r/WoT • u/cnfusion (Dragon Reborn) • 2d ago
No Spoilers (first time reader) Beginning book 9!
WHO CHANGED THE THERMOSTAT GOD DAMMIT
49
u/DarkestLore696 (Asha'man) 2d ago
The Dark One is that one asshole that is always touching the temperature control when you aren’t looking.
14
u/cnfusion (Dragon Reborn) 2d ago
I hope his pillow is always way too warm to be comfortable
5
u/burrito_abuse 2d ago
Based on his plan before the bowl of the winds I fear he might prefer that
2
1
1
u/Cockblocktimus_Pryme (Stone Dog) 2d ago
That's one of my favorite parts of Wheel of Time...just how fucked up the weather always is. It's never just nice out.
13
u/hottytoddles769 2d ago
My favorite RJ book 🤩 Enjoy!
8
u/joshlymansbagel 2d ago
Now that’s a take I want to hear more about!
3
u/BipolarMosfet 2d ago
It's because of that part at the end.
1
1
u/hottytoddles769 20h ago
I would like to elaborate but I don’t want to spoil the OP.
So I’ll just summarize by saying it’s one of my favorite prologues. Love everything that happens in Caemlyn, particularly surrounding the Damane and the Sea Folk.
I’m definitely in the minority when it comes to Perrin and Faile but I like them better apart than together at this point in the story.
Everything that goes down in Ebou Dar is a treat, as well as our time in Far Madding.
The AES Sedai/Ashaman “team ups” that get utilized in the finale are incredible. Could have used a few more deaths from the good guys so that the forsaken could have a bit more “teeth” but that’s really my only criticism.
Plus the books length being shorter really helps the pacing IMO.
2
11
u/RandAlThor67 2d ago
One of my favorite in the series. This book is so damn good.
3
u/cnfusion (Dragon Reborn) 2d ago
I'm seeing so many good things about this book now. I know this was part of the slog when it was being released so I'm glad to see people showing it so much love
11
u/RandAlThor67 2d ago
I am a big believer the slog doesn't exist. The only book I would even consider it is book 10 and it's still a perfectly fine book, just not a lot of moving plot but if you love the characters it's still great for that.
Winter's Heart is fantastic though, maybe one of the greatest finales in the series.
2
u/DegenBetGuy 2d ago
Same, agreed. The "slog" is so overblown IMO. Is it as exciting as some of the other books? No. But there are some key events/elements in the "slog" books that majorly impact the overall storyline.
1
u/cnfusion (Dragon Reborn) 2d ago
HUGE PRAISE, woah. I'm not gonna place high expectations. I'm just gonna read and see what this ending is like, because a lot of people said the same for book 6 and I agree firmly.
I'm okay with not much plot moving ahead so long as there's good character development. I'm interesting to see what book 10 will be like. I have said that once I get there, I'll really be convinced I'm coming up to the end. The Last Battle awaits.
-4
u/Prestigious_Still_52 2d ago
I'm a huge WoT fan. Obsessed. There is definitely a "slog". There are too many people who have noticed it for it to not be a thing at all! But its awesome that you didn't notice it!
1
u/midgetaddict 1d ago
Book readers slog = tv viewers filler = important character development and world building.
I am halfway through Crossroads of Twilight and haven’t found anything remotely boring or difficult to get through.
1
u/cnfusion (Dragon Reborn) 1d ago
Honestly, gives me way more excitement than I already had. Crossroads and KoD have almost surreal feelings in my mind. When I got them recently, my first feeling was that it felt so strange to hold the books in my hands. I think it's because they're the proper starting point in my mind for the last leg of the series
14
u/Special_Salt3467 2d ago
So, I was able to procure a signed copy of that book by both Robert Jordan and Daryl Sweet. I’ll let you surmise how I feel about that book by that.
1
u/cnfusion (Dragon Reborn) 2d ago
THAT'S SO COOL No need to say more, I gotcha there. I'm excited to see what this book has for me
6
u/arihndas 2d ago
I love Winter's Heart!!! I absolutely adore the Salidar Aes Sedai storyline, and I feel like it really shines here.
1
u/cnfusion (Dragon Reborn) 2d ago
I am SO NERVOUS to see what happens in this plotline. I really hope Eggy is okay by the end of it
1
u/arihndas 2d ago
IT'S SO GOOD. Like, far and away my absolute favorite storyline of the series, which is saying a lot because I love all my babies equally. [earlier that day: "I don't care for Lanfear"]
2
u/cnfusion (Dragon Reborn) 2d ago
My favorite plotline probably has to do with Rand's character arc. Overall he's my favorite character and his conflicts are SUPER FUN to read about, even with how stressful and dark they can get. Mat is one of my favorite characters up there too and Nynaeve has SOARED despite how much she annoys me sometimes
1
u/arihndas 2d ago
They're all pretty great. I love Rand more and more with each re-read. Same with Nyneave, she drove me batty the first time around, now she's SO dear to me.
1
u/cnfusion (Dragon Reborn) 2d ago
Here's a question for you: Which of the Forsaken garnered your interest as the books went along? If you want, you can stop at book 8 to keep from spoiler territory
1
u/arihndas 2d ago
Moggy's my gal. What a mess she is lol
2
u/cnfusion (Dragon Reborn) 2d ago
YEAAAHH MOGGY Honestly, I'm either Lanfear or Ishamael depending on the day. I like my people crazy
1
u/arihndas 2d ago
Honestly I like 'em sane and it's probably Graendal who is the most self-aware and sane in her choice to join the shadow, and I'm like... I get it. I get it, and I love her, and she's the best.
BUT. But. There is something so, so, SO funny to me that Moggy, Mesaana, and Asmodean are just, like... these losers? Who are in it for better jobs??? They crack me the fuck up. And Moggy is the funniest one of them, with whom we spend the most time, so... she's my baby.
1
u/cnfusion (Dragon Reborn) 2d ago edited 2d ago
Graendal has always been the smartest one cause she's aligned with the Shadow, she gets to do whatever she wants, she hides and keeps out of trouble and any conflict she does face is by an external force. She's actually smart in using what she has for her advantage
Mesaana is probably the most confusing one to me cause...she's just there XDD Like she barely shows up, she's barely spoken about, she hides most of the time. It's like she's the knock off Forsaken. But now that I'm thinking about it, she also has managed to stay out of trouble. She might be more than I give her credit for, which isn't a lot XD Moggy just...somehow gets into trouble XD
6
u/AffectionateTart2693 2d ago
You should probably start with book 1, though.
7
u/cnfusion (Dragon Reborn) 2d ago
Yeah, that's true but it's more fun to make a post asking wtf is happening, who are these people, what's a Rand al'Thor and a Mat who has dice for brains?
4
u/Heritageeggs 2d ago
I'll fill you in, Mat is dead under a building in Ebou Dar. Rand is woolheaded sheep herder.
2
2
1
4
3
3
u/supergnaw 2d ago
Congrats! It's a great read, however, I'd recommend probably beginning with book 1.
3
u/SprenFern 1d ago
Omg I’ve also just started book 9!!
1
u/cnfusion (Dragon Reborn) 1d ago
Hope you have so much fun! I've barely read much so far but I've gone through the prologue and first two chapters!
1
u/SprenFern 1d ago
Ah nice! I’m abt halfway through the prologue but the comments here have made me very excited to continue!
1
u/cnfusion (Dragon Reborn) 1d ago
Beware of spoilers cause they are everywhere Xd
2
u/SprenFern 1d ago
Nah fr! I don’t actually follow this subreddit but ive been following the read along by u/participating (I think that’s the account haha) from a few years back just to see what other readers were thinking at the time so this subreddit always pops up in my feed lol. I only clicked on this post cause I was like “omg me too!”
2
u/cnfusion (Dragon Reborn) 1d ago
I usually follow participating's last post recapping the book cause I have been spoiled from some of the newbie comments. So hoepfully you don't get spoiled as well. But those posts are so fun to read and they give so much extra goodies to learn about the books
3
u/SprenFern 1d ago
Aw no that’s a shame you’ve been spoiled! Thankfully I’ve not had the same experience when going through the newbie threads (yet ). And agreed I absolutely love the trivia they add at the end of the read alongs it’s like a reward haha
2
u/participating (Dragon's Fang) 1d ago
If you do happen to see anything spoilery, please report the comment. I tried to curate those threads with extra caution so that spoilers couldn't happen.
1
u/duffy_12 (Falcon) 21h ago
I've gone through the prologue and first two chapters!
Hey there.
Let me know once you finish - Chapter #3 - Customs.
I would like to go over it with you. If you don't mind.
1
u/cnfusion (Dragon Reborn) 21h ago
I actually read it this morning. We can talk about it now. If you wanna dm me to avoid spoilers in the comments, feel free!
1
u/duffy_12 (Falcon) 21h ago
I actually read it this morning. We can talk about it now. If you wanna dm me to avoid spoilers in the comments, feel free!
Oh great! It's in the link below.
It's about Faile's epiphany in it . . .
Winter's Heart - Chapter #3 - Customs.
⚠️ SPOILERS AHEAD! ⚠️
It took me more than half a dozen reads to finally get at what Jordan was - showing not telling - us here.
Even the WoT-Encyclopaedia was confused about it.
1
u/cnfusion (Dragon Reborn) 21h ago edited 21h ago
Going to read now but I will say, reading those dreams she had did feel weird when I went through them this morning. Especially why she specifically thought of Perrin being so angry but I couldn't really make sense of it.
EDIT: OKAY, THAT DOES MAKE MORE SENSE, because evn while reading book 8 I felt like Perrin was being pushed into a corner by everyone around him while not being heard even by Faile. Perrin was doing a bunch of work to try and communicate his feelings to her, but she's so set in her ways because of her parents that she doesn't really hear him. On top of which, Faile doesn't know about Perrin's ability to smell emotions so she doesn't get his whole perspective as well. This does clear up one of my frustrations, and I am so happy you wrote this and shared it. I do really like Faile, and I love the relationship she has with Perrin, but they both need more growth. It felt like they kind of rushed into marriage without really knowing each other.
I think, now, I really understand why Jordan separated them. I can see the character arcs playing out, especially for Faile
1
u/duffy_12 (Falcon) 21h ago
Yea. Actually going forward the fandom prefers Faile's growth arc playing out over Perrin's.
Part of the reason for this is that while Faile's is much more open to grasp, Perrin's is waaaay more deeper and much more harder to comprehend. That's one reason why many readers don't dig the Perrin parts; it seems as if nothing is happening while there is a TON of Jordan's - show don't tell - going on in his sections.
1
u/cnfusion (Dragon Reborn) 20h ago
I'll take your word for it. For what I've read so far, I do understand Perrin to a point whenever he either changes or regresses. For example, after Elyas gives him advice and we learn he did shout at Faile, Perrin in chapter 1 of this book says he won't shout at Faile. There are several instances when characters will do some small regression to a state they had been after experiencing change; take Nynaeve for example or even Elayne.
My interpretation of Perrin saying he won't shout at Faile is choosing his route of belief. Even when he knows Faile will be angry at him for not shouting, he'll do it because he believes in himself enough to say it's who he is and how he expresses his emotions to her.
I generally want to pay attention to the small details Jordan gives us as he writes, so for Faile I'll do my best to understand what goes on in her mind whenever her POV comes around. Same for Perrin.
1
u/duffy_12 (Falcon) 20h ago
For what I've read so far, I do understand Perrin to a point whenever he either changes or regresses. For example, after Elyas gives him advice and we learn he did shout at Faile, Perrin in chapter 1 of this book says he won't shout at Faile.
Nice observation.
Yea. Perrin's stressed psych is going to be interesting as this plays out.
And speaking of Perrin's stressed psych, a couple of nice parts from chapter#2:
“We will find your Queen when we find my wife,” Perrin said, his voice as cold and hard as the edge of his axe. She had to be alive. “Suppose you tell me what all this is about, you drawn up ready to charge, it looks like. And facing my people, at that.” He had other responsibilities, too. Acknowledging that was bitter as gall. Nothing else counted alongside Faile. Nothing! But the Two Rivers men were his people.
[...]
He shook her[Berelain] off, ripped his arm away from the Ghealdanin. “Alliandre swore fealty to me, Arganda. You swore fealty to her, and that makes me your lord. I said I’ll find Alliandre when I find Faile.” The edge of an axe. She was alive. “You question no one, touch no one, unless I say. What you will do is take your men back to your camp, now, and be ready to ride when I give the order. if you’re not ready when I call, you will be left behind.”
Then a bit later talking to Lini:
Faile’s chief maid was a frail-appearing woman, with skin like parchment and white hair in a bun on top of her head, but her back was straight and her dark eyes were clear and sharp. Worry creased her forehead now, though, and her hands gripped her cloak too tightly, straining. She would be worried about Faile, certainly, but . . .
“Maighdin was with her,” he said, and did not need her nod. Maighdin was always with Faile, it seemed. A treasure, Faile called her. And Lini seemed to consider the woman her daughter, though sometimes Maighdin did not appear to enjoy that as much as Lini did. “I’ll get them back,” he promised. “All of them.” His voice almost broke on that. “Get on with your work,” he went on roughly, hurriedly. “I’ll eat in a bit. I have to see to . . . to . . . ” He strode away without finishing.
I LOVE that first part of Perrin being so commanding; not like the meek, timid blacksmith from the first book.
But the interesting thing about it is how - the Pattern is grooming Perrin into a more proper Leader; not of farmfolk with pitchfooks and cleavers, but, professional solders! I LOVE how he is growing with Jordan's prose.
Now contrast that with how Mat had to change into a Leader of solders; the Eelfinn had to give him a sort of brain transplant.
Poor Perrin has to do it the hard way.
There is just so much here in these sections to admire in Jordan's writing. One other that I just remembered . . .
Is how confused Perrin is by the Aiel behaviour here:
“You did right, Dannil,” Perrin said, tossing him Stayer’s reins. Hu and Get were good woodsmen, and Jondyn Barran could follow yesterday’s wind. Gaul and the Maidens were starting to leave, in single file. They were still veiled. “Tell off one man in three to stay here,” Perrin told Dannil hurriedly; just because he had faced Arganda down was no reason to believe the man had changed his mind, “and send the rest back to pack up. I want to ride as soon as there’s word.”
Without waiting on a reply, he hurried to put himself in front of Gaul and stopped the taller man with a hand to his chest. For some reason, Gaul’s green eyes tightened above his veil. Sulin and the rest of the Maidens strung out behind him went up on the balls of their feet.
“Find her for me, Gaul,” Perrin said. “All of you, please find who took her. If anyone can track Aiel, it’s you.”
The tightness in Gaul’s eyes vanished as suddenly as it had come, and the Maidens relaxed, too. As much as Aiel ever could be said to relax. It was very strange. They could not think he blamed them in any way.
“We all wake from the dream one day,” Gaul said gently, “but if she still dreams, we will find her. But if Aiel took her, we must go. They will move quickly. Even in . . . this.” He put considerable disgust in the word, kicking at a clod of snow.
Perrin nodded and hastily stepped aside, letting the Aiel set out at a trot. He doubted they could maintain that for very long, but he was sure they would keep the pace longer than anyone else could have. As the Maidens passed him, each quickly pressed fingers to the veil over her lips, then touched his shoulder. Sulin, right behind Gaul, gave him a nod, but none said a word. Faile would have known what they meant with their finger kissing.
1
u/cnfusion (Dragon Reborn) 20h ago
It's also worth pointing out that Perrin takes note of all the little details that occurs whenever change happens. He notices when people are off balance or uncomfortable, whenever something is wrong and they try to hide it. Like when Gaul leads the Maidens, Perrin almost immediately picks it up because he pays attention to how the chain of command works or how various cultures carry respect.
Perrin understands people. He understands what drives them, he understands what makes them, he understands what defines them. He might struggle with change because he himself is yet to discover who he is as a young man in difficult situations, with allowing himself TO change, but he does get that people are complex. You said the Pattern is shaping him to be a better leader, but I would add to it and say that it's shaping him to be stronger with others in the natural ways that all things affect one another. Ie, a wolf in the wild understanding the instincts of all creatures and the ways of the world.
2
1
u/_ChipWhitley_ (Asha'man) 2d ago
Big milestone at the end. Hold onto your butt and enjoy the ride 🎢
1
u/cnfusion (Dragon Reborn) 2d ago
I'm seated, ready and reading (after this last hour of work I will hehehe)
1
u/GayBlayde 2d ago
The book I struggle with the most, but the ending is fire.
1
u/cnfusion (Dragon Reborn) 2d ago
Why do you struggle with it, if I can ask?
1
1
1
1
u/Ya-Dikobraz 2d ago
I won't spoil it but I felt cold reading this book, even when I was warm.I haven't been in a real snowy winter for decades now and I don't think I want to.
Also one of those people in the picture is an ass.
1
1
u/AdministrationNo283 2d ago
Just wait til you get to Crossroads of Twilight!
1
u/cnfusion (Dragon Reborn) 2d ago
Honestly? My favorite book title in the series. It flows so perfectly
1
1
1
1
u/The_Paprika (Harp) 1d ago
I just reread this! People used to lump it together into “the slog” (which is a myth) but I really loved this one. Ending is fantastic as well.
1
1
u/jsimo36 1d ago
I read the title as “Beginning AT book 9” and I was just like…
what? Why?! Hahaha!
1
u/cnfusion (Dragon Reborn) 1d ago
I feel like a few others read the same and got confused as well XDDD
1
u/Ronon_Wolf 1d ago
I read this a few months back. I finished the series about a month ago now. I'm a fifth or sixth time reader though. I've lost track.
2
u/jshep2912 20h ago
I finished my first read through this weekend and Winter's Heart is one of my favorites. I love the Seanchan and the Mat chapters really shine.
Plus one of the best endings of the series.
•
u/Miserable-Hat-6691 1h ago
Let's wait for the reaction to the book 10...
•
u/cnfusion (Dragon Reborn) 1h ago
I heard of it's reputation but I'm excited nonetheless. I just wanna keep reading more of this story
-1
u/Prestigious_Still_52 2d ago
This book is a SLOG but the ending has one the best chapters of the entire series
3
u/Ziraelus 2d ago
Im currently in the middle of HoW. How in the hell is it slog? So far its been great.
1
2
u/procerator (Brown) 2d ago
This book IS NOT A SLOG. It is almost as good as book 2 or 4.
1
u/Prestigious_Still_52 2d ago
That was not my experience and I'm certainly not the first person to find this book to ve a slogan! But I'm glad it didn't bother you!
1
u/cnfusion (Dragon Reborn) 2d ago
I'm okay with a slowdown of pacing so long as I get good character development. Having this knowledge is good for me because I'm more used to how Jordan writes and I'm going to try and pick up as many small details as possible
2
u/duffy_12 (Falcon) 2d ago
Then there is hope that you might actually dig the very next book!
1
u/cnfusion (Dragon Reborn) 2d ago
I'm not expecting like the greatest thing ever but I'm not expecting to not enjoy it. I'm just gonna enjoy the book for what it is and keep moving forward as the Wheel turns. What it wills, it weaves.
1
u/No-Professional-1461 2d ago
Was it this one where he weeps over his grave? Its been a while since I went through the books.
1
u/TheRedPillMonk 2d ago
I didn't think so. I thought this book was great. Slower, but still had plenty to offer.
0
u/Fancy_Engine9202 2d ago
I may get hate for this, but I absolutely love you're reading instead of listening to the audio books. It hits way different.
1
u/cnfusion (Dragon Reborn) 2d ago
No probs with thinking this. I love the audiobooks so much, but I'm now in the mood to read by myself. Sometimes I have the audio playing while I follow along physically
0
u/madtyrant45 1d ago
Book 9 was the worst for me, o had to skip half with the girls… biggest slog ever.
1
u/Odinnarrow 22h ago
Man I can't agree more I think this is the book that took me the longest Its been a while so I cant remember I think it was books 7 8 9 or 8 9 10 felt like a real slog I'm not saying they were bad bad but felt Jordan's descriptors got to wordy Some of the political scenes way to much especially anything from the aes sedai camp
•
u/AutoModerator 2d ago
NO SPOILERS IN THE COMMENTS.
This flair is meant for meta discussions about the subreddit, or very specific, technical questions where the discussion doesn't require any knowledge of the books, tv show, or films. This is not an appropriate flair for discussing opinions on characters or the content of the series. All spoilery comments must be hidden behind spoiler tags.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.