The Fires of Heaven: 5/12 (Wheel of Time)

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Rand al'Thor and Mat Cauthon must deal with the treacherous Shaido Aiel before launching a new offensive against the Forsaken Rahvin. Chasing the Shaido Aiel, who have crossed over the Spine of the World and are pillaging Cairhien, Rand al'Thor, the Dragon Reborn and the Car'a'carn, leads his Aiel over the Spine as well. Mat lets slip Rand’s plans in front of Melindhra, who tries to kill him with a dagger marked with Sammael’s sigil.

Along the way they are ambushed by Darkfriends and Shadowspawn but arrive in time to save the city of Cairhien and defeat the Shaido, in part thanks to the memories of long dead generals the Eelfinn have placed in Matrim Cauthon's mind. That was all he ever really wanted from women; a smile, a dance, a kiss, and to be remembered foundly.There is much growth: Egwene becomes more diplomatic, Nynaeve less of a hot head, and Mat more calculating in battle. Into the luxurious hidden chamber where the Forsaken Rahvin is meeting with three of his fellows to ensure their ultimate victory over the Dragon. Birgitte wakes, grieves for her absent Gaidal—recently spun out by the Pattern—and chooses the name Maerion for her disguise.

Considering the Power, are the men’s views of all women based on the ability of the few who can channel? Nynaeve enters Tel’aran’rhiod, where Birgitte takes her to watch Moghedien spy on the other Forsaken.Afterward, Rand insists that they must be married, but Aviendha takes a more cavalier attitude, claiming that the event will not be repeated. Rand confronts and threatens the gleeman Jasin Natael for almost revealing his real identity—the Forsaken Asmodean—in front of Rand’s guests. Guiding these troops throughout the day, he wins numerous battles using the memories of past generals he received in The Shadow Rising.

All the while Logain withdraws into himself, slowly losing the will to live as the loss of the Power takes over. While there's not that much story here, you do get an insight into how manipulative Siuan really is. Into the Queen's court in Caemlyn, where Morgase is curiously in thrall to the handsome Lord Gaebril. His relationship with Aviendha is also less strained after they spent a romantic night in a snow storm in Seachan country.If two women link, they do not double their strength - linking is not as simple as adding together the power of each - but if they are strong enough, they can match a man. Continuing the epic tale of Rand al Thor, Jordan uses this novel to delve deep into the lives of our heroines.