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The Fires of Heaven

Book 5 in the series:The Wheel of Time

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The Fires of Heaven is the fifth installment in The Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan. The book follows the adventures of Rand al'Thor, the Dragon Reborn, as he leads the Aiel back into the wetlands for battle. The plot is filled with battles, character developments, and political intrigue, as multiple story threads intertwine. Readers are taken on a journey through a complex and detailed world where characters face challenges, make difficult choices, and deal with the consequences of their actions. Jordan's writing style is described as detailed and intricate, with a mix of action-packed scenes and slower, more introspective moments that build tension and keep readers engaged.

Characters:

The characters are richly drawn and multidimensional, though some, like Nynaeve and Egwene, can be frustrating, and the narrative includes multiple perspectives.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by detailed and descriptive prose that can be overly repetitive, with a strong focus on character-driven dialogue.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot is distinguished by its complexity and multiple threads, exploring various characters' challenges and introducing new elements and characters.

Setting:

The setting is a richly developed fantasy world featuring multiple locations and deep cultural details.

Pacing:

The pacing is uneven, with slow segments in the beginning and quickening towards the end, leading to substantial action.
The 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, cal...

Notes:

The Fires of Heaven is the fifth book in The Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan.
The book has a rating of 5 out of 5 stars from many readers.
The story has numerous characters with complex relationships and plots, making it a detailed epic fantasy.
Rand al'Thor is the main character, known as the Dragon Reborn.
The book explores the themes of power, leadership, and the burden of fate.
Egwene and Moiraine team up to face various challenges, showcasing strong female characters.
Nynaeve, another key character, struggles with her temper and control over her emotions throughout the series.
Mat Cauthon shows significant character development as he learns to embrace his destiny as a general.
Balefire, a powerful force in the series, is used with devastating effects, reversing deaths of key characters.
The book introduces a subplot involving a traveling circus, adding an unusual twist to the storyline.
The rivalry and relationships between female characters are highlighted, often leading to tension and conflict.
The Forsaken, powerful rivals of the protagonists, theorize and plot against Rand and his allies.
Moiraine's fate is dramatically altered when she confronts Lanfear, leading to significant changes in the storyline.
Perrin Aybara is notable for being absent from this book, a change that disappointed many readers.
The World of Dreams, known as Tel'aran'rhiod, plays a critical role in the plots of Egwene and Nynaeve.
Jordan's detailed world-building and character development are points of admiration, despite criticism of pacing in the story.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of violence, emotional distress, and complex gender dynamics that may be triggering for some readers.

Has Romance?

Romance is present and plays a significant role, particularly in Rand's relationships.

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.

Into the forbidden city of Rhuidean, where Rand al'Thor, now the Dragon Reborn, must conceal his present endeavor from all about him, even Egwene and Moiraine.

Into the Amyrlin's study in the White Tower, where the Amyrlin, Elaida do Avriny a'Roihan, is weaving new plans.

Into the luxurious hidden chamber where the Forsaken Rahvin is meeting with three of his fellows to ensure their ultimate victory over the Dragon.

Into the Queen's court in Caemlyn, where Morgase is curiously in thrall to the handsome Lord Gaebril.

For once the dragon walks the land, the fires of heaven fall where they will, until all men's lives are ablaze.

And in Shayol Ghul, the Dark One stirs...

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

Ratings (70)

Incredible (25)
Loved It (30)
Liked It (6)
It Was OK (6)
Did Not Like (2)
Hated It (1)

Reader Stats (92):

Read It (74)
Currently Reading (1)
Want To Read (9)
Did Not Finish (1)
Not Interested (7)

2 comment(s)

Loved It
1 month

Huh, ten days. That's not too bad for such a long book.

Anyway, I've been back and forth with Wheel of Time for a while now. I didn't get along with The Shadow Rising and I nearly quit the series because of it. I'm glad I didn't, because this was quite good.

A caveat, though. Do all men and women have to think of the opposite sex in such demeaning ways? Like, is that a requirement? Also, if Nynaeve tugs her braid any harder? It's liable to come off and cause some major scalp damage. Jfc. Also, all the clothes smoothing...omitting these things would've made for a shorter book and five stars from me.

Alas.

But it held my attention for the most part and only dragged a little, which is good.

 
It Was OK
5 months

3.5/5 I’m so torn on how to rate this series. The end was awesome, but the first half was soooo incredibly slow and boring. Like, the overall story is great and the world-building is top notch, but the pace is painful sometimes.

 

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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