Review : The Fires of Heaven by Robert Jordan

Title : The Fires of Heaven Author : Robert Jordan Reading Dates : 22 Jan 2012 - 24 Jan 2012 Total Pages :889
The Wheel of Time The Eye of the World The Great Hunt The Dragon Reborn The Shadow Rising The Fires of Heaven Lord of Chaos A Crown of Swords The Path of Daggers Winter's Heart Crossroads of Twilight Knife of Dreams The Gathering Storm Towers of Midnight
From Amazon : The Wheel of Time turns, and Ages come and go. What was, what will be, and what is, may yet fall under the Shadow. Let the Dragon ride again on the winds of time.

Book Review of The Fires of Heaven.

The Fires of Heaven mostly focuses on Rand and the female protagonists of The Wheel of Time. As in the previous books, the most boring and annoying parts of the story belong to the women. They may play important roles in the overall scheme of things but their attitudes or at least the way they are written is irritating. Everyone of them seems to think they know better than the rest and that everyone should obey them. Especially in their dealings with the men. Often, they decide what information can be shared and what cannot because they believe only they are capable of deciding what actions need to be taken.

As for Rand, The Fires of Heaven shows how much he has changed as a person, not only what he is but who he is. Not only has he realized that he will need allies to win The Last Battle, he has begun to manipulate them when he feels it necessary. Yet, unlike with the female characters, I’m not disgusted or annoyed by his actions. This is because he doesn’t justify his actions as because he knows best. And because he only resorts to these tactics, when reason and truth fail to get him what he needs. At least he tries to win their support with the truth regarding events affecting their world, keeping secret only those facts which affects his battle strategy.

The most interesting sequence in this book though, is the fight between the Shaido and the Aiel clans that follow Rand. The earlier battles seem to make it as something exciting. Here, the toll it takes on the people and the uncertainty or uselessness of plans in the actual fight is more clear.

Overall though, The Fires of Heaven feels more like the eye before the storm. There is a sense of waiting throughout the book as Rand and the other characters pursue their prey. I can’t wait to read on.

My conclusions :

• Would I re-read the book ? Definitely.
• Would I want to read the next book in the series ? Yes.
• Would I want to own my personal copy if I didn’t already own it ? Yes.
• Who would I recommend this too? All fantasy readers.
• For those looking to read the book, would I recommend buying or borrowing the book? Buy it. The series is a keeper.

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Challenges : 2012 Outdo Yourself Reading Challenge; Tea & Books Reading Challenge