Just finished reading TGS. Enjoyed it, quite a bit more than I was expecting actually. I think I prefer Sanderson's writing style to Jordan's, but I'd want to reread some of the later books to be sure. It was definitely one of the most consistently engaging books I've read since somewhere around LoC. So much stuff happened! Onto more particular thoughts...
It was one of the best in the series, which I wasn't expecting. I ended up reading most of it in a day because I couldn't put the book down. First time that happened in the series.
- Rand's storyline was incredibly depressing. Sure, it was supposed to be miserable for that ending but darnit, it still was terribly not fun to read. The Rand-Tam reunion was super, but I do hope we get to see them properly reuniting when Rand next appears. As well as reconciliation with his other nearest and dearest. Especially Nynaeve. I thought the Rand-Nynaeve relationship was really well handled.
I think that was the point. When the hero loses all hope, the story was never going to be anything else. I'm glad we got so much of Nynaeve's PoV in this book, because I didn't want to see that relationship from the other side. Not fun, but engaging.
- And I really liked that the ending was all about internal conflict, rather than another fight with a Forsaken. That bit was great, although I still think it would have been better for Moiraine's return to be the spark that brings Rand back to laughter and tears.
It seemed a little easy, which is unusual for this series. I didn't expect him to heal himself practically instantly.
- Oh, and no way is Graendal dead.
She is dead.
- Egwene's plot line was solid on the whole. The highlight of it being the dinner with Elaida and the Sitters. That bit was badass. It kinda unravelled a bit towards the end, and I think she started getting a bit ooc as the Tower united.
Agreed.
- Gawyn! It's about time we had lots and lots of Gawyn. More!
It's about time Gawyn did something worth page space. He won't get much in the next book, and a little more when everyone unites.
- Siuan and Gareth hooking up was also of the awesome, except the outcome of Min's viewing was somewhat awkwardly written.
Siuan's interpretation of the outcome. If Gareth didn't come, he would have been a little upset about Siuan not returning.
- I cried at Verin's death. Stunning. She truly kicked ass.
Not much I can say about this that hasn't already been discussed to death.
Ok, time for my tri-annual WoT board visit
01/11/2009 06:44:48 PM
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Gawyn!?! Gawyn?!? Really?!?!
01/11/2009 08:52:00 PM
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I disagree
02/11/2009 12:14:51 AM
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Really? Not like a hero in a fantasy series?
02/11/2009 02:32:34 AM
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I really liked Nynaeve's writing in tGS. I think she's the most well-balanced character in WoT.
02/11/2009 02:26:38 AM
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If the world ends in 2012 BEFORE WoT is finished, I'm gonna be seriously PO'd. *NM*
02/11/2009 02:47:45 AM
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So, you won't read my reply then?
24/11/2009 01:38:51 AM
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