A decent installment but far from my favourite. One of the shortest in the series and it moved at such a sluggish pace I felt so bored I could cry, even though it only took place over a handful of weeks. Between Perrins constant inner monologue of trying to understand Faile, and every single woman fighting over each other to be in charge, espeically the Aes Sedai, and that they are right in all matters, for the simple fact they are Aes Sedai. 

I love the story and the worldbuilding and mythology are outstanding, but at this point in the series, the whole battle of the sexes thing is so tiresome and everyone needs a massive wake up call. Although it is hilarious to see Nyneve and Elayne shut other Sisters down at every turn. 

What really did this book a disfavour was that there was no Matt, and only a few mentions of him, so I expect lots more of him in the next book - I'm guessing is events will run parallel to what went on in this one. 

We did get some plot points tied up that have been on going for the last few books, with several characters ready to undertake the next step of their journey, and I really enjoyed Siuan's and Egewenes manipulation of The Sitters. I wasn't sure what they were up to but the pay off was delightful. 

I do enjoy political intrigue in my fantasy but like the last book, this seemed to drag out a bit and battle sequences started midway, or towards the end of the battle leaving me feeling a little slighted. All that buildup and no real follow through, but I guess that's because we are following Rand at those points and it attributes to his growing madness.

But what would really break this up is more POV's from the Forsaken or Shadowspawn. 

The Asha'man give me anxiety and Rand needs to get rid of them all immediately, and he should have seen what happened at the end coming because its been a bit obvious for a while. (If you know, you know.)

I wish we got more scenes in the White Tower in this book. Elaida is kind of growing on me a little now, and she's come to the realisation that The Black Ajah in fact do exist, and are in the Tower. For someone in her position, and the character type she is, it takes alot to ask someone for help and I appreciate that and I've began to see her in a different light. She's still an awful woman, but I wouldn't say no to a redemption plot. 

But saying that, all these factions and forces are all in this crucible bubbling away quickly to a boiling point and I'm excited to see what happens next. 

These books do take a bit of getting used too, and they can take an effort getting through but the pay offs are so worth it.