Egwene is just the most brilliant character to read about. There is almost no one who could have unified the Tower so brilliantly. She may go down as the greatest protagonist in the series, especially considering Rand is bound to be remembered with scorn like Lews Therin was. Some of her notable achievements in this book include...

1. Knowing how to handle Elaida. Initially she was meek and allowed Elaida to fully spread her tyrannical wings. She picked the exact right moment to engage her, and what a debate it was, even while being tortured with the Power. It was a spectacular scene, using her intellect to gain the individual support of the Sitters present in the room.

2. Handling the Sitters. She showed several times that she could win over the Sitters using simple methods i.e. knowledge with the Browns, logic with the Whites etc. She never backed down even though some called her girl, or tried to throw her out. In the end she managed a unanimous vote, which is very rare.

3. Destroying the Black Ajah. Yes, Verin gave her the list, but she pushed for execution. It was a brilliant move that required her to make the true nasty decisions needed by a leader. The Sitters wanted interrogation or stilling, but for once someone knew the folly of trying to hold an evil channeler. She even recalls her mistakes with Moghedien. And that was the quick demise of 50 Sisters, with a Tower that was suddenly a lot less Black.

4. Berating both sides of the Tower for their disgusting behaviour. Hypocritical yes, but then she was an Accepted in the Waste when they started this nonsense and was forced into the position. Making both sides humble was essential in not allowing a side to think that they were superior in some way. The Hall for their disgraceful conduct, the rebels for the Rebellion.

5. Taking a Red as her Keeper. One of the most brilliant tactics she could have used. I always hoped we'd see more of Silviana, and I'm eager to see how they work together.

6. The destruction of the Seanchan. Using her sa'angreal, Egwene single-handedly faced an army of men and damane and destroyed them all. She literally saved the Tower with this move. It was also good to see her release her demons against the Seanchan - she's been bottling that up for ten books. She saved so many Aes Sedai, and killed dozens of damane and to'raken. Amazingly she was the first Aes Sedai to think of using angreal or sa'angreal to fight these people. Considering damane cannot link, Aes Sedai definitely should, or use angreal - it makes shielding impossible.

7. Romanda and Lelaine in her hands... well done, and no easy feat!

Seriously this woman is just brilliant, and far less irritating to read about than Rand. She has great antagonism towards him, so I think there's going to be a huge storm when they finally meet. In his state, she would be in mortal danger. Still, this book cements a great plot arc driven by a spectacular character - one of my all time favourites.