** spoiler alert ** In some ways Robert Jordan is an inconsistent author. This book was unlike the previous books of his that I have read in the way that he dealt with the plot. In many ways it made it more interesting to read, if harder to follow. I actually liked the way he jumped around and didn't tell the reader what was happening until he had unfolded it in front of us. It made it easier to not have a plot with Rand or Perrin. There were a lot of errors in the book that should have been caught and fixed before they printed it, including calling Juilin Justin at one point. Another dozen or so places where words were left out or put in the wrong order. I was not satisfied with the ending. Unless Jordan wants us as readers to wonder if Sammael is really gone, his death was rushed and unfulfilling. And I don't think that Rand accepting the crown of swords is in line with his character. But other than that, I mostly enjoyed the story, and am unfortunately fated to read through the remainder of the series, forced to watch countless more Aes Sedai smooth their skirts, apparently the only way they can show their nervousness.