The Shadow Rising, the fourth installment in The Wheel of Time, is where this series truly hits its stride. Robert Jordan masterfully expands the world, deepens the lore, and raises the stakes in ways that left me completely hooked from start to finish.

What stood out most to me was the incredible character growth. Perrin being an absolute standout—his return to the Two Rivers completely stole my heart. Watching him step up as a leader and fight for his people was so moving—his arc was full of strength, heart, and sacrifice, and I was fully invested every step of the way. Love him.

And oh, how I adore Mat! His charm, wit, and reluctant heroism continue to shine, making him another one of my absolute favourites.

Jordan’s world-building is nothing short of phenomenal. The deep dive into the Aiel culture was fascinating, and the ever-present threat of the Forsaken kept me on edge. The magic system, political intrigue, and prophecies are intricately woven together, creating a constant sense of tension and wonder. The atmosphere is so richly detailed that I felt completely immersed in every corner of this world.

So much happens in this book that it’s hard to put it all into words. There are massive reveals and turning points that completely shifted how I saw the story, making the world feel even more alive and unpredictable. The slower pacing in parts allowed for deeper character development, and it paid off beautifully.

This is The Wheel of Time at its best—epic in scope, intimate in its character moments, and unforgettable in its execution. I cannot wait to continue this journey and see where the Pattern leads next.

My only small critique is that the multiple plotlines occasionally felt uneven, but it barely impacted my overall enjoyment. The depth of the world and the complexity of the characters more than made up for it.