Topic: Official TGS Spoiler Thread

[JamesRich]

Just wanted to point out something i noticed. I know everyone is familiar with the link shared between Rand, Matt, and Perrin, and how every time they think of each they get the swirly color thing and a vision of the other person and whatever they are doing at the moment. Well, did anyone else notice that Rand's visions of Matt and Perrin seem to be of the future, of events that haven't happened yet. Rand thinks of Matt and one point and sees him in Camelyn, thinks of Perrin in another part and sees him talking to Galad. But neither of these things have happened in TGS and I'm trying to figure out what this could mean. Especially since most of the book seems to be fairly linear, ie. this happens here, this happens next here, after that so-and-so does this here. I don't have real theories on this yet, some ideas, but i would love to see if anyone else noticed this and if they have any theories or ideas of their own.

[JamesRich]

One other thing i wanted to mention/discuss. Is "evil" Rand actually able to influence the pattern now? Several times in the book he tells people (i don't remember the exact quote) but it was along the lines of "did they believe that their heart would stop beating if the pattern required it" and it seemed to be that he was able to back up this threat. Fortunantly nobody called him on it but nevertheless it chilled me to the bone. I don't know if this will be a factor anymore because of Rand's revelation at the end of TGS but it still seems important somehow, and possibly linked to what i said in my previous post about Rand seeing visions of things that haven't occured yet. I'm beginning to have a theory, or maybe theory is too strong a word, a hunch that Rand's nature as a ta'veren are much more than has been previoulsy assumed. That the pattern not only twists around him, but that he can actually consciously influence others just by being a ta'veren (like the "force", hehe). So.....thoughts?

[Todd]

I think those visions and him seeming to see the future might just be caused by the way the book was cut into 3 books. Things were moved around to make a book for each section. Before the cuts we might have seen Mat make it to Caemlyn, and Perrin meeting up with Galad. Sanderson made the cuts he did to finish up two major story lines, Egwene's ascension to Amyrlin Seat for all Aes Sedai and Rand's mental healing and coming to terms with who he is, his destiny and why he continues to fight.

I do have to say when Rand realized why he fought I found it very moving.

[Archelous]

I think those visions and him seeming to see the future might just be caused by the way the book was cut into 3 books. Things were moved around to make a book for each section. Before the cuts we might have seen Mat make it to Caemlyn, and Perrin meeting up with Galad. Sanderson made the cuts he did to finish up two major story lines, Egwene's ascension to Amyrlin Seat for all Aes Sedai and Rand's mental healing and coming to terms with who he is, his destiny and why he continues to fight.

I do have to say when Rand realized why he fought I found it very moving.

I agree, I got chills when Lews Therin helped him through it.

[Soynar trestfal]

Verin!
OMG!
I feel like crying! Not Verin! Anyone but Verin, that just such a sacrifice.

I finally finished TGS i shouldn't have asked for it for christmas and waited so long. but... oh my I can't wait for the next. Rand at the end there atop Dragon Mount and the White Tower.

As for visions, remember Tam mentions "The Queen" I think it was a way to tie that up. Perrin met up with Galad. Galad sees his mother and is all "Mother" or Morgase is all "Galadedrid!" We might well get to see what happens in the next book.
As for Lews Therin helping him through it. I think in a way that was him how did Sermihage say it, "Re-intergrating" himself? They where two seperate minds again at that point.

Just I feel great having finished this.

[tvssarma]

I liked the book because of it's breath taking urgency.
There is so much happening in this book that there is something vital missing. 'Atmosphere'.
When Jordan goes rambling, there is always a definite purpose, it either gives an insight into the state-of-mind of a character or immerses you in the world of wheel of time.
Another complaint with this book is that Mat isn't so funny anymore. He is funny but there is less fun.
I can understand that there is a lot going on in the story. But still these two are the factors that kept loyal to the series.