The Fires of Heaven by Robert Jordan (Novel) [Revisited]

The interesting thing about this fifth book in the Wheel of Time is that while a lot happens, it doesn’t feel as dense or as accomplished as the last book.  Perhaps this is because Perrin’s view point is missing.  Not that we need him, the guy deserves a break after what he does in the last book.   There are some great sections though as Rand, Mat, Moiraine and Egwene chase after the Shaido and head toward Cairhien.  Mat turns out to be a knowledgeable battle master (based on past memories he has stuck in his head) and Moiraine becomes a trustworthy advisor to Rand.  Meanwhile Nynaeve, Elayne, Thom and Juilian join a traveling circus upon escaping Tanchico as they search out the Aes Sedi rebels, where Nim and Siuan find refuge.  There are some exciting confrontations in Tel’aran’rhiod, the dreaming world and a shocking end for two supporting characters.  Again a very entertain book but this is the first book in the series where I felt it was a bit long.  Still as long-form epic fantasy story building goes, it’s an accomplishment.  Usually by the fifth book in a story like this the events starts to feel forced.  That’s not the case here as the momentum to tell this story keeps pushing forward.   I love seeing characters like Siuan evolve and set up some really great possible story threads for the future.  If I had to find something about this book to complain about is that Rand is starting to come across as unbeatable.  He needs to fail at some point or it will feel fake.  If memory severs that’s about to happen in the sixth book.  Grade: A-

Spoilers:  I already greatly miss Moiraine.  It felt as if her story had come to its conclusion so it makes sense but her presence in this story so far has been so vital it will be interesting to see what happens without her in Rand’s circle.  Plus she was just a great wizard-type that these kinds of stories require.  What I also love is having the White Tower divided and yet not everyone is privy to this knowledge.  This is a technique Mr. Jordan uses a lot and it makes for great drama.