The Wheel of Time Prequel - New Spring
The beginning of something special

// Synopsis: At the tail end of the Aiel War a chilling prophecy is made regarding the fated Dragon being reborn; the one who will save and destroy the world. The Accepted Moiraine and Siuan embark on a secret journey to find the chosen boychild in a desperate hope to reach him before the evil Black Ajah find him first.

// Review: I was pretty irked when this book was announced. Jordan had been taking longer to write the main series and I felt this was another attempt to draw the story out like the dreaded book 10. Thus I put off reading it until recently. Partly because I had low expectations, partly because I'm getting geeked that book 11 is due out soon, and partly because this is a really good book, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

/ The story focuses around Moiraine and Siuan Sanche before they became Aes Sedai, and Lan before he became a warder. Rand hasn't even been born yet, but a dramatic Foretelling occurs heralding his birth known by only a few. Moiraine and Siuan secretly decide to seek out baby Rand independently from the Aes Sedai, but later every Aes Sedai involved in the search mysteriously die including the Amyrlin Seat herself.

/ In the main Wheel of Time series we were never exposed to Lan's point of view, and the rare Moiraine POVs showed her the composed Aes Sedai with a touch of impatience. Here we learn much about Lan and find that Moiraine in her youth was every bit as petty, sulky, and hypocritical as Egwene, Nynaeve, Elayne and the rest of the WOT women. The most amusing chapters involve Moiraine meeting Lan and her futile attempts at bringing him to heel.

/ It even has a very exciting conclusion involving betrayal, murder, and does an excellent job of setting the table for the events that unfold in the beginning of the Eye of the World.

// Wrap up: To truly appreciate this book you should read as many of the Wheel of Time books first. This volume helps connects some dots of those books, has a few surprising cameos, and gives insight to significant players in the main series.

Entertainment rating: 4.5