Search - The Shadow Rising (The Wheel of Time, Bk 4)

The peak of the series, March 14, 2006
Reviewer: Karen Anne Webb (Centerville, UT)

I'm writing just as I'm starting Knife of Dreams (Book 11). I really feel the series peaked with this book and *The Fires of Heaven*. The info (especially the big thread of getting Rand recognized by the Aiel) is fresh, original, and thought-provoking (and Lan, for my money the most interesting character in the series, is still a Presence). Definitely a page-turner. I was sad to learn that the later books where the plot is really bogging down and Jordan is introducing yet *more* characters to an already mired series, are the ones that made #1 on the NYT bestseller list while the earlier books, where something was actually happening that you cared about, didn't rate as highly. I'm reading the series mainly for closure at this point and have been borrowing them from the library rather than buying. But at this point, the series was still a real grabber.

Having declared himself the Dragon Reborn, Rand al'Thorspacing correct must proceed to fulfill the prophecy that he will protect the world from the return of the Dark One. Jordan's hefty addition to his massive series begins very much in medias res as an unknown danger threatens the city of Tar Valon, home of the powerful, nunlike Aes Sedai. In a whirlwind of uncertainty stirred up by the conflicting motivations of such groups as the Whitecloaks, the Darkfriends and Trollocs (among an abundance of others), Rand travels to the city of Rhuidean in the Aiel Waste for answers. (synopsis by Reed Business Information, Inc.)

I have to admit that I never finished this book, and this is the one that made me abandon the series. (Not a great way to try to sell the merits of this book, but I want to be honest.)

The 1st book, Eye of the World, was decent, while the follow up, The Great Hunt, made me want to read more. So I delved into the 3rd book, The Dragon Reborn. I could hardly wait to read this, the 4th book in the series.

It started out well enough, but, alas, it degenerated into characters displaying annoying tics. One of the worst ones was a female with a long braid down her back (see, I've even blocked out her name, it was so bad to me) pulls on it whenever she got angry or upset. And she seemed upset at every man that crossed her path, save one. I read about 1/3 of the book before giving up.

I hope this book and the others in the series finds a good home/good homes, as these are just collecting dust at home. What a shame.

Excellent book! Rand continues to grow in power, but also comes completely close to going mad! Perrin continues his own personal struggles with the wolves and Mat continues to be a lucky dog! The battle against evil continues to grow as we learn about the past and speculate about the future.

I have never been one for epic fiction before I was introduced to this series some time five years ago. I'm re-reading them, now in the middle of this exact book, and I must say it is one of the best I have read so far. Thrilling, exciting, and with the ability to grab the reader in and keep them on their toes, it is truly a series I would recommend to everyone, no matter how long it is! (and for those of us who like reading, sometimes more is definitely more, not less!)