The Wheel of Time turns and brings Volume 3 of the saga, The Dragon Reborn (TDR). Oddly, though named after him, Rand al'Thor hardly figures in the book; after striking out on his own near the beginning, he reappears only towards the end in the climactic battle in the heart of the Stone of Tear. That climax is actually perhaps the best part of the book. But there are a number of other good features. The characters of Perrin and Mat are further developed in TDR and each begins to assume the traits that will, one presumes, shape their futures as well. Perrin with the wolves and his wolf-senses, Mat with his gambler's luck and battle sense. The White Tower is shaken as the Black Ajah emerges from hiding and none knows who can be trusted. Most significant of all TDR gives us out first real glimpse of the Aiel and we slowly start to learn about this fascinating people, so evidently derived from Frank Herbert's Fremen of Arrakis. A super successor to the first two books and a fascinating read. But read the series in order; it will not make much sense to you otherwise. There are flaws too no doubt. After all the build-up to the Horn of Valere in the previous book, it vanishes into safe keeping and plays no real part in TDR. But I suppose, when you have a canvas as wide as Jordan has pained for the saga, it is impossible to keep all threads in play together. A great book. But still only 4 stars for my now patented complains about the pathetic cartography and the wretched excuse for a glossary of characters and concepts.