| Title | : | The Dragon Reborn (The Wheel of Time, #3) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 0765305119 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9780765305114 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Mass Market Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 624 |
| Publication | : | First published October 15, 1991 |
Able to touch the One Power, but unable to control it, and with no one to teach him how—for no man has done it in three thousand years—Rand al'Thor knows only that he must face the Dark One. But how?
Winter has stopped the war—almost—yet men are dying, calling out for the Dragon. But where is he?
Perrin Aybara is in pursuit with Moiraine Sedai, her Warder Lan, and Loial the Ogier. Bedeviled by dreams, Perrin is grappling with another deadly problem—how is he to escape the loss of his own humanity?
Egwene, Elayne and Nynaeve are approaching Tar Valon, where Mat will be healed—if he lives until they arrive. But who will tell the Amyrlin their news—that the Black Ajah, long thought only a hideous rumor, is all too real? They cannot know that in Tar Valon far worse awaits...
Ahead, for all of them, in the Heart of the Stone, lies the next great test of the Dragon reborn....
The Dragon Reborn (The Wheel of Time, #3) Reviews
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3.5/5 stars
Not much actually happened in The Dragon Reborn but it was more engaging than the previous two books.
The Dragon Reborn is the third book in The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan. The title of this novel may be The Dragon Reborn, this title implies that Rand will take the central role again, but the main characters of this book were actually Mat, Perrin, and Egwene. If I’m not mistaken, Rand has only like three or four small POV chapters. This doesn’t mean that Rand wasn’t important to the main story, the storyline still heavily revolved around him.
Picture: The Dragon Reborn by Francesca Resta
Now that I’m three books into the series, let me just say that Jordan is terribly slow in progressing his main story, and the early books are supposedly some of Jordan’s finest works in the series; I haven’t reached the infamous dreadful book 7-10. If you cut/condensed the traveling sections of the first three books, what you have is pretty much one book with no pacing issue; Jordan is that inefficient and repetitive. That being said, The Dragon Reborn was, somehow, the most engaging book so far. Sure there was still repetition and same plot structure usage—started strong for the first 20%, travel for 50-60%, then closing with incredible final section—but I didn’t find myself struggling through the middle section as much as I did for the first two books.
I feel like Jordan has improved a lot in characterizations; I found Mat, Perrin, and Egwene to be more sympathetic than before now. Focusing the POV chapters to these three ended up being a great decision; it brings a lot of benefits rather than disadvantages. First of all, we get to read these important characters being developed further. We also get to see their thoughts towards Rand, other characters, and the state of the world/predicament they’re in. Finally, Rand was still thickheaded here and I don’t think I can withstand reading him being stubborn about accepting his destiny for another 700 pages for the third time in a row. I get it, he has valid reasons for being stubborn and reluctant, and I do understand why he acted that way. However, just because I understand his reasons doesn’t mean that I would enjoy reading literally thousands of pages of him being angry and stubborn about something which he always ended up doing anyway.
“Should and would build no bridges.”
This was the first time where I started to realize just how insane Nynaeve’s braid tugging syndrome was. Insane, I mean it, insane and ridiculous. Not only she’s one of the most annoying female characters I’ve ever encountered (and there are still 10 books left for her to get worse), her existence relies dangerously on her tugging braid. I can’t seem to understand why Jordan need to emphasize her braid tugging that much, it was pointless and annoying; I think she’ll literally die if she doesn’t tug her braid. No one in the world tugs their braid that fiercely and that much. NO ONE.
“She jerked her braid so hard it hurt.”
*standing applause*
As much as I enjoyed reading this installment, I seriously feel like not a lot of important things have happened; the entirety of the three books so far could’ve been easily condensed into one book without losing matters of importance. I’m giving the same 3.5 stars rating just like I did for the first two books. In my opinion, that’s not a good enough measurement for a series as massive as this. Why am I continuing? I loved Sanderson’s adult fantasy works that much that I’m willing to push myself—or at least still attempt—to finish this series just to read Sanderson’s involvement in it. Although I sounded negative and critical in this review, let me clarify that it wasn’t because it’s a bad book, The Dragon Reborn was the least boring installment so far. I just feel disappointed that a lot of the superb parts of the series so far were constantly diminished unnecessarily due to pacing issue and repetitiveness. I’ve heard a lot of amazing things about the next book of the series, The Shadow Rising, here’s hoping that it will finally break or at least reached my 4 stars rating barrier.
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Novel Notions -
3.5
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This was a hugely important book for me. This is a fourteen book series, and after the last book I was practically ready to stop reading it. I had to have a six month reading break because I was that frustrated with it. I thought that Rand was characterised horrendously, and I felt that he regressed to an early state. All in all, Robert Jordan had gone backward in his character development of his hero. So, this book had to win me over to keep me reading.
And it did. It so bloody-well did. My faith in the author has been completely restored. (Yay!) Rand is still the same heroic coward, but this time his actions actually corresponded with the events. When he ran, he had reason to do so. He also had very few point of view chapters. He is still the centre of the story, but its telling is given over to much more interesting characters like Mat, Nynaeve and my personal favourite Perrin. So, let’s starts with the best character.
He has the heart of a wolf
The book opens with Perrin. It’s still very early days, but he is one of the only characters I actually have sympathy for. His confidence has developed even further. When he taps the ancient magic that allows him to communicate with wolves, they run to his aid and welcome him as leader of their pack. This is a worthy boon for the young warrior, but it doesn’t come without its problems. The ability alters his mind; it makes him feral as the wolfish thoughts dominate his human senses. He knows the danger of the ability; thus, he suppresses it and controls it. I find his part of the story completely fascinating because he boarders on edges of remaining noble and good or loosing himself to animalistic savagery.
Moraine was silent for a time, warming her hands. Finally she spoke whilst staring into the flames. ‘The Creator is good, Perrin. The Farther of Lies is evil. The Pattern of Age, the Age Lace itself, is neither. The pattern is what is. The Wheel of Time weaves all lives into the Pattern, all actions. A Pattern that is all one colour is no pattern. For the Pattern of an age, good and ill are the warp and the woof.’
Moreover, in this bleak and dark world that Jordan has created, Perrin is one of the few with a pure heart, which makes his inner darkness even more complex. Like Rand and Mat, he wants to hang up his weapons and go home; he wants to forget about the long and hard task the wheel has set for him, but he knows what he must do. He knows that he cannot run; he knows that he cannot escape fate. So, he grits his teeth and gets on with his duty. After all, he will have an important part to play in defeating the darkness. He is too honourable to shirk from what he must perform. I can see him eventually becoming the rock that holds the trio together. He is a well-rounded character that is reliable and strong. I just know that he will have the courage to insure that his friends succeed, even if he has to drag them to their destiny.
Finally, some decent female characters.
Admittedly, for the first time in this series, I actually enjoyed the female side of the story. Previously, it seemed like Jordan could only write females in one way; they were all confrontational, moody, hot headed, physically attractive and at times even quite spiteful. It was beginning to get a little bit ridiculous; it was like he somehow naively perceived that all women have this same archetypal personality. This was regardless of their social standing or life experience. All the female characters were basically the same misogynistic reused stereotype. Thankfully, and at long last, Jordan’s women are actually developing their own sense of individualism. It took him long enough to get there, now they're finally out of the tower.
Well, anyway, the girls are coming into there own. Nynaeve has had heaps of character development. She’s learning to wield her magic to deadly affect, but she still hasn’t quite figured how to activate it properly. She can only use it when in a state of pure agitation and anger. It responds to rage and rage only. When it is eventually unleashed it is powerful to behold, but not controlled. She’s a strong character, and a very strong woman. She’s quickly become the leader of the naïve Egwene and the inexperienced Elayne. She has the experience, and the wisdom (see what I did there?) to lead them in their hunt for the twisted Black Ajah. It was great to see these characters have their own fully developed side story that eventually linked back to the main plot. And the same is true for the cunning Mat.
Every perfect fantasy story needs it rouge
Mat has also come along way. He’s recovered from his illness, though there is still some degree of taint in his heart. He has memories that are not his own. It will be interesting to see how this develops in later books, as the true origin of his luck will hopefully be revealed. The two are clearly connected and intertwined. He is a strong character, one who is developing faster than he can handle. He’s already killed countless men, which is something he would never have thought himself capable. He has the danger of becoming numb to it as many fall to his agile wielding of his quarter staff.
This was a really good book, and I’m so glad. I’m actually looking forward to reading the next one. The side characters really make this series worthwhile. If you ignore Rand, like I‘m trying to do, you will see how complex and versatile these other characters are. Their stories are much more interesting on every level. The world is also rich in opposing culture and beliefs. I like the way the “forces of good” are divided and mistrusting of each other. The Children of the Light are potentially morally right, but they are misguided and confused as to what is actually evil. Their ethos is right, though they just execute it in a roundabout way. It will be interesting to see if they become pawns of the dark one or see the error of their ways. I love these conflicting ideas.
So, for me, this series remains in the realms of perfect fantasy. At least, at the moment. Hopefully, it will remain good to its end.
The Wheel of time:
1. Eye of the World-
An unoriginal five stars
2. The Great Hunt-
A reluctant three stars
3. The Dragon Reborn- A well-developed 4 stars.
4. The Shadow Rising-
A strong four stars
5. The Fires of Heaven-
A slow two stars
“Kill a man who needs killing, and sometimes others pay for it. The question is, was it worth doing it anyway? There's always a balance, you know. Good and evil. Light and Shadow. We would not be human if there wasn't a balance.” -
Love it!! Nuff said!
Mel ❤️
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DNF @ 30%
Dear Wheel of time I am breaking up with you.
This wasn't easy decision as I don't like to leave things unfinished.My friends keep on telling me how great you are and that I should give you another chance but I think that this relationship has already taken too much of my time and I just can't look past your snail pace and many obnoxious characters.We definitively had our good moments but every time we are together I keep thinking about other series and keep glancing on other books on my shelf and that is not how relationship between reader and book should be.Call me old fashioned but I believe book should hold the reader tight and make him forget about other books until the last page is done.
I am sure you will find devoted reader who will adore you and maybe our paths well cross again and we continue from where we left but I just can't see it happening anytime soon. -
Reviewed by:
Rabid Reads
The Dragon Reborn is where things really start getting good.
PLEASE NOTE that I am speaking strictly from the REREAD perspective. If you have never read the series before, the first two books are spectacular. Spectacular x5, even. It's only knowing what's coming and being impatient to get to the even better parts that makes books 1 and 2 merely enjoyable when compared to the depth of imagination and interconnectedness as the series progresses.
BUT. All of that epicness must have a solid foundation on which to build.
And book #3 is still very much a part of that early foundation-laying process.
However, TWO very important things happen in this installment (and those two things make all the difference):
1. Mat is healed from the taint of the Shadar Logoth dagger.
2. Perrin meets Faile.
I don't know if prior-to-book 3-Mat was part of Jordan's character growth process, or if he just got bored with the character--I certainly found the early version to be tiresome--but when Mat wakes from being Healed in Tar Valon, he's almost a completely different person.
Oh, he's still a rascal, but no longer a rascal of the juvenile variety. Instead, he becomes that kind of clever, scalawag, rogue-type character, who has always been one of my personal favorites.
In another life (HA!), he would have made an excellent pirate.
It's the difference between telling a couple of younger boys a story about ghost hounds, then covering a few dogs in flour and loosing them on the village green, and betting Galad and Gawyn that he can beat them, his quarterstaff against their two swords, both b/c he needs the money to finance his escape, and also b/c "it would be fun."
Then there's Faile.
A lot of WoT fans aren't particularly fond of Faile, and maybe I'll change my mind after rereading some of the later installments . . . but I doubt it.
I just like her.
Firstly, she's Saldaean, which is my second favorite people group (after the Aiel).
Almost all of the drama in her relationship with Perrin can be attributed to her nationality, and where others are simply exhausted by her and her antics, I chalk it up to cultural differences. <------legit cause for misunderstandings.
And when she's not behaving in what a non-Saldaean would consider a ridiculous manner, her interactions with Perrin are positively delightful; I am full of delight.
Her appearance is also the first concrete manifestation (with long-term consequences) of one of Min's Viewings.
So yeah, those two things are where I turn the corner and stop fighting the urge to skim things I've read numerous times before.
This book is also where the Forsaken start to become real characters instead of flat boogiemen-type shapes.
In The Eye of the World, we learned nothing beyond the fact that some of them were no longer imprisoned, and that there were two fewer of them in world. In The Great Hunt, the information was limited to Lanfear. But in The Dragon Reborn, we not only learn more about Lanfear, we also meet at least three others, and some of the mystery surrounding "Ba’alzamon" is . . . not revealed, per se, but I definitely felt I understood what the situation was by the time I finished the book.
And anytime we learn anything about the Age of Legends (whence the Forsaken came), I am a happy camper.
Basically, I loved it.
PS: is it just me, or does Cover Dude bear a remarkable resemblance to Prince Harry?
My other reviews for this series:
The Eye of the World (Wheel of Time, #1) by Robert Jordan
The Great Hunt (Wheel of Time, #2) by Robert Jordan
The Shadow Rising (Wheel of Time, #4) by Robert Jordan
The Fires of Heaven (Wheel of Time, #5) by Robert Jordan
Lord of Chaos (Wheel of Time, #6) by Robert Jordan
A Crown of Swords (Wheel of Time, #7) by Robert Jordan
The Path of Daggers (Wheel of Time, #8) by Robert Jordan
Winter's Heart (Wheel of Time, #9) by Robert Jordan
Crossroads of Twilight (Wheel of Time, #10) by Robert Jordan
New Spring (Wheel of Time, #0) by Robert Jordan
Highlights:
Forsaken:
Foresight:
Insight:
Musings: -
The Wheel of Time, book 3: The Dragon is reborn and his and his friends destinies and paths have been foretold, but are their futures fixed? Although this book focused a lot more on the female leads and the world of the Aes Sedai, it still didn't really grab my attention, like the previous two books, so much of this work is world building... where's the story? Where's the characterisation? Ultimately it feels so much is revealed by exposition, whereas I much prefer stories where key moments and details are revealed in conversations, plot twists or other types of plot-led reveals. The biggest problem though is the pacing, as Chandler would say "Could this book move any slower?".
I accept and can see that this really is a momentous piece of world building, but to me overall it just feels really trite and lifeless - 4 out of 12, Two Star Read! I may need a break from this series.
2022 read -
The best book in the series so far
I had a great time reading The Dragon Reborn, and am happy that each book in the series so far has been better than the previous one. The pacing of this book was much more enjoyable, and the second half of the book is far more exciting. This is the first book in the series where the story really starts to take on the grand scale that this story is steadily marching the reader towards.
Even though Rand is definitely the main character of this book, I appreciated that he had a smaller role in this book so we could learn more about other characters and get to feel for them more. With a series this long, that's only a good thing.
I am excited to keep reading and learning more about these characters and seeing where this epic plot takes us.
Check out my new youtube channel where I show my instant reactions to reading fantasy books seconds after I finish the book. -
While this book is titled Dragon Reborn, it definitely is not about Rand al’Thor as the title suggests. This book paves way for Mat, Perrin, and Egwene to shine.
Mat, Perrin, Rand, and Egwene all got their separate story arcs here as they all went their different ways in the start of the book. Rand appeared only in 2-3 chapters. So when Rand went in to Tear to take Callandor and put the rumours down for once and all; it was Mat, Perrin and the girl gang (Egwene, Nynaeve, Elyane) who took the center stage here.
While the girls were good, it was Perrin and Mat who won my heart in this book. Both guys finally came out of Rand’s shadow and surprised me. Perrin already holds a special place because of what he can do (and let’s not forget wolves) but Mat was the surprise package. I hated Mat from Book 1, so I am shocked how much I liked him here. He is witty, trouble-magnet, not so brave (he try his best to escape evil/difficult situations) but , I turned into a fan.
the book dragged in few chapters but Jordan surely knows how to write an amazing climax and all the different story lines and different prophecies converge beautifully in the end.
All in all another great book in the long series. -
The third book in the series is a bit strange, in my opinion. It draws away from Rand, who I firmly believe is the main character, despite the infinitely large cast.The book instead follows the various subgroups that are in a quest to follow Rand, and his path of destruction, whether they know it or not.
Mat finally gets a POV chapter and stops sucking and starts being a fount of pure, unadulterated awesome. Perrin stops mid-story to do a little blacksmithing; central to Perrin’s character. He’s a born craftsman forced into the role of a warrior. -
*** 5 ***
"...“Til shade is gone,
til water is gone
Into the shadow with teeth bared
Screaming defiance with the last breath
To spit in Sightblinder’s eye on the Last Day.”
― Robert Jordan, The Dragon Reborn..."
An amazing continuation of this epic series! I can not help but keep falling deeper and deeper in love with everything about it... Writing a review, the way I fan-girl over this series, is absolutely worthless. I have no objectivity left and honestly, attempting to describe this intricate and complex plot seems to me an insurmountable task.
"...“Heart of the Dark. Ba’alzamon. Name hidden within name shrouded by name. Secret buried within secret cloaked by secret. Betrayer of Hope. Ishamael betrays all hope. Truth burns and sears. Hope fails before truth. A lie is our shield. Who can stand against the Heart of the Dark? Who can face the Betrayer of Hope? Soul of shadow, Soul of the Shadow, he is—”
― Robert Jordan, The Dragon Reborn..."
If you are even slightly interested in the genre of Classic Fantasy, or High Quest Fantasy, and I would say the restrictions of those labels are far outreached in this series, this should be a MUST READ!!! It starts slow, but instead of boring, it is entrancing with the masterful world building which unfolds natural in front of us... And the characters are so animated and real, that when away from the books, you actually miss them... Epic and entertaining. Read it!!!
"...“Just because fate has chosen something for you instead of you choosing it for yourself doesn’t mean it has to be bad. Even if it’s something you are sure you would never have chosen in a hundred years. ‘Better ten days of love than years of regretting,’ ” she quoted.”
― Robert Jordan, The Dragon Reborn..."
I wish you all Happy Reading and may you always find enrichment in the pages of a Good Book! -
A very compelling continuation of The Wheel of Time series, but not amazing as The Great hunt.
There’s a very interesting decision by Jordan to push Rand to the background so Mat and Perrin would shine in his absence and it worked very well. In The Great Hunt I felt like Perrin barely had a focus on him in comparison to The Eye of The World, and so as for Mat. Mat had even less focus than Perrin in the first 2 books, and both of them felt like nice additions to the cast but no more than that. In The Dragon Reborn it’s exactly the opposite, as they have quite a lot of POV chapters where they could grow into interesting characters, and their overall importance begins to emerge.
As for the rest of the characters – there’s still focus on Nynaeve and Egwene, both are really great characters., and probably my favorites. Elayne becomes a very important part of this trio, and the three of them keep growing and developing as characters. Moiraine and Lan were mostly in the background in book 2 but we see much more of them here, which is great.
To that, pour some schemes by The Black Aja, The Forsaken are keep steering things in the world, and Ba’alzamon continues with his plans. Oh, and some ancient relics:)
What I really liked in this book is the development of the world-building, as we find out more about the World of Dreams and Jordan even dabbled with parallel worlds ideas. That add a lot of possibilities for the series to go in interesting directions. As the series progresses it is evident that The Wheel of Time isn’t a formulaic generic fantasy, which is great, especially when considering when WoT was written.
All in all, it’s a very good installment in the Wheel of Time series, with very good character development, fascinating world-building and pretty good plot(but not as good as in book 2).
4.25/5 -
The Dragon Reborn (Wheel of Time, #3), Robert Jordan
The Dragon Reborn is a fantasy novel by American writer Robert Jordan, the third in his series The Wheel of Time. It was published by Tor Books and released on September 15, 1991.
The Dragon Reborn consists of a prologue and 56 chapters.
Rand al'Thor, having been declared the Dragon Reborn by Moiraine Damodred, secretly goes to Tear to prove himself. Along the way he is hunted by Darkhounds and Darkfriends.
After leaving in secret, Moiraine, Lan, and Perrin follow always one step behind. Rand leaves in his trail a pattern of weddings and strange events.
Perrin comes across an Aiel warrior that was captured and in a cage. He frees him, earning a friendship with Gaul, a Stone Dog, who will accompany Perrin on his travels.
This event is witnessed by a hunter of the horn, Zarine "Faile" Bashere, who joins the party as well.
Min reports to the Amyrlin Seat, while Moiraine, Lan Mandragoran, Loial, and Perrin Aybara follow Rand. En route they acquire Zarine Bashere (alias Faile), battle Darkhounds, and discover that the Forsaken Sammael rules in Illian. ...
تاریخ نخستین خوانش روز دوم ماه جولای سال 2018میلادی
عنوان: چرخ زمان کتاب سوم: تجلی اژدها در دو جلد (جلد نخست جهان رویاها، در 567ص، شابک 9786007058923؛ جلد دوم توفانی در تیر، در 484ص، شابک 9786007058954)؛ نویسنده رابرت جردن؛ مترجم بهرنگ مافی؛ ویراستار بنفشه محمودی؛ تهران، انتشارات پریان، موضوع داستانهای نویسندگان ایالات متحده آمریکا - سده 20م
تجلی اژدها؛ «چرخ زمان میگردد و روزگاران از پی هم میآیند و میروند؛ آنچه بوده، آنچه خواهد بود و آنچه هست، همچنان ممکن است به سیطره ی تاریکی درآیند؛ بگذار اژدها بار دیگر بر بادهای زمان بتازد؛
نقل از نیویورک تایمز(«رابرت جردن» با چرخ زمان آمد، تا جهانی را که «تالکین» پدید آورده بود، به تسخیر خود درآورد.) پایان نقل از نیویورک تایمز
تاریخ بهنگام رسانی 05/12/1399هجری خورشیدی؛ ا. شربیانی -
I get the increasing feeling the tv show is actually terrible. It does not do these books justice. It’s more than just Jordan’s prose which is obviously lost; the magical quality to it all just doesn’t translate. I remember seeing a meme somewhere saying ”Go to hell” is too basic a threat. “May your favorite book be made into an awful adaptation” is much more terrifying. And I really felt that.
Spoilers below!!
———————————
Anyway, I was really excited about Rand accepting his fate at the end of book 2 and thus about the promising title of The Dragon Reborn (book 3). However, because of that title, I wrongly assumed Rand to be the main viewpoint character when instead we see events unfolding through Egwene, Mat, and Perrin and only see Rand fighting Shadowspawn in brief passages. Even if the title felt like false advertisement to me at times when I missed Rand’s perspective, Jordan made the narrative work really well. Since Rand has accepted his fate and goes on his journey alone, his character arc wasn’t going to advance much further; other than him becoming more competent in using Saidin by defeating foes - which is efficiently shown in brief POV sequences - his arc couldn’t have progressed any further yet. The other protagonists, however, had some growing to do and therefore needed the page time - Mat most of all. I’m happy to note I’m starting to dislike him less and maybe even starting to like him.
I also really like how the Wheel keeps leading our heroes to significant events; something that without the pretext of predestination would elicit eyerolls. Here, it is truly refreshing that instead of characters missing each other by mere minutes or stupid circumstances, they actually meet and have a chance to team up.
However, a minor complaint I have is how Ba’alzamon’s defeat is handled. Third time is the charm, eh? I was a bit annoyed to find that he hadn’t died in books 1 and 2 after all and if he isn’t down for good now, I’ll be seriously put out. Sanderson once observed that if your heroes defeat the same evil forces over and over, you run the risk of making your adversary appear less of a threat. While I have no problem with that in WoT as of yet, I think book 1 should already have cleared up who Ba’alzemon is (or rather isn’t) and that we haven’t even seen the big bad yet.
Now, on to book 4! It’s a testament to how much I’m enjoying this series that those 1007 pages don’t put me off. On the contrary, more of the Aiel, more of Rand and Mat and Perrin and Nynaeve and Egwene and Lan, please! -
"The alarm gongs sent echoes crashing through the Stone, but Rand paid no more attention to them than he had to the roar that had come before, like muffled thunder from somewhere below. His side ached, the old wound burned, strained almost to tearing by the climb up the side of the fortress. He gave the pain no heed, either. A crooked smile was fixed on his face, a smile of anticipation and dread he could not have wiped away if he had wanted to. It was close now. What he had dreamed of. Callandor."
Rand al'Thor has finally, and very reluctantly, embraced his destiny as the Dragon Reborn after the events at Almoth Plain. But his face is known throughout the nations now, and he is hunted relentlessly by the numerous followers of the Shadow. Thus begins a new journey, and at its end lies the Stone of Tear, the impregnable fortress of the Tairen in the far south.
The Dragon Reborn, while not reaching the same level as The Eye of the World, is certainly an improvement from The Great Hunt. The story is more compelling, new villains arise, and the childishness, the completely unfounded arrogance and the insufferable stupidity of the main characters is finally starting to wear off. But it is not gone. Rand himself is barely appearing in this book, and both Mat and Nynaeve seem to be improving considerably. Perrin and Egwene, however, stand ready to assume the inglorious mantle of the worst characters.
Mostly, though, this book is a solid addition to the story of the Wheel of Time, and the ending is great, leaving the reader excited for the next volume, The Shadow Rising.
That's all there is to say, really. Those of you who have already read this knows what it is about. And those who haven't yet, should do so!
Wheel of Time reviews:
#1
The Eye of the World
#2
The Great Hunt
#3
The Dragon Reborn
#4
The Shadow Rising
#5
The Fires of Heaven
#6
Lord of Chaos
#7
A Crown of Swords
#8
The Path of Daggers
#9
Winter's Heart
#10
Crossroads of Twilight
#11
Knife of Dreams
#12
The Gathering Storm
#13
Towers of Midnight
#14
A Memory of Light -
I love this!! Most of the book was more like a journey and the resolution was neatly wrapped in like the last 50 pages or so. I’ve read many don’t like Egwene, Elayne, Moraine, etc the female rep but I honestly love them all. Even Mat grew on me in this book, I don’t hate him at least anymore. We only had a few Rand passages of Rand pov -which worried me when I first learned about it- but fear not, it was absolutely fine. Can’t wait to read the next one. I would’ve started it now but it was never good for me to read a book immediately after I read its previous.
-
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The Dragon Reborn is my favorite book in this series so far. A few reasons for that are I’m pretty comfortable in this world now and can focus on the story more than all the parts, places and lore. The other reason is the character are becoming more developed and while at time I want to box their ears for fighting against their destiny/power/specialness so much instead of embracing it and just going with it.
Shorter review for me than normal since there are a bazillion reviews on this series. But the run down is…..
Rand - Still trying to save those around him and a little lost as to what to do with himself. Also he is struggling a bit with the madness. Is he mad or is the dark one just taunting him and making him think he is starting to go mad….idk the jury is still out on that. He is on a quest to retrieve a sword that is not a sword and so even though most of his journey is shone third person a quest for a magical sword is rarely dull.
Perrin - Stubborn two rivers folk. He is a wolf brother but fighting against it. (see totally want to box his ears because it is so cool and I want him to explore it) But we find out why it might be dangerous as well. Perrin meet a girl and damn if she doesn’t have him on his toes not knowing what to think. Let the games begin :P“No questions, remember? And my name is Perrin, Zarine. Not ‘big man,’ or ‘blacksmith,’ or anything else. Perrin. Perrin Aybara.”
“And mine is Faile, shaggy-hair.”
With something close to a snarl, he booted Stepper after the others. Zarine had to throw her arms around his waist to keep from being tossed over the dun’s crupper. He thought she was laughing.
Mat - Well Mat has been my least favorite in prior books but he has grown a bit on me in this one. Now that he isn’t slightly crazy and paranoid he is a more likeable fellow even if he is totally oblivious to the danger surrounding him and figuring out why it is there. The Wool Headed Ox has no idea that all the trouble he has been getting into might have something to do with the Dark One or some of the forsaken. Ignorance is bliss I guess. Still he has some really interesting things going on with his new found luck and is he perhaps channeling a little bit of a king from the past…..hmmm time will tell. He is definitely a lot more interesting now.
Mat also gets the best fight scene in this book and I totally loved how he was able to take down Elayne’s brothers with a quarterstaff. Mat is a man not to be underestimated anymore.“During his lifetime, Jearom fought over ten thousand times, in battle and single combat. He was defeated once. By a farmer with a quarterstaff! Remember that. Remember what you just saw.”
He lowered his eyes to Galad, and lowered his voice as well. “If you cannot get up by now, lad, it is finished.”
Nynaeve, Egwene and Elayne - These three did practically everything together in this so it is hard to separate them. Even though I got a little tired of Egwene always fighting stubbornly with Nynaeve over EVERYTHING the rest of their story arc is really interesting. Egwene’s accepted test was almost as harsh as Nynaeve’s. Also I enjoyed it as they learn more about what they can do with the one power and go on a quest to find the Black Ajah. What is revealed about the Black Ajah in this book is scary to say the least.
Best New Culture - The Aiel…yes yes I know that we got a glimpse of them in the last book. But, in this one we get a better understanding of them as their culture is fleshed out. It also seems they have some prophecies of their own about the Dragon Reborn and those were some of the most interesting by far. Plus they are badass fighters.As if he had all the time in the world, Gaul calmly lifted a dark cloth from his shoulders and wrapped it around his head, finishing with a thick black veil that hid his face except for his eyes.
“Do you like to dance, Perrin Aybara?” he asked.
With that, he darted away from the cage. Straight at the oncoming Whitecloaks.
And he totally kicked ass. But the thing I love about the Aiel is not just that the men are great fighters but also the women. They are all like ninja’s sneaking around and rarely being seen. They are masters of fighting, camouflage and stealth. Plus it seems like they might be Rand’s people and learning more about his true origins was one of the best highlights of this book for me.
Everything Else - There really is a lot going on with:
- some forsaken on the lose
- the Black Ajah plotting
- Rand’s dreams permeating those around him and the weird side effects it is causing
- Loial stepping into the role of a fighter as well as an Ogier of just knowledge
- Min and some of her predictions
- Moraine trying to control the situation and kinda failing at it
- Another prophecy coming to completion
- And FINALLY maybe FINALLY Rand will accept that he IS the Dragon Reborn and not try to deny his fate or destiny any longer.
There is definitely a lot to enjoy in this installment even if again it takes a little time to get really rolling. But overall this world and the overall plot arc is growing on me. -
The third chapter in the mammoth Wheel of Time saga and I’m finally starting to realise why there are fourteen books. The scope of the story Robert Jordan is weaving finally becomes evident in The Dragon Reborn.
After two books of Rand being the focal point of the story he is barely featured in the third installment. Instead the spotlight is directed toward Perrin and Mat, who so far have come off looking like Rand’s peripheral sidekicks.
Mat has finally arrived in Tar Valon to be healed of the poison running through his body courtesy of the tainted dagger. With him are Egewene and Nynaeve who are given the task of hunting down the Black Ajah. Perrin is with Morraine and Lan on the trail of Rand who has run off seemingly on the way to Tear to take control of Callandor, the Sword of the Dragon.
Giving Mat and Perrin time to develop as pivotal characters was a class move on the authors part. Another book solely dedicated to Rand could have turned readers against him but instead he is transformed into an insane wreck of a hero whose sparse appearances contribute to the best parts of the book.
Mat and Perrin are able to breathe whilst away from Rand and their personalities come to the forefront as they commence their own journeys. I preferred Mat’s story over Perrin’s as he spends a greater amount of time on his own and is a more interesting character. Perrin is still slightly held back by Morraine and Lan but i’m sure he’ll venture out on his own at some point.
Compared to The Eye of the World and The Great Hunt this is a slow burn. At around the 300 page mark i was almost regretting reading this so close after finishing The Great Hunt but suddenly the book comes to life and transforms into a work of brilliance. The ending, although expected, is still well written and worthy of a fist pumping cheer! My favourite book so far. -
“The breaker of bonds; the forger of chains. The maker of futures; the unshaper of destiny.”
Destiny is a nasty business. Rand al'Thor learns this lesson quickly. He is the Dragon Reborn, the Chosen One who will save the world... and destroy it at the same time. How does somebody, who in the future is bound to succumb to the madness which will lead him to murder all the loved ones, cope with something like that? Rand is embarking on the winding path leading him to become what he is destined to become. One thing is for sure: it is going to be epic.
Classic high fantasy can be a pleasant break from more and more realistic, dark and dirty contemporary fantasy. I have read many (probably too many!) Tolkien-based series and few have been able to enchant me. By copying The Lord of the Rings themes, plots and tropes, Mr Jordan has created what is among the best secondary fantasy on the market because he reworked those into an original vision, maybe not equally well written, but even more epic and delivered with an even greater - in terms of page-count - panache. That alone should be appreciated. And the third volume of his series is a great piece of entertainment, offering everything that we love the genre for.
“Fate can kill you, if it does not do worse.”
Dragon Reborn, as the title suggests, should focus on the main character, Rand al'Thor. Against these expectations, the Author decided on an interesting trick, namely pushing the main protagonist into the margins. Simultaneously, the novel brings us closer to other heroes whom we follow through the pages of the book. It was an excellent idea! I thought it very refreshing to tell a tale about the chosen one without the chosen one in attendance. I also admired how the different paths were intertwined even though half of the protagonists either wished to be elsewhere or actively planned for doing different things. In this respect, Dragon Reborn is largely focused on the changes that occur in them.
Boys and girls become more and more mature, grow up into their assigned roles and face their destiny. It is neither easy nor simple. Rand’s story gives way to Perrin’s plot, also fleeing from his own wolf dreams and the insanity they bring with them, and Mat’s, who turns out to be one of the most interesting characters and who definitely gains in this volume (in the previous volumes he irritated rather than aroused my sympathy). Those POVs are both interesting and addictive, but the plot of Egwene and BFF squad becomes unbearable with time. These girls are too full of themselves and essentially ungrateful wretches, and I shudder to think what is going to happen when the inevitable romance kicks in.
“Everywhere I go, you humans are doing things, hurrying and scurrying, having things happen to you. How can you stand so much excitement?”
As we accompany the heroes more or less consciously race against time, and against each other, it can be frustrating at times. The reader knows far more than the protagonists so s/he can grow exasperated as they flail about blind and unsuspecting, not seeing the larger picture we are privy to. Mr Jordan shows once again how important the dreams are. It is not only an opportunity to predict the future or to confront one’s subconsciousness. The things experienced in dreams have real effects in reality. The dream sequences are superb and rival to the ones in Harry Potter, which I always thought exquisite.
There are more and more strange events and inexplicable phenomena in the world, which clearly indicate that seals are binding Ba’alzamon and his minions are weakening. There are, of course, the ubiquitous conspiracies, plots, more or less particular interests that influence the direction in which the world turns. And it is this world, represented by its wealth of histories, lands, peoples and their customs, that is perhaps the greatest asset of the series. I was especially fascinated by the Aiel, who to my delight play an increasingly important role.
“If events outrun me, they may well trample you, and the rest of the world with you.”
This is definitely the best book in the series so far and it draws the reader in even more than the previous two, which were really good. For me, Dragon Reborn reads much better than The Great Hunt as I am not able to indicate any moment of boredom, and there were those in the previous instalment. And yes, I know people complained that the ending is rushed. But really, that was an Erikson-worthy convergence written even before Erikson learnt what a trope is. There are two things I would like to point out with regard to the grand finale.
Firstly, some of you might know my unholy obsession with the Malazan Book of the Fallen. Malazan, if you have read the series, you will know that, is basically wholly built on the premise of the convergence. This concept has been a backbone of everything that happens in every single book and the whole series as a whole. In Malazan, I have seen some far-fetched and miraculous endings. In comparison, just the fact that the final chapter of Dragon Reborn has a kind of mission impossible, last-minute, perfectly timed sequence is not that galling.
Secondly, it is worth remembering that we are only at the beginning of the road. This book is the culmination of a very extensive introduction. As I was finishing the last page, I basically realised that “This is just the beginning,” and that there are actually a dozen or so volumes ahead of me. It would be silly to expect an ultimate climax from something that was, in fact, a three-volume long prologue.
And what a prologue it was! Now, to the series proper.
Also in the series:
1.
The Eye of the World ★★★★☆
2.
The Great Hunt ★★★★☆
4.
The Shadow Rising ★★★★☆
5.
The Fires of Heaven ★★★★☆
6.
Lord of Chaos ★★★☆☆
7.
A Crown of Swords ★★★☆☆
8.
The Path of Daggers ★★★☆☆
9.
Winter's Heart ★☆☆☆☆
10.
Crossroads of Twilight ★★☆☆☆
11.
Knife of Dreams ★★★★☆
12.
The Gathering Storm ★★★★☆
13.
Towers of Midnight ★★★☆☆
14. A Memory of Light ★★★☆☆ -
"And it was written that no hand but his should wield the Sword held in the Stone, but he did draw it out, like fire in his hand, and his glory did burn the world. Thus did it begin. Thus do sing his Rebirth. Thus do we sing the beginning."
And a new beginning it is indeed.
Notes to myself, major spoilers:
Loved it to pieces all over again.
(3rd read 7 - 16.01.2022)
-----
>>> Minor spoilers ahead <<<
”And his paths shall be many, and who shall know his name, for he shall be born among us many times, in many guises, as he has been and ever will be, time without end. His coming shall be like the sharp edge of the plow, turning our lives in furrows from out of the places where we lie in our silence. The breaker of bonds; the forger of chains. The maker of futures; the unshaper of destiny.”
Our heroes’ lives become more and more complicated. They grow and are shaped by the challenges they face.
The girls, raised to the Accepted, are being sent in pursue of Black Ajah, Rand is trying to take his life into his own hands, Mat is finally healed and his bond to Shadar Logoth severed and Perrin is holding onto his own humanity.
The Dragon is indeed reborn, Callandor claimed and used for the first time in 3000 years. The world, nation by nation and little by little, is being thrown into wars and chaos.
Everything is becoming even more complicated than before and no one seems able to pull apart from the ta’veren’s attraction into the Pattern’s web.
On to the fourth; I can’t stop myself… not just yet, anyway. -
The Dragon Reborn is the third book in the WoT series and so far the only one worth it's hype in my opinion. The plot progression and character development is at a snail's pace, it's only after three books that I finally started caring about the characters, even at that, it took me three whole months to finish this book, yes it was that uninspiring. Despite that I'll still continue this series, I'm invested now and wants to know how it all ends.
“Always plan for the worst, child, that way all your surprises are pleasant ones.”
This picked up just where The Great Hunt ended with the girls on their way to Tar valon(I listened to the audiobook so my spellings of names might be incorrect). Mat was sick and Perrin finally got reunited with Rand.
Rand still in doubt that he is actually the dragon reborn ran away so as not to hurt people he loves, Perrin and Morriane went after him. Egwene and Nynaeve were promoted to accepted at Tar valon but left shortly after on a mission. They all converge together at Tear just like the prophesy says.
“If you can’t hide what you are going to do, do it so everybody thinks you are a fool.”
As usual Rand is still in denial, he believes that Morriane is either wrong or trying to use him, he was barely in this and I loved that, he's PoV is always whinny and depressing.
Nynaeve, Egwene and Elaine has lots of page space, with Nynaeve and Egwene having POVs. I really love their character development. Nynaeve still blames Morriane for ruining the lives of the Amoz fielders but she is taking it better. Egwene embraced the life of an Aes Sedai and is more willing to learn.
Perrin is the most matured of all three boys and still is, he thinks everything through, he is still sceptical of Aes Sedai but given how he grew up it isn't surprising.
“Just because fate has chosen something for you instead of you choosing it for yourself doesn’t mean it has to be bad.”
Mat's character development is my favourite in this book, I disliked him in the first and second book but now I like him. He is cynical but not evil, he loves his friends and is willing to help them when in need.
Land, Morriane and the Ogier were also in this.
The writing though slow in progression is easy to understand, things have finally started coming together. The world building is great, but overly done. I enjoyed the fight scenes and the magic system, it's awesome. -
3.5 to 4 stars
Much the same as the first two. Readable, sometimes interesting, sometimes confusing, occasionally boring, often using too many words to get to the point, and a lot of plot points seemingly pulled out of thin air (or other, much darker orifices!)
So far, the plot for these books move along like the poster child for Deus Ex Machina.
I feel like since there are about 800 books in this series, my reviews are at risk of getting repetitive. So, with book three now done, I am trying to figure out something creative to do with each of my Wheel of Times reviews to keep things fresh and interesting . . .
So, for this one – I would like for you to share in the comments the most ridiculous Deus Ex Machinas you have ever encountered in literature. Maybe it was a place where you could not see how the plot could continue. Or, perhaps the characters were in a jam you were sure they could not getout of and then *BOOM* everything is fine.
Please mark spoilers, but, if they are really cringe-worthy then spoiling it may save us all some pain in the future! -
"Pedron Niall's aged gaze wandered about his private audience chamber, but dark eyes hazed with thought saw nothing."
Really, what can I say that hasn't already been said? This is the best high fantasy series I've ever read, hands down. So much so that I am reading it all the way through for a second time. I am not a re-reader of anything, but it's 2020 so anything goes. I know it's massive, but it's worth all the time spent, every second. Plus, honestly, with books this big and a series this long, you've forgotten the beginning by the time you've gotten to the end, and it's impossible to remember all the details, so it's almost like reading something brand new.
This series is easily my favorite fantasy series. I truly can't stress that enough. I won't tell you anything about the plot, you can read a synopsis for that, and sometimes a leap of faith is required. Well I feel like I've rambled on enough, so I'll just say this: Read it! Make this your to-read series of 2021. I doubt you'll be disappointed.
P.S. Since this is a series, and the plot is too intricate to include without spoilers, this will be my review for every book in the series. If you've read this one, then you've read the others. I stand by what I said. In my opinion this is the best fantasy series of all time, and that's all that needs to be said. Thank you Robert Jordan, for sharing your masterpiece with the world. RIP.
'"The Dragon!"' -
This is one where they walk a lot.
No mention of plot, since this is the third book in a fourteen book series, and I'd hate to spoil anyone.
This is classical fantasy at its best, and possibly also classical fantasy at its most descriptive. I enjoyed this one, but these books take me a long time to read.
I'm not the biggest fan of descriptive prose, and don't feel the need to find out about every character's clothing in detail.
It took me a while to get into the third book. A surprise, since this feels like a sort of first climax in the 14 book arc, but I felt like plot-wise not a lot happened for the first 60% but then I couldn't put it down during the last few hundred pages.
Also, thank you, to whoever pointed out the braid tugging to me, now I can't help but notice just how often Jordan's women randomly tug on their braids. -
Re-read time over at
BB&B
This is another excellent WoT entry by Robert Jordan. Unfortunately I let a week pass after finishing this one, reading a bunch of other books and also making some inroads into the next WoT book before thinking of writing this review. So basics it is. And some random shout outs.
- Rand is on a dangerous mission to the stone of Tear in order to find out the truth. To be the Dragon, or not to be the Dragon.
- Matt is healed in Tar Valon and shows some pretty cool fighting skills and language talents. *Best scene award
- The Black Ajah hunt gets underway
- Thom Merrilin!
- AIEL!
- 13. 13! *shivers
- Perrin meets Zaire. Or Faile. Or the Falcon. Fun ensues.
- Tel'aran'rhiod.
- Callandor.
- Epic fights. Traps. MULTIPLE Forsaken. BALEFIRE. The Dragon Reborn!
READ IT!!! -
2.5 stars.
So far I struggled with all books I read from this series. I normally enjoy journey books, but the ones from Wheel of Time might be the exception.
The plot development at this installment moved at snail speed. The last 15% of this book was nice, but it wasn't worth the time I had to spend reading the other 85% about inn descriptions, skirts smoothed, braids tugged and dice tossed. The constant repetition during most of the book had me wondering how this book passed the edition phase.
There are some points that I liked:
-Matt's character development was really well handled. He was the one I couldn't stand at the previous two books and he became one of my favorite characters by the end of this book.
-The Aiel. Such an interesting people!
-Perrin's arc was slow, but interesting nonetheless.
Overall it wasn't a bad book. A lot of people enjoyed, as you can see by all the 5 and 4 stars reviews. However, I when I finished this book, the only feeling I had was one of wasting time in a underwhelming journey.
I might try the next book as I was told that it is one of the best in the series. If that one doesn't grab by attention, it will be my farewell to the Wheel of Time. -
3 stars
**Although this is a spoiler free review (spoilers are hidden), there may be spoilers for previous books in the series (scroll down)**
*braid-tugging intensifies** After finishing
The Great Hunt, I was dying to get into this. The ending wit the Battle of Falme, the blowing of the Horn, the Seachan, oh it was so perfect. I could not wait to see where the follow up would take me because WOW I felt exhilarated and hyped up. Although I still think
The Dragon Reborn is a good novel, but compared to its predecessors, it shines a little weaker. After a hard winter, following the events on Almoth Plain, Rand, Perrin, Lan, Min and the Shienar company camp in the mountains waiting for a good time to proceed with Moiraine's plans for Rand as the Dragon reborn. Rand, though, is going through a mental breakdown not knowing if he really is the Dragon, or just the Aes Sedais' puppet. When he runs off to Tear in the attempts to raise the great sword Callandor and prove to himself if he really is the Dragon, Perrin, Lan, Moiraine and company soon follow in pursuit. What they find in Rand's wake is a path of very peculiar occurrences. On the other hand, Elayne, Nynaeve, Egwene, Verin, and Mat finally make it back to Tar Valon to get Mat healed and separated from the Shadar Logoth dagger. What the three young novices/Accepted find, though, is a Tower in shambles crawling with Soulless and terrifyingly, Black Ajah. As new weaves in the Pattern are formed, events all start tumbling down to a final showdown... but what will happen then?"Always plan for the worst, child, that way all your surprises are pleasant ones."
I really should have listened to Verin when she said this. Again, not that I disliked this book, compared to many it is still good, but I think I set my expectations way too high. I know this is a very controversial opinion as I heard many people proclaiming that this is where The Wheel of Time gets phenomenal. It didn't for me. I felt like all our Two Rivers gang decided to channel Tobey Maguire in Spiderman 3:
Rand in the last book was losing it. Sure. But when this book begins he is in full on brooding-emo mode. I did not like this. Later on he also does some pretty shady stuff that I felt totally distanced us from what I came to love about him in book 2. He doesn't get that much screen time in this book. Maybe a total of 50-pages (POV-wise). Perrin and Egwene both started having intense anger issues. Perrin, sure I understand what spending 6-months in the mountains alone feels like... It's quarantine after all, but Egwene?? She just turns so anti-everyone. If she lived now she'd probably go through a goth phase while silently making heart eyes at Galad and posting on Instagram fake-deep quotes. As for Perrin, he just kinda seems to go through a rebellious teen phase, Moiraine and Lan being his parents. I wasn't really into that. Nynaeve tries to hold it together but OHHHH MAN she really has to get that braid tugging together. Mat in the beginning is a whiny twat. I know he is frustrated, but darn, I just couldn't take it. The Mat situation really did start improving later on and I am starting to see why so many people love him. He just isn't at that point for me yet.
Overall, Jordan really did stick the landing in the end. I had shivers. Great ending that really made up for most of my frustrations along the way. I hate to compare this once again to
The Great Hunt, but I gotta. The reason I don't think I loved it as much as I could have is because this book follows almost the exact same formula as book 2. I did not like that at all. Once again the party is separated just to accidentally form up in the end for a battle. Variation was needed. And the execution wasn't as good as in book 2. I hated that the Tar Valon squad kept getting caught. They are so powerful, yet so utterly helpless. Not gonna lie, it got on my nerves a tad. At the end of book 2 Egwene was caught by the Seanchan, at the end of book 3, all of them are caught by Be'lal. Come on! In book 2 there is a huge showdown with a spectacular army brought on by the Horn of Valere. Now there is an army of Aiel fighting alongside the People of the Dragon. Rand and Ba'alzamon have an intense fight in book 2 and in book 3, but this time it is more confusing. Still a good ending, but a bit formulaic and less fun. I really hope that the next book in the series varies up the formula a bit. This one was so similar to book 2 but without the intrigue, and less wonder than book 1. Still good though.
Looking forward to book 4, I cannot wait to find out more about the Aiel. If we will follow the prophecies, that means that we are journeying to the Three Fold Land. Can't wait. The Aiel culture holds a lot of promise, so I really want to spend more time exploring it.
The Dragon Reborn is a solid book but a tad formulaic... kinda like the emo version of its predecessor.
-----------------------------------
Books in series:
#0
New Spring: ★★.75
#1
The Eye of the World: ★★★.5
#2
The Great Hunt: ★★★.75
#3 The Dragon Reborn: ★★★
#4
The Shadow Rising: ★★★★.25
#5
The Fires of Heaven: ★★★★
#6
Lord of Chaos: ★★★★.25
#7
A Crown of Swords: ★★★.75
#8
The Path of Daggers: ★★.25 -
The Great Re-Read of the WoT (for me) continues!
Well, since this was my fifth time reading this book, I kinda rather knew what to expect, but I think I tend to enjoy it all the more because of it. So many details. So many characters. So much foreshadowing!
And so much abuse for Matt! I mean, come on. The poor trickster DOES pour most of it on himself, true, but he has a heart of pure gold. I can't believe how those women treat him. After all that he did?? Oh, woe...
I was laughing my ass off about poor Perrin, too. Faile, the love of his life, really MANAGES him thoroughly, right from the very start. And of course, the conflict inside him, always shifting back and forth between destruction and creation, of the Axe and the Hammer, is really starting strong here.
Rand? Yeah, well, I laughed my butt off about the rash of marriages but he kinda became a cardboard cutout. A force of nature that everything else, the weave of the world, snarled around. No big deal, really, because the women all had a huge role in this book and I never felt the dearth. Egwene, Nynaeve, Elayne, and even our fateful introduction to Aviendha made up for that.
Ah, to have future history while reliving the early bits again... there's nothing quite like it. :)
Suffice to say, I'm having a grand ole time. I'm coming home to one of my top favorite series and it holds up. It holds up extremely well. The Dragon is Reborn! :) -
Like the first couple of WoT books The Dragon Reborn started a little slow and then developed into quite an engaging and exciting read. I like Jordan's storytelling style. He manages to keep me interested in the characters and the happenings even when not a lot is actually happening!
Despite being titled The Dragon Reborn this book was notable for the distinct absence of Rand as a POV character. That meant that Perrin, Egwene, and Mat had to pick up the slack. It was the making of both Mat and Perrin as both have now developed nicely as characters. Mat was a little annoying in the early stages before stealing the show in the second half of the book. Perrin is now just dependably likeable and interesting. Things went less well for Egwene. Her story was interesting, but she herself has gotten a bit less likeable.
The world building was as awesome as ever and we got to visit more places, like Illian and Tear, in this instalment. We also got to learn a bit more about the White Cloaks and the Forsaken!
Jordan wove a bunch of interesting story arc over the course of the story and then had a lot of those separate threads converge in an explosive and exciting ending.
All in all this was a great addition to the WoT series.
Rating: 4.5 stars.
Audio Note. Krammer and Reading were fantastic as always. -
4 stars!
First read in 2003/4 ish
Audiobook reread 2021
The first five books of this series I might do comparison reviews because those were the five books I read all those years ago. Also, it’s difficult to summarize these books once the series gets going because there would be massive spoilers with every single review and since this is becoming a tv series, I don’t want to ruin it for anyone.
I honestly didn’t remember much about this book except that when I first read it, I liked it. Instead of focusing on Rand in this third book, we learn a lot more about Perrin and Mat and their journeys in this series. Mat is such a fun character and I’m glad I get to revisit him all these years later. If I remember correctly books 4 and 5 were among my favorites so I hope they hold up all these years later.
I’m not sure if it’s rereading these books in a different format (audio versus mass market) but I’m not as compelled reading them as I used to be. I remember this was a 5 star read for me back then but a 4 stars now. There were definitely times when I was choosing to listen to music instead of the audiobook on my commute and that’s telling. Overall, I really enjoyed it but hoping I rediscover that epic feeling I had when I was first reading this series all those years ago.
