Rating: 
Summary: 9 of 13
Review: That's right: for those of you wondering when this series will end, according to my sources--someone at Tor--there will be four more books. Nor has this been a recent development: I have been aware of the projected length since before the release of "Crown of Swords." And there is a certain logic within the context of the story at ending the series with book thirteen. Hopefully this will clarify matters for those of you wishing for a rush to conclusion. Of course, Jordan could always change his mind.What does this bode for the rest of us waiting to read the remaining four books? I suspect a ratcheting up in the advance of the major plotlines, perhaps hinted at by the conclusion that ends "Winter's Heart." There is little question that, in terms of plot advancement, the last three books have slowed considerably, and many would claim that "Path of Daggers" decidedly lagged. As one of those who defended that book, finding a rationale to its structure justified by a need to establish the set up for events that were to follow in "Winter's Heart," I must say that not all my expectations were fulfilled. At the conclusion to "Path of Daggers," I suspect that many readers--myself included--may have held a reasonable expectation that several major plot threads would be advanced in the following book: Perrin's rescue of Faile and confrontation with Sevanna; Mat's encounter with the Daughter of the Nine Moons and his as yet unrevealed role in countering the Seanchan; Egwene's march to the walls of Tar Valon and confrontation with Elaida; and progress in Rand's movement towards Tarmon Gaidon. Of these four--and there are others--in "Winter's Heart" only two are addressed, and even then just barely. Much of the book instead is devoted to further development of interpersonal relationships and world building, as well as secondary plots. While this is done with the detailed and written skill Jordan has evidenced in his earlier books, it is bound to be a disappointment to those who had hoped for further plot development. While I suspect within the framework of four more books that the pace will begin to pick up--by necessity if not desire--nonetheless "Winter's Heart" must be perceived, along with the preceding two books, as a period in which the series, in terms of major plot development, has slowed. This does not mean that there are few rewards in reading this work. Jordan again reveals his mastery in world building, especially in the details of the society of Far Madding. Egwene, Nynaeve and Elayne are further differentiated, their personalities developing in different, and at times opposite, directions. In separating the many major characters, Jordan has clearly delineated the emerging differences in their personalities, and while they do at times seem a reflection of each other, nonetheless clear changes and development of character are taking place. And the emerging role of relatively new characters--especially Cadsuane--are adding fresh strengths to the story. Finally, Jordan continues to vividly construct the landscape of his world in detail--some would say too much, but I would argue that perhaps no world in fantasy has been realized as fully or successfully. As an aside, I wish to address some of the criticism of this book, as well as some of the praise. Discussion of Jordan's work has become polarized, and this is unfortunate. In perhaps understandable frustration many have damned this series, while others have risen to its defense. At times this has led to comments and ratings that seem based more upon emotions or partisanship than a considered reflection of the work's faults and merits. Scores and comments ranking any of Jordan's books as trash or deserving of one or two stars ignore the quality of the author's writing, the imaginative character and scope of his tale, regardless of any flaws found in his plot development or characterizations. Equally, those who praise individual books as if they were the second coming ignore, as in the case here, flaws, such as the lack of "Winter's Heart" to significantly advance the major plotlines, instead becoming engrossed in detail and characterization at the expense of developing the story. Despite the rousing conclusion, this book is not the equal of books one through six, and while an improvement upon "Path of Daggers," is not among Jordan's best. While, compared to many other author's works, it may be one of the best books of the season, weighed against the author's earlier work, it is hardly deserving of full marks, anymore than it is deserving of the lowest. Regardless of one's opinion as to the success of this book or the series--and it is obvious they are divided and many--there is little question that the author is redefining the meaning of epic fantasy, in sheer scale if nothing else. The scope of Jordan's narrative reveals both its richness and its flaws, the latter being evidenced in the author's desire to expand his creation in ancillary, and some would say unnecessary, plot directions, the richness in the equally epic vision revealed in the unfolding narrative, whether at times lagging or not. And even though occasionally the main plotlines appear to lose focus, there is never any sense that the author is not fully in command of his story. Chide him if you wish for stretching out his tale in directions serving their own individual stories, but never doubt that the march is ultimately to Tarmon Gaidon. I suspect, when this series is finally completed, when it can be read from book one to the end, when it is no longer necessary to wait a couple years between installments, that most readers will find a tale complete in its fulfillment, and that many of the current criticisms that appear to stem from impatience may need reassessment. Of course, this is predicated upon a belief that Jordan will successfully conclude this series, and that the remaining four books will resolve and move more directly to conclusion. If my earlier assessment of his books and intentions are correct, this will be the result. If not, we are in for a disappointment as huge as the scale of this epic.
Rating: 
Summary: Whatever happened to the Ta'veren?
Review: I did enjoy the book immensely simply because it was written by Robert Jordan and was a part of his great epic, Wheel of Time. However, I do have a few problems. As Ta'veren, and thus according yo Jordan and a number of characters in the novels, the story should be fatefully wrapping itself around Rand, Mat, and Perrin. However, Rand, Mat, and Perrin seem to get the least amound of pages dedicated to them. This particular sequel seems to revolve around Egwene, Elayne, etc. The series should be renamed to "The Women of The Wheel of Time" or just plain "Aes Sedai" Rand is the Dragon Reborn, and darn it, I don't want to have to read through 5 chapters of snotty Egwene and clueless Elayne just so I can finally read maybe 1 or 2 chapters on Rand and then be back to reading chapter after chapter about the supporting Aes Sedai characters rather than the most important one, Rand. Perrin had almost no attention given to him in this book at all. Mat was given okay time, but his whole Ta'veren status and the whole thing with Manetheren definitely needs a lot more development. If I didn't know better, I'd say Jordan was making some sort of feminist statement with the arrogant Aes Sedai and the overwhelming percentage of pages dedicated to Rand's girlfriends. It seems to be all we ever read about. Perhaps his wife digs it and he's failing to realize that she only buys one copy of the book, not the millions of copies that Rand-Mat-Perrin fans buy to keep him living and eating well. Jordan: Go back to writing about Rand, Mat, and Perrin! They ARE the story.
Rating:
Summary: Finally, a return to plot!!
Review: As most of the reviewers have said, this book is much better than the previous two installments. Although things were a little slow in the first portion of the book, the introduction of some new characters and re-introduction of Mat helped to substantially pick up the pace. If it's been a while since you read the series, some secondary characters and plot lines may take a little while to remember, but the main details come back quickly. The last chapter was excellent and reminded me of why I enjoy RJ so much. For die-hard fans, go buy your copy now. If you prefer a nice tidy conclusion to all of the many subplots, wait for the next ?? book(s).
Rating:
Summary: Can we be saved?
Review: I have enjoyed the series up to about book eight and nine, His entourage has been great, but the series is lacking in the greatest reason people read the series in the first place, nothing is really happening. For this particular book the characters are getting to thin and far too many of them are seeing storytime. I think that having up to twenty characters infiltrate the scene is powerful, but it is bogging down the story. Truly only one important event has taken place, the cleansing of the male source, but nothing else except a setup of a multi-story cliffhanger that by the time the next novel ocmes out there will be little in my mind about the series remembered. Hopefully it won't take two years for the last novel to break page.
Rating: 
Summary: Get on with it already........................
Review: This story has branched out so wide, Jordan doesn't even bother to address all the major plots in this, the ninth book of the series. The end of book 8 has Egwene transporting her army to depose Elaida while book 9 never even addresses what happens. I read at one point this series would consist of 10 books -- good luck. I figure at least 3 or 4 more just to straighten out the various conflicts/competitions and then probably a couple more to give a second by second description of the final battle. It's too bad that RJ seems to have slammed the brakes on this story development as the early books were very enjoyable. I will continue to purchase and read the new books as they become available but despair of finding out how it all turns out until I'm a grandparent (my son is 2 months old)!!
Rating:
Summary: 600 Wasted pages
Review: RJ spends 600 pages to get us to the last 50. Then we have some serious action. He spends so much wasted time giving us minute details of people that mean very little.Why doesn't he give us more of what whe want? Action! My guess is that he want's to drag out this money maker forever. At this rate Rand will never get to face the dark one at the last battle.Some spots in the book are just great,the three women linking with Rand,but their is too much gravy and not enough meat.
Rating: 
Summary: Be Patient My Friends!
Review: I have been reading random samplings of reviews for Jordan's Wheel of Time books, and after reading the reviews for Winter's Heart, I could contain myself no longer. I feel it is my duty to insert some perspective here. For everyone who has given some of the latter books in the series low ratings because they are too "slow," I feel I must say that you simply do not have the attention span to read a complicated story. Go back to "See Spot Run," or maybe "Dick and Jane," and try again. I grant you that not all of Jordan's books are filled with page after page of constant action and battle. But this is because Jordan knows that no *good* book CAN be written that way. The "slow" parts, as you so clumsily put it, are what flesh out the story. They are what make Jordan's world seem so real that you feel like it might be a non-fictional history book at times. The "convoluted plot twists," as one reader put it, are what add complexity and depth to the story. This is what separates it from your cliched "sword and sorcery" type novels. This is about more than magic and war. It is about politics, diplomacy, culture, everything that makes a world REAL. In short, if you can't handle the "slow" parts, buy something else. I will agree with the readers who complain about the wait between books... it certainly is interminable, but you can't blame Jordan for that. Would you rather he spews out crap on a cracker every two months? Ok, now that my general rant is over... about "Winter's Heart." This book is EXCELLENT! It wraps up many of the "convoluted plot twists," it gives us the answers to a lot of the mysteries Jordan left us with. (Wanna know if Mazrim Taim was Demandred in disguise? Read Winter's Heart!) And finally, the last chapter of the book is AMAZING. One reader said it was the best chapter she had ever read, and I have to agree. This one chapter makes up for ALL the "slow parts" in my mind. Heart-pounding action, Forsaken popping up everywhere, Saidin and Saidar all over the place, and a stunning resolution that will leave you drooling for book 10. Ready for another year-long wait?
Rating:
Summary: More of the same
Review: This book is better than PoD (that's why I gave WH two stars instead of one). The writing is technically good (not elegant, but solid) and the plot limps along, but at least it limps, which is more than I can say for PoD. Some plot lines, esp. the one handled at the end of the book, are closed in a rather lame way, but some people might like it. My advice: buy the book if you are a die-hard fan (but wait, if you're a diehard, you already have it), but if you're not a fanatic, wait for the paperback.
Rating:
Summary: Why
Review: Jordan is a mastermind at keeping his fans, but this is starting to bore me. I eagerly wait book after book for some hoope of an end but it never comes. He should listen to Eddings quote "Don't ride a good horse to death." If you have read this series already, I'm sorry, you have to read this book. If you havent started yet, for god sakes, wait!
Rating:
Summary: Greight book
Review: I really liked this book. While it's still not as fast paced as the first three books, it's just as good. The only complaint I have is that I am going to have to wait until the next book to see what happens to mat. The book leavs you hanging at the point where Mat is leaving. Hopefully we will only have to wait for one year instead of too for the next book. I can't wait to find out what happens in the next one.
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