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The Path of Daggers

Book 8 in the series:The Wheel of Time

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Who Would Like This Book:

Fans of intricate worldbuilding and complex political intrigue will still find plenty to enjoy in The Path of Daggers. If you love sprawling epics with many character arcs and enjoy seeing the gradual evolution of alliances, magical mysteries, and behind-the-scenes power plays, you'll appreciate this installment. Longtime readers who are invested in the arcs of characters like Rand, Egwene, and Elayne will appreciate the progression - even if subtle - and the setup for what's to come.

Who May Not Like This Book:

If you crave fast-paced action and resolutions, you may find this book a slog. Many readers felt the pacing was slow, with too much focus on character introspection, politics, and day-to-day minutiae rather than big events. Notably, favorite characters (like Mat) are missing entirely, and some were frustrated by the ever-expanding cast and lingering, unresolved subplots. The number of plot threads can be overwhelming, and the frequent focus on bickering and repetitive character traits (yes, there’s more skirt smoothing!) turned some people off.

This is a slower, setup-heavy entry in the Wheel of Time - rich in worldbuilding and politics, but light on action. Essential reading for series fans, but definitely not the place to start.

About:

Readers have mixed opinions on "The Path of Daggers" in "The Wheel of Time" series by Robert Jordan. Some readers appreciate the character development and the intricate plotlines, while others find the pacing slow and the abundance of details tiresome. The book is described as part of the 'slog' by some, referring to a slower section in the series where progress is perceived to be limited. Despite this, the book is praised for its strong character work and political intrigue, with moments that are considered pivotal in the overall series.

Characters:

Characters experience growth and complexity, but interactions can be frustrating due to internal conflicts and power struggles, particularly among the female characters.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is rich in detail and heavily focuses on dialogue and internal thoughts of characters, leading to a complex but sometimes tedious reading experience.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot features intertwining character arcs with themes of power, loyalty, and conflict. Various factions struggle for control, and although there are significant developments, many plotlines remain unresolved.

Setting:

The setting involves a richly developed world with various cultures and conflict zones, showcasing complex political and social dynamics among its inhabitants.

Pacing:

The pacing is generally slow, particularly in the middle chapters, which are more focused on dialogue than on action or plot progression, though the book concludes with a hurried climax.
T he Wheel of Time turns, and Ages come and pass, leaving memories that become legend. Legend fades to myth, and even myth is long forgotten when the Age that gave it birth comes again. In one Age, ca...

Notes:

Verin manipulates Aes Sedai using Compulsion to pledge loyalty to Rand.
Moridin shows signs of madness which complicates his interactions.
Mat is absent in this book, adding to its sense of disconnect.
Aviendha performs a feat the Aes Sedai thought impossible by unweaving the gateway.
Elayne, Nynaeve, and Aviendha uncover important angreal during their quest.
The use of the Bowl of Winds drastically changes weather patterns in the world.
Perrin struggles with his leadership role as he navigates political complexities in Ghealdan.
Egwene’s rise to power as Amyrlin Seat is a significant plot line in this book.
The book introduces the concept of Chaos within the One Power, impacting Rand’s ability.
The story sees the return of familiar characters like Morgase and Perrin's complex interactions.
There is heavy emphasis on the politics and scheming of Aes Sedai, revealing their depth and conflicts.
Nynaeve’s character receives criticism for her inconsistency and flaws, leading some to speculate she might become a Forsaken.
The book features a slow burn of character development, with buildup leading to cliffhangers and major revelations.
Readers note that the book feels less action-driven and more focused on character introspection and political maneuvers.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of violence, mental health struggles, and minor depictions of humiliation.

Has Romance?

There is a medium level of romance present, as relationships and potential romantic interests are explored but are not the central focus.

From The Publisher:

The Wheel of Time ® is a PBS Great American Read Selection! Now in development for TV!

Since its debut in 1990, The Wheel of Time® by Robert Jordan has captivated millions of readers around the globe with its scope, originality, and compelling characters.

The Wheel of Time turns and Ages come and go, leaving memories that become legend. Legend fades to myth, and even myth is long forgotten when the Age that gave it birth returns again. In the Third Age, an Age of Prophecy, the World and Time themselves hang in the balance. What was, what will be, and what is, may yet fall under the Shadow.

The Seanchan invasion force is in possession of Ebou Dar. Nynaeve, Elayne, and Aviendha head for Caemlyn and Elayne's rightful throne, but on the way they discover an enemy much worse than the Seanchan.

In Illian, Rand vows to throw the Seanchan back as he did once before. But signs of madness are appearing among the Asha'man.

In Ghealdan, Perrin faces the intrigues of Whitecloaks, Seanchan invaders, the scattered Shaido Aiel, and the Prophet himself. Perrin's beloved wife, Faile, may pay with her life, and Perrin himself may have to destroy his soul to save her.

Meanwhile the rebel Aes Sedai under their young Amyrlin, Egwene al'Vere, face an army that intends to keep them away from the White Tower. But Egwene is determined to unseat the usurper Elaida and reunite the Aes Sedai. She does not yet understand the price that others-and she herself-will pay.

TV series update: "Sony will produce along with Red Eagle Entertainment and Radar Pictures. Rafe Judkins is attached to write and executive produce. Judkins previously worked on shows such as ABC's "Agents of SHIELD," the Netflix series "Hemlock Grove," and the NBC series "Chuck." Red Eagle partners Rick Selvage and Larry Mondragon will executive produce along with Radar's Ted Field and Mike Weber. Darren Lemke will also executive produce, with Jordan's widow Harriet McDougal serving as consulting producer." -Variety

The Wheel of Time®

New Spring: The Novel

#1 The Eye of the World

#2 The Great Hunt

#3 The Dragon Reborn

#4 The Shadow Rising

#5 The Fires of Heaven

#6 Lord of Chaos

#7 A Crown of Swords

#8 The Path of Daggers

#9 Winter's Heart

#10 Crossroads of Twilight

#11 Knife of Dreams

By Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson

#12 The Gathering Storm

#13 Towers of Midnight

#14 A Memory of Light

By Robert Jordan

Warrior of the Altaii

By Robert Jordan and Teresa Patterson

The World of Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time

By Robert Jordan, Harriet McDougal, Alan Romanczuk, and Maria Simons

The Wheel of Time Companion

By Robert Jordan and Amy Romanczuk

Patterns of the Wheel: Coloring Art Based on Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time

1998
698 pages

Ratings (102)

Incredible (24)
Loved It (39)
Liked It (18)
It Was OK (13)
Did Not Like (6)
Hated It (2)

Reader Stats (156):

Read It (122)
Want To Read (25)
Did Not Finish (1)
Not Interested (8)

3 comment(s)

Incredible
6 months

Much better than the previous couple of books. Much less dragging about & much faster pace.

 
It Was OK
1 year

8 books in (and they’re all super long) and I’m having trouble remembering what happened in this book vs what happened in previous ones. The story is good, but it’s moving along so slowly. Kinda feels like we’ve spent 6 books waiting for the thing to happen… and there’s like 5 more (very long) books to go

 
It Was OK
1 year

needs more Mat.

 

About the Author:

ROBERT JORDAN (1948-2007) is best known for his internationally bestselling epic fantasy series The Wheel of Time®, which has sold over 40 million copies in North America and is currently being adapted for the screen. A native of Charleston, Jordan graduated from The Citadel, the Military College of South Carolina, with a degree in physics. He served two tours in Vietnam with the U.S. Army and received multiple decorations for his service.

 
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