On my first read through a year ago, I was quite content with how the White Tower arc played out. In many ways, I'm still fine with it. On my recent re-read however, many, many things irked me from the characters to the actual plot.

Firstly, I thought the arc was WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY too plot driven. We were shown event after event where things just went perfectly, and everything seemed far too convenient. "Egwene, join my Ajah! No join mine!"

Secondly, on that note, I thought the characters had all been invaded by bodysnatchers. Elaida was the worst. She went cuckoo, and it wasn't gradual, it was one to hundred. A more in-depth look would have been nice as opposed to the "She's gone insane with power". Elaida in TEotW scared me. This Elaida was an irrational, bizarre caricature of her former self.

Don't get me wrong - it was very *fun* to read, but everything felt forced, and I didn't know who the characters were or why they had overdosed on crazy pills.

Thirdly, I found Egwene to be an insufferable Mary Sue. I have never been an Egwene hater nor have I understood the hate and contempt people have for her. But I found her to get unbearable as TGS progressed. It didn't affect me the first time, but her sanctimonious PoVs and actions really grated this time around.

I could understand if she were being set up for a pie in the face: where all her new-found airs were shown to be disliked by the other characters but I suspect that isn't going to happen.

Lastly, I was most disgusted by her treatment of Siuan.

On the flip side, I really enjoyed Rand's arc on my first read, and upon re-reads, I have come to LOVE it. Rivals/complements all that RJ has done with Rand's story so far!