The Great Hunt [Apr 2, 2020]

[Jenna, I'd be free if not for Temper & Edgewalker]

The Great Hunt - Robert Jordan

April 2, 2020.

[Veronica]

I've started but, despite having more time to read, I'm finding I have less. I've only made it through the first seven chapters.

[Mayim]

I wanted to finish the Retribution Falls first. But I should wrap that up over the weekend.

[Brian]

I’m at Chapter 30. Liking it so far. I feel like it moves a little faster than book 1.

[James]

I liked this book the best out of the first 3.

[Katie]

I'm listening to about 30min during the week on audiobook, so it will take me a while. lol. But I remember really enjoying this book. Is a re-read ^~^

[Veronica]

I'm through chapter 10...

Nynaeve still annoys the bejeezus out of me. (view spoiler)[This blaming Moiraine schtick is beyond old. Moiraine isn't responsible for Rand being who he is or having the ability to channel the Power. That's he's still alive is mostly due to Moiraine's interventions...and Tam still being alive certainly is due to her. Not saying Moiraine doesn't have her own agenda, but she's not to blame for the fact that the minions of Shadow and the Dark Lord are hunting him. And this thing with Lan, who is old enough to be her father, makes my eyes roll so far back in his my head that it hurts. I wish she'd just go away.

Rand's moronic insistence on clinging to denial is also annoying. He knows. Putting off accepting reality only creates more danger for him and those around him. He needs to put on his big boy pants and start learning how to deal with his new reality. With this series being so long, I hope this doesn't mean we're in for several books worth of him running from who and what he is. (hide spoiler)]

This series surely isn't subtle (view spoiler)[about hiding which of the Aes Sedai and White Cloaks have turned towards the Shadow (hide spoiler)]. I kind of wish it'd play its cards a little closer to the vest instead of making things so obvious to the reader.

The belittling of men is also old. I don't like it when it's done to women and I don't like it when it's done to men. I'm an equal opportunity hater of any gender's superiority complex.

[Choko]

I am up to Ch. 8... I had not noticed how much is foretold in all of the prophecies. And you obviously have to pay attention to the little details, like all the ones in the prologue... You are right, V, that some of the Dark Friends were very obvious once you were given some of the descriptions. (view spoiler)[ The one with the braids comes to mind right away. I hate her with passion already!

It is funny that you say there is a lot of man belittling. This way of female behavior and talk really reminds me of the way rural women do back in Europe and somewhat here in the US. I am talking rural, farm, country ladies, who often do come off as the bossier, more dominant part of the male/female relationships. It is usually done mostly by habit, tongue in cheek, with no malice. And since I used to admire those women, I always thought nothing of it. However, same goes for the guys who call the women hunny and sweetie and sweetheart, and mostly hang with other guys and think women are the weaker sex... I take it with a smile, because I know it is usually meant without malice as well, but they don't see how we could take it as belittling. I wonder if he comes from a place being surrounded by a lot of strong and bossy women and this is the way he perceives the Dynamics as balanced. I have no idea, I am just speculating, but I just can't see the way he writes the interpersonal relationships between the sexes as meant to put down either side. I see Lan as an example of the most positive masculine trades put together, and then I see all those young men trying to find their identities. Then in my mind, Moiraine is as close to a strong female archetype as I can think of, while the girls are just trying to figure things out... They are all very strong personalities, and think about all the Aes Sedai, to actually achieve the status of full sister and earn the Ring, they all must be strong and different. We are not going to have many wallflowers in this series.

Rand drives me nuts with his denial of the One Power too... And I hate how my favorite girl, Moiraine, gets blamed for everything by everyone! She is a freaking angel compared to the rest of the Sisters! Yes, she is a bit prissy, but she is empathetic to others, despite her power and station giving her the power to treat others as servants and peasants... If it wasn't for her and the top lady, I would really dislike everyone in that order. Well, I like the brown, Vera, since she is all about the science (θ‿θ). But everyone else from the White Tower seems to suck!

I hope you don't get too annoyed by the ladies and enjoy the rest of the book and series!!! (hide spoiler)]

[Mayim]

I’m starting today!

[Veronica]

Yay, Mayim!

Choko, you're right about geographical attitudes about gender roles and perceptions. I don't think the author is necessarily making any sort of statement one way or the other either. I'm just getting annoyed at how some of the women talk to the men like they're children that need to be taken over the knee. Funnily enough, Moiraine, one of the more powerfully gifted women, never really seems to take that attitude.

I 100% agree about the annoyance over how Rand and Nynaeve keep on blaming Moiraine for the current troubles. Rand at least has some liking for Moiraine but Nynaeve...she's just full of pride and that only makes her come off as more and more immature, IMO. I just honestly don't know why she's even part of this, why she came after the others in the first place except that the plot needed her too. She's the Wisdon for Emond's Field so she should be back there looking after her town. All these young people have parents or some adult who was responsible for them whose place it was to go after them. Maybe not Tam since he was so injured, but the rest had people/kin who could've done this instead of Nyaeve. I just really don't like her and I don't get AT ALL why Lan would be remotely interested in her.

[Veronica]

Brian wrote: "I’m at Chapter 30. Liking it so far. I feel like it moves a little faster than book 1."

It does seem to be moving faster. A good thing!

[Choko]

I get it◉‿◉. Just growing up, the women I really admired whom I knew, all used to behave like this infront of others, but then were like little kittens with their guys in private... Really cultural. This is why I always was so confused whenever Westerners would say that the women in some more traditional cultures were not equal, when I saw them as ruling the rooster... It took me to remove myself from there to see that yes, the female was the one who held the purse of the family and would have most say, but she was also expected to cook, clean, rear the children, work a regular job to bring home money and make sure when the husband comes home from work, he is free of any burdens and has food on the table ready for him, and later him and some friends be served drinks while visiting or watching something, while the wife and other females of the family, take care of the kids and animals and make it look effortless and quiet, so you let the men "play"... This is where I grew up and I know this is a reality for a whole a lot of women out there. No wonder they start speaking of men the way they do, despite not meaning it, because in the end of the day, they adore, love and care for each other... I am not that strong. I love the big city American ways(◔‿◔)◉‿◉(✷‿✷)! But I do get it...

Nynaeve is very, very immature! Very!!! I want to smack her over the head myself... I don't understand why she hates Moiraine so much? Because she was the vector of change in the life of the villagers? Most probably, but also she is asking them all to grow up and learn things outside of their comfort zone. I am at Ch. 23 and the only thing driving Nynaeve is her hatred for her... You are so right saying it underscores her childishness! I know Egwain is much younger, but I find her much more balanced and willing and able to roll with the punches! But really, all the kids from the Two Rivers are so young and naive. Perrin seems to be the one more adult in his behavior, but when we get into his internal monologue, even he shows how much he has to grow...

Up to Ch 23... (view spoiler)[ The traveling with those stone posts is the second mode of weird travel we have encountered so far. The first was through those ways, where that evil wind could get them, and now here... I liked that those are different dimensions and that footprints from strong events, future or past, leave a different mark on them... I don't understand why Rand didn't get more suspicious than he was with that Saleen lady... She obviously is up to no good... I wish he had stuck with questions and insisted on answers, instead of going all stupid because a gorgeous woman is flirting with him...

And I did think it was very convenient that the chest was visible, unguarded, and the knife was on top of it, for some unimaginable reasons, perfect for a thief to come and get it in the night!!! I understand it was in the middle of a camp full of Darkfriends and Trollocs, but still, very convenient! I am hoping this is the only time we get a coveted prize that easily...

Loyal! I was so mad at Rand for hurting his feelings in the beginning of the book, even understanding it was done with the intention to protect his friends from all the shit that comes with his channeling ability... You don't get to hurt my Loyal!!! ❤️ (hide spoiler)]

[Veronica]

Choko wrote: "Nynaeve is very, very immature! Very!!! I want to smack her over the head myself... I don't understand why she hates Moiraine so much? Because she was the vector of change in the life of the villagers? Most probably, but also she is asking them all to grow up and learn things outside of their comfort zone."

I think a lot of it is jealousy. She was/is the Wisdom of the village, the one everyone looked to for answers, the one who "knew" things and could do things others couldn't. She loved lording her status over everyone, whether she openly admits to herself or not. I think it burns her hide to realize that she's not all that, that there's someone else (Moiraine) who can better help Rand and understand what's happening to him than she can. Nynaeve can't stand that she's the not The Special One anymore. But, of course, the plot seems to indicate that she'll eventually become super-duper powerful...one of the most powerfulest, specialest Aes Sedai in the history of the Aes Sedai (if Egwene doesn't beat her to it...because of course Rand's two female friends have to be the bestest). I'm not looking forward to that. She'll likely only get more insufferable.

I definitely like Egwene more. She has strength to her but she doesn't feel the need to smash it down everyone's throat.

Excepting for Nynaeve, I am enjoying the story so far. I'm up through chapter 21. (view spoiler)[This Selene has to be exerting some sort of spell, right? Rand couldn't possibly be this dumb. I'm thinking she's that old, spurned loved of Lews Theron Telamon. (hide spoiler)]

[Choko]

V, about your spoiler, I think so too! He would go all dumb mostly whenever she would directly touch him...

About Nynaeve, I think you are right. I just finished Ch. 23 and (view spoiler)[ the test she went through to become an accepted, was very telling about her fears and motivation. The second scene, about the village, was very strong in showing on one hand how much she cares and fears for all the people there, but on another hand, how micromanaging she is and how she does feel she is the only one who could keep them safe, which goes with her feeling like being The Special One, as you said. I wonder why she was able to channel freely while in the test... (view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

[Choko]

Is it me, or do you guys get lost in the story to the degree that you don't even notice the writing? I call that masterful storytelling! I get emotional with and about the characters, but I almost forget it is written and not being acted out for real...

[Veronica]

Choko wrote: "Up to Ch 23... (view spoiler) ."

Now that I can open the spoiler tag, yes, agree about Selene. (view spoiler)[ The only thing I guess that puzzles me and makes me wonder is that I somehow thought the Ogier would point out that there's something not right about her. There's no evidence that he'd be immune to whatever spell/glamour she's putting out but, still, I somehow thought he would be. But maybe he's not. (hide spoiler)]

*Sigh* Why can't Lan love Moiraine???? That would make a hell of a lot more sense to me than that childish Nynaeve...(view spoiler)[who I'm 100% sure is the one he'll eventually be passed on to after Moiraine dies. Which I hope she doesn't. Or maybe the story will pull a twist and it'll be Egwene. That'd be funny, lol.
But, alas, this story pretty much plays the obvious card every time so far. (hide spoiler)]

[Choko]

For a volumous tome, this sure reads fast... Not done yet, but will be finishing up today... I am enjoying it!

[Veronica]

I'm through chapter 38 now. It looks like I'm coming up on a run of chapters focusing on the girls which, frankly doesn't thrill me because of Nynaeve. I keep waiting for some character growth in her but we're almost two full books along and she's still the same prideful, temper fueled girl she started out as. She may be the oldest of the Emond's Fielders but she acts the most immature. I really hope that when the show comes out, the actress playing her will help make her more rootable for me.

(view spoiler)[It's a bit eye-roll worthy that the four girls are all going to be leaving Tar Valon to go traipsing after Rand...right at the start of their studies. And why can't Min look at Liandrin and see that she's up to no good? Everyone else she looks at and she sees things about them and their future but not this time? Makes no sense. (hide spoiler)]

The following aren't spoilers, just my theories so far. I feel like this author doesn't really do subtle. His writing is more obvious and what you see is more or less what you get. It's not a bad thing but, for me, it lacks a certain depth. I'm enjoying the story, and it definitely scores well on the nostalgia scales, but I already feel like I have a good idea of how everyone's life is going to turn out. For one, I seriously doubt that any of the principle characters will die. They're all wrapped up in tight plot armor. And with the healing powers of the Aes Sedai, even permanent serious injury seems unlikely so, like, I feel as though there aren't any real stakes here.

(view spoiler)[Hmmmm, Min tells Elayne that she'll have to share her husband with two other women. Then just a few sentences later Min, Elayne, and Egwene are vowing eternal friendship and that no man will ever come between them. Hmmmmm, now I wonder which three women will all have to share the same man...and who that man might be*cough*Rand*cough*? Though I'm thinking maybe not Egwene...Min did tell Rand that she wasn't meant for him the way he thought...and now Rand has seen his otherworld lives where even when he married her he felt that it wasn't right, wasn't what was meant to be. Plus it's been mentioned numerous times how potentially powerful Egwene is/will be, enough to be raised to the Amyrlin Seat one day. That obvious foreshadowing along with Min's "prophecy" to Rand makes me lean in the direction of Egwene becoming the Amyrlin Seat one day. But then I have no clue about who the third woman might be.

Min talking about falling in love with Rand. I'm just going to resign myself to the fact that this series isn't going to form any romances that will feel believable or organic to me. So far Rand is getting all the female attention meanwhile I'm holding out hope that some smart young women sees the catch that Perrin is. (hide spoiler)]

I'm still wondering how much longer Rand is going to keep denying the truth about who he is. It's been months and months now and he's seen too much to still not believe. After a while, denial just makes a person seem dense.



What was the reason that the male half of the One Source became tainted? I already can't remember.

[Choko]

The Dark One tainted it, because he feeds off chaos. The taint makes the guys go mad slowly, inducing them to acts which lead to chaos, thus strengthening DO's power...

No, no subtlety, but as you said, it has that nostalgia element and a great way of telling a story, that draws you in and makes the world real...

She actually develops an even more annoying habit, "tugging on her braid" every tyme she gets agitated. Since she gets agitated a lot, my friend and I would have a row of a chocolate bar every time we would read about it (✷‿✷)... We ate a lot of chocolate!!!

[Veronica]

Thanks for the refresher, Choko. I'm sure the whole lore and history is up on some WoT website somewhere but I'm leery of accidentally seeing spoilers so I don't want to look it up. I'd also like to read up more on Artur Hawkwing but...

At least chocolate might make Nynaeve's annoyingness more tolerable! lol

The end of chapter 39 pretty much seals it for me (view spoiler)[that Egwene won't ever marry Rand. That it will be Min, Elayne, and some girl who hasn't been introduced yet. Though I'm not sure how this will work. It hasn't been established that the taking on of a harem is an accepted practice anywhere that we've seen of this world so far. And Rand always seems so abashed around pretty girls and feels embarrassed at any less-than-pure thoughts he might have, that it's hard to imagine him taking on a harem, lol. Geez, I hope it doesn't turn into some melodramatic love square. Ugh. (hide spoiler)] I'm interested to see how this is all going to work, if I'm even close to being right.

[Choko]

But you are not bored with the story, right V?

[Veronica]

No, not bored. It's an enjoyable read and I like pretty much all the characters on the good side. With one exception that I've made pretty obvious, lol.

This whole practice of the damane and sul'dam is horrible.

[Veronica]

And I do want to say that I really like Elayne and Min. I like that Elayne is not the usual snobby, cruel princess who looks down at everyone else. It's nice to see the friendship between her and Egwene, and Min.

[Choko]

Ooo, the Leashed Ones *shudder*!!! You know how much I hate anyone who compels others to do anything!!! I understand the thinking behind controlling those with power, but this is beyond despicable!!!

[Choko]

V, I found this interesting, concerning the TV show...

https://youtu.be/HURiYXm4LVw

[Veronica]

Choko wrote: "V, I found this interesting, concerning the TV show...

https://youtu.be/HURiYXm4LVw"

I agree with that. I'm never too much of a book purist when it comes to tv/movie adaptations because I know it just even really possible to be 100% faithful to the book. Books can be 1000+ pages and be super detailed about the minutia of the character's lives,thoughts, dress, etc. Books aren't so much limited by time, not like a tv show that has only a set amount of time in which to tell a story. So I'm prepared for changes. In fact, I'm counting on them to make Nynaeve more likable BUT ALSO to make the romances feel less forced and out of the blue. So far I'm not buying any of the romantic connections.

[Veronica]

I'm finished! I liked the story overall but, much like with the first book, I feel like the story took its time during the beginning and middle with people traveling around only to rush through the ending climax. (view spoiler)[The blowing of the horn and the recalling of the legendary heroes felt anti-climactic and like it happened too soon in the story. That's something that feels momentous enough that it should've been saved for a bigger occasions.

I don't buy that Egwene and Nynaeve would leave before Rand woke up. As worried as they'd been about him and they leave without speaking with him? Uh-uh. But that's part of what I mean about feeling like the author rushed through the ending by avoiding having the characters emotionally connect at the end.

Min...so her approach is basically "Rand isn't really my type but destiny says I'm supposed to fall in love with him so I might as well do it". How romantic...NOT. But I've never been a fan of "fated love" trope. It implies that people don't have a choice in the matter, and Min sort of drives that point home so, yeah, not a fan.

I'm not a fan of the idea of Rand having a harem of three women, for that matter. Especially not in the hands of an author who has already demonstrated his clumsiness in developing romances. Frankly, the thought of it coming up is making my interest fall a few notches. Again, it might've been better if he'd just left it out altogether. (hide spoiler)]

I'm concerned about the pacing of the long arc. There are still twelve books left in this series and, for the life of me, I can't see how this countdown to the final battle won't feel dragged out. I feel like this story could be wrapped up in four to five books, six max. I fear there may be a bit too much wheel spinning/running in place going on during several of these books.

[Brian]

100% agree Veronica. I went ahead and read Goodread reviews for future books and that seems to be the biggest complaint. The books drag until book 10 or 11 when Sanderson took over. I like the writing albeit it’s a bit slow for my tastes. I’m gonna try and keep an open mind and finish but I’m nervous the middle books will be all fluff.

[Veronica]

That's what I was afraid of. I mean, like the writing style and I could maybe wade through one or two books of filler but six or seven?!?!?!? That's a lot!

[Choko]

Yeah, there are several books that feel that way, but as overall, it really gets you to KNOW the world and the characters... As I have said, I have never actually finished the series, so this time I am going to make sure, no matter what, I am going to read it through the end!!!

[Mayim]

Veronica wrote: "I'm through chapter 10...

Nynaeve still annoys the bejeezus out of me. This blaming Moiraine schtick is beyond old. Moiraine isn't responsible for Rand being who he is or having the ability to cha..."

I returned here after Islington and it seems to be easier to get into the story once more.

I have to say that while I did not share Veronica's antipathy towards the Two Rivers girls, they really start to irritate me, and Nynaeve particularly. She didn't strike me as so entitled before and now she just assumes she has the right to decide for everyone around. At the same time she is so easy to manipulate (I was laughing so hard at her during the lesson with the Brown Ajah - by the way, I definitely think this is my favourite Ajah; I hate the Reds indiscriminately though). To abandon one's duties and still feel so righteous, that takes some serious hypocrisy.

I know you rant at Rand's denial, Veronica, but I think that reconciling oneself with the fact of being the prophesised one that will break the world might take some time and effort.

And also, I love the Shienarans. They are like the best of epic high fantasy, all honour and chivalry and honour - yet at the same time without being pompous.

I am halfway now and it does pick up the pace. I think my main problem with getting into this is because everything is so awfully predetermined. They know prophecies so they do everything to fulfil them and thus what was foretold is self-fulfiling and indeed it becomes a serpent eating its own tail.

I lack agency sometime (that was also my main problem with Janny's saga if I remember).

[Choko]

Mayim, that is very true, but I find something very calming in that... I get all nervous and jumpy when there are too many variables and unknowns, and in moments like the climate of insanity around us, I prefer less paranoia in my reads:-):-):-)

[Saar The Book owl]

Sorry, guys, I'm going to be very late for this one, as I still need to finish the first...

[Katie]

Okay okay, so I know I haven't been in this BR much ^^; But I finally finished re-listening to the audiobook today ^~^

I have to say I like this book even more than the first one. I just feel like we're seeing more things happen at a faster pace with the search for the horn. And while you guys are right in that it is still pretty much a "journey" book, I didn't feel bored at any point.

I also agree with your guys thoughts on Rand being Rand and some of the personality ticks of the characters. lol. Can we just say that (view spoiler)[Loil (hide spoiler)] is the best companion though? He's just the bestest of boys. That and Perrin <3

I don't really have more comments at this point because lots happened. But I enjoyed reading the comments you all made. I can't wait to join you all in book 3! This one will be a new read for me~

[Edgarf]

I am reading WOT for the first time. I've just finished EOTW and am stating The Great Hunt. I hope I'm not too late for the discussion.

[Choko]

Nope, right on time (✷‿✷)

[Katie]

Not at all Edgarf ^~^ Enjoy the read~

[Edgarf]

I was able to get through the prologue and the first 4 chapters last night. So far, the beginning seems to be moving slower than the opening of the first book. I’m not saying that’s bad. It’s just a personal observation. Hopefully I can knock off a few more chapters tonight.

[Edgarf]

Quick note: Chapter 5 is really good. (view spoiler)[I like that here we start really learning about aes sedai. I’m starting to see why many in that world do not trust them (hide spoiler)]

[Edgarf]

I knocked off chapters 5 through 8 last night. Hopefully, I can read at least another 4 chapters tonight. In my opinion The Great Hunt is better than the first book in the series, at least so far. Jordan’s world is beginning to be a little more fleshed out now.

[Choko]

Edgarf, you are totally right. In the first book he was more or less getting us used to the characters and the world as a whole. I kind of look at it as a sketch of a painting, putting down the composition with charcoal. Now, in the second book, he is starting to define the contour of the objects... He is a master of building things from the ground up, not just giving us a printed simulation of the story. This is what makes this series so awesome to me. Every detail adds to the story, it is not without meaning. And he still shows us, doesn't tell us what happens and what everyone is feeling... Gets you invested in the story even when you don't think you really are...

I am so glad you are reading it:-)!

[Edgarf]

Thanks Choko, I’ve now read enough that earlier today I ordered the next 4 books in the series.

[Choko]

Awesome!!! I am looking forward to reading them together:-):-):-) Don't get me wrong, the pace does slag a bit at times, but this is the only really vast Fantasy series in which you soon discover you remember names of people and places without even trying, and I think it is the series with the most named characters ever, but because of the pace and how it is laid out, it just doesn't feel that overwhelming. It is accessible and relatable... I am really excited to see what you think as we go...

[Edgarf]

I completed 5 more chapters last night. The pace has really picked up. Now, that I’m entering a long weekend I should be able to finish this book and start book 3 before returning to work Tuesday.

I’m going to pick up again at chapter 14. By the name of this chapter I am guessing it will be from Perrin’s POV. This my first time reading WOT and I have no idea what is going to happen. I’d like to list my top 5 characters in the series so far. I am sure these favorites will change over time.

1. Perrin - yep, right now it’s Perrin and not Rand in the 1 slot so far.
2. Rand - He’s the main guy Right?
3. Moraine - there have been hints about her back story. I hope I learn more.
4. Loiol- who doesn’t love a gentle giant.
5. Thom - (view spoiler)[come on now! He’s not dead (hide spoiler)]

I wonder if I should have put LAN in the number 5 spot?

[Choko]

Thom and Lan both are great, but Loiol and Moiraine are my favorites, followed closely by Rand and Perrin. Lan is definitely the warrior type - strong, no nonsense, capable and I kind of imagine him like a Samurai on a massive horse (+_+)... But Perrin is the one that seems calmest and most laid back of them all. And Moiraine is just classy, although she has a vulnerable side to her. She can afford it, because she has quite a bit of power too:-)

[Edgarf]

I taking a few minutes of break right now during this evenings reading session. I just want to note that (view spoiler)[Selene seems sketchy as all hell (hide spoiler)]. I guess I will find out soon enough.

[Choko]

Yeah, I think so too...

[Edgarf]

Then maybe I’m on the right track:)

[Katie]

Love your favorite character list Edgarf ^~^Perrin and Loial are my personal favorites. Though we have a really strong female cast too which I like too. Even though sometimes their arguments can be annoying. cough cough Nynaeve XD

[Bicky]

Hi. I am new to this thread. I have just finished it and enjoyed it though I found some parts dragging. This is my third read. The last was 20 years ago! When this series did not come to a conclusion by book 4, I decided I would keep buying the books and read the rest in one go when the series was finished. But the volumes kept coming. So, my question is for someone who has read the 14 basic works - is it worth it?

One can hardly skip some of the volumes, can one?

The Eye of the World, remains as one of my favourite fantasy books.