The Shadow Rising (The Wheel of Time, Book 4) - PNP Review

The Shadow Rising (The Wheel of Time Book 4) is a 1992 fantasy adventure novel written by Robert Jordan, set as the fourth book in the Wheel of Time series. Rand consolidates power in the Aiel Waste, Perrin returns to defend Emond's Field from Trollocs, and Egwene and Elayne uncover dangerous plots in the White Tower amidst escalating conflicts.

Plot:

The Shadow Rising delivers a compelling and layered narrative, with a notable escalation of tension as various factions vie for control of the nations. Rand's development is a key highlight, with his growth affecting both the broader world and his internal struggles. His arc is becoming more focused, making his journey more engaging.

The book starts off strong with the dramatic assault on the Stone of Tear, setting the stage for the four major plotlines that follow. Rand ventures into the Aiel Waste, Perrin Aybara returns to Emond's Field to defend it alongside Faile Bashere, Loial, and three Aiel warriors: Gaul, Bain, and Chiad. Meanwhile, Elayne Trakand, Nynaeve al'Meara, and Thom Merrilin head to Tarabon to pursue the Black Ajah, and Min Farshaw travels to Tar Valon to report to the Amyrlin Seat, Siuan Sanche.

For me, the standout plots were Rand’s journey in the Aiel Waste and Perrin’s defense of Emond's Field. But the action and twists following Nynaeve and company makes their story engaging. These arcs not only challenge the characters but also engage the reader with their complexity. Overall, The Shadow Rising is a strong entry in the series, offering a story that is both compelling and rich in depth.

The Aiel characters are particularly impressive, with Bain and Gaul standing out. My favorite characters in this book were Rand, Perrin, Moiraine, Aviendha, Min, Moghedien, and the Aiel warriors. However, Faile was difficult to enjoy—her overbearing and self-absorbed nature made her less likable, a problem I found with several of the female characters.

I really enjoyed the villains in The Shadow Rising. Padan Fain has evolved into a truly menacing threat, his presence adding an unpredictable danger. Elaida also stands out as a strong antagonistic force within the Aes Sedai, creating tension and conflict that drives the story forward. Among the Forsaken, Moghedien is one of my favorites—her cunning nature and rivalry with Nynaeve add layers of intrigue to their encounters. The dynamic between these two characters, especially in their battle of wills, is one of the highlights of the book's villainous arcs.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Production:

I've always had a love/hate relationship with Robert Jordan's writing and direction in The Shadow Rising. On one hand, I deeply appreciate the depth of his worldbuilding, the carefully crafted dialogue, and the strong characterization. Jordan excels at weaving multiple storylines together, handling a large cast of characters with impressive skill. His complex writing shines in the way he bridges various plots while maintaining a sense of cohesion and depth.

However, the story's overly descriptive style can sometimes feel burdensome. Jordan’s attention to detail, while often enhancing the immersive experience, can also slow the pacing significantly, making it feel like a chore at times to get through certain sections. Despite this, the battles and action sequences are handled masterfully. They feel vivid and almost artistic in their description, creating an immersive sense of tension and movement.

Overall, Jordan’s vision is ambitious and richly layered, even if his writing style occasionally feels overly indulgent. His ability to create such an intricate world is undeniable, though the overly detailed prose may not appeal to everyone.

Rating: 4 out of 5

The Verdict:

In the end, The Shadow Rising (The Wheel of Time Book 4) is a worthy entry into the Wheel of Time series.  There is so much that can be said for such an addition to an already growing series. Really the only issues I tend to have with these books is the overbearing nature of the writing and sometimes the slow pacing here and there. Overall, the book is good with great characters, an engaging story, gripping stakes, and good writing. The Shadow Rising (The Wheel of Time Book 4) gets 4 out of 5.