The Shadow Rising

As I read these books, each one is getting progressively better! I will do my best to make a spoiler free review! First off I want to say that the history of the Aiel was an amazing read. I started putting pieces together before I reached the end of it and I went, no way! I love how Jordan went into great detail because it helped me understand their culture better. They have a very complex honor structure that I am still puzzling out a bit though. The transformation Rand is undergoing both in power and the way he thinks/manipulates is startling when I think back to who he was in book one. I at first found his storyline boring, but it certainly has picked up the pace! A few characters are beginning to annoy me, Elayne being one of them. She is supposed to be the daughter-heir yet still acts like a love sick puppy when it comes to Rand. Her overall disposition is grating on my nerves, including how she deals with Nynaeve. Egwene is another who is beginning to annoy me. She acts like a spoiled brat thinking she can get away with whatever she wants. I was glad to see her begin training under a few new teachers who I hope will teach her respect. She sorely lacks any of it, then again most women in this series do at least when it comes to males. Then we have Nynaeve, seeing the ability she has now with her block in place, holy crap! I would love to see what she can do if she ever lets go of the block. At first I did not like her, but she is at least starting to learn control over her anger in certain situations. Her character still has a long way to go I think. I would have to say the character I am most interested in however is Mat. I want to know more about the consequences for his actions in the waste and what changes are going to occur. I also am curious as to the purpose of his newly acquired accessories. Then we have Perrin. His story kept me on the edge of my seat, fearing that he would not prevail, and I smiled when he found his love for Faile. I want to know more about Faile and what Perrin has gotten himself into now! A very long book but a good read. I can't wait to start the next!