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After the triumph of 'Lord of Chaos', any writer would have been hard-pressed to equal such an effort. Instead of trying to match what he had done before, though, Jordan changes gears with 'A Crown of Swords', and gives us his most playful, amusing volume in the WOT series. The key to this shift in tone is the focus on Mat Cauthon, the put-upon, misunderstood, just-trying-to-keep-his-promise guy who gets the tables turned on him with Queen Tylin, and shows the Atha'an Miere what being a ta'veren is all about. There is an obvious sympathetic connection between Jordan and his gambler creation; makes you wonder what RJ was like in his twenties. :) Oh, there are other characters, other plotlines to follow in ACOS, but they seem a little pale and less interesting than Mat's trials and tribulations. Who can forget Tylin tying Mat's wrists to the bedposts, or Mat receiving Elayne and Nynaeve's apologies with his usual skepticism and practical good humour? Any poll I've seen has Mat as the most popular character by far, and ACOS is the volume that gives Mat room to grow in our hearts.
Well, let's begin breaking down A Crown Of Swords:
Plotting - Aside from Mat, Elayne, and Nynaeve in Ebou Dar, we've got Egwene trucking the rebels north, and Rand and Perrin returning from Dumai's Wells to discover renewed suspicions in Cairhien and Caemlyn. There are a few side-trips (Elaida's troubles with Alviarin - serves her right; Sammael messing with the Shaido), and Jordan even tries giving Rand an opportunity to goof around (his impetuous jaunt to Darlin and Caraline's hideout).
Characterization - Queen Tylin is an inspired creation, putting Mat so hilariously in his place, and we finally get to meet Cadsuane, the most imposing presence since Sorilea. We also get a rare treat - a POV with Aviendha, who gives us a welcome glimpse into the mind of an Aiel. Given the sheer numbers of characters, Jordan has his work cut out for him in trying to give them all identities and dimensions, and with the major characters, I believe he succeeds quite well.
Pacing - Jordan begins the book by looking at Dumai's Wells from a couple different angles before delving into the aftermath, and the result is his most patient, thoughtful opening to date. From there, things gradually pick up speed; some nice suspense with Egwene's discovery of Myrelle & Nisao's transgressions, which carry us through the middle of the book. Then, two false climaxes (Rand and co. battling the fog and Padan Fain; Mat and co. fighting Black Ajah and a gholam) before the true climaxes (Rand facing Sammael in Shadar Logoth; Mat facing the Sea Folk in Ebou Dar). The way Jordan writes it, we're not sure which challenges were more difficult.
Best Scene - There's no doubt - the scene that has Tylin finally trapping Mat in his bedchambers, and does some tricky things with her wedding knife. Runner-up: Elayne and Nynaeve finally getting their due from the Kin (and the Aes Sedai, in the bargain). The Best Scene We Never Got To See: Lan and Nynaeve's Sea Folk wedding.
Best Quote - Sighing, Mat tucked the useless knife into its scabbard. "You can't have her," he said loudly. Promises. One jerk broke the leather cord around his neck; the silver foxhead dangled a foot below his fist. It made a low hum as he whirled it in a double loop. "You can't bloody have her." He started forward, keeping the medallion spinning. The first step was the hardest, but he had a promise to keep.
Most Screen Time - Even though this is Mat's book, he really steals it out from under Rand, Egwene, Elayne, and Nynaeve, who get about as much screen time as he does. But because his POVs are usually so much fun, they tend to stick in your mind more than the others do.
Overall - Jordan doesn't try to outdo 'Lord of Chaos'; instead, he changes the tone and writes a more light-hearted volume. This is all to the good, but as we'll see in 'Path of Daggers', Mat's character is more necessary to the success of the story than you'd think. 5 out of 5 angreals.
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