Wheel of Time Read-Through - 1

To be honest, I had to read these chapters a week in advance, but I didn’t get a chance to write up my thoughts fresh from completing them. Summaries and commentary below the fold. Continue reading "The Great Hunt (Chapters 24-29)"

Overall, I felt that this was a solid assignment. We get to learn a bit more about several characters besides Rand, along with doing a little more world building. Summaries and further thoughts below the fold. Continue reading " The Great Hunt (Chapters 12-17)"

I really enjoyed these chapters. There was a lot of good stuff packed in here. Some good revelations and thrilling action. I think I’ve probably said this too much, but I’m really enjoying this re-read. I definitely did not start reading this book in the same frame of mind as I’m finishing it. Chapter summaries and my further thoughts below the fold. Continue reading "Eye of the World Chapters 43-48"

Rand and Mat flee Whitebridge, all the while hoping to see Thom running up the road to re-join them. They don’t have money and they must rely on charity from strangers. This theme continues for five chapters as they alternately meet kind farmers who don’t want to get involved with their trouble and locals who want them as far from sight as possible.

They make a short attempt at earning their room and board as traveling entertainers, until they get trapped at The Dancing Cartman in Four Kings. They realize too late that the innkeeper would like to rob them, and as they put on their little show while trying to find an escape, they realize a rich merchant has a very specific interest in them. They escape miraculously (or so Rand believes) when lightning kills the Darkfriend and his accomplices, leaving the inn in ruins as they flee town.

They continue relying on charity for wagon rides while Mat’s eyes heal (he was blinded by the lightning) and Rand recovers from a sudden illness. Rand has horrible dreams. Another Darkfriend makes an attempt on their lives.

They have a close encounter with a Fade before lucking into another cart ride into Caemlyn. They receive much useful information about the Queen and her Aes Sedai advisor, Elaida.

They arrive in Caemlyn and are overwhelmed by the size of the city as well as the amount of people. They find refuge at The Queen’s Blessing where Thom had told them to meet him. They find a friend in the innkeeper, Basel Gill. They continue to learn about the political landscape of the city.

Mat sulks in their room while Rand meets an ent. Ogier the loyal ogre explains much about the world and reflects on how short human lives are. He also introduces the term ta'veren which will continue to be important as the series progresses. Loial basically tells Rand that he and his friends are going to screw a lot of people’s lives up before they are through.

My thoughts below the fold. Continue reading "Eye of the World Chapters 31-36"

Summary of What Happened

Rand arrives in Emond’s Field with his ailling father and realizes that he wasn’t the only person to have a horrible night. We piece together what happened through talking to various villagers and Rand is told by Nynaeve that there is nothing she can do for his father. Rand decides to ask Moiraine Sedai for help.

Moiraine heals Tam and Rand learns that he may have been a target of the Trolloc assault. He also learns a little more about his father’s sword, further muddying his vision of his past.

Rand agrees to leave town and is able to talk briefly with his father about it before the group attempts to sneak out by night. Moiraine is confronted by superstitious villagers and she throws their proud (but forgotten) heritage in their faces. They shamefacedly return to their homes.

Rand, Lan and Moiraine join Mat and Perrin in the stables, only to learn that Perrin is terrible at this adventure business and fails to uncover Thom Merrilin hiding in the loft. He and Mat also fail to conceal their movements from Egwene. The fellowship of seven leave the Shire only to be pursued by a Winged Nazgul.

With the aid of magic, the party flees across the countryside to Bucklebury Ferry.

The party crosses the River Taren with the aid of some well-compensated ferrymen after which Moiraine destroys their livelihood. They find a secret hide-out prepared beforehand by Lan. Moiraine and Egwene go have a conversation about the One Power and Rand witnesses Egwene channeling for the first time.

My thoughts below the fold. Continue reading "The Eye of the World (chapters 7-12)"