New Spring: The Novel (Wheel of Time, 15)

I thought this book great. It was a great way for Robert Jordan to give us more detail of two very important characters. It helps us understand how they began and where the story "The Wheel of Time" started. I loved it!!! I am also looking forward, to hopefully, the many more books in "The Wheel of Time" series.

Jordan's Wheel of Time series has been criticized over the past several years for "slowing down too much" if you will, and he's been accused of milking the series for more than it's worth. Now, when he comes out with a fresh idea intended to try and sate people's appetites, he gets even more criticism. Well, here's a look from the other side of the fence, I'll try to be blatant and short throughout. Long time readers of this series and avid fans of this writer will thoroughly enjoy this book because it gives fresh insights to the core characters of the Wheel of Times pasts and histories. Not only does Jordan provide fresh insights, he does it in a very dramatic way and weaves details later revealed in the epic seamlessly. New comers to the series will gain valuable insights to the characters that old school fans of this series never had when they started this epic. Yet, it is my honest opinion that any reader starting this epic saga of books should read books 1-5, then come back and read the prequel. I honestly feel that it gives more of an appreciation for the "sacred details" that are revealed in this book. Now as for the criticism of the latter books of the Wheel of Time, here is all I have to say "Get over your pouty fit and give the man a chance to weave this series the way he wants". If it bothers people so much that Jordan is making this series a bit longer than any other fantasy series out there, then just quit reading the series entirely. Some people actually do enjoy long, epic book series. It gets tiring and frustrating to watch others degrade this series. Now for my personal opinion on "New Spring": ***Warning: Possible book SPOILERS to follow*** New Spring was probably the most memorable book in the series to date for me. It shows Siuan Sanche (future Amyrlin Seat) and Moiraine Damodred (Member of the Blue Ajah, Rand al'Thor's advisor) as nubile, mischeivious "Accepted" soon to be Aes Sedai. Watching the bond of these two grow, and learning more about the mighty Lan al'Mandragoran, was quite refreshing. Jordan weaved character details in New Spring flawlessly with the latter installments already written. Truly, truly refreshing. One of the most gripping moments is watching Moiraine and Siuan part mid-way through the book. It was quite sad and melancholy, yet that only makes the book much better in my opinion. Then to watch the two finally get a chance to share the deep feelings they've had once they meet up again in the later books, really makes it strike home. This book deserves 5 out of 5 stars, hands down.

No matter what people say, Robert Jordan's works are astounding. I've read all the books in the Wheel of Time series and have to say, Robert Jordan is one of the greatest writers whose books I have read. New Spring is an example of how great his books are. New Spring is filled with action, emotion, thoughts, and other great things to fill the gaps. It is a great book, otherwise I would not be here writing about it. New Spring lets you live as the older characters in books 1 through 10. You really see how innocent those characters are and you feel for them. Moiraine Damodred is one of the main characters. In the other books, you see Moiraine as a rock, a person who doesn't have emotions, commands in a heartbeat, who everyone else dislikes and/or fears. But in New Spring, Moiraine is directly opposite of what she is in 1 through 10. She has big problems, she's innocent and helpless, you can't help not to dislike from the way the other books present her. It's because you now know what she is like under all those layers. You feel for her. Siuan Sanche is the same, tough in the old books, but innocent in New Spring. The contrast of the characters in the difference of the years is amazing, and I love it. I never expected less of Robert Jordan, and when his new book, The Knife of Dreams, comes out, I will be there to get it. New Spring is a book for all those that are still loyal to Robert Jordan, and anyone else that is looking for a great book to fill up a couple hours. Don't listen to what everyone else says about him, find out for yourself, and realize that Robert Jordan needs to do what he outstrips everyone else in doing. Write.

First off, let me say that I never read the "New Spring" short story in "Legends". Now, having said that, I think the novel is a damned good read. Mr. Jordan seems to have picked up his pen and written a story that he wanted to write. I get the impression he needed to take a break from the regular series. (Who wouldn't? Have you seen all of the rabid fan sites? They won't give the poor guy any peace!) The novel is simply a prequel to the regular series, detailing the events leading up to the meeting of Lan and Moraine. It's nicely done, and moves along at a good clip. Much like the 'middle books' in the series; it's not all swords and battle, (although you get a decent serving of those), but it contains plots and political intrigues. If you liked the fourth and fifth books, you'll feel the same way about this one. If that's not your cup of soup, don't complain; just go eat at another table.