WoTaLong (Wheel of Time Readalong) discussion

Remember these are spoilery discussions - so stay away unless you've finished this section! Also, please keep spoilers to the things we know in this section of the book.

What are your thoughts on this section of Crossroads of Twilight?

I'll update with my favorite part once I've read this section!

Happy reading!

I've read through and chapter 10 with chapters with Mat, Perrin and Faile and so far the book has been pretty good. The prologue was way too long though. Looks like the next chapter is with Elayne. From the previous books those chapters with her are pretty boring.

Here’s is what I don’t get about this whole section. If Rand’s army conquered it and he is naming Elayne to be the ruler why is there so much of the story related to picking the next ruler as if Rand’s army was never even there. Seems like the houses would either try and over throw Rand or pledge to him.

Scott wrote: "Here’s is what I don’t get about this whole section. If Rand’s army conquered it and he is naming Elayne to be the ruler why is there so much of the story related to picking the next ruler as if Ra..."

Hi Scott. I get your confusion on this, but the characters lay it out pretty clearly. Andor has been ruled by a queen for centuries. Rand, even though he is an ally of Elayne, is still considered a conquering outside force. For Elayne to just step in and say, "Rand named me queen, go away" would be essentially be saying, "he's the boss." She cannot do that and retain any semblance of independence for Andor. Also, the other houses would never accept a pure puppet queen.

As for pledging to Rand, we tend to be guilty as readers of taking the "we know he's really a good guy and the hero so of course, you should make him ruler" mentality. Think about how actual rulers would react to a foreign power leading what most of the world considers barbarians coming in and taking over your country.

I guess I understand the story but I just don’t agree with it.

Maybe I’m seeing this through game of throne filters. Once a land is conquered the previous ruler either submits to the new ruler or his entire line is killed. In wheel of time it seems like when a land gets conquered by rand it’s business as usual for the conquered ppl. Although when a land gets conquered by the seanchan it’s more of a game of thrones situation. Maybe rand is just too busy preparing for the last battle to be a leader.

I'm really liking how now each chapter is just one character's perspective instead of throwing together a few times and places. I'm still confused about a few characters though.

First, Masema Dagar, he's the Prophet... but of what? Rand? Why? I don't understand his intentions or why he's still hanging around Perrin?

Second, the Shaido. I get that they split after Rand was named Car'a'carn and Sevanna loved Couladin so didn't want to accept Rand. Couladin does and she takes control because she's power-hungry? She also keeps getting beaten up in battle but keeps at it. How are the Shaido still following her even though she's a woman?