Review: The Fires Of Heaven (Book Five in The Wheel of Time Series) by Robert Jordan

 

Rand and the Aiel armies move through the Spine of the World, following close in the bloody trail of the false He Who Comes with the Dawn, Couladin.  

The world is already in turmoil and civil war, and the never before seen Aiel armies of thousands strike terror in the hearts of those they pass.

The city of Cairhien, already rocked by civil war, is now surrounded by Couladin's armies, who are surrounded by the Aiel army of the Dragon Reborn. How to drive them away from the city? Mat, who keeps wanting to run away, has been experiencing memories not his own of brilliant tactics that he uses to help free Cairhien.

In Caemlyn, Queen Morgase is literally under the spell of Lord Gaebril.  On his behalf she has exiled all of her allies in the city, and has been cruel about it.  She's the puppet of Gaebril, who is actually one of the Forsaken, Rahvin.  Two of her loyal retainers help Morgase fight free of the mental fog she's been in, and they make a daring escape from the city.

Siuan, former Amyrlin Seat, her former Keeper Leane, and Min are on the run with Logain, the False Dragon who was gentled.   They are betrayed by Logain who accidentally burns the barn they've spent the night in and he steals a coin purse from the farmer whose land they're on. Logain escapes, but the three women are brought to trial.  They swear an oath to work to repay the debt owed, though they're innocent themselves.  Led by Siuan, they've no intention of staying at the estate of Gareth Byrne, and will escape at the first opportunity.  They're headed to a secret city where Aes Sedai who fled Tar Valon now reside.

The Children of the Light are everywhere throughout the land.  Elayne's half brother Galad has become one of the Children. When he comes upon Elayne in a small city, he's determined to get her home again.

Elayne, Nynaeve, Thom Merrilin, Juilin and the  great heroine Birgitte travel with a menagerie show, trying to remain hidden from The Children and Galad.  Elayne does a high wire act and Nynaeve is the target for Birgitte's arrows in a thrilling act.

Everyone is on the move in this novel, trying to get someplace or just trying to escape.  It's constant peril for everyone. Action packed, yet the characters become even more defined as they try to do the right thing and stay alive.

Review: The Great Hunt: Wheel of Time #2 by Robert Jordan

 

In this second volume of the fourteen volume series, the forces of The Dark One begin to move more openly in the world.  As many become convinced that the Last Battle nears, The Great Hunt is called to find the Horn of Valere.

This horn can be wielded by anyone, whether they are on the side of the light or dark.  When the horn is used, the dead will answer it's call.

Stolen by the Darkfriend Pad Fain from Fal Dara, Rand and a band of soldiers from Fal Dara pursue him across the world.

Egwene and Nynaeve begin their training in Tar Valon.  Egwene as a novice and Nynaeve as one of the Accepted.   It's interesting that the Aes Sedai are willing to work with Nynaeve at such a high training level right away, particularly when she seems most able to channel her powers when she's angry.

Travel is anything but ordinary, given the distances.  In addition to the Waygates, and the perilous travel through those dark ways, there are Portal Stones, rune covered stones and portions of stones which can transport a traveler to a mirror world.  

The first time one is used it's by accident, and the world they've entered is a strange, almost empty place.  Traveling there allows the group to journey a hundred miles in a short time once they find a way back home.  In another instance of using the stone, all of the travelers see other lives they might have lived.

As with the first book, the Great Hunt is packed with adventure, romance, and betrayal.  You feel as if you're right there along with our heroes and heroines, so well realized is the world.  An epic battle at the end of the book could easily have been the series end in any other story.  Luckily far more adventure awaits.