A Review of Knife of Dreams - the New Chronicle in the "Wheel of Time" by Robert Jordan

As a long time fan of Robert Jordan, I, like every other fan have anticipated the release of each new volume in the "Wheel of Time" Series. The tenth book "Crossroads of Twilight" lacked Jordan's usual brilliance and surprises. While well written, it seemed apparent that the fans' hunger for the next installment of the epic yarn that Jordan has been weaving had his agents and publishers pushing him to finish and release the next volume. I personally was disappointed to get to the end of it, wondering where the rest of the book was. Where Jordan usually ties up the end of one or two sub-plots while continuing the main plot, but there was no such resolution in "Crossroads of Twilight" and disappointingly seemed to fizzle out. Not to be misunderstood, the tenth volume was no less than fantastic work, as it seems Jordan can hardly produce anything less, but being used to his usual genius for weaving the tapestry of the world he envisions, this volume simply left me dissatisfied.

However, "Knife of Dreams", the 11th installment in the epic saga of the Dragon Reborn, and the approach of the last battle of the age, is on the shelves of stores now. In the prologue alone, Jordan makes up for the noticeable lack in the previous volume, with foreshadows and minimal hints of the unexpected turns of events to come.

I have often said that Jordan has surpassed Tolkienn in the fantasy and sci-fi genre. Each story is a gem, and where Tolkienn awed us with a view of a few facets of his particular gem, Jordan astounds us with his ability to reveal the entire gem at his convenience. And as "Knife of Dreams" takes you along the continuing journey each of the heroes must make to reach the Last Battle, at one moment you are certain the whole gem has already been foreshadowed or revealed, he astounds you with yet another brilliant piece.

The characters as always are brought to life as they are painted with words. In the entire entire saga seems less about reaching the destination, and more about exploring the relationships of people, countries, sexes, and cultures as they progress and are subjected to irreversible circumstances that each character finds themselves dealing with. Many aspects of the saga can be infuriating, others completely humorous. As you read, Jordan is able to help you identify and empathize with each and every one of his characters, no matter how despicable, no matter how heroic.

"Knife of Dreams" does redeem the previous chronicle in that Jordan is able to pick up where it left off with seemingly renewed gusto and creativity. The writing is more vibrant, the descriptions more delectable, and the opinions of the characters on certain subjects uproariously humorous.

Rand Al' Thor is the usual hub of the story as he learns what his role as the Dragon Reborn in the midst of the prophecies surrounding the Last Battle entails. But in my opinion, far more fascinating are the characters that surround Rand. Mat Cauthon as his usual roguish self provides every bit of the humor you would expect from him in this chronicle, and every bit of the strategy and intelligence that befits a man whose head is stuffed with the memories of ancient kings and generals (much to poor Mat's chagrin). Those dice continue to give him problems as he approaches situations and decisions that seal his fate, as predicted by the Aelfinn, in place.

Perrin is the ever loveable character that Jordan created him to be as he continues in his most recent quest to free his wife, Faile, from the Shaido sept of the Aiel. Egwene displays amazing strength and courage in her pursuit of re-uniting the Ajahs of the White Tower in Tar Valon, and Elayne has her work cut out for her in protecting the besieged city of Caemlyn as she seeks to legitimately ascend to the Lion throne of Andor.

"Knife of Dreams" is the type of writing that Jordan fans have become accustomed to, where every word and detail is eagerly devoured and re-read to commit to memory as future intricate twists unfold. It is currently available, and highly recommended.