WoT: Book 7

Book seven reaffirms toh , the necessary balancing of actions and consequences. This equilibrium grounds nearly every chapter of the novel and within each subplot. The Aes Sedai captors become captives with a few inadvertently stilled by Rand breaking their shield on him. The rebel Aes Sedai are treated not much better as both must repent for their actions towards Rand. Lady Colavaere Saighan's self-appointed coronation as queen of Cairhien sets her precipitous fall to a simple farmer upon Rand's return. Conversely, Mat, after nearly three books, gets the toh owed to him by Nynaeve and Elayne from their rescue in the Stone of Tear, but also pays the toh of his philandering by Queen Tylin of Ebou Dar. With the toh paid, Mat’s tavern ability to alter probabilities for both himself and others seeps onto Nynaeve and Elayne. They are subsequently guided to the Kin and, later, the Bowl of the Winds, closing a major plot-arc. The theme continues with Egwene dealing with blackmail from Nicole over past actions as an Accepted. Moghedien receives her punishment for sharing knowledge against the Dark Lord's will. With various Darkfriends fretting over failure and the impending retribution, Galina follows the fate of the other Aes Sedai becoming captive to Sevanna as da'tsang; her broken promises comprise a fraction of her toh to others.

Further, Elaida keeps building her toh. Her past seems to be catching up with her, with the eight illegal gentling she was complicit in. "Twenty-four is a dangerous number to speak aloud". Likewise, her alienation of Tower Aes Sedai. If the other examples are any indication, she'll have to pay her own price eventually.

Tradition vs. Adaptation

Traditions continue to be tested again by the many adaptations, both cultural and magical, in this novel. Sevanna's self-appointed Wise One status allows her to synchronize traditional Aiel customs with her own goals. As she defines it, "she saw what could be if one refused to let outworn custom and stale tradition tie your hands." Elaida is her mirror image. Utilizing institutional legitimacy, her rank as an officially raised Aes Sedai and Amyrlin serves as her only support in the growing chaos. Similarly, Egwene walks this tightrope as the rebel Amyrlin, laced with useless traditions and limited agency.

Cadsuanne's introduction to the series highlights the fraying tensions among the new and old. The aspiration for Aes Sedai, a strong counterpoint to Rand's ego, and a factionless force complicates the current power structure. A rebel of her time, her presence could serve as an example in the dichotomy between the preservation and change of traditions.

Nynaeve Grows Up

After seven books and many miracles, Nynaeve breaks free of her block with a little help from Moghedien. Her actual block is never explicitly stated, but her controlling nature seems to be the cause. Faced with her mortality, something completely outside her control, she ascends, literally. The transformation affects not just her channeling but also matures her. She faces the world, particularly Lan. She starts the process of accepting the world and meshing her hopes with reality.

However, I will miss her diluted opinion of herself and little gems like this it gives us: "Only a ninny thinks she can threaten people, Elayne, and still get anywhere" (moments after threatening someone). Yet I am excited to see what her development will mean for the story going forward.

Rand's Rudeness and mounting ego

Rand's ego grows too large. He disrespects even his own allies. He makes a mental tally of all the women who have died because of his actions or those of others. Yet he does not change the behavior that precipitates this. Cadsuanne calls out the immaturity as he cowers from his own ego. Despite the repeated protests from Aiel Maidens and Wise Ones, he jumps straight into danger with Min to meet Padan Fain and takes a near-fatal blow. Promptly after having his life saved by Cadsuanne, he throws himself at Sammael to end this book in another triumphant battle. Narratively, his ta'veren nature accounts for the victory, but it does feel unearned.

In Sum

Each book builds on the foundation of the prior. As a reader, the depth given to each topic over time is really satisfying. We learn as the characters learn. Likewise, it adds weight to the magic system and fantasy world that could easily go awry. Again, I'm tired of Rand just winning. Robert Jordan leans on the ta'veren quality too much narratively.