The Path of Daggers (The Wheel of Time #8) by Robert Jordan

You’ll find it greatly interesting if you don’t mind reading top-class character-building at the expense of plot progress.

“On the heights, all paths are paved with daggers”

The book follows three main plotlines.

Having won Illian’s throne after defeating the Forsaken Sammael, Rand al’Thor turns his attention to dealing with the Seanchan threat to the West.

After finding the Bowl of the Winds, Nynaeve al’Meara, Elayne Trakand, and Nynaeve successfully attempt to use the Bowl to reverse the adverse weather with the help of Sea Folk Windfinders and the Kin.

Thirdly, Perrin Aybara leads a covert mission for the Lord Dragon…but does it all end well for the Wolfbrother?

Aes Sedai politicking reaches a fever pitch in this instalment. Equally intriguing to watch is the struggle of wills between the Aiel Wise Ones, The Sea Folk, and the Aes Sedai.

Once again, the author displays his unrivalled character development skills in creating the new character Cadsuane. Her approach to guiding Rand al’Thor, as opposed to Moiraine’s persistent close-marking and the bullying employed by the other Aes Sedai, is quite interesting to watch.

I think this series’ magic system is greatly underrated. There’s a whole lot of structure to it, although the author only explains bits of it in each book.

The Path of Daggers marks the point where the author begins to lose track (according to most WoT fans). I used to think so, too, until I embarked on this reread of the entire series. I think it depends on what one enjoys most in the books. You’ll find it greatly interesting if you don’t mind reading top-class character-building at the expense of plot progress.