The Wheel of Time turns, and ages come and pass, leaving memories that become legend. Legend fades to myth, and even myth is long forgotten when the Age that gave it birth comes again. In one Age, called the Third Age by some, an age yet to come, a wind blows… a wind of change. The Wheel of Time turns, and with it, the fate of the world hangs in the balance.
Probably my favorite series of all time, The Wheel of Time is an almost annual re-read or listen (well at least until it exceeded 10 books, now I probably only get through it every couple of years!). With the launch of the Amazon Prime TV Series, my love only grew greater & while the show doesn’t necessarily follow the story to a tee, it’s close enough for a fan.
Picking up right where The Eye of the World left off, The Great Hunt throws us straight back into the action with our Eamond’s Fielders. This second installment in Robert Jordan’s epic Wheel of Time series takes everything we loved about the first book and cranks it up to eleven. We’re talking more magic, more danger, more complex characters, and a whole lot more world-building. If you thought the stakes were high before, buckle up, because things are about to get intense.
This time around, the story kicks off with the theft of the Horn of Valere, a legendary artifact capable of summoning heroes from ages past to fight for the Light. Not only that, but Mat Cauthon is still struggling with the effects of the cursed dagger he picked up in Shadar Logoth, and the Dark One’s forces are closing in. And Rand al’Thor, the Dragon Reborn, must embrace his destiny and lead his friends on a perilous quest to recover the Horn and save Mat before the Shadow consumes them all.
The Hunt Begins
The story unfolds in Fal Dara, a fortress city in the border nation of Shienar. Here, Rand finds himself caught between the Aes Sedai, powerful women who can channel the One Power, and his own growing fear of the madness that plagues all male channelers. The arrival of the Amyrlin Seat, the leader of the Aes Sedai, throws Fal Dara into chaos. With Darkfriends lurking in the shadows and Trollocs attacking the keep, the Horn of Valere is stolen, along with the dagger that holds the key to Mat’s survival.
Rand, along with Perrin, Mat, and a company of Shienaran soldiers led by the gruff Lord Ingtar, embark on the Great Hunt. Their journey takes them south, through the treacherous Blight and across the rolling plains, following the trail of Padan Fain, the cunning Darkfriend who stole the Horn.
A World of Wonder and Danger
Jordan’s world-building truly shines in The Great Hunt. We journey through diverse lands, each with its own unique culture and history. Illian, the nation that traditionally declares the Great Hunt, is a land of vibrant cities and political intrigue. Tear, with its imposing Stone of Tear, is a place of ancient power and hidden secrets. And the mysterious Ways, a network of ancient tunnels that allow for near-instantaneous travel, are both a blessing and a curse, filled with dangers and unexpected twists.
Along the way, Rand and his friends encounter a host of fascinating characters. From the Ogier Loial, a gentle giant with a deep connection to the land, to the enigmatic Selene, a woman shrouded in mystery, each encounter adds another layer to the rich tapestry of the story.
A Hunt for the Ages
The Great Hunt itself is a fascinating concept. It’s not just a simple chase; it’s a recurring event in the world of The Wheel of Time, steeped in history and legend. Every few generations, the nation of Illian declares a Great Hunt, sending adventurers and glory-seekers on a quest to find the Horn. This time, however, the stakes are higher than ever, as the fate of the world hangs in the balance.
The journey takes our heroes across treacherous landscapes and through bustling cities, each with its own unique culture and political intrigue. We get a deeper look into the world beyond Emond’s Field, encountering new characters and creatures along the way. From the dangers of the Ways to the strange and unsettling world of the Seanchan, Jordan’s world-building is truly impressive.
Characters on the Rise
One of the things that makes The Great Hunt so compelling is the way it develops the characters we were introduced to in The Eye of the World. Rand, still grappling with the revelation that he is the Dragon Reborn, struggles with his growing powers and the fear of madness that plagues all male channelers. His journey is one of self-discovery and acceptance, as he learns to embrace his destiny and the burden that comes with it.
Perrin, meanwhile, continues to explore his connection to the wolves, developing his unique abilities and facing his own internal struggles. Mat, ever the rogue, finds himself drawn deeper into the mystery of the cursed dagger, his fate intertwined with the Horn of Valere in ways he could never have imagined.
And let’s not forget the women of The Wheel of Time. Egwene and Nynaeve journey to Tar Valon to begin their training as Aes Sedai, facing challenges and dangers of their own. We also meet new female characters, like Elayne Trakand and Min Farshaw, who add further depth and complexity to the story.
The Shadow Rises
As the Hunt progresses, the Shadow’s influence grows stronger. Rand faces his own inner demons, battling the whispers of the Dark One and the fear of succumbing to madness. Perrin’s connection to the wolves deepens, leading him on a path of both power and uncertainty. And Mat’s struggle against the dagger’s influence intensifies, pushing him to the brink.
Meanwhile, Egwene and Nynaeve journey to Tar Valon, the White Tower, to begin their training as Aes Sedai. They face trials and tribulations of their own, navigating the complex world of Aes Sedai politics and encountering new friends and enemies.
A Climactic Confrontation
The Hunt culminates in the port city of Falme, where Rand and his friends finally confront Padan Fain and the forces of the Shadow. But they are not alone. The Seanchan, a powerful empire from across the Aryth Ocean, have also arrived, seeking to claim the Horn of Valere for their own.
The Battle of Falme is a breathtaking spectacle, filled with epic clashes and unexpected twists. Mat blows the Horn of Valere, summoning heroes from ages past to fight alongside them. Rand faces Ba’alzamon, a powerful Forsaken, in a duel that shakes the heavens. And in the midst of the chaos, Ingtar, the Shienaran lord, reveals his true allegiance and makes a heroic sacrifice to redeem himself.
A Turning of the Wheel
The Great Hunt is a pivotal moment in the Wheel of Time series. It expands the scope of the world, introduces new threats and allies, and sets the stage for the epic events to come. The ending, with its shocking revelations and lingering questions, leaves you breathless and eager to continue the journey.