Book Reviews
The New Cast List
My Loony Verin Theory
Predictions (NEW!)
WOT Humor
WOT Fan Fiction
The Science of WOT
The True Power
The Nearly Ultimate Survey Results Version 2.0!
Moiraine and Gandalf
The Power Of Women
Setalle Anan
My Twenty Favourite Scenes
Links
|
After the relative disappointment of 'Path of Daggers', there were a lot of high hopes for 'Winter's Heart'. I had many e-mails from people who said that the new book had to be a blockbuster, or they were going to give up on the series. Now, I don't think that I could go to that extreme (give up on the series? not a chance), but I understood some of the frustrations fans were feeling. Luckily, under all this pressure, Jordan delivers a satisfying, entertaining book that might not be the best volume in the series, but can stand with the best without shame.
We got an update on Perrin's situation, a surprising Warder bonding session, and a triumphant return for everybody's favourite gambler, Mat Cauthon. Somehow, Mat's meeting and subsequent kidnapping of the Daughter of the Nine Moons, often cited as one of the most anxiously-awaited scenes in the series, paled against the exciting climax, which had Rand and Nynaeve teaming up for a One Power knockout punch against the cursed taint on saidin. The last half of the book is as gripping and involving as anything Jordan's written to date, and it serves as a terrific reward for any reader.
I must say, though, that I believe the selling of the prologue as an e-book was a mistake. I doubt that it made much money for Jordan and Softlock.com, and when you factor in the high price of a hardcover book, the cost of the prologue was not worth the purchase. I understand the desire to test the market, but I reiterate my belief that e-books should contain original material not available anywhere else, and I hope that if Jordan wants to try e-publishing again, he takes that route instead.
Well, let's begin breaking down Winter's Heart:
Plotting - Instead of having multiple plot threads running at the same time, Jordan chooses to handle his plot threads in a mostly sequential fashion. There was Perrin's pursuit of the Shaido, which gets dropped early on, in favour of Elayne's dealings with assassins and a certain boyfriend. Finally, Mat returns to the action after what seemed like an eternity (a book and a half, basically), and then the book ends with Rand and Nynaeve shocking the world with their cleansing of the taint.
Characterization - Luckily, the Daughter of the Nine Moons was in this book, so I won't have to take up crack-smoking. We even got a bit of a taste of her character, although Jordan's decision to have her stare at Mat from afar was brilliant, as it added to the suspense of his discovery. Otherwise, the story centered on the main characters, Perrin, Elayne, Nynaeve, Rand, Min, and Mat.
Pacing - I'll be honest; the first two hundred pages are slow. The prologue gives you a peek at the various goings-on around Randland, but doesn't really move the narrative forward. Perrin and Faile's section has little action and a lot of exposition, and it's the same for Elayne and Nynaeve's section, until the assassination attempt. With that attempt, the story picks up steam, and by the time Rand is sequestered in Elayne's room, the narrative is in top gear. The best sequence is probably the ending, when Jordan switches between the various Forsaken as Rand and Nynaeve cleanse saidin.
Best Scene - Well, we've all been looking forward to that fateful day when Rand and the girls are all in the same room at the same time, and Jordan did not disappoint. The best part of the scene is out in the hall, as Min and Aviendha try to maintain their dignity and composure. It's funny how Jordan is so comfortable with having naked women in all these different scenes, but when it comes time for some nookie, he always fades to black. Of course, that just fires up the imagination, doesn't it? :)
Best Quote - "I suppose you mean to leave them both in the hayloft?" Noal said.
"No," Mat replied, looking at Tuon. She stared right back, still with no expression he could read. A boy-slim little woman, when he liked women with flesh on their bones. Heir to the Seanchan throne, when noblewomen gave him goose bumps. A woman who wanted to buy him, and now likely wanted to put a knife in his ribs. And she would be his wife. The Aelfinn always gave true answers. "We are taking them with us," he said.
At last, Tuon showed expression. She smiled, as if she suddenly knew a secret. She smiled, and he shivered. Oh, Light, how he shivered.
Most Screen Time - Jordan does a good job of evening this out, although I suspect Mat would probably get the nod over Elayne or Rand. It'd be close. Probably Florida close. The beginning of the book makes you think Perrin might be a busy man, but his thread gets dropped early on.
Overall - 'Winter's Heart' had the best ending since 'Lord of Chaos' and Dumai's Wells. Then you add Mat and his shenanigans, the girls Bonding Rand, and a bunch of answers to questions everybody has been asking ('Who's Cyndane? Is Dashiva Osan'gar? Is Taim Demandred?'). What you have is a book that pleases the nitpickers and the casual readers alike, and I imagine Jordan will be relieved to discover that the majority of readers enjoyed it immensely. Hey, that probably includes you! 4.5 out of 5 angreals.
Return to the main page!
|
Discussion Forums
|
