The Path of Daggers

May 15, 2026   

The Path of Daggers

Rating 3 of 5

A Crown of Swords is the eighth book in Robert Jordans famous Wheel of Time book series.

My reviews of the series

As these stories are rather long, rather then review the plot I’m just going to refer Wikipedia for a plot summary.

This book was ok, not as bad as the last one but not great. It almost rated a two of five but I found Rand’s attempt to defeat the Seanchan in Altara interesting. It gave the Bashere character a little more depth as he tries to console Rand to quit while ahead in the conflict and how Rand seems more and more insane. Rand’s own conflict with with the Asha’man several of them going “rogue” at the end of the story is a good (if a bit telegraphed) twist.

Early in the book Verin is using compulsion on the various Aes Sedai. Its indicated that she plans to kill Rand, shifting her more clearly into the Villain category. This leads to one of my major gripes with these books. After introducing this plot point Robert Jordan ignores it for the rest of the book. How am I suppose to remember this 700+ pages later when he finally engages it?
I can’t even remember what Aes Sedai she used compulsion on. There’s just way to many minor Aes Sedai, Kin and Sea Folk characters to keep track of them all. I’ve honestly given up. When there’s dozens of characters you barely remember its just too much. I rather Robert Jordan include this in a prolog of the book its actually relevant in and have only ONE Aes Sedia compelled so I can remember who it actually is.

I do like the addition of Balwer to Perrin’s adventuring crew. He gives Perrin something to work with beyond “I’m a good guy” personality. When Faile is abducted part of you hopes she’ll just die so her annoying ass character and disappear from the book.

Another annoyance. Cadsuane and Sorilea make a pact to teach Rand “Laughter and Tears”, when? I confess to writing this review after reading books nine and ten and this still hasn’t happened.

The Egwene story line is boring. She muddles about and finally takes a gateway to Tar Valon. A lot of it could have been skipped.

Sadly these books are just paced poorly with too many characters. I think we could have eliminated the entire story line around the Sea Folk and lost nothing. I gave the book a 3 of 5, but its a weak three.