3.5 stars
ORIGINALLY POSTED AT Fantasy Literature.


In The Shadow Rising, things start to slow down. In fact, it often feel like the reading of the story must take longer than it took for the events to actually occur.

Part of the problem is that Mr Jordan tells us nearly everything except when the characters make a bowel movement. Also, he regularly launches into pre-set spiels in which he re-describes something or someone who we've encountered numerous times before or re-explains something we've been told dozens of times (e.g., Loial sounds like a bumblebee, Perrin likes to think things through, wet bowstrings are bad, trollocs eat anything as long as it's meat, Aes Sedai never lie but ....). Every time a Tinker shows up, you may as well skip the next two paragraphs because they invariably describe first the "eye-jarring" wagons and then the even gaudier clothes. The format is nearly the same each time. This is especially noticeable when reading the novels one after the other, of course.

A similar problem is that although Mr Jordan's world is large, diverse, and interesting, there is not much realistic diversity within a culture or group. Every Aes Sedai of the red ajah hates men, all the greens love men, the whites are arrogant without exception, the browns love books and don't notice the ink on their noses. All Domani women are seductive, and people from Tear use fishing metaphors. It gets to the point of ridiculousness when, even though they've nearly been destroyed by enemies, Tinkers are still cringing at the swords of the people protecting them. And the Aiel, who use spears and knives and are the fiercest fighters on the planet look disapprovingly at another culture's choice of weapon (the sword) and transportation (the horse). Oh, come on — get over it.

Another device that's getting annoying is the technique of giving the reader (and other characters) information by having a character say something out loud that they didn't realize they'd said. Or stop in the middle of a sentence that they realize they shouldn't be saying. Or stupidly have an important and potentially damning conversation in front of someone who they just met.

In addition, some of the writing is overdone. We occasionally hear of measureless steps, heartbeats that take centuries, moments that last forever, infinite slowness, bottomless drops, razor edges of something or other.

Okay, that's a lot of complaining, but that's what happens when you read these books contiguously. You start to notice this stuff and it grates on the nerves. But, even so, the slowly advancing plot is still unpredictable and compelling and the characters are mostly enjoyable. The best parts of The Shadow Rising actually focus on the secondary characters of Siuan Sanche and Egeanin. I truly enjoyed their stories and look forward to hearing what happens to them.

So, even with all my gripes, The Shadow Rising is still keeping me entertained.
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4.5⭐️

“A wise ruler takes advice, but should never be seen to take it. Let them think you know more than you do. It will not harm them, and it will help you.”

Introduction

One of the rare cases of expectations meeting reality. The Shadow Rising is one of the most hyped novels, I’ve ever read. I was somewhat cautious to read it because of those expectations, but I’m glad I undertook it. One of the fundamental strengths of the novel is how to build upon a culture, throughout the series, we have slowly been unveiling the truth of the Aiel and here it’s a full examination of their ins and out. Furthermore, it’s the culmination of many character arcs in particular Perrin, almost every plotline has something substantial going on. For a novel that’s almost 1000 pages, there is very little fat in pages beyond some repetitive aspects for the readers who read this novel as it was coming out.

World Building

The culture and worldbuilding in this entry blow the other novels away by a significant margin. Reading this novel, you have a feeling that Jordan very much wanted to write this novel but had to build the foundation first. I’ve briefly mentioned the Aiel but one of the most interesting aspects for me; was seeing their daily lives. The rituals, customs and whatever they do for jest, all these elements are engaging to me. Aviendha thoroughly explaining their culture to Rand and experiencing it, is truly amazing. One of the profounds pieces of worldbuilding and best chapters in WoT was  chapters 25-26, being an eyewitness account of a lot of major events from WoT. Seeing how Aiel and The Way of the Leaf use to be one and slowly became apart after many generations. Witnessing true horrific events from the world, the pacifist Jenn Aiel slowly disbanded and became a new entity. I love how small actions from the past become the basis of their culture, as a whole, it was just so unique.  Another interesting way Jordan builds upon culture is by taking elements from Eastern Philosophy and Religions from the East and incorporating that into the novel. A particular new character discusses some principles of Hinduism and Buddhism which I found intriguing to see a fantasy novel tackle.

Plot

One of the most impressive things about the novel is the plotting. It is extremely meticulously and purposeful. There are many POVs with their own plotlines and all complemented each other. Rand's plot line is the most unique, but Perrin’s plot is heart pumping and it’s my favourite. As a whole, this novel breaks the formula of Books 1-3 and caves into something of its own. The climaxes were glorious to witness for each plotline Min, Rand, Perrin and Elyane. Some I felt were very clever and adored the plot was able to make the world feel so open by the end. Anything can happen from now onwards and I’m excited.

Characters

The best aspect of TSR is that every character has time to shine. I’m not exaggerating but being quite literal. Rand is the greatest example, from that young boy in book 1 to where he ends up, his character growth is quite extraordinary. The same can be applied to Perrin, becoming a true leader, both men took responsibility and sincerely lead people. Mat is always a wildcard ever since the last book and the same applies here, but he also understands the importance of sacrifice in this novel even if it's unintentional. Elayne for the first time I enjoy her character a lot, it's not like she was bad in the other novels, but she wasn’t particularly noteworthy either. In the case of TSR, I thought she was an intriguing character who went through a lot. She understands the game of politics, she often is more cool-headed, quite knowledgeable in broad subjects and she often has to be the mediator between the troublemakers that is Nyaneve and Egwene. There’s a particular section with Elayne I thought to be quite cute. Now Nyaneve, yeah she always has one time to shine and here is no exception, I think Jordan wrote her well here and her love for Lan is probably the most believable here than in the prior 3 novels. Egwene stands out less compared to the other characters, in her plotline, she was able to meet some intriguing people and she learnt about herself on this journey. The exploration of Moraine I adored, and this is the novel I think you truly understand her thought process. Lastly, Min is just a fantastic POV and seeing how she uses her wits during her plotline was great.

Spoilers: this section will be a tad messy, so I will apologise in advance.



Perrin's arc was truly exceptional in this novel. I love how he becomes a leader as this crisis was occurring. Taking charge, as no one is willing to take upon the burden. He grew during the process, and I feel Jordan’s experience in War is more reflective of Perrin’s character. The consistent paranoia of being on a battlefield, taking charge and large-scale action at the end of the novel was glorious. I even enjoyed the Faile and Perrin relationship. Both love each other sincerely but express it terribly. I didn’t mind the relationship being the way it was, but I understand being annoying for some. Coming back to the Farm was very fitting like the Scouring of the Shire, the journey back home gives you a great outlook of the transformation of our characters. It will be fantastic seeing the other characters coming back home eventually but just seeing Perrin interact with the members of the Village was brilliant. One of the most brutal scenes is when Perrin is being told that his entire family got murdered, during that moment both he and Faile had a very tender upon which was beautiful. The encounter with the white cloaks had a brilliant atmosphere to it and the plotline concerning the way of the leaf was tragic. I loved his interactions in this book in particular with Verin (who is a queen), Loial, White Cloaks and the Aiel. Perrin’s conclusion at the end of the novel was very fitting and it was cute he had a wedding at the end.

The other leader that emerges from this novel is Rand. Seeing his growth from book 1 to the present is amazing, he makes tough decisions throughout (like going to the Aiel Waste), but he has that aura of a leader which appeared gradually over time. One of the key advantages of a series running this long is subtle development like that. This is evident from the offset, in particular from the Great Hunt onwards. I love how firm he becomes over his journey and acts like one of those great figures from history from an outsider's perspective. His confrontation with the past and being a beckon of hope for the future, was heart pumping. I didn’t expect that twist, him telling the Aiel about the truth, which fulfils the prophecy:

He will come from Rhuidean at dawn, and tie you together with bonds you cannot break. He will take you back, and he will destroy you.

Overall, I found it to be quite clever. I think this quote however best explains Rand’s growth and struggle:

Limping to the foot of the bed, he lowered himself onto the chest there and laid Callandor across his knees, bloody hands resting on the glowing blade. With that in his hands, even one of the Forsaken would fear him. In a moment he would send for Moiraine to Heal his wounds. In a moment he would speak to the Aiel outside, and become the Dragon Reborn again. But for now, he only wanted to sit and remember a shepherd named Rand al'Thor.

Once he learnt about the truth of the Aiel, he stopped becoming the shepherd sadly. That section where Rand learns the truth about Aiel through the memories of his ancestors was amazing. It’s one rare chapter of the series where I reread it straight away. Aiel's use to be Tinkers was just a genius move overall. The worldbuilding is intricate, so many details and the character moments even with their appearances hit hard. I love seeing the truth about legends and how they form over time and the beginnings of certain customs and their origin.

Now Rand's romance with Aviendha. Honestly, I didn’t mind like it’s not amazing, but out of all the romances in Wheel of Time at least this one took some time establishing it. Rand is dense as a rock concerning Aviendha's feelings, but you do witness them being intimate with each other. Though you have the occasional Mat or other characters stating they have become close, it’s evident without being told that information, that is the case. I also enjoy Aviendha's character in general, her conflict about her new duties being forced upon her, unable to take her own path.

Mat plotline is a lot of fun, having his memories filled and able to speak and understand the old tongue fluently. Mat having his Oden moment was fantastic. It showcases how wide Jordan’s influences are for the series. Implementing Buddhism, Hinduism and now Norse Paganism interweaving them almost seamlessly. Mat has Jordan’s most distinctive voice. That natural balance of seriousness and what is a jest. It’s walking on a thin line of a rope, if there’s any imbalance you have lost the scene and its momentum.

I’ve already talked about my thoughts on the Aiel, and I find them intriguing. Though I would admit that a lot of the Aiel characters blur to me, just due to the overabundance of names. However, there are some great characters I’ve talked about Aviendha, I like her character a good deal, Rherac might be my favourite Aiel (except Rand obviously) he has a certain presence and charisma that’s fun to read. There is Egwene teacher Amys, and there are some fun personalities but those are the core ones.

I love Min's introduction, you do feel for the poor women, forced to be burdened by this curse (her ability). The tension for that plotline was excellent from the offset knowing people from the tower are going to see and people will permanently change from this experience like Gawyn. Her plotline gives Gawyn some nice character development probably one of my favourite speeches of his:

"That is my duty since the day she was born. My blood shed before hers; my life given before hers. I took that oath when I could barely see over the side of her cradle."

Everything just hits upon her at the moment. Then the invasion does occur. It’s shorter than I expected but powerful. The death, the presence of Elaida rule and so forth. Where will Min's plotline go from here, how will Siuan cope with not being able to channel and that whole situation about Logain makes me excited for the future.

The dream sequence with Egwene had some great imagery and I liked it a lot. There’s not too much to comment upon though I would admit, that it could have used some trimming. But I do like how strict Amys is, as Egwene can be very arrogant and adamant.

This is the book that made me enjoy Elayne a good deal. I thought her process information to be compelling, though she evaluates her situation to determine what needs to be conducted. She even acknowledge the unrealistic romance with Rand which was cute. Honestly, that could make or break people, but I didn’t mind it. It was cute but I understand it being cringe. My expectations for romance went downhill fast with Nyaneve's sudden romance with Lan, so I had my expectations in check. Furthermore, I feel Jordan acknowledges yeah this is unrealistic as hell. Anyways this novel is featured with good quotes from Elayne like this one:

"War will come whether Rand begins it or not. The Forsaken will not stand idly and wait. Sammael cannot be the only one to have seized a nation's reins, just the lone we know. They will come after Rand eventually, in their own persons perhaps, but certainly will whatever armies the command. And the nations that are free of the Forsaken? How many will cry glory to the Dragon Banner and follow him to Tarmon Gai'don, and how many will convince themselves the fall of the Stone is a lie and Rand only another False Dragon who must be put down, a false Dragon perhaps strong enough to threaten them if they do not move against him first? One way or another, war will come." -Elayne

Her back and forth with Thom was also a highlight. Her being drunk was genuinely fun and they did have some good heart-to-heart moments. One aspect people I think people overlook is Elayne's intelligence. I’ve said this prior, but she’s quite knowledgeable and understanding of different cultures. In this book, her interaction with Seafolk is a good demonstration. She isn’t without her faults like those two letters to Rand haha. Overall, I just thought she was a compelling character.



Conclusion

In Conclusion, this novel was bloody fantastic. It did everything it set out to achieve and more at the same time. Some interesting interweaving of philosophy, some nice politicking, some genuinely mind-blowing worldbuilding reveals, great character arcs and all of them had urgency. It expands the world and makes me excited about what is in store for the future.

9/10