The Shadow Rising Review

I finally finished The Shadow Rising. It took me all month, but I did it. Let’s get to my review.

Synopsis

Accompanied by Moiraine Damodred, Rand arrives at the Aiel Waste and is granted permission by the Wise Ones to enter the sacred city of Rhuidean. After passing through a doorframe ter’angreal, Moiraine gains foresight while the Aiel await Rand’s return, either with both arms marked by dragon symbols, validating his identity as He Who Comes With the Dawn, the Chief of Chiefs of all the Aiel—or to never emerge at all.

My Thoughts on The Shadow Rising

Well….I think I have more questions than answers, but I’m trusting the process. But I’m not going to lie, this book was a trek. It’s dense. You have to pay attention to everything. And there are still some things that haven’t been explained. So, if you don’t like unanswered questions this one will probably drive you up the wall.

My thoughts are still the same on each of the characters. Perrin and Mat are still my favorite POVs, especially Perrin. Honestly, I could read a whole book centered around him. I enjoy Rand’s POV but he didn’t pop up a lot in this one. I still don’t love Nynaeve or Egwene. Elayne is ok. I’m hoping new, less insufferable female characters will come along later in the series. Unfortunately, though, I’m starting to fear that Jordan just isn’t great at writing women. Or romance for that matter. I haven’t liked any of the potential romance in this series. The chemistry just isn’t there.

I am interested in the new POV that’s popped up surrounding the Amrylin Seat. I think that’s going to be an interesting plotline and I can’t wait to explore it in the next book.

Is this book perfect? No. There are things about this book I don’t even particularly like. However, it always comes together at the end, and it hooks me. I want to read more. I want to know more. It makes me want to grasp the world and to know what the end goal is. I want to learn the politics. I’ve been told by several real-life non-bookish internet people that this series is worth pushing through. So that’s what I’m going to do.

My Rating: 3/5