I know people were a bit disappointed when it came out, since it was just a novella/extended short story, but on its own merits it was highly enjoyable.

1. It had a fairly streamlined plot. There's Moiraine's POV, and Lan's. That's it, and the two weave together and seperate again and again.

2. It had the air of menace and constant danger the first few WoT books had. After Rand took Tear, it became more about nations and political machinations and small battles against the Black Ajah, but the first three books were all about running away or chasing something.

3. The characterization was pretty well done, I thought- especially with Moiraine. She flashes from calm, serene High Lady to immature fledgling with a temper in the blink of an eye- like her initial dealings with Lan, or when she smacks the horse-thief with the Power.

4. It gave us a look at the inner workings of the White Tower, without defanging the Aes Sedai. I know a lot of us look down on the Aes Sedai of the current books- at best they're Cadsuane, at worst they're Joline. The Aes Sedai of New Spring are mysterious, dangerous and, while most are technically "good," have an air of "I am a powerful person. Do not cross me."




The whole "I will keep secret the fact that the Black Ajah exists" thing felt a little forced, but overall, a great example of a prequel, and a great book in general.