an inner turmoil hitherto unknown to him.
Charlie's journey raises the question of whether he was happier in his original state – evoking John Stuart Mill's famous assertion that "It is better to be a human being dissatisfied than a pig satisfied; better to be Socrates dissatisfied than a fool satisfied." Yet, maybe there is more to living a good life than mere happiness. What makes someone worthy of respect and dignity?
The story resonates because it examines fundamental aspects of the human condition: our drive for recognition, the difference between knowing people and having friends, and how changes in cognitive ability affect personality and social relationships.
Flowers for Algernon encourages readers to sympathize with those who are different, making it a rightful staple in school curricula for its ability to sensitize young minds to important issues of empathy and respect.
With Hyperion, Dan Simmons created a science fiction epic that is equal parts mystery, philosophical exploration, and thrilling storytelling, unfoldinWith Hyperion, Dan Simmons created a science fiction epic that is equal parts mystery, philosophical exploration, and thrilling storytelling, unfolding in a universe on the brink of interstellar all-out war.
Seven so-called pilgrims are chosen to journey to the Time Tombs on the eponymous planet, hoping to present a wish to the Shrike, a powerful and enigmatic being that dwells there. This quest represents what may be humanity’s last chance for survival against the Ousters, a long-before separated faction of humanity threatening with a devastating attack.
Rather than a straightforward narrative, Hyperion is structured around six novella-length stories that each traveler shares along the way, blending elements of adventure, war, noir detective work, political resistance, family drama, and fictional biography.
Readers may find themselves reminded of H.G. Wells’s The Time Machine, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Murderbot Diaries, or The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, but the novel still feels fresh and original even today. It asks some intriguing questions questions, like what it would be like to age backward, losing memories one day at a time. Or to be modeled on another person’s personality. In fact, one android character was created from the tormented real-life poet John Keats, whose work inspired some of the story's themes.
Simmons’ language is almost overwhelmingly dense at times, but that only adds to the atmosphere and immersion. Overall these stories were great fun to read. I'm not sure where the story is going – well, it's very obvious where it's going, but not how this will fill up another brick of a book – but I'm very excited to continue with the series!
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Ultimate B&W Collection Vol. 1 brings together the first seven issues of the original comic series, along with a oneTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Ultimate B&W Collection Vol. 1 brings together the first seven issues of the original comic series, along with a one-shot focusing on Raphael interspersed in-between. While I've watched the cartoon and 90s life-action movies, I've never read any of the comics. The volume gives a great introduction to the early days of these pop-culture staples.
The pace is incredibly fast and has our heroes dive into one spectacular action sequence to the next. One standout moment is the almost issue-spanning car chase, which well symbolizes the kind of ride you are up for. Similarly awesome was the action that follows the news-broadcast build-up at the T.C.R.I building. At that point it's already quite epic when the Turtles return to Earth.
The first issue is relatively self-contained and somewhat reads like a proof of concept. But the stakes escalate quickly, taking the Turtles far beyond their original street-level scope. To keep up the artwork too grows increasingly detailed with every issue, reflecting the creators' expanding vision and confidence.
The collection has all the raw energy you might expect from the early days, but the creators quickly tapped into a well of creativity to create stories that are great not just for nostalgia. Very excited to see where the series is going from here!
**spoiler alert** Winter's Heart is is not exactly the most popular book in the Wheel of Time series. A random sample of rankings I've found online le**spoiler alert** Winter's Heart is is not exactly the most popular book in the Wheel of Time series. A random sample of rankings I've found online lets me believe that it might be many people's least favorite. To be honest, I struggled very hard with The Path of Daggers and in the end didn't feel as if enough stick with me to write a review. After that the ninth entry was the first I wasn't excited for going in.
And it's off to a very slow start. An eighty pages Prologue about some Aes Sedai I cannot quite place (there have been so many, haven't there?), not exactly something to get you all hyped again. After that we follow Perrin for numerous chapters in a row.
Remember when Perrin was the proud leader in the battles of the Two Rivers? Yeah, he was awesome back then. It was a very long time ago. Since then he has done nothing of note. Now Faile was kidnapped (by... someone) and he's determined to get her back. Only that he spends a couple of chapters complaining and not doing much. I think that was it, the subplot doesn't find any closure here.
Then there are numerous Elayne chapters. She rules, but she hasn't yet officially gained the Lion Throne. In fact, her succession is disputed. I think that's what these chapters are primarily about? There is also some "progress" in the love... triangle? Quadrangle? I think Elayne, Min and Aviendha are now all bond to Rand and feel his pain. Literally, apparently this guy is suffering horrendously from the two wounds afflicted by Padan Fain. But this doesn't really offer much depth to their relationship(s).
In fact, Elayne is now pregnant, and it happens rather unceremoniously. Other than that she doesn't really seem ahead of the game. She certainly acts in character when she is poisoned and afterwards rewards the man who came to her rescue. He could have attacked her with a poisoned knife out in the open and that girl wouldn't have seen the trick. I've said it before, but she's really annoyingly stupid. Things only marginally improve when in later chapters she is assisted by other characters.
All throughout there are chapters recounted from the points of view of other characters. You know, the kind of people that make you go, who was that again? Maybe Tuon deserves her own chapter or two, because of where her ark is going with Mat (I'll get to that). But Shalon? I think she has a couple of chapters. She travels around with some Aes Sedai, like to an Ogier stedding? I have to admit that I didn't pay enough attention to know why this matters to the overall story. Perhaps her subplot wasn't completed, yet.
I think it's fair to say that Mat is the star of the show. I'm not sure if he has the most chapters (it's probably Elayne), but I feel like the latter half of the book mainly focuses on him. Or maybe it was because he followed a more easily discernible quest. Which certainly isn't to say that it was an interesting quest.
Mat is essentially where he was before, in Ebou Dar in Altara. Actually, I could swear he left at some point. Wasn't there the exact same scene of him leaving his rapist lover, and in the end saying that he will honestly miss her? That happened, right?
Anyway he's still (or back or back to being) Queen Tylin's sex slave and his big goal is to escape this situation. Only that the situation isn't presented as being as dire as would be warranted. Imagine the situation was gender swapped, Jordan would have told a very different story, right? Anyway, you wouldn't believe how many chapters it would take him to get things going. Granted, the city is now under Seanchan occupation, but events are moving forward only very slowly. And eventually his big plan is to recycle the circus scheme. Boring and a drag!
There is some silver lining, though. Oh, there is something else I just remembered. What's with this old Noal fellow who assists Mat in his fight against the Gholam and later shows up again when Mat is in need of help? There is very little of him in between. I don't know if this relationship is going anywhere. So far the most lackluster of sidekicks.
Now, I was talking of silver linings. There have been many prophecies all throughout the series, not the least the countless of visions that Min has about people's fates. Frankly, I'm not keeping track. But there was one in particular, I think back from when Mat died (I think he did) in Rhuidean. Something about the woman he is to marry. Since the Daughter of the Nine Moons is explicitly referenced, it turns out to the Tuon, high Blood of the Seanchan empire. So far we know only very little about her, other than the fact that she wanted to buy Mat. I hope this is going somewhere.
Finally, there is Rand. He's there throughout, but it's only in the last few chapters when he regains his status as main player. His quest is actually pretty cool. No really! As was foretold, some of the Asha'man went crazy and attacked him in The Path of Daggers. Now the Dragon Reborn strikes back.
Their tracks lead him to Far Madding where he's able to confront two of them. He also faces Padan Fain once more, who again sneaks of when given the chance. Rand then sets out to heal the male source of the One Power from the taint that makes men go crazy. I think the storyline has all the potential for an epic climax, though in the end it was a bit underwhelming. This being said, I applaud the effort of not bringing us yet another massive battle and instead thinking of something different. At least the mental images of glowing statues and stuff were cool.
Yeah, that was Winter's Heart. The fact that it's all set in the dead of winter doesn't really matter much. Egwene's armies make no progress whatsoever (she sure is taking her time). The Forsaken make real fools of themselves (as Mike emphasized in his review).
Overall, I didn't have much positive to say about the book. Strangely, I did enjoy the reading experience for the most part. People say they found it hard to make it to the end. I didn't, at no point did I feel like giving up. I guess give me magic, swords, and pulp-y humor and I'll have a fine day. In this spirit, bring on the next one!
The Dark One experienced a series of setbacks. In the past couple of books, our heroes were able to ove**spoiler alert** "Let the Lord of Chaos rule."
The Dark One experienced a series of setbacks. In the past couple of books, our heroes were able to overcome many of the Forsaken. Rand was able to bring nations behind him, so that even public rulers like Sammael are on the defense. Firmly in power, Rand dares to grant amnesty to male channelers. He hired no other than former false Dragon Mazrim Taim to train his army of soldiers capable to wield the One Power, his Asha'man, as they'll come to be known.
So, our evil lord is understandably pissed. But we already know that his prison isn't holding up too well and he is re-gaining some of his power. He lets his presence know by making the whole world burn up. More secretly he brings some other Forsaken into the world. And by know you should know, in the world of Wheel of Time this means – that he will leave the stage and the revived will only creep about the end of a chapter or two. We do understand, though, there are things still to come!
This kind of setup is growing on me. For some reason Jordan loves to remind his readers how dire the situation really is, perhaps to overshadow all victories that are about to unfold in the course of the next one thousand odd pages. In fact, Lord of Chaos might be the book of empowerment on our heroes side.
The most fateful character growth is undoubtedly Egwene's. After she has learned Travel by entering the World of Dreams in flesh, she is summoned to Salidar to speak before the rebel Aes Sedai. It turns out, they decided that Egwene will be the next Amyrlin. Meanwhile, Nynaeve discovered how to Heal women of stilling as well as men of gentling, respectively.
In this way she is able to reconnect the former Amyrlin Seat, Siuan Sanche, to the True Source. It's without consequence, though, as it still leaves her much weaker than before. I thought the development was emotionally very twisted and you can only imagine how disruptive it must have felt to her. I would have liked if it had been explored further, though. Also, the healing of the other former false Dragon, Logain, is so far not much addressed, either.
Moreover, it's puzzling to me why these core moments pass by so quickly. I feel like Jordan doesn't fully answer the questions that motivate these plot points. Why Egwene? How exactly does Nynaeve discover the long-lost art of Healing a stilling? I've read people complain about how important episodes in the series come about rushed, and as with certain episodes in the previous book, there are clear examples here.
Maybe the series is really more about its pulpy charm, and there is much of this here. For instance, there is this incredibly ridiculous quarrel between Perrin and Faile, because Berelain is sexually approaching the guy. It's really stupid, especially since it doesn't even pretend to add anything to the plot. Rand is also reunited with Min, whom he relentlessly friend-zones. What also happend: Over-the-top love pulls Egwene in Gawyn's dreams. At this point it's really clear what to expect from the romance bits, and I kind of enjoy the stupidity of it all.
We learn some new things about Rand. Not only is he of Aiel ancestry, in a distant sense he is even related to Elayne. Apparently he is the son of some other Daughter-Heir of Andor who disappeared some twenty-five years ago? Not sure about the details, but that's probably because she ended up with the Aiel for whatever reason. We learn a few things about the houses and lords, but I applaud Jordan for resisting the temptation of prolonged info-dumping.
In this context it felt a bit odd that Elayne and her mother remain fully passive for the entirety of the book's plot. Believing that Morgase is dead – she is de facto imprisoned by the Children of Light – Rand is determined to make his friend the new ruler of Andor. Somehow Elayne doesn't act on this, not sure if she even knows about Rand's stance. I suspect she will be the focus of the next novel, similar to how this one focused on Egwene and Nynaeve.
Noteworthy are also some cool additions to the magic system. We learn that bonding warders can be used as a weapon and against the other person's will. There is a bit of an unusual edge to it, because of how much it plays fast and loose with the mechanics. Nynaeve is still suffering from the blockade that prevents her from channeling freely, and it's fun to see in what ways her teachers try to overcome the limitations. I think it's also the first time that there is talk of Talents (with capital "T"), like being able to reliably make out ta'veren.
By far the most important development is the fact that Lewis Therin Telamon now speaks to Rand in his mind. Clearly this is to suggest that he is slowly getting mad. What is interesting, though, the voice in his head already is mad. It's all very comical, like Venom's voice in Eddie Brock's head. I thought it was very good fun and certainly made Rand more interesting to me.
The plot at the end of the last book led towards confrontation between Rand and Sammael. Surprisingly, nothing of this sort happens here. The Forsaken even offers truce, even if Rand doesn't accept. I guess this wouldn't be a fourteen-part series if things moved that quickly. Instead, the real villain is the White Tower. Or not even that, some more or less random representatives of the White Tower.
To be honest, Rand demonstrated some unhinged stupidity when he fell for their trick of bringing "servants" with them. It all happens during their second audience, suddenly it's the baneful number of thirteen and the Dragon Reborn is captured! Seriously, who would have thought. It's another instance of where the visuals – the way you would imagine the scene to play out – being much more important than any brilliant writing to make it happen.
It all leads to the Battle of Dumai's Wells. For me this was certain the highlight and most memorable sequence of the entire book. It again conjures up grandiose images, with Perrin off horse and slashing through enemy lines with his axe, assisted by reckless wolves. The giant Loial himself axe in hand. A small army of Asha'man arrives by way of a gateway, to my mind somewhat reminiscent of Avengers: Endgame. Their response is significantly more brutal though, as they literally make their Shaido enemy explode. This and the fact that Rand has been tortured makes this probably the darkest entry in the series so far.
At this point I won't expect any smart plot twists, nuanced reveals, or finely woven developments. You really have to remember, The Wheel of Time is all about fun. And on this front Lord of Chaos very well delivers.
**spoiler alert** Rand crossed the Dragonwall and united the Aiel behind him. There may be a few clans that still refuse see him as their Car’a’carn, **spoiler alert** Rand crossed the Dragonwall and united the Aiel behind him. There may be a few clans that still refuse see him as their Car’a’carn, but he can no longer wait, he has to quickly return from the Spine of the World and stop the bloody conquest of his relentless rival candidate and the Shaido Aiel. And we already know, some of the Forsaken placed themselves in positions of political power. Sooner rather than later the Dragon Reborn will have to face them, too.
As in the previous book, we follow different threads through the narrative. While we leave Perrin behind for the time being, two of the other storylines continue. Min joined Siuan Sanche and Leane, the Amyrlin passé and her former Keeper. With them is also Logain, one of the false dragons that was gentled at the White Tower. They are on their way to rejoin with the rebel Aes Sedai who like them won't accept Elaida's claim to the Amyrlin Seat. Generally perhaps the least important arc, though it'll have it's moments throughout the novel.
Likewise with Nynaeve, Elayne, Thom and Juilin (the thief hunter, if you don't remember). As soon as they discovered what happened at the Tower, the fact that Siuan Sanche was ousted, their destination is the hiding place of the Blue Ajahs. For them, as well as for the other party, one problems remains: they don't really know where they are. So expect a few detours. Actually, expect them to become the stars of a menagerie!
Their episodes tend to be somewhat lighter and counterbalance what is generally a darker tone. I especially enjoyed the more prominent role of Birgitte Silverbow, one of the legendary heroes that will return when the Horn of Valere resounds. At least that's what myths and stories tell us, yet somehow she is removed from the World of Dreams and gains presence in the waking world. I quite liked how the dream realm turns out to be the land of legends, too.
Egwene in particular becomes much more powerful in her ability to control and travel Tel’aran’rhiod, though Nynaeve and Elayne to some extent follow suit. Similarly, Rand is now capable to more or less freely create gateways to other parts of the world, while shielding his own dreams from unwanted intruders. The fact that characters are thus able to escape the bonds of time and space occasionally propels a plot that I felt moved significantly slower than in The Shadow Rising.
The story focuses strongly on shifting relationships. Not only does Egwene develop her potential, we are as surprised as she is when she finds that Moraine talks to her as an equal. It's easy to emphasize how this would boost her confidence, which she uses to renegotiate her relative standing with Nynaeve. Back home the latter has always been her undisputed superior; now it's her who calls the shots. Nynaeve is all too aware of what is happening. Understandably, it puts her on edge and I think that's one of the causes for growing tensions between her and her travel companion, Elayne. In these moments the characters truly feel more mature and human.
At the end of the predecessor it was established that Asmodean – one of the Forsaken! – would be traveling with Rand. Of course there are only very few men who would be able to teach Rand to be stronger and to prepare him for Tarmon Gai’don, the Last Battle. There is the constant worry whether he really can be trusted. For the most part, though, he's rather surprisingly passive. I think he will take center stage only later. He already taught Rand some impressive tricks, though.
There is another characters that travels very close to Rand. As in the second half of the previous novel, Aviendha won't leave his side. At every opportunity she expresses her deep longing to finally leave, there being no man she would less rather be with and all that. So, if you've ever read a book you know, she will become his love interest (I think his fourth in the series?).
There is one scene in particular that drives this development forward. After he saw her naked, she panics and flees through a gateway she inadvertently created. Right into a storming blizzard! Quick actions in the cold outside leads to hot action inside. Frankly, it's all very silly. Not exactly The Left Hand of Darkness, that's for sure. But I still think that Aviendha has potential to remain one of the more intriguing characters in the cast.
To me the political developments were more interesting. In my introduction I already talked about the Shaido and the other man with claim to being the Car’a’carn. The Aiel despise the wetlanders for their reckless behavior in the past – I think they burned down trees the Aiel considered almost sacred – and to Couladin this is reason enough to burn their villages to the ground and to slaughter their inhabitants. The first big climax, somewhere around the midway point, portrays the fateful clash of Rand and Couladin.
Jordan asks us to think of battle in the most epic proportions. We learn that the enemy commands more than 160,000 warriors! To be honest, at no point in the narrative does it feel that grand. There was much more passion and stake in the smaller scale fights in the Two Rivers. The events see one unlikely hero – Mat, aided by the memories of legendary leaders. I don't think his strategies were captivating enough to make these moments memorable, and it was also a bit lazy that the big villain is killed in the off. Let's return to Perrin and his epic adventures, please!
The group around Nynaeve encounters another figure with potential to wield his influence: Masema, the Prophet of the Dragon Reborn. The unofficial Prophet, you may add. He's the familiar twister of religion and belief, the infuriating herald of conservative dogma. So far he was a minor character, but one that may succeed as a powerful symbol later on.
There are similar religious undertones to how Garad's arc develops. Elayne's half-brother was always portrayed as uncompromisingly righteous, so in a twisted sense it's only fitting that he would join the Whitecloaks. He's seems genuinely determined to help Elayne and the others, yet it's very possible that his commitment to the greater cause might lead to darkness. Certainly one of the most intriguing characters, even if romantic tensions with Egwene seem inevitable.
We already know that Lord Gasbril, Queen Morgase's lover, was in fact one of the Forsaken. Now we learn that his real name is Rahvin and that he uses Compulsion to take mental control of her. Eventually, Rand's armies will be marching for Caemlyn and there will be a showdown. Interestingly, with the exception of a few lines at a gathering of the Forsaken at the very beginning of the book, Rahvin hardly appears as an actual character. Even in the last battle he's more like an ominous presence than a physical attacker. To my mind it added greatly to the dark atmosphere of the climax.
The nature of Rahvin's spells is worthy of mention, too. He's attacking with Balefire, another cool addition to the magic system. Apparently, this substance pulls a thread from the Pattern, to some extent undoing what the victim has done. The repercussions in the plot were quite predicable – did you really believe that Aviendha, Asmodean, and Mat would be killed so unceremoniously? – but it still adds an interesting element of time-travel to the mix.
There are meaningful deaths, though. I was sure that Moraine would reestablish her role as one of the more influential plotters in the bigger scheme of things. What I certainly did not expect was how suddenly she finds her end.
To be honest, the events that lead to her death felt weirdly convoluted. Something about that merchant guy who was quietly traveling with them since forever, then Moraine leading Rand to the docks for no obvious reason. Explosions, then Lanfear attacking. Her sudden fury is confusing, too. It's probably because of what Lewis Therion's ex lover discovered about Aviendha, but how did she find out, and why then? To me the lead-up doesn't do justice to the importance of the scene.
There are other key moments that unfold in ways that make it difficult for the reader to grasp what is really going on. For instance, Nynaeve once again faces Moghedien, the Forsaken she has had surmounted in The Shadow Rising . We learn that this time she is more successful because Nynaeve was able to capture her using the a’dam, but I wasn't able to visualize what this would imply. In any way, the outcome makes clear that we'll see a lot more of Moghedien in the future.
The Fires of Heaven left me slightly unsatisfied. The most significant moments felt rushed in their execution and hamper what would otherwise be an awesome tale once more. Yet, the Wheel keeps turning, and fascinating events loom ahead!
**spoiler alert** The Shadow Rising improves on all fronts. While I enjoyed The Wheel of Time before, the book turned me into an avid and passionate d**spoiler alert** The Shadow Rising improves on all fronts. While I enjoyed The Wheel of Time before, the book turned me into an avid and passionate disciple. Rand al'Thor, the now widely recognized Dragon Reborn, returns to center stage as he positions himself as the prophesied leader of the legendary desert people. Meanwhile, other members of the growing cast of characters follow their own callings, consistently to destinations of great significance.
At the core of the genuinely epic narrative – the longest novel in the series – there is a key event when Rand truly becomes the Aiel's Car'a'carn, He Who Comes With the Dawn. Please excuse me for getting right into the action; for me it was the one moment (or sequence) when the world fully came to life.
A series of flashbacks throw him right at the time when almost all-powerful Aes Sedai brought destruction to the world. Yet, it's not about how the male half of the True Source was tainted or the Age of Madness. Instead, we learn about a people whose commitment to peace – their Way of the Leaf – was put to the proof by increasingly dire circumstances. To me the Aiel origin myth was the most convincing sign of more mature writing, especially because of how it addresses the painful reconstruction of identity in the face of what some of them had to do in order to survive or to save their loved ones.
The Wheel of Time is often praised for its rich depiction of culture. Earlier entries to the series had some of this, but The Shadow Rising quite literally spins a backdrop of colorful tapestry that goes well beyond earlier encounters with sporadic curiosities. Of the four main threads (I'll return to this) the events in the Aiel Waste take precedence, and what our long-standing heroes experience there is rich lore, custom, and character. In fact, even the place itself is construed as their Three-fold Land, where they dwell as punishment for their sins, to prove their courage, and to return to virtue.
Firstly, there are the little things. The comparatively tall people are perceived as fierce and remote, their humor is different and it's difficult to find common ground for conversation. Occasionally find themselves the subject of ceremonies with less than subtle sexual connotations. In many ways to find one's footing with some and some scenes leave the reader just as bewildered as Rand and Mat do themselves.
Don't get me wrong, the novel offers enough background information to gather a vague picture, if you bothered to piece together the details. If you are the kind of fan that enjoys high fantasy as being depictable on maps, there is world-building of this sort. But I don't think that's the point; it's more about the feeling and atmosphere than it is about genuine understanding of a people. In short, it's info-dumping done right.
Other than the feeling of bewilderment, some of the details are just plain awesome. For instance, we meet the Maidens of the Spear (or in their own tongue, the Far Dareis Mai). The form this subsociety of pride female warriors, armed with bows, long-bladed knives at their belts – and numerous long-bladed spears on their backs. I'm getting ahead of myself (I think it will only be established in the next novel), but they'll become Rand's personal guardians. The image might very well have occurred in my over-stimulated childhood dreams of too many hours playing RPG video games.
Speaking of dreams, if you are in any way familiar with the series it shouldn't come as a big surprise that they again play a crucial role in the narrative. We already know that Perrin may access the wolf dream to gather information on his surrounding environment. More importantly, Egwene was much-heralded by her companions for her potential to become a Dreamer, or a dreamwalker, as it's more descriptively called later on. The prospect of wise teaching is what calls her to the desert.
Up to this point, the White Tower of the Aes Sedai claimed the prerogative of interpreting what it means to channel the One Power. In this respect, the story strode familiar paths. The situation is now leavened to some extent by the introduction of other roles of magic. Only few of the Wise Ones can channel – in fact, the Aiel woman Aviendha is a new supporting character ordered to the Aiel Waste for reasons relating to this issue – though they are very well-versed in yet unfamiliar uses. Their societal standing too is very different when compared to the Aes Sedai.
Maybe this is a good point to talk about the second plotline, the one that features Elayne, Nynaeve, and Thom Merrilin. They too meet yet another group of women who make use of the One Power (again under different name) to achieve unique wonders. To reach their destiny they take up the services of the Sea Folk and the two seaward chapters delivered what was perhaps the most captivating prose of the series to date. You could almost smell the ocean and feel the fresh wind on your skin.
I have to admit, their stay in Tanchico was otherwise perhaps the weakest aspect of the fourth installment. It had it's moments, though, with Elayne and the gleeman getting reacquainted perhaps being the most memorable (even though it was a bit slow and clumsy). Also, their climax at the Palace, with its two boss fights, the rescue mission, and the general vibes, fully put me in the Final Fantasy state of mind. Very good fun!
You may remember that the Prologue of The Dragon Reborn revealed the Children of the Light's plan to deliver their justice to Perrin. It's mostly a plot of personal revenge, yet there is an overarching strategy plotted by the mysterious Ordeith (the man we knew as the peddler Padan Fain) to lure Rand to the Two Rivers. Assisted by Loial and a small group of Aiel warriors it is Perrin who answers the challenge.
Of course, those chapters are well-grounded in nostalgia, even if many of the relationships precede the events of the first novel. But when he leads the stealthy rescue mission in the Clan's camp we fully understand what he's made of. Here again Jordan's writing is phenomenal. He portrays the situation in such vivid detail that you'll find yourself holing your breath not to make one sound. I thought it was absolutely awesome how our hero slowly becomes their capable leader, Lord Perrin, the Goldeneyes.
The excessive space makes it possible to really spend time with the crowd. That was particular true for the scenes set in the Two Rivers and it gave off some refreshing cozy vibes. It's as if we follow Perrin to all his daily interactions, some only rather mundane in the bigger scheme of things. They are the kind of details necessary for the reader to get fully immersed in the world, like when we learn of the commodities offered by peddlers or the little things that people do between battles.
The latter however certainly were the highlights here. I guess I'm really susceptible to all the death-and-glory demeanor, greatly exemplified in a passage as this: "All up and down the line, as far as Perrin could see, the women were there. Their numbers were the only reason the lines still held, almost driven back against the houses. Women among the men, shoulder to shoulder; some no more than girls, but then, some of those 'men' had never shaved yet. Some never would."
For a book released in the early 90s, I think it's fair to praise the crucial role often assigned to female characters. Unfortunately, it's still hard to overstate how little substance there is to Faile. I saw her described as being reduced to the sassy sidekick, and it's sadly fully on-point. Would you believe that her marriage with Perrin takes up only half a page, in a book as chunky as this? It makes you wonder whether Jordan himself liked her.
Similarly, there are some very pulpy attempts at romance in the first third of the book. Frankly, there was a chapter or two when the writing became almost unbearably adolescent. But I have to say, these moments interspersed throughout later and more meaningful events grew on me. It's still very YA (and not even the good kind), but you cannot deny that it adds to the overall character and vibe of the series. Elayne or Min, I wonder. Though I still hope Egwene.
Min is the subject of the fourth and most minor plot thread. Its repercussions are huge and the few chapters are quite exciting to read, but I suspect it's mainly there to take away their safe haven and to set up the general tone of the next book. When it comes to The Fires of Heaven, signs are pointing to greatness!