Book Review: Lord of Chaos

(See all my Book Reviews and Author Interviews) – Author Robert Jordan published the sixth novel in his ‘The Wheel of Time’ series, Lord of Chaos, in 1994. He published more than 20 novels during his writing career.

I recently listened to this book on Audible. I had read it once several years ago. When we heard that a TV series based on the Wheel of Time novels would be on Amazon Prime, both my wife and I decided to read/listen to them again. I categorize this book as ‘R’ because of scenes of violence. The fantasy series spans 15 novels.

Rand al’Thor, The Dragon Reborn, has taken Tear, Andor, and Caemlyn. His influence extends even further. He has established the Black Tower where men who can channel are training as Asha’man. The Aiel clans other than the Shaido have pledged their support to Rand. They see him as the Car’a’carn, their chief of chiefs.

The Aes Sedai are split, though both factions seek an alliance with or the domination of Rand. He is well aware of what they want and does his best to keep his distance from them.

The Forsaken and the Dark One are still plotting against Rand. Somehow they have changed the weather. Causing severe storms at sea, with heat and drought across the land.

I thoroughly enjoyed the 41.5 hours I spent listening to this 720-page fantasy. I like the art selected for the hardback cover. I give this novel a rating of 5 out of 5.

My book reviews are also published on Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/31181778-john-purvis).

Book Review: “The Fires of Heaven”

(See all my Book Reviews and Author Interviews) – Author Robert Jordan published the fifth novel in his ‘The Wheel of Time’ series, The Fires of Heaven, in 1993. He published more than 20 novels during his writing career.

I recently listened to this book on Audible. I had read it once several years ago. When we heard that a TV series based on the Wheel of Time novels would be on Amazon Prime, both my wife and I decided to read/listen to them again. I categorize this book as ‘R’ because of scenes of violence. The fantasy series spans 15 novels.

With the coming of the Dragon Reborn, the world has sunk into turmoil. The Shaido Aiel, led by a false Car’a’carn, have left the Waste. He is leading them on the trail of destruction. The White Tower has split, forcing Aes Sedai to take sides.

Rand al’Thor continues to learn the ways of the One Power. He still does not trust the Aes Sedai, not even Moiraine Damodred. He must use anyone, even his friends, to enable himself to be ready for the final battle.

I thoroughly enjoyed the 36.5 hours I spent listening to this 704-page fantasy. I like the art selected for the hardback cover. I rate this novel as a 5 out of 5.

My book reviews are also published on Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/31181778-john-purvis).

Book Review: “The Shadow Rising”

(See all my Book Reviews and Author Interviews) – Author Robert Jordan published the fourth novel in his ‘The Wheel of Time’ series, The Shadow Rising in 1992. He published more than 20 novels during his writing career.

I recently listened to this book on Audible. I had read it once several years ago. When we heard that a TV series based on the Wheel of Time novels would be on Amazon Prime, both my wife and I decided to read/listen to them again. I categorize this book as ‘R’ because of scenes of violence. The fantasy series spans 15 novels.

Rand al’Thor fulfilled one prophecy when he took possession of the sword Callandor. He now follows the Aiel back to the Waste. Before he goes to the final battle, he must complete another prophecy.

Once at the Aiel Waste, he is allowed to travel to the sacred city of Rhuidean. Once there, he, Mat, and Moiraine step through a ter’angreal doorway. Days pass, but all three eventually find their way out. Each has been changed in their own way. Most impurely, Rand now bears the dragon symbols on both of his arms. To the Aiel, he is the Car’a’carn. He is the chief of chiefs in their prophecies.

I thoroughly enjoyed the 41+ hours I spent listening to this 704-page fantasy. I like the art selected for the hardback cover. I give this novel a rating of 5 out of 5.

My book reviews are also published on Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/31181778-john-purvis).

Book Review: “New Spring”

(See all my Book Reviews and Author Interviews) – Author Robert Jordan https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Jordan published the novel New Spring in 2011. He published more than 20 novels during his writing career. This is the prequel to his 14 volume Wheel of Time series.

I first purchased and read this book back in 2004. The TV series premiers soon on Amazon Prime. We wanted to refresh our memories of the long Wheel of Time saga. We chose to listen to the audiobook this time while we were driving. I categorize this book as ‘R’ because it contains scenes of violence.

There are two primary characters in this book. One is Aes Sedai Moiraine Damodred. The other is soldier Lan Mandragoran. When the story opens, Moiraine is only an Accepted. The Aes Sedai are women who are able to tap into the One Power. Depending on their training and inherent skill they can wield quite powerful magic. Mandragoran should have been a king. The lands he would have inherited fell many years earlier to the Trollocs. They are part of the forces of the Dark One. Moiraine and Mandragoran race against the Servants of the Dark One to find the Dragon Reborn.

After three days of battle raged outside the city of Tar Valon the opposing forces disengage. One of the Aes Sedai in Tar Valon has a vision of the future. She blurts out the vision and then passes. Present when the sister utters her foretelling is the young Moiraine. Soon after she is raised to be a full Aes Sedai.

Moiraine sets out to find the subject of the vision. The Dragon Reborn. While on her quest she meets Lan Mandragoran. He had fought in the battle outside of Tar Valon. Together they meet several challenges and their futures are drawn together. They learn that the Black Aja, Dark Friends within the Aes Sedai are real.

I thoroughly enjoyed the 13 hours I spent listening to this 417-page fantasy. Reading this book first is not essential. It does help set the groundwork for the remainder of the series so I would recommend it. I like the chosen cover art. I rate this book as a 5 out of 5.

Related:

1. TV Series on Amazon Prime

You can access more of my book reviews on my Blog ( https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/).

My book reviews are also published on Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/31181778-john-purvis).