Knife of Dreams (Wheel of Time) by Robert Jordan
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Book Reviews of Knife of Dreams (Wheel of Time)
Book Review: On the right track
Summary: 4 Stars
The last of the Wheel of Time series to be completed entirely by Robert Jordan, Knife of Dreams, was a step in the right direction for the saga. For volume after volume, Jordan had been on a long-winded ramble, creating convoluted side-plots, over-developing unimportant side characters and leaving events unresolved and stagnant. This book, the last he wrote before his death, was a testament to his power as a story-teller and a reminder of why so many readers kept drudging through thousands of pages to get to the Last Battle. I was relieved and pleased to find that his last novel was the first step to a thrilling conclusion that will be as satisfying to readers as the story's beginnings were.
Finally, in Knife of Dreams, Jordan is actually pulling his sideplots through to their conclusions and preparing his characters to get focused on their real battle. Mat and his soon-to-be wife (as laughable as that concept is) face separation as the price for both of their well-beings. Perrin finally gets his opportunity to take on the Shaido who have capture Faile, after several books leading to this distraction from his duty at Rand's side. Egwene's sideplot was the most captivating for me, which was refreshing because despite the intricate political manipulations to make herself more than a puppet Amyrlin, I had found the sections about Egwene to be the most boring in the past few books. That is in the past - with this book, Egwene has to contend with the impossible task of reuniting the White Tower while being degraded by captivity. Her strength in these scenes is beyond anything we've seen from her before.
And what is Rand up to? Pretty much just becoming increasingly paranoid, stone-like, and mad. That's not to say that he doesn't play an interesting part in this book, but until the thrilling conclusion, there is definitely a focus on the supporting characters' side plots. I'm ok with that, since we are finally back on the right track. That's really what Knife of Dreams is about. Every plot line has been completely derailed in the past few books, and before his death, RJ managed to set them back on the tracks. This is a very refreshing addition to a what had been a long and somewhat stale epic. Hopefully the last three additions will manage to be fresh and satisfying.
Book Review: A Fond Farewell
Summary: 4 Stars
First of all, a few months late, a fond farewell to Robert Jordan. He persevered for over a decade to bring us one of the greatest fantasy epics of my generation. He, however, passed before he was able to see his journey to its completion.
Knife of Dreams, while not quite on par with the beginning of the series, is still a good read: intriguing, novel, and just plain good. It advances the story quite well, where a few of the other recent books did not do well, it developed many of the characters much more deeply, including Perrin, Matrim, and the women most of all, but even the lesser characters; Elyas, the Forsaken, Moiraine (though 'dead') and Lan.
Finally, it did what I think Jordan felt he must do. It set everything up to be finished in one more installment. I believe that, with his amyloidosis, he felt he must make it as easy to finish as possible, in the event that someone else had to do it.
I am worried about Brian Sanderson having to do it, but Mistborn was very well received and the time I have invested in the series already mandates that I see it to the end. So, good luck Mr. Sanderson, do not disappoint us loyal fans. And Mr. Jordan, fare thee well.
Book Review: The Wheel of Time Continues...
Summary: 4 Stars
I had read all of Robert Jordon's Wheel of Time books, and could hardly wait to get my hands on this one. Mr. Sanderson has quite a reputation all on his own, and I thought it would be pretty good if he could pull off writing the succeeding (three) novels in order to finish the WOT series.
At first as I began reading, I could definitely tell that there was a difference in style between Jordan and Sanderson, and then, after a short while reading it just didn't make any difference any more. It just seemed to "blend" well, for lack of a better way to put it.
It was written well, covered and closed several story arcs (as promised), and kept closely enough to what I was used to with Robert Jordan's style to keep me interested, laughing, and turning to the next page.
Book Review: An improvement. Too bad Jordan died in September
Summary: 4 Stars
Worth getting, if only to complete the series. He seemed to reign in some of his characters, many of whom apparantly took on a life of their own.
Many reviewers are justifiably annoyed at the way the stories got away from Jordan. This book did do a fair job of starting the wind-down. But with Jordan's death, though there will be a 12th book, I think it will be up to our imaginations to fill in the blanks of the prophecies from early on. But we'll see.
Some of the events in this book are a let-down, but there is a lot of enjoyment to be had (oh, how I hate passive tense!).
Read it and decide for yourself.
Book Review: It's a good book
Summary: 4 Stars
Sure, alot of the books over the past 6-7 years had been painful, but for all the writers who take up writing for Wheel of Time universe, they will have quite a encyclopedia to write from. Robert, rest in peace, and thanks for the journey...it's been a long 17 years, but the end is in sight...WOW...17 freaking years (18 for some). Anyway, the Wheel of Time series has definitely lived up to THAT moniker...lol.