I'm on my second read through rn, I'm currently on chapter 47 of TFOH. I expect to be done with it next week. I'm enjoying it a lot more the second time around. After that I'll be starting Words of Radiance. I read the way of kings about a month ago and freaking loved it!
The door part in chapter 52 or 53 is one of my favorite moments in the entire series. Can’t wait to see it on screen. Also in this book Mat becomes one of my favorite characters.
Galad is incredible! I never understood how people didn’t like him. He isn’t annoying, he lives what he says. He is trying to be the best person he can be, and that is his GOAL. As a young teen, Galad made me feel less strange.
Rand: ”Nynaeve, I can explain...” Nynaeve: ”You’re fighting Rahvin AND Lanfear in this book? I only get to fight Moghedien.” Mat: ”Moghedien? I only get to kill Couladin off-screen.” Perrin: ”You guys are in this book?!”
This book made me assume that the forsaken weren't inept or anything, but overconfident. Like. Imagine you're told that your biggest enemy was reborn as a farmboy who barely has any knowledge or power. You're not going to send your best assassins or an army after that because it's just a farmboy. What could a farmboy do? But it backfires because they keep underestimating until its too late. Almost every time they talk about the Emmons field boys it's always conferencing cause "they're just farmboys who got lucky"
I think it's highlighting the biggest weakness of the forsaken. They are sinful and heavily indulge so despite being vastly more powerful they 'forsake' their own greatness. Whereas our heros do indulge, but EARN it and have good values instilled in them to let them know the difference between living a balanced life and over indulgence.
at this point in the series, rand has killed three of the forsaken (4 by the end of that book), bested one in a duel of power, Ninaeve has also vanquished one in a magic duel, and moiraine has killed two, besides Mat has avoided 2 assassins, including a grey man, numerous trollocs and fades, it's way, way past the time the forsaken should start taking the two rivers gang seriously. That said the idea that the shadow is beaten at least half the time because of their own infighting and inability to come together acts pretty well as a dire warning for the heroes as they try to assemble a coalition.
that attitude is present not just towards Rand the other taverens, but towards the forces of light in general. They are constantly underestimating everyone because they seem less than what was in the Age of Legends.
@@katalinilles5497 About that idea of underestimating less technologically advanced people, at one point I had a concept for a novel (that I never managed to push beyond a very basic outline) was about a star trek style crew stranded in the hero of cesar's gaullic wars and changing the trajectory of history. What was interesting is how dependant most major inventions are on supply chains of materials. Basically, any period's technology is not that far from the optimum given the available economy and industry. The same should go for military tactics and any other aspect of life, and accelerating progress is possible but largely determined by outside factors. Basically, just because someone is less technologically advanced doesn't mean they're stupid, and they're better adapted to their environment than you are.
Moiraine's death was one of the most ground-shattering moments for me. The fact that she just... disappeared, and the slowly understanding that this was for real, and realizing how big her role was in keeping the kids safe. The entire safety net was just gone. Four fucking books later I still haven't recovered.
I agree. Like Rand, you don't notice how much you need Moraine until she's just gone and there's a huge hole in your heart. That said if you haven't finished the series you should probably leave right now and turn off notifications for this thread before people spoil other plot details.
I always forget how much is in Fires of Heaven. It ends like three times. "Ok, Cooladin's dead. Wait, why is there more book left?" "Ok, now Moiraine sacrificed herself to kill a Forsaken. ...Still not over?" "Ah, just going for the villain hat trick and offing Rahvin too. ...AND Moghedien!?"
lan: “you’re being really close to rand. i wouldn’t be surprised if you started sleeping with him at this point” moiraine: “i would never!” (because the visions showed that always leading to lanfear winning)
You are forgetting to mention the death of Asmodean in a truly bizarre way. I really enjoyed the relationship between Rand and Asmodean, and I wish his character arc have been further explored.
I think it was a purposeful move by Jordan; Book 5 marks the end of guidance for Rand. He's set on his own, with both Moiraine and Asmodean no longer there to support him.
I’m new to WoT and my feelings about Lan and Mat are especially Lan going “Mat is a walking surprise and I don’t need to question it anymore. I’ve accepted the walking rng that is Mat”
This book had several really epic moments. I loved it. I was thrilled when Nynaeve captured Moghedien and used her to learn new weaves. That was fucking brilliant! The things these kids from the Two Rivers did in this book was legendary!
To Moiraines defence (in my newbe-ish experience as i am reading it for the first time now): she was shown a vision of her giving her life to save Rand in the docks of Cairhien in a ter'angreal. She knew she did not have a lot of time anymore to instruct Rand and prepare him to save the world. Trust or no trust, the oath is a bullet she had to take to at least try and guide him a little bit in the time she still has.
yep, I don't think it was desperation, it was a very calculated move. She submits, gives him all the ammo she can and then tell him in the letter "hey I knew I was gonna die and followed through so you can trust me"
I’m on my first read through and idk why but I sided with a Moiraine from the start. She’s a frustrating character but I felt that she’s proven that she deserves our trust time and time again. literally the entire time I was reading books 2-5 I was like MOIRAINE DOESN’T DESERVE THIS KIND OF SLANDER
She proves her good intentions to the reader, not to the Two Rivers folk. Heck, in this very book, she admits her first loyalty is to the White Tower. Even the death of her best friend and ex lover, and loss of the leader she was counting on to support Rand is not as bad news to Moiraine as the idea of the Tower being divided. Tower uber alles is her instinctive reaction, even when she knows better. That's why Rand had to break her to the harness in this book; even with good intentions, she's operating under the wrong set of assumptions. Following Moiraine's plans at any time she & Rand disagreed, would have been a disaster for him. She wanted him to wait in the mountains while Ishamael gathered the Forsaken closer into a unified force, and Pedron Niall had time to work on his "lion in the street" gambit, building Rand up as a villain to the world before he got the chance to make his own impression. She wanted him to attack Sammael, an excellent general & the master of defense, with only the troops of a single nation, and no understanding of his own powers, while counting on Callandor to make the difference. Rand didn't want to use Callandor, because he instinctively grasped that it was dangerous to do so, but at that phase of their relationship, Moiraine would totally disregard his assessment, because he hasn't been trained by the Tower, so what could he possibly know? She thinks of his own plans as stupid, and would have been trying to subvert them, except he didn't give her any opportunity. She DID try to subvert his plans with the Aiel the very day he told her his intentions, except the Wise Ones told her where to head in. That's also why she swore to him, because she was out of options and if Rand found out what she had been doing not long before, he would know he had been right to resist telling her, and would freeze her out even more. Even her ultimate ploy that won Rand's trust for good was bad. She traumatized him by making him think her "death" was his fault, and made him believe he had to be harder and cut himself off from people. And the supposed necessity of her sacrifice was based on a stack of bad assumptions. First, that she remembers accurately the potential timelines she saw in Rhuidean and that the ONLY possibilities were the three she saw. She says going to the docks where Lanfear attacked was inevitable, but they only went because she made them. Lanfear heard about Avienda from Kadere, but it was the sight of them together that made him certain they were lovers. He might never have mentioned it if he had not observed them moments before Lanfear accosted him for a report. And even if he had, Lanfear would have had to come looking for him, on a pitched battlefield where Rahvin would be just as likely to kill her as the good guys. He'd certainly see her as the biggest threat if she showed up in the middle of Rand's attack on the Royal Palace. Moiraine forgot what the Wise Ones tried to tell her about seeing the future before she went to Rhuidean, and as always, arrogantly assumed she knew everything there was to know about a given situation. Rand, at least, was aware of his own ignorance, so he kept an open mind.
My favorite part was definitely Rand storming through the palace balefire blasting all the guards in his path. It was super hype and I love the way Robert Jordan described the balefire inverting colors.
Two of my favorite moments from this book: When Nyneave's control in the Dream World in trapping Moghedien and her intelligence in figuring out capturing her in the real world - baller. Rand's speech to Bashere about the flaws of humanity and how he intends to force everyone to peace and co-operation for the sake of the world.
Brigitte and mat had some good if brief moments together in the series, they had neat chemistry together. Probably smart Jordan didn’t have them interact too much. It would’ve ended with a tavern on fire, alarm bells being run, and an ale shortage
Rand's madness hits me differently, now. (Maybe spoilers following? i forget which book) I've been a WoT fan for 13 years. But in the past two years, I was diagnosed with DID. Rand's "madness", which is really just another identity that is part of him but sharing his body and brain, progresses in a way that feels real, to me. The confusion, the fear, the desperation to understand what's going on, with the fear that those around him will pity or fear him, the loss of control over his own body sometimes, and embracing that connection sometimes...idk. i'm 37 years old and this story just hits different for me, now. Also the fact that Trauma is a big part of Rand's experience with madness. Trauma makes it worse. untreated PTSD makes it worse. I love RJ's portrayal of different mental illnesses. One of his strengths, imo
I always felt that the Forsaken just went back to what they were doing before the war. Graendal went back to collecting, Moghedian went back to building her web, Rahvin found a woman in a position of power and denigrated her, Demandred tried to outdo Lews Therin and fulfil his own prophecies etc etc etc
Re: Moiraine's oath to Rand. One, she knew that she was probably going to die soon. Time was short and there was much he still needed to know. Two, she told somebody (I'd have to look it up) that she did it because she finally remembered how to handle Saidar - control by submitting. Makes perfect sense.
Yay new read along! I read New Spring right before this one and it made Moiraine’s actions in this book all the more curious. I never thought I’d be caring about Morgase’s subplot and Jordan made a QUEEN likable.
I finished this book a few days ago, and I had such a hard time processing Moraine's fate in it. I always thought she might die around the end of the books perhaps but this "soon" in the serie of books? Feels like killing Gandalf or something :O I still can't help but feel like MAYBEEEE she will come back in some way later in the story...?
These read-along episodes have been amazing. There's not really anyone around me that's as hyped about the series or the show as I am so it's fun to watch someone pull up the soapbox for a good ol' passionate rant about WoT. Really hits you right in the feels.
Love the part after Lanfear’s attack and burnt carcasses are surrounding Rand with the stench of cooked human in the air and Mat just walks up to him smiling and is like “We still on for tonight?”
I'm going thru the series for the first time and just discovered your channel. Your perspectives and summaries have been super essential on helping me keep everything straight in this huge series. I'm in the middle of book 6 now and can't wait for your next video!
It’s my favorite of the first half of the series. Love Mat becoming a general. It was so satisfying to see my favorite character becoming a major hero in my first read of the series.
Love your content especially WOT. Even though we have different takes on certain topics, your passion for this series (and stormlight) is great. Keep it up.
Moiraine's letter to Rand makes me feel feelings. As he's crying over the letter he's realizing that she truly was a friend, someone to be trusted, and she was willing to lay down her life to help him deafeat the Dark One. Realized it too late. You know he's feeling the guilt at the way he had treated her in the Waste and before, and guilt at his weakness being unable to kill Lanfear just because she's a woman. Poor Rand... knowing he's going to continue losing people close to him before the end only to finally spill his own blood to complete the prophecy. I totally understand him when he's talking to Davram about forcing the world to bend to him if they won't come willingly. Dude's got a job to do (saving the damn world) and he doesn't have time for petty squabbles.
Fires and Chaos swapped places for me in my last re-read too. It's easily in my top five now. This is the first book where Rand actually knows what the hell he's doing with the Power. He's no longer fumbling instinctively and getting lucky like in the first four books. That makes Rahvin kind of the first "real" Forsaken battle. I love the world building through the magic system, and Fires stands out to me for that.
I just finished The Wheel of Time for the first time! I read the first 5 with this read along then just kept on going! Looking forward to the rest of the read along videos from Daniel!
I just finished this audiobook the other day. It really helped me appreciate Rand and Mat all the more and really see them as two very different individuals. I really enjoyed seeing Rand deal with his internal struggles of becoming a leader, and then seeing Mat do the same through a different path. I also really enjoyed seeing Nynaeve throw her weight around with the one power and realize how much strength she actually wields. Just started book 6 so I'm excited to see where things go from here!
The Fires of Heaven is one of the best books in the series, if you ask me. We have epic moments like Moiraine tackling Lanfear into the doorway, the massive battle with Ravhin, the Asmodean mystery. I also like the ideas presented by things like the Tower Schism, such as "divided we fall."
Finally! I've been waiting for this video for what feels like a long time! I've recently been able to listen to audiobooks a lot more because of my new job. I used to have a hard time keeping up with you but now I'm almost done with A crown of swords.
The stakes of the Battle for Cairhien was Rand's leadership, of both Aiel and wetlanders. He had to demonstrate to the Tairens and Cairhienin that he could protect them and he had to show the Aiel that he was a worthy leader and the true Car'a'carn. That's why the headband-wearing _siswai aman_ make their appearance right after the battle. And a large part of that is how hard Rand pushed himself. The Maidens were there to witness it, to see how far he would go for his people. That's what keeps them attached to him despite his violation of their honor by keeping them out of the fighting (and why it hurts them so much more; if they could write him off as an asshole, his snub would be easy to take, but seeing first hand how much he cares, and how far he will go just makes his rejection sting more). I also disagree about the structural oddity of the climax of the book. It might seem odd, if you are only paying attention to the physical movement of the characters. On the other hand, previous books had a double fight thing going as well. Rand gets to the Eye of the World and defeats a Forsaken and then gets pulled to the greater battle against the Shadow where he confronts Baalzamon and saves the Shienaran army and ends the winter. He retrieves the Horn from the Seanchan and wins a duel with a blademaster and loses a friend, and then he has to ride with the heroes and fight Baazamon again. He faces off with Couladin and gets recognized as Car'a'carn, and then has to go fight Asmodean in Rhuidean for the Choedan Kal access key, but his real climactic confrontation in the book is his face off with Lanfear. Because THAT is the culmination of everything he has been trying to figure out about leadership and his course of action, it is the resolution of things that were introduced in his earliest appearances in the novel. Asmodean was not the big bad of the book, he was only mentioned a few times, and until that fight, was not named to Rand. Aginor was not the antagonist of "The Eye of the World," nor was High Lord Turak of "The Great Hunt". Belal was not the boss fight of "The Dragon Reborn." And it was not Couladin who appeared in the prologue. Hell, Rand never even comes face to face with Couladin. If the book ends with a wrapup after the battle of Cairhien, if the meeting where Mat reveals Morgase's disappearance to Rand happens in the opening of another book, it's not just an emotional climax absent from the book, it's THE climax. Contrary to Brandon Sanderson's view that events in different places and characters who don't encounter one another are not part of the same story, the different character progressions in "The Fires of Heaven" ARE a part of the same story, which is about usurpation of power and responsibility. Fires of Heaven is a fancy way to say lighting, which appears prominently in several places in the book, oddly, since the book is mostly set during a drought. Because all the lightning (and the one rain storm) is all man made. It's men usurping power over the "Heavens" (which is why it's "heaven" in the title and not "sky"), it's about overreach. The "fires of heaven" are also what kill Icarus in the classical mythological fable about overreach, to which Temaile Kinderode alludes when beginning Liandrin's punishment. There is a whole theme running through the book about people trying too hard and reaching for too much. And we see the protagonists getting slapped down for their overreach, while the villains and other characters miss the clues. And that same theme is HUGE in Rand's storyline. Egwene is falsely asserting the status of an Aes Sedai. Moiraine is trying to control Rand, until he forces her not to. Moiraine tries to usurp control over the Aiel by going to the Wise Ones behind his back. Couladin is attempting to usurp Rand's title. The Tairens are usurping control over Cairhien. Rand and Aviendha clash over issues of agency in their relationship, even if Rand has no idea that's what is on her mind. Aviendha feels she has usurped Elayne's place in Rand's love life, while Colavaere is trying to that very thing, and the Maidens punish Isendre for attempting as much. Melindhra (Mat's girlfriend for those with Daniel-Green levels of recall) tries to encourage Mat to reach for more power and glory, and he kind of illustrates the theme in the breech by running away from authority or power at every chance. When discussing Mat's ascension as the true leader of the nascent Band, he tries to demur, by claiming he does not want to usurp the place of Talmanes and Nalsean. They, in turn, are anxious that no one usurp their place of honor for striking the decisive blow in the battle. And these things come to a head with the post-Cairhien confrontation. Moiraine usurps Rand's agency by manipulating the circumstances of his encounter with Lanfear. Her whole plan is an act of arrogance in assuming that her limited memories of the rings of Rhuidean showed absolutely the only possibilities. As a result, her staged confrontation and faked death and the letter she leaves for Rand making it out to be his fault (remember she wrote that passive-aggressive blaming-shifting at the same time she wrote the letter to Thom that's only revealed six books later), become one of the most traumatic moments of his whole arc for Rand, rivaling his torture by Elaida's embassy and Semirhage as things that drive him to the dark side. Right after that, Rand has to face the Maidens over his usurpation of their choice to be warriors. His attack on Rahvin is driven by his assumption that he is responsible for Morgase's death. The book ends with Rand sitting on a throne that does not belong to him, and a coda with Morgase vowing revenge on ANY MAN who sits on her throne. Nothing comes of that in the plot, so it really only serves to highlight the concept of usurpation and reinforce that Rand is taking on excessive responsibility, while also subtly putting it out there that a lot of Rand's responsibilities are undertaken because no one else is doing it. Rand is not overreaching out of arrogance, though it is kind of teaching him to be arrogant in a way, he is doing it because everyone else is failing at their jobs. Which is why Rand is there in the first place. If the world kept its shit together, the Dark One's prison would not have been weakened and he would not be breaking free, so there would be no need for Rand to come back to face him. If the book ends after Rand's Aiel win the battle, there is no resolution to his conflicts with the Maidens or Moiraine, we don't get that thematic wrap-up with him on the Lion Throne, or the fight with Rahvin where he blames himself, but then actually undoes the death of his friends, which is going to encourage further overreach on his part if nothing else, and that fight happens concurrently with Nynaeve's victory over Moghedian, and her contribution to the fight with Rahvin, which also serves as the climax of HER story and a resolution to her issues of inadequacy and loss of agency. All that stuff is why the climax works, as Daniel admits, despite the superficial structural oddity.
Moiraine treats Rand like she treated Saidar - which, for me, was a perfect illustration of balance in the wheel of time. In many ways, Moiraine was the Yang to Rand’s Yin, and so she had to push AND pull at him to guide him. For me, I see it as almost the quintessential point of WoT - men and women working together and against each other to achieve everything. 😊
I’m reading the books for the first time and Ive got that creeping sensation that it’s going to be one of the series that I’ll forever wish I could read again for the first time. So I’m taking it nice and slow and really enjoying everything. I love Mat and Elayne! Wonder if that will change
I hope you continue this series! I find it helps build my anticipation for the show, while also gaining understanding about the depth of the books! I’m on my first read through of the series and am on Lord of chaos. I hope I can keep up with the pace and watch these as I finish the books 😁
Is it really necessary to delay the videos every time people tell you they didn't have time to finish it ? Surely they can come back as they finish them ? Seems odd to me to delay those for so long now (and I suppose the next one will extend the time between videos even further) 5 weeks already seemed like plenty of time
I really loved this video!! Your interesting point of view has made me appreciate this book even more. I'm through book six right now. Stay making this kind of videos please! You are the best
Moiraine, baddest of them all. I feel like she has to be a type of hero of the Wheel like Birgitte. You always need the people working in the shadows, taking no real glory but making sure the main heroes are exactly where they need to be.
My dad's been reading The Wheel of time for years and he is only on book 5. Also I've been reading the wheel of time for a month and am on book 2 and loving it as well.
I like how Masema was predisposed to disliking Rand based on his Aiel heritage early on in Shienar and is now his most zealous follower. It's really crazy to watch how drastic Rand can change the world around him ta'veren or otherwise.
I read the first several books when I was still in school (years and years ago) and am listening to the audiobooks now that the show is out and got me motivated to finish the books. I'm really enjoying this read along series and your reviews of the tv series. I just finished Fires of Heaven today and can't wait to start the next book.
I think there's a very fine line about Moiraines actions because at least from my perspective I could see a lot of rand's choices alot of the time being justified at least from rands perspective, its about stresses and about the lack of information plus the demands being made of him. There was also the parallel to saidar and how you have to submit and embrace in order to learn how to control. Also i think there is a level of compassion on moiraines part as well because rand is being asked alot of and being repeatedly reminded that he is untrustworthy or at least the prophecies hint as such things and it is almost as if rand becomes that which people see him as
Hey, is there any chance you will do an Elayne character breakdown in the future? You have done one for all the other 5 of the 6 main characters, and I'd love to hear you break down and examine my favorite character of the six. Thank you for your weekly content! Its great!
@@sofa1155 Among the best, actually. Miles ahead of Egwene, for example, in that she's a more competent hero, a better person and a more interesting character.
@@sofa1155 Yeah, I've seen a lot of hate for her in the fandom. I just don't get it. Like, I can see if she just doesn't do it for you as a character, and there are people who dislike a plot and transfer that to the central characters in that plot (IMO, this is the cause of most of the hate for Perrin and Faile), but I just don't see what there is to hate about her. She's fairly inoffensive and doesn't do anything to or against fan-favorite characters (which is another reason lots of characters get hate, such as Egwene & Cadsuane).
Tbh I kinda love that these are taking a while - I'm reading through this series for the first time, and I'm coming here to watch your readalong videos afterwards to just sorta digest it all. This video came out...4 days ago? Just finished the book today. Hoping I can finish the next one around the same time your next readalong vid drops.
Fires of Heaven was a slow burn but man was that ending worth it! I can’t believe how much happened in the last act. In terms of characters, I really missed Perrin at first, but by the end I was too wrapped up in everyone else to care. I was also worried at first that Mat was getting put on the back burner but I’m glad I was wrong. Him becoming a leader and master strategist was some of the best stuff in the series so far. Nynaeve’s arc was surprisingly fantastic too, and of course Rand just gets more and more interesting. Lan continues to be the goat although I wish he got a lot more page time. Lastly, Moraine’s storyline was unexpected to say the least. Still not sure how I feel about that one 😳
I will catch up to your re-read yet. I started my second re-read of the series on September 1, and I'll finish The Dragon Reborn today. Haven't even been reading that much - mostly gaming.
If you pay attention to the ebb and flow of his madness it has to do with who is around him. He is the most insane when evil people are around him in large numbers. In this book specifically every time he spends an evening with Asmodean he has an 'episode' but the time he spends around Moiraine or the Wise Ones/Aiel Chiefs he is sensible and clear headed.
I had time to finish the entire series. Now I wait for the readalong videos... Isn't it better to release the videos fast ? People that read slowly can still have access to previous videos, it's not like it's a live discussion. On the other hand, people that read at a decent pace are waiting months to have their readalong fix, which sucks for a "read along"
First read through, and this definitely felt like my favorite of the series so far. Mild Spoilers: I loved Perrin just thinking out loud to the villagers and them taking his words as orders - meanwhile Verin the Brown aja is scribbling notes and saying 'hmm interesting' at getting to observe a ta'veren's effects on people first hand 😆 Also, loved the interactions with Birgitte, and what ends up happening. Really excited to see how that plays out - paling around with a huntress of ancient myth! Also also, what an irony that Siuan Sanche finds herself in Logain's company once the two of them have a bit more in common... I anticipate great things from that plotline.
This book (unlike some other reviews I have read) made me start really liking Nynaeve. Her character arc in this book is so relatable to me. Her cofidence and pride slowly slipping as everything falls apart around her, but she has to keep it to herself. I hope she continues to grow after this book.
I agree with you on that part about the Shaido. At some point in the series you have so many antagonist: forsaken, black sisters, white cloaks, tower faction, shaido, the prophet/dragon sworn, seanchan, dark tower intrigues, and the madness. I got to a point where I was like, do we actually need this whole shiado sub plot?
I really enjoyed the book. There are certain parts that are lengthy, but all in all its nice. I was very suprised to not read anything about Perrin at all. Liked how Mat is more and more involved in the story. Jordan has a very nice way to show us aswell what is happening at the shadow site...I am still reading book six, but I hope I will be finished until you drop the sixth read along ;)
Just one point on an otherwise very good commentary on the perception of legitimacy enjoyed by the Tower loyalists, is that Siuan's unjust trial does not change the fact of her deposition or delegitimize Elaida. It's a bad thing done by a lawful Amyrlin. It does not change the fact that she was the Amyrlin and had the votes to legally depose Siuan. What's more, that is not something the rebels are going to be thrilled about using as evidence to make their case. First of all, Aes Sedai present a united front to outsiders. They don't want to air the Tower's dirty laundry for all the world to see, and they don't want outsiders questioning the Tower or its actions. They don't want people to think that the Tower is capable of unjust punishment or unfair trials, because then other people might start questioning whether or not the Tower is treating THEM fairly. That's why Siuan's news about Logain and the Reds dealing with false dragons is the decisive concept that makes them declare "we cannot follow an Amyrlin who would do such a thing." Siuan's judicial mistreatment WAS something they could live with and write off when reconciling with Elaida. But as Siuan & Leane point out, exposing Elaida as committing a unique sin against public safety IS something they can go public with. It still violates the cardinal rule of not breaking ranks in public, but it's an approach they can make without inviting outsiders to judge internal Tower politics. That's also part of the appeal of having their own Hall & Amyrlin. Rather than say "Elaida is illegitimate because X Y & Z" instead they can say "Elaida is not the Amyrlin, THIS woman is! SHE was elected by the true Hall." Giving reasons why Elaida is illegitimate, besides being tricky, due to the Three Oaths, also exposes the inner workings of the Tower and its laws and invites scrutiny of the Tower leadership, but presenting a new Amyrlin as a fair accompli only requires people to accept the declaration of Aes Sedai.
8:25 You continue to refer to the Forsaken as incompetent because they didn’t immediately kill Rand, but they were forbidden to by the Dark One. He wanted them to turn him and that’s what their plans were geared toward in one way or another: to either be the one to face Rand and turn him or to hide out of sight and catch Rand unawares and turn him.
24:00 I always think about the scene where matt is rolling his dice, over, and over, and over. All sixes, The Dark One's Eyes, Over, and over, and over. He's basically on the verge of rocking back and forth in the fetal position over it b/c 1) that roll is either a guaranteed win, or a guaranteed LOSS, _depending on the game,_ and it's CRUSHING him. 2) and also, he gets a thrill out of the risk of gambling, so his supernatural luck is killing his vibes... he laments that gambling isn't actually gambling for him anymore; he even notes that he starts liking cards more since it's a skill game and luck is less important.
This books better than I remember.
I'm on my second read through rn, I'm currently on chapter 47 of TFOH. I expect to be done with it next week.
I'm enjoying it a lot more the second time around.
After that I'll be starting Words of Radiance. I read the way of kings about a month ago and freaking loved it!
The door part in chapter 52 or 53 is one of my favorite moments in the entire series. Can’t wait to see it on screen. Also in this book Mat becomes one of my favorite characters.
Galad is incredible! I never understood how people didn’t like him.
He isn’t annoying, he lives what he says.
He is trying to be the best person he can be, and that is his GOAL.
As a young teen, Galad made me feel less strange.
I got the little hardback of this book for my 17th birthday 😁 I still have it
4,5,6 are my favorite books each read through.. pinnacle of the series imo
Rand: ”Nynaeve, I can explain...”
Nynaeve: ”You’re fighting Rahvin AND Lanfear in this book? I only get to fight Moghedien.”
Mat: ”Moghedien? I only get to kill Couladin off-screen.”
Perrin: ”You guys are in this book?!”
Idk why but this made me laugh a lot.
Perrin is my favorite character, him not being in the book drove me crazy.
LOVE THIS!
Must admit, though: I was sooooo glad Perrin wasn't in the book. Only because Faile was the worst part of book four.
Hilarious and so factual
@@beefyc4132 me too! i got halfway through before I accepted he wasn't gonna get a chapter
Aviendah and Mat get killed by Ravin
*Rand:* Crtl+Z+Balefire
that scene with Mat sussing out the battle plans, is one of my favorite scenes. Rand set that up nice
That was dope. Can’t wait to see it!!
@@kerrissedai6857 this didn't age well
Yes absolutely looming marvellous well done!
This book made me assume that the forsaken weren't inept or anything, but overconfident. Like. Imagine you're told that your biggest enemy was reborn as a farmboy who barely has any knowledge or power. You're not going to send your best assassins or an army after that because it's just a farmboy. What could a farmboy do? But it backfires because they keep underestimating until its too late. Almost every time they talk about the Emmons field boys it's always conferencing cause "they're just farmboys who got lucky"
I think it's highlighting the biggest weakness of the forsaken. They are sinful and heavily indulge so despite being vastly more powerful they 'forsake' their own greatness. Whereas our heros do indulge, but EARN it and have good values instilled in them to let them know the difference between living a balanced life and over indulgence.
at this point in the series, rand has killed three of the forsaken (4 by the end of that book), bested one in a duel of power, Ninaeve has also vanquished one in a magic duel, and moiraine has killed two, besides Mat has avoided 2 assassins, including a grey man, numerous trollocs and fades, it's way, way past the time the forsaken should start taking the two rivers gang seriously.
That said the idea that the shadow is beaten at least half the time because of their own infighting and inability to come together acts pretty well as a dire warning for the heroes as they try to assemble a coalition.
that attitude is present not just towards Rand the other taverens, but towards the forces of light in general. They are constantly underestimating everyone because they seem less than what was in the Age of Legends.
@@katalinilles5497 About that idea of underestimating less technologically advanced people, at one point I had a concept for a novel (that I never managed to push beyond a very basic outline) was about a star trek style crew stranded in the hero of cesar's gaullic wars and changing the trajectory of history.
What was interesting is how dependant most major inventions are on supply chains of materials.
Basically, any period's technology is not that far from the optimum given the available economy and industry.
The same should go for military tactics and any other aspect of life, and accelerating progress is possible but largely determined by outside factors.
Basically, just because someone is less technologically advanced doesn't mean they're stupid, and they're better adapted to their environment than you are.
Well that, and we wouldn't have a series if they were legitimately slaughtered as soon as possible.
Moiraine's death was one of the most ground-shattering moments for me. The fact that she just... disappeared, and the slowly understanding that this was for real, and realizing how big her role was in keeping the kids safe. The entire safety net was just gone.
Four fucking books later I still haven't recovered.
I agree. Like Rand, you don't notice how much you need Moraine until she's just gone and there's a huge hole in your heart. That said if you haven't finished the series you should probably leave right now and turn off notifications for this thread before people spoil other plot details.
@@xxreidxx2362 I'm very sorry dude, but this is a SPOILER review. Your fault.
This is the beginning of rands spiral into madness imo
and what a bad ass way to go. here is this letter explaining how I know what's coming, debts are paid, Lan can't off himself.. i'm ready!
Same , tho i didn't believed it , and still i don't .(i am currently reading lord of chaos)
I always forget how much is in Fires of Heaven. It ends like three times.
"Ok, Cooladin's dead. Wait, why is there more book left?"
"Ok, now Moiraine sacrificed herself to kill a Forsaken. ...Still not over?"
"Ah, just going for the villain hat trick and offing Rahvin too. ...AND Moghedien!?"
It was asmodean not moghedien 👍🏻
lan: “you’re being really close to rand. i wouldn’t be surprised if you started sleeping with him at this point”
moiraine: “i would never!” (because the visions showed that always leading to lanfear winning)
there's fanfic depicting that future lmao
@@Izrezar i want the entire moiraine groundhog day fanfic
@@comradefall trust me... you don't want to read this particular one...
@@Izrezar now i’m even more curious!!!
i wanna read it
One of the best things about the Wheel of Time show coming out is that there is more images and clips to use as B-Roll when talking about the books xD
Aaaahhhh yes. More visual aid.
You are forgetting to mention the death of Asmodean in a truly bizarre way. I really enjoyed the relationship between Rand and Asmodean, and I wish his character arc have been further explored.
I'm pretty sure he came back with Mat and Aviendha after Rand took Rahvin out with balefire.
@@PropperProp-her Yes, and he dies for real shortly after.
@@PropperProp-her at the very end he is killed again by an unknown person.
@@beefyc4132 I can spoil it for you who killed asmodean..if you don't know that is
I think it was a purposeful move by Jordan; Book 5 marks the end of guidance for Rand. He's set on his own, with both Moiraine and Asmodean no longer there to support him.
I’m new to WoT and my feelings about Lan and Mat are especially Lan going “Mat is a walking surprise and I don’t need to question it anymore. I’ve accepted the walking rng that is Mat”
Lan just accepts the boys at face value from beginning to end and I'm with it.
funny how the hottest scene in Fires of Heaven happened in an Igloo
could have been hotter if IT HADNT BEEN FADE TO BLACK RJ
Igloos are very good at keeping heat in.
The fact that we now have the show to make some background images is making me unreasonably excited.
This book had several really epic moments. I loved it. I was thrilled when Nynaeve captured Moghedien and used her to learn new weaves. That was fucking brilliant! The things these kids from the Two Rivers did in this book was legendary!
To Moiraines defence (in my newbe-ish experience as i am reading it for the first time now): she was shown a vision of her giving her life to save Rand in the docks of Cairhien in a ter'angreal. She knew she did not have a lot of time anymore to instruct Rand and prepare him to save the world. Trust or no trust, the oath is a bullet she had to take to at least try and guide him a little bit in the time she still has.
yep, I don't think it was desperation, it was a very calculated move. She submits, gives him all the ammo she can and then tell him in the letter "hey I knew I was gonna die and followed through so you can trust me"
She saw a bunch of possible futures in that ter angreal so she knew she didnt have a lot of good options.
Also, she needed to be able to tell Rand to go to the docks which she probably wouldn't have been able to, if she hadn't made that oath.
I’m on my first read through and idk why but I sided with a Moiraine from the start. She’s a frustrating character but I felt that she’s proven that she deserves our trust time and time again. literally the entire time I was reading books 2-5 I was like MOIRAINE DOESN’T DESERVE THIS KIND OF SLANDER
She proves her good intentions to the reader, not to the Two Rivers folk. Heck, in this very book, she admits her first loyalty is to the White Tower. Even the death of her best friend and ex lover, and loss of the leader she was counting on to support Rand is not as bad news to Moiraine as the idea of the Tower being divided. Tower uber alles is her instinctive reaction, even when she knows better. That's why Rand had to break her to the harness in this book; even with good intentions, she's operating under the wrong set of assumptions.
Following Moiraine's plans at any time she & Rand disagreed, would have been a disaster for him. She wanted him to wait in the mountains while Ishamael gathered the Forsaken closer into a unified force, and Pedron Niall had time to work on his "lion in the street" gambit, building Rand up as a villain to the world before he got the chance to make his own impression. She wanted him to attack Sammael, an excellent general & the master of defense, with only the troops of a single nation, and no understanding of his own powers, while counting on Callandor to make the difference. Rand didn't want to use Callandor, because he instinctively grasped that it was dangerous to do so, but at that phase of their relationship, Moiraine would totally disregard his assessment, because he hasn't been trained by the Tower, so what could he possibly know? She thinks of his own plans as stupid, and would have been trying to subvert them, except he didn't give her any opportunity. She DID try to subvert his plans with the Aiel the very day he told her his intentions, except the Wise Ones told her where to head in. That's also why she swore to him, because she was out of options and if Rand found out what she had been doing not long before, he would know he had been right to resist telling her, and would freeze her out even more.
Even her ultimate ploy that won Rand's trust for good was bad. She traumatized him by making him think her "death" was his fault, and made him believe he had to be harder and cut himself off from people. And the supposed necessity of her sacrifice was based on a stack of bad assumptions. First, that she remembers accurately the potential timelines she saw in Rhuidean and that the ONLY possibilities were the three she saw. She says going to the docks where Lanfear attacked was inevitable, but they only went because she made them. Lanfear heard about Avienda from Kadere, but it was the sight of them together that made him certain they were lovers. He might never have mentioned it if he had not observed them moments before Lanfear accosted him for a report. And even if he had, Lanfear would have had to come looking for him, on a pitched battlefield where Rahvin would be just as likely to kill her as the good guys. He'd certainly see her as the biggest threat if she showed up in the middle of Rand's attack on the Royal Palace. Moiraine forgot what the Wise Ones tried to tell her about seeing the future before she went to Rhuidean, and as always, arrogantly assumed she knew everything there was to know about a given situation. Rand, at least, was aware of his own ignorance, so he kept an open mind.
My favorite part was definitely Rand storming through the palace balefire blasting all the guards in his path. It was super hype and I love the way Robert Jordan described the balefire inverting colors.
I just finished the series last night, I will now be binging all of your WoT content for the next few days.
That’s exactly how I stumbled across Daniel. On my second complete read through and Daniel is still a home vibe.
Two of my favorite moments from this book: When Nyneave's control in the Dream World in trapping Moghedien and her intelligence in figuring out capturing her in the real world - baller.
Rand's speech to Bashere about the flaws of humanity and how he intends to force everyone to peace and co-operation for the sake of the world.
The Umbridge of Wheel of Time is so goddamn accurate it hurts.
Brigitte and mat had some good if brief moments together in the series, they had neat chemistry together. Probably smart Jordan didn’t have them interact too much. It would’ve ended with a tavern on fire, alarm bells being run, and an ale shortage
I absolutely loved the final Nynaeve Moghedien confrontation, and especially the last scene. The top catharsis moment in WOT for me so far! So good.
Rand's madness hits me differently, now. (Maybe spoilers following? i forget which book)
I've been a WoT fan for 13 years. But in the past two years, I was diagnosed with DID. Rand's "madness", which is really just another identity that is part of him but sharing his body and brain, progresses in a way that feels real, to me. The confusion, the fear, the desperation to understand what's going on, with the fear that those around him will pity or fear him, the loss of control over his own body sometimes, and embracing that connection sometimes...idk. i'm 37 years old and this story just hits different for me, now.
Also the fact that Trauma is a big part of Rand's experience with madness. Trauma makes it worse. untreated PTSD makes it worse. I love RJ's portrayal of different mental illnesses. One of his strengths, imo
I always felt that the Forsaken just went back to what they were doing before the war. Graendal went back to collecting, Moghedian went back to building her web, Rahvin found a woman in a position of power and denigrated her, Demandred tried to outdo Lews Therin and fulfil his own prophecies etc etc etc
Re: Moiraine's oath to Rand. One, she knew that she was probably going to die soon. Time was short and there was much he still needed to know. Two, she told somebody (I'd have to look it up) that she did it because she finally remembered how to handle Saidar - control by submitting. Makes perfect sense.
Moirane told Egwene after the latter ankle-broke Nyaneve's ego in Tel'aran'rhiod.
Yay new read along! I read New Spring right before this one and it made Moiraine’s actions in this book all the more curious. I never thought I’d be caring about Morgase’s subplot and Jordan made a QUEEN likable.
Fair point!
I finished this book a few days ago, and I had such a hard time processing Moraine's fate in it. I always thought she might die around the end of the books perhaps but this "soon" in the serie of books? Feels like killing Gandalf or something :O
I still can't help but feel like MAYBEEEE she will come back in some way later in the story...?
Spoiler
She will.
One of my personal favourites actually, never really understood the hate(?) around it
These read-along episodes have been amazing. There's not really anyone around me that's as hyped about the series or the show as I am so it's fun to watch someone pull up the soapbox for a good ol' passionate rant about WoT. Really hits you right in the feels.
Love the part after Lanfear’s attack and burnt carcasses are surrounding Rand with the stench of cooked human in the air and Mat just walks up to him smiling and is like “We still on for tonight?”
I'm going thru the series for the first time and just discovered your channel. Your perspectives and summaries have been super essential on helping me keep everything straight in this huge series.
I'm in the middle of book 6 now and can't wait for your next video!
It’s my favorite of the first half of the series. Love Mat becoming a general. It was so satisfying to see my favorite character becoming a major hero in my first read of the series.
Love your content especially WOT. Even though we have different takes on certain topics, your passion for this series (and stormlight) is great. Keep it up.
Moiraine's letter to Rand makes me feel feelings. As he's crying over the letter he's realizing that she truly was a friend, someone to be trusted, and she was willing to lay down her life to help him deafeat the Dark One. Realized it too late. You know he's feeling the guilt at the way he had treated her in the Waste and before, and guilt at his weakness being unable to kill Lanfear just because she's a woman. Poor Rand... knowing he's going to continue losing people close to him before the end only to finally spill his own blood to complete the prophecy. I totally understand him when he's talking to Davram about forcing the world to bend to him if they won't come willingly. Dude's got a job to do (saving the damn world) and he doesn't have time for petty squabbles.
Fires and Chaos swapped places for me in my last re-read too. It's easily in my top five now. This is the first book where Rand actually knows what the hell he's doing with the Power. He's no longer fumbling instinctively and getting lucky like in the first four books. That makes Rahvin kind of the first "real" Forsaken battle. I love the world building through the magic system, and Fires stands out to me for that.
He is brilliant. He has a way of explaining that gives a clearer understanding
I do so enjoy watching you break down the books this way.
For the love of God people READ FASTER I NEED THESE VIDEOS BI-WEEKLY NOT ONCE A MONTH 🌞
I'm a quarter in on book 7 now.
Here here. Started two Bella behind and just started 11 yesterday.
I just finished The Wheel of Time for the first time! I read the first 5 with this read along then just kept on going! Looking forward to the rest of the read along videos from Daniel!
Yo man, love the read alongs! Really flesh out the world for me. Hope you keep em going! Much love
Great video! This book is better than I remember, and thanks for breaking it down! Team Aviendha!
I just finished this audiobook the other day. It really helped me appreciate Rand and Mat all the more and really see them as two very different individuals. I really enjoyed seeing Rand deal with his internal struggles of becoming a leader, and then seeing Mat do the same through a different path. I also really enjoyed seeing Nynaeve throw her weight around with the one power and realize how much strength she actually wields. Just started book 6 so I'm excited to see where things go from here!
Can't wait for the next read along for Lord of Chaos. That's going to be a good time ;)
I can’t put it into words how upset I was that Kooladin cooladin coolaid died off screen.
I love these read along videos so much! I can't keep up at the same pace but as soon as I finish a WoT book I go directly to the read along video.
Daniel, you ever gonna finish this read along? I only have lord of chaos left then I'm caught up.
The Fires of Heaven is one of the best books in the series, if you ask me. We have epic moments like Moiraine tackling Lanfear into the doorway, the massive battle with Ravhin, the Asmodean mystery. I also like the ideas presented by things like the Tower Schism, such as "divided we fall."
Finally! I've been waiting for this video for what feels like a long time! I've recently been able to listen to audiobooks a lot more because of my new job. I used to have a hard time keeping up with you but now I'm almost done with A crown of swords.
The stakes of the Battle for Cairhien was Rand's leadership, of both Aiel and wetlanders. He had to demonstrate to the Tairens and Cairhienin that he could protect them and he had to show the Aiel that he was a worthy leader and the true Car'a'carn. That's why the headband-wearing _siswai aman_ make their appearance right after the battle. And a large part of that is how hard Rand pushed himself. The Maidens were there to witness it, to see how far he would go for his people. That's what keeps them attached to him despite his violation of their honor by keeping them out of the fighting (and why it hurts them so much more; if they could write him off as an asshole, his snub would be easy to take, but seeing first hand how much he cares, and how far he will go just makes his rejection sting more).
I also disagree about the structural oddity of the climax of the book. It might seem odd, if you are only paying attention to the physical movement of the characters. On the other hand, previous books had a double fight thing going as well. Rand gets to the Eye of the World and defeats a Forsaken and then gets pulled to the greater battle against the Shadow where he confronts Baalzamon and saves the Shienaran army and ends the winter. He retrieves the Horn from the Seanchan and wins a duel with a blademaster and loses a friend, and then he has to ride with the heroes and fight Baazamon again. He faces off with Couladin and gets recognized as Car'a'carn, and then has to go fight Asmodean in Rhuidean for the Choedan Kal access key, but his real climactic confrontation in the book is his face off with Lanfear. Because THAT is the culmination of everything he has been trying to figure out about leadership and his course of action, it is the resolution of things that were introduced in his earliest appearances in the novel. Asmodean was not the big bad of the book, he was only mentioned a few times, and until that fight, was not named to Rand. Aginor was not the antagonist of "The Eye of the World," nor was High Lord Turak of "The Great Hunt". Belal was not the boss fight of "The Dragon Reborn." And it was not Couladin who appeared in the prologue. Hell, Rand never even comes face to face with Couladin. If the book ends with a wrapup after the battle of Cairhien, if the meeting where Mat reveals Morgase's disappearance to Rand happens in the opening of another book, it's not just an emotional climax absent from the book, it's THE climax.
Contrary to Brandon Sanderson's view that events in different places and characters who don't encounter one another are not part of the same story, the different character progressions in "The Fires of Heaven" ARE a part of the same story, which is about usurpation of power and responsibility. Fires of Heaven is a fancy way to say lighting, which appears prominently in several places in the book, oddly, since the book is mostly set during a drought. Because all the lightning (and the one rain storm) is all man made. It's men usurping power over the "Heavens" (which is why it's "heaven" in the title and not "sky"), it's about overreach. The "fires of heaven" are also what kill Icarus in the classical mythological fable about overreach, to which Temaile Kinderode alludes when beginning Liandrin's punishment.
There is a whole theme running through the book about people trying too hard and reaching for too much. And we see the protagonists getting slapped down for their overreach, while the villains and other characters miss the clues. And that same theme is HUGE in Rand's storyline. Egwene is falsely asserting the status of an Aes Sedai. Moiraine is trying to control Rand, until he forces her not to. Moiraine tries to usurp control over the Aiel by going to the Wise Ones behind his back. Couladin is attempting to usurp Rand's title. The Tairens are usurping control over Cairhien. Rand and Aviendha clash over issues of agency in their relationship, even if Rand has no idea that's what is on her mind. Aviendha feels she has usurped Elayne's place in Rand's love life, while Colavaere is trying to that very thing, and the Maidens punish Isendre for attempting as much. Melindhra (Mat's girlfriend for those with Daniel-Green levels of recall) tries to encourage Mat to reach for more power and glory, and he kind of illustrates the theme in the breech by running away from authority or power at every chance. When discussing Mat's ascension as the true leader of the nascent Band, he tries to demur, by claiming he does not want to usurp the place of Talmanes and Nalsean. They, in turn, are anxious that no one usurp their place of honor for striking the decisive blow in the battle.
And these things come to a head with the post-Cairhien confrontation. Moiraine usurps Rand's agency by manipulating the circumstances of his encounter with Lanfear. Her whole plan is an act of arrogance in assuming that her limited memories of the rings of Rhuidean showed absolutely the only possibilities. As a result, her staged confrontation and faked death and the letter she leaves for Rand making it out to be his fault (remember she wrote that passive-aggressive blaming-shifting at the same time she wrote the letter to Thom that's only revealed six books later), become one of the most traumatic moments of his whole arc for Rand, rivaling his torture by Elaida's embassy and Semirhage as things that drive him to the dark side. Right after that, Rand has to face the Maidens over his usurpation of their choice to be warriors. His attack on Rahvin is driven by his assumption that he is responsible for Morgase's death. The book ends with Rand sitting on a throne that does not belong to him, and a coda with Morgase vowing revenge on ANY MAN who sits on her throne. Nothing comes of that in the plot, so it really only serves to highlight the concept of usurpation and reinforce that Rand is taking on excessive responsibility, while also subtly putting it out there that a lot of Rand's responsibilities are undertaken because no one else is doing it. Rand is not overreaching out of arrogance, though it is kind of teaching him to be arrogant in a way, he is doing it because everyone else is failing at their jobs. Which is why Rand is there in the first place. If the world kept its shit together, the Dark One's prison would not have been weakened and he would not be breaking free, so there would be no need for Rand to come back to face him.
If the book ends after Rand's Aiel win the battle, there is no resolution to his conflicts with the Maidens or Moiraine, we don't get that thematic wrap-up with him on the Lion Throne, or the fight with Rahvin where he blames himself, but then actually undoes the death of his friends, which is going to encourage further overreach on his part if nothing else, and that fight happens concurrently with Nynaeve's victory over Moghedian, and her contribution to the fight with Rahvin, which also serves as the climax of HER story and a resolution to her issues of inadequacy and loss of agency.
All that stuff is why the climax works, as Daniel admits, despite the superficial structural oddity.
Moiraine treats Rand like she treated Saidar - which, for me, was a perfect illustration of balance in the wheel of time. In many ways, Moiraine was the Yang to Rand’s Yin, and so she had to push AND pull at him to guide him.
For me, I see it as almost the quintessential point of WoT - men and women working together and against each other to achieve everything. 😊
I can't wait for books 6. One of my favourites in the entire series
I’m reading the books for the first time and Ive got that creeping sensation that it’s going to be one of the series that I’ll forever wish I could read again for the first time. So I’m taking it nice and slow and really enjoying everything. I love Mat and Elayne! Wonder if that will change
I hope you continue this series! I find it helps build my anticipation for the show, while also gaining understanding about the depth of the books! I’m on my first read through of the series and am on Lord of chaos. I hope I can keep up with the pace and watch these as I finish the books 😁
Holy shit! Right there! Back shelf
Next to Rage of Dragons! Rebel’s Creed!
He has the arcs!!
what arcs?
@@charlottestewart1672 advanced reader copy. Typically sent to reviewers, also important so that the author can look for printing errors
I just finish this book on audible and I really liked this book definitely in my second-place spot of my favorite WoT series.
Is it really necessary to delay the videos every time people tell you they didn't have time to finish it ?
Surely they can come back as they finish them ?
Seems odd to me to delay those for so long now (and I suppose the next one will extend the time between videos even further)
5 weeks already seemed like plenty of time
I really loved this video!! Your interesting point of view has made me appreciate this book even more. I'm through book six right now. Stay making this kind of videos please! You are the best
While reading this one, take a drink everytime the word "Stubborn" is used.
Moiraine, baddest of them all. I feel like she has to be a type of hero of the Wheel like Birgitte.
You always need the people working in the shadows, taking no real glory but making sure the main heroes are exactly where they need to be.
My dad's been reading The Wheel of time for years and he is only on book 5. Also I've been reading the wheel of time for a month and am on book 2 and loving it as well.
I like how Masema was predisposed to disliking Rand based on his Aiel heritage early on in Shienar and is now his most zealous follower. It's really crazy to watch how drastic Rand can change the world around him ta'veren or otherwise.
Why are we not continuing this read along?
This book was an emotional roller coaster, birgitte, siuan (my favorite character), morraine. But only two cameos of perrin? Still enjoyed it.
Currently on book 11 of the series. Fires of heaven is still my favorite so far, though. Can’t wait to finish the series.
"MoIraine "Ray Lewis's" Lanfear" is my new favorite thing to say. As a lifelong Ravens fan, just *chefs kiss*
She stabbed Lanfear to death in a parking lot?
I just finished lord of chaos and loved it. So far every book has been an absolute banger haha
After finishing the video and seeing u swapped this book for LOC in ur ranking haha wow! U said that one was ur favorite didn't you ??
when Daniel says Lord of Chaos is coming in 5 weeks and its been almost 5 months D:
Will book 6 read along be dropping soon?
I read the first several books when I was still in school (years and years ago) and am listening to the audiobooks now that the show is out and got me motivated to finish the books. I'm really enjoying this read along series and your reviews of the tv series. I just finished Fires of Heaven today and can't wait to start the next book.
I think there's a very fine line about Moiraines actions because at least from my perspective I could see a lot of rand's choices alot of the time being justified at least from rands perspective, its about stresses and about the lack of information plus the demands being made of him. There was also the parallel to saidar and how you have to submit and embrace in order to learn how to control. Also i think there is a level of compassion on moiraines part as well because rand is being asked alot of and being repeatedly reminded that he is untrustworthy or at least the prophecies hint as such things and it is almost as if rand becomes that which people see him as
Hey,
is there any chance you will do an Elayne character breakdown in the future? You have done one for all the other 5 of the 6 main characters, and I'd love to hear you break down and examine my favorite character of the six.
Thank you for your weekly content! Its great!
@@sofa1155 Among the best, actually. Miles ahead of Egwene, for example, in that she's a more competent hero, a better person and a more interesting character.
@@sofa1155 Yeah, I've seen a lot of hate for her in the fandom. I just don't get it. Like, I can see if she just doesn't do it for you as a character, and there are people who dislike a plot and transfer that to the central characters in that plot (IMO, this is the cause of most of the hate for Perrin and Faile), but I just don't see what there is to hate about her. She's fairly inoffensive and doesn't do anything to or against fan-favorite characters (which is another reason lots of characters get hate, such as Egwene & Cadsuane).
Everytime I finish a book I go straight to Daniels reviews!!
Tbh I kinda love that these are taking a while - I'm reading through this series for the first time, and I'm coming here to watch your readalong videos afterwards to just sorta digest it all. This video came out...4 days ago? Just finished the book today. Hoping I can finish the next one around the same time your next readalong vid drops.
I really liked the Siuan barn chapter. Siuan, Min, Lianna and Logain on the run is the road trip I never knew I needed 🙃
Fires of Heaven was a slow burn but man was that ending worth it! I can’t believe how much happened in the last act.
In terms of characters, I really missed Perrin at first, but by the end I was too wrapped up in everyone else to care. I was also worried at first that Mat was getting put on the back burner but I’m glad I was wrong. Him becoming a leader and master strategist was some of the best stuff in the series so far. Nynaeve’s arc was surprisingly fantastic too, and of course Rand just gets more and more interesting. Lan continues to be the goat although I wish he got a lot more page time.
Lastly, Moraine’s storyline was unexpected to say the least. Still not sure how I feel about that one 😳
I will catch up to your re-read yet. I started my second re-read of the series on September 1, and I'll finish The Dragon Reborn today. Haven't even been reading that much - mostly gaming.
I just finished this book last night! Just in time for the review
If you pay attention to the ebb and flow of his madness it has to do with who is around him. He is the most insane when evil people are around him in large numbers. In this book specifically every time he spends an evening with Asmodean he has an 'episode' but the time he spends around Moiraine or the Wise Ones/Aiel Chiefs he is sensible and clear headed.
Can't wait for you to pick this back up, I am doing my first read-through and you're a few books behind now
I had time to finish the entire series.
Now I wait for the readalong videos...
Isn't it better to release the videos fast ? People that read slowly can still have access to previous videos, it's not like it's a live discussion.
On the other hand, people that read at a decent pace are waiting months to have their readalong fix, which sucks for a "read along"
Gotta say, I wasn't expecting a Ray Lewis reference in a video about fantasy fiction novels by a fantasy author/nerd/TH-camr
First read through, and this definitely felt like my favorite of the series so far.
Mild Spoilers:
I loved Perrin just thinking out loud to the villagers and them taking his words as orders - meanwhile Verin the Brown aja is scribbling notes and saying 'hmm interesting' at getting to observe a ta'veren's effects on people first hand 😆
Also, loved the interactions with Birgitte, and what ends up happening. Really excited to see how that plays out - paling around with a huntress of ancient myth!
Also also, what an irony that Siuan Sanche finds herself in Logain's company once the two of them have a bit more in common... I anticipate great things from that plotline.
What happend with this read along Daniel? 😔
When is the next read along coming?
This book (unlike some other reviews I have read) made me start really liking Nynaeve. Her character arc in this book is so relatable to me. Her cofidence and pride slowly slipping as everything falls apart around her, but she has to keep it to herself. I hope she continues to grow after this book.
Perfect timing. Just finished this one yesterday.
So helpful having this because it took me 2 months to read this book
Love this book. Great recap!
I was struggling with this book. But after this video i am going to finish reading now
I just started Daniel!!! Thanks so much
I agree with you on that part about the Shaido. At some point in the series you have so many antagonist: forsaken, black sisters, white cloaks, tower faction, shaido, the prophet/dragon sworn, seanchan, dark tower intrigues, and the madness. I got to a point where I was like, do we actually need this whole shiado sub plot?
I really enjoyed the book. There are certain parts that are lengthy, but all in all its nice. I was very suprised to not read anything about Perrin at all. Liked how Mat is more and more involved in the story. Jordan has a very nice way to show us aswell what is happening at the shadow site...I am still reading book six, but I hope I will be finished until you drop the sixth read along ;)
I literally just started The Eye of the World!
I really like your take on the madness. Never thought of it that way.
Just one point on an otherwise very good commentary on the perception of legitimacy enjoyed by the Tower loyalists, is that Siuan's unjust trial does not change the fact of her deposition or delegitimize Elaida. It's a bad thing done by a lawful Amyrlin. It does not change the fact that she was the Amyrlin and had the votes to legally depose Siuan. What's more, that is not something the rebels are going to be thrilled about using as evidence to make their case. First of all, Aes Sedai present a united front to outsiders. They don't want to air the Tower's dirty laundry for all the world to see, and they don't want outsiders questioning the Tower or its actions. They don't want people to think that the Tower is capable of unjust punishment or unfair trials, because then other people might start questioning whether or not the Tower is treating THEM fairly.
That's why Siuan's news about Logain and the Reds dealing with false dragons is the decisive concept that makes them declare "we cannot follow an Amyrlin who would do such a thing." Siuan's judicial mistreatment WAS something they could live with and write off when reconciling with Elaida. But as Siuan & Leane point out, exposing Elaida as committing a unique sin against public safety IS something they can go public with. It still violates the cardinal rule of not breaking ranks in public, but it's an approach they can make without inviting outsiders to judge internal Tower politics. That's also part of the appeal of having their own Hall & Amyrlin. Rather than say "Elaida is illegitimate because X Y & Z" instead they can say "Elaida is not the Amyrlin, THIS woman is! SHE was elected by the true Hall." Giving reasons why Elaida is illegitimate, besides being tricky, due to the Three Oaths, also exposes the inner workings of the Tower and its laws and invites scrutiny of the Tower leadership, but presenting a new Amyrlin as a fair accompli only requires people to accept the declaration of Aes Sedai.
Oh, Moiraine. Right to the heart
Honestly, she had been so shady up to this point, and had been so important a character, I thought she changed sides and faked her death.
Right now on book 9 and Fires of Heaven is my favourite. Here the scale of things realy change
8:25 You continue to refer to the Forsaken as incompetent because they didn’t immediately kill Rand, but they were forbidden to by the Dark One. He wanted them to turn him and that’s what their plans were geared toward in one way or another: to either be the one to face Rand and turn him or to hide out of sight and catch Rand unawares and turn him.
Did I miss a few read-alongs, or is this one the most recent?
24:00 I always think about the scene where matt is rolling his dice, over, and over, and over. All sixes, The Dark One's Eyes, Over, and over, and over. He's basically on the verge of rocking back and forth in the fetal position over it b/c 1) that roll is either a guaranteed win, or a guaranteed LOSS, _depending on the game,_ and it's CRUSHING him.
2) and also, he gets a thrill out of the risk of gambling, so his supernatural luck is killing his vibes... he laments that gambling isn't actually gambling for him anymore; he even notes that he starts liking cards more since it's a skill game and luck is less important.