The Shadow Rising Read Along Part IV

[Susan]

Once again we gather together to enjoy The Wheel of Time and machinations upon our beloved heroes and our dastardly bad guys. Join us here or the blogosphere - whichever suits you: http://musingsonfantasia.blogspot.com...

Chapters 18-23 were devoured this week and discussion questions follow below. Spoilers are having a full cook out below, complete with adult drinks. You have been warned.

1) Perrin and Co. are on their way. He thinks he's headed to his death. What kind of reception do you think he'll find in the Two Rivers? How long will he and Faile's stubborn, silent treatment of one another last? (Bonus question: Moiraine made a brief reference to secrets Faile is keeping from Perrin. What do you think they might be?)

2) What do you think of the Seafolk and their strange clothing customs? Were you surprised to find hidden Channelers among them?

3) Rand dealt, after a fashion, with the Tairen High Lords, extra export inventory, famines in other lands, Callandor, and a few other things all in one fell swoop. How do you think he did?

4) Into the Waste. Do you think Rand was wise to use the Portal stones again? What are your first impressions of Rhuidean and the Aiel homeland?

5) Couladin sure seems to be looking for trouble. What kind of role do you foresee him having in the story?

6) The instant they hit the slopes above Rhuidean, there's lots going on. Aviendha can channel, both Moiraine and Mat end up going to Rhuidean, and the Wise Ones accuse the Tower of coddling its trainees. What kind of learning experience do you think Egwene is in for in the Waste?