A review by nclcaitlin
The Fires of Heaven by Robert Jordan

4.0

The Wheel weaves as the Wheel wills.

It has been a year since I read book four and, after reading many summaries and recaps to refresh myself, I find myself drawn back.

912 pages… buckle up. 

I am surprised Nynaeve has hair left, the amount she tugs on her braid. 

Since Rand’s arrival, now anyone can enter Rhuidean where he is intent on gathering the Aiel. 

Rand had once thought him and Egwene would marry one day, but now she sides with Moiraine against him.

Mat’s luck is still strong, but he feels himself chafing being by Rand’s side.

However, all must work together when uh oh - big danger - the seals which hold the Dark One seem fragile. 

Nynaeve and Elayne are hunting the Black Ajah, both having to assuage their flaring tempers as they struggle with each others’ temperaments and motivations. They both annoyed me equally. 

 

In the Tower, Elaida is struggling to hold on to power after Min, Siuan, Leane, and Logain escape. Meanwhile, her advisors are struggling to cope with the idea of the Dragon Reborn. 

My non-spoiler thoughts:

Egwene is probably my favourite perspective to follow at the moment. Yes, she’s frustrating, but she hates the caution her teachers, whether Wise Ones or the Aes Sedai; enforce. For Egwene, it is hard to hold back when she knew that in so many ways she already outstripped them. She is ravenous for knowledge. 

"A melon couldn't be swollen enough for your head," Egwene muttered, folding her arms beneath her breasts. "And a stone couldn't be as stubborn! Moiraine is only trying to help you. Why won't you see that?"

Rand is a frustrating protagonist. He wants to do good, but doesn’t want to be led by others. He wants to win, but never shares his plans or fears. He has a secret mentorship with a traitor Forsaken. Rand seems innocent, not lazy, and naive, not ignorant, but he is also bullheaded and has no proper respect for person or position. 

It would be easier if this was a story, he thought. In stories, there were only so many surprises before the hero knew everything he needed; he himself never seemed to know a quarter of everything.

WHERE IS PERRIN?! 

Also, Matt’s story and arc really needs to kick off because I am bored of his only quality being lucky. And wanting to get away from Rand and fate. 

I think giving myself distance from this series helped. I complained in my last review of book four (last year) that I was starting to feel impatient and fed up, especially with the repetitiveness. Having this break allowed me to wonder about the characters and what happens. 

I am planning to continue, but instead of binging it like I prefer to do, I might try and do a WoT book fortnightly in between my other reads. 

I am just worried about keeping everything straight in my head because I am not planning on rereading!