Shadow Rising, The by Robert Jordan

I went to Borders the day after I finished the Dragon Reborn (which was great) and picked this up. Out of all of the books in the series so far, this is the fastest paced one. The story unfolds in a dramatic and enthralling way, and as the characters grow, Robert Jordan's writing does as well. The story is fantastic, and although all (I mean all when I say it) the women seem to...hate...men,the characters are still enjoyable. With each book you can feel the tension rising and rising until book 12 finally arrives. Overall, I highly suggest this book but only if you've read the other three before it.

A friend from school got me hooked on the WOT series. I read the back cover of the first book and had to read them. The books are great for all who love adventure and fantasy (as in the "Lord of the Rings"), even some people do believe that the books are too long, but I have also gotten several hooked on the books.

"The Shadow Rising" is no exception to the greatness of Jordan's unique style of writing. He uses many twists and plotting in the stories to keep you on your feet.

In this book, Rand finally takes Callandor from the Stone of Tear and announces that he is the Dragon Reborn. This is where we are really introduced to the Aiel. From the harsh area, known as the Waste, they have come to find He Who Comes With The Dawn. We soon find out that Selene is actually Lanfear, one of the Forsaken, and is in love with Lews Therin, Rand, and is willing to save him from dying so they may rule the world together and defeate the Dark Lord.

Rand, Egwene, Mat, Moraine, Lan, and many Aiel go back to the Waste to get to Rhuidean. Rand, Mat, Moraine, and Aviendha all go into Rhuidean. This is were the story gets a little confusing... Mat almost dies by going into a ter'angreal, and Rand somehow gets a sword that he uses to save Mat, and himself later. Mat somehow now knows all of the Old Tongue, and Rand now has fufilled part of the prophecy for He Who Comes With The Dawn.

I guess that's enough with telling the story, but I recommend that you read it. Jordan is a brilliant write who can catch anyone's eye, and for sure has caught mine. I've only made it to book 4 so far, because I still need to buy the others. This is a great book, as are the others in the series that I've read.

This book is quite unique from its prequels, I think, but its certainly just as good. All 3 angles of it had me totally gripped. Its relatively slow to start off but when it splits into 3 seperate stories it really kicks off. There wasnt one dull chapter in Tanchico and who woulda thought She of all people(Ill try not to spoil it) would get drunk. 'Rhuidean' and 'The Dedicated' were the two best chapters of the book so far. So much barely even asked questions answered. And Perrins trip home was eagerly awaited since the end of book one. If you let the book take you, you may end up screaming "All hail Manatheren" Although it doesnt compete with the climax of the 3rd book or the epic chase of the 2nd it is still one of the best in the series.