The Path of Daggers

The Path of Daggers by Robert Jordan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The eighth main entry of the late Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time saga begins with a prologue following various characters such as Ethenielle, who rides through the Black Hills with a small army, and Rand, who believes he still has supporters in the divided White Tower. Despite the onset of hot weather that causes even plants used to heat to wither, Elayne Trakand is reluctant to use the Bowl of the Winds to counter the changing climate. Furthermore, winged creatures known as the raken regularly attack throughout the novel, with the Seanchan making good use of them.

The conflict among the Aes Sedai also continues, with Egwene and Elaida serving as separate Amyrlins, and the forbidden Black Ajah wreaking havoc. Winter storms gradually accumulate, and Rand occasionally channels the tainted saidin, sometimes using the sword Callandor whilst doing so, and Lews Therin sporadically makes his voice heard in the Dragon Reborn’s mind. Elayne also believes she is ready to take the Lion Throne of Andor, with a battle against Corlan Dashiva ending the book, along with the onset of a severe winter and varying accounts of what is happening in the world.

All in all, this is another enjoyable book in the series, given plenty of well-described action, scenery, and complex characters, although given its occasional convolution, a passage preceding the chapters summarizing the events of prior entries would have certainly been welcome. As with other entries, furthermore, Jordan makes a few nods to the Star Wars series with elements such as the One Power that has light and dark halves. Those who enjoyed the book’s precursors will most likely enjoy this one, although readers without any experience or familiarity with the franchise would be most obliged to start with the first main entry or its prequel novel.

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