It was truly a low point in a series which, at that point, was sinking fast. New plotlines were introduced that served no real purpose - with the exception being Roel? Ilturade.

Perrin's meandering around Randland and his wailing for his beloved Faile were sickeningly awful and Elaine's succession and battle for the throne were mind-numbingly dull.

Like the previous poster said, the series could have been completed in 8 - 10 books in my opinion, and it would have made the series a more complete, engagaing and fulfilling one.

Now I am just glad it is over. I will gaze wistfully at my bookshelf from time to time and look at the one shelf filled with the entire series in Hardback and a smile will cross my lips. (However a shudder will come over me as me eyes settle upon the spine of COT!)