The Shadow Rising Read Along Part X

[Susan]

Here we are at the finale of Book 4 of The Wheel of Time series, The Shadow Rising. There were some twists that I wasn’t expecting. This week our fearless and insightful commenter Eivind came up with the excellent questions. You can join us here or the blogosphere: http://dabofdarkness.com/2013/08/04/t...

The spoilers don’t want you to avert your eyes, but I suggest you do if you have not read this book.

1. Seems like Rand is not the only one who can stand toe-to-toe against a forsaken. Surprised? Could there be others, and if so, who?

2. What went on between Elayne and Amathera? Should she lay off the forceful reeducation of foreign monarchs or just keep at it, you think?

3. So we have our first "proper" battle, of many more to come no doubt. Please air your thoughts here, since I can't find anywhere to put a question mark.

4. Could these whitecloaks be any more pathetic if they tried? REALLY HARD?

5. So now (or soon enough) EVERY Aiel knows their history, and many are none too pleased. Was this the right call? How much support has Rand lost now?

6. With the massive sa'angreal access keys in hand, shouldn't Rand be able to just steamroll through the next 10 books? Do you think he has a use in mind for them?

7. Asmodean... teaching Rand? On a scale from Kim Kardashian* to Stephen Hawking, how good of an idea is this, really? (*) Please ignore if you're a fan.

[Leah]

I think having Asmodean teach him is the last good decision he makes for awhile. Even though he is one of the Forsaken, which means Rand needs to be extremely cautious, he is one of a very limited pool of people that could teach him.

[Justin]

Hi guys. I was thinking of starting the series over. I've read through book 4. I love it but I'm confused. Is it a good idea or should I keep reading and wait for it to come together?

[Pheonix]

If you got confused I would suggest geting the companion book that just came out last Fall. Got it for Christmas and I am so happy before I would simply keep chapter/book notes and character lists for every book to help me out. it does have spoilers but with a little self control it's easy not to read to far ahead. Has everything you should need.

[[deleted user]]

Also Leigh Butler did a read along on the TOR website, but there will be spoilers. I found it fun and the comments were helpful also.

http://www.tor.com/series/wot-reread/

[Justin]

Thanks guys!

[Sarah]

1. Seems like Rand is not the only one who can stand toe-to-toe against a forsaken. Surprised? Could there be others, and if so, who?

Honestly, I feel like all of the 'Aes Sedai' girls are capable of taking on a Forsaken; Elayne, Egwene, and Nynaeve. I think that they're a little "green" for it, but when put in a bind... they can all summon enough strength to do what's necessary.

2. What went on between Elayne and Amathera? Should she lay off the forceful reeducation of foreign monarchs or just keep at it, you think?

Elayne just seems fed up with people's shit. I would be angry too. Here I am, saving you, and you're going to give me lip? I don't think so.

3. So we have our first "proper" battle, of many more to come no doubt. Please air your thoughts here, since I can't find anywhere to put a question mark.

Are we referring to Nynaeve and the Forsaken, Perrin and the Trolloc's, or? I found Nynaeve's battle well written and interesting. I imagine how they looked just standing there, and it made me giggle a little. But I think that's intentional the way it was described.

4. Could these whitecloaks be any more pathetic if they tried? REALLY HARD?

Why are they so whiney!? They remind me of the Templars from Dragon Age Inquisition - just blindly holding on to their faith, vulnerable to dark influence, and easily confused.

5. So now (or soon enough) EVERY Aiel knows their history, and many are none too pleased. Was this the right call? How much support has Rand lost now?

It's definitely necessary. If you pay attention to the prophecy, Rand is going to break the Aiel and bring them together. That doesn't mean the clan chiefs, it means reuniting them with the Da' Shain Aiel.

6. With the massive sa'angreal access keys in hand, shouldn't Rand be able to just steamroll through the next 10 books? Do you think he has a use in mind for them?

Definitely not! He could hurt himself or those around him. He needs to be better prepared. He needs to learn more. He needs to be stronger. You can't just go play with every weapon that you have access to.

7. Asmodean... teaching Rand? On a scale from Kim Kardashian* to Stephen Hawking, how good of an idea is this, really? (*) Please ignore if you're a fan.

xD