Knife of Dreams (Wheel of Time, Book 11) – Robert Jordan

Title: Knife of Dreams

Series: The Wheel of Time, Book 11

Author: Robert Jordan

Genre: Fantasy

I am a huge fan of Jordan’s Wheel of Time series, but had been largely disappointed by Crossroads of Twilight, which had far too little happen for my taste. This book, on the other hand has a decent amount of action as well as plenty of the political maneuvering (which has become quite prolific in the series in these latter books).

This book definitely should not be read until the others have, mainly because you can’t truly appreciate what is happening with the characters until you’ve walked through their journey and transformation up to this point.

As a side note, what I think sets this series apart is the fact that it starts almost with a Harry Potter type of concept: young boy unknowingly possesses amazing powers and as he begins to develop and walk in them he incurs both enemies and friends because of those powers. Of course, there is so much more to it. But what is quite amazing about the series is you see these children (Rand and his friends) develop from children to men and women, from being naive and innocent, to being the “movers and shakers” in their world.

Though I thoroughly enjoy the characters he’s developed, as the series has moved along, Jordan has continually developed this almost stereotype of women which perceives them has highly manipulative, even to their own detriment. This, in my mind, is quite a sad and horrifically inaccurate perception and personification.

Other than that, it is a solid addition to the Wheel of Time series, but the ending definitely leaves you hanging, waiting for that final book.

Worldview: Dualistic

Recommended Age: Due to some more mature themes and sometimes violent battles, probably best for later High School age and above.