New Spring (Wheel of Time Prequel Novel)

From Publishers Weekly

Expanded from a story that first appeared in Robert Silverberg's anthology Legends (1998), Jordan's eagerly awaited prequel to The Wheel of Time, the first of a projected three, more than lives up to its high expectations. For three days, battle has raged around the city of Tar Valon. In the White Tower two young Accepted attend the Amyrlin Seat and her Keeper as they await word of the outcome. Purely by chance, Moiraine Damodred and Siuan Sanche are on duty when the Keeper foretells the rebirth of the Dragon, the world's only hope of winning the fight against the Dark One. Written with all the skill that has made Jordan one of the grand masters of fantasy, it's accessible enough for new readers, while the inside information is sure to captivate longtime fans. Far from the coldly self-possessed Aes Sedai who arrives in Emond's Field in The Eye of the World, the first Wheel book, Moiraine is a fun-loving, prank-playing and naïve Accepted, one who slowly grows into a determined and resourceful character. Even better, the narrative is flush with answers to mysteries only hinted at in Wheel (what was the test for Aes Sedai, what was "the Vileness") and with little details aimed at those in the know. Jordan buffs will be especially pleased to find the novel moves quickly, not at the glacial pace of recent books in the saga. Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From AudioFile

This novel, fleshed out from a novella, is a prequel to the immensely popular Wheel of Time series. It's a rich, satisfying fantasy with plenty of originality, character development, and multiple plot lines. The Aes Sedai, powerful, magic-wielding women, receive a prophesy about the birth of a man who will save the world. Two Aes Sedai rush to save him with the help of fighting soldier Lan Mandragoran. As there is more of a female presence in the story, Kate Reading's performance stands out. Michael Kramer's bare-bones delivery is perfect for the soldier who has lost his belief in a better world until he is swept up in adventure. Both narrators handle complex roles with feeling and confidence, never losing the excitement and tension of the fast-moving story. The performers breathe emotion into their characters with an earnestness that holds listeners close and leaves them wanting more. D.G. Winner of AUDIOFILE Earphones Award © AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine --This text refers to the

Audio CD edition.