I remember being bitterly disappointed when I heard that the newest 'Wheel of Time' book would be a prequel, and, worse yet, a prequel based on a short story I had already read in the 'Legends' anthology. Remember that I was in high school at the time, and you may guess at just how deep those emotions were.

 

Ah, youth.

 

Anyway, I never read this. I never saw the need until this last reread made me realize I shouldn't leave any 'WoT' stone un-turned.

 

'New Spring' isn't bad, but even with my memories of the original short story grown dim over these many, many years, there wasn't much new to be gleaned from the book.

 

Moiraine and Lan's origins are discussed, as well as Siuan's, to a lesser extent. It was an easy read and it was fun to catch all of the cameos from later characters that we knew as Aes Sedai, darkfriends and light-sided.

 

I wish I could say something more positive about this, I could see how this could have lead into a whole series of prequels and side-series that complimented the main series, but as it is its just short of a waste of time.

 

The Wheel of Time

 

Next: 'The Gathering Storm'

 

Previous: 'Knife of Dreams'

A free, short read on Amazon.
Serena´s the quiet, introvert one, goes on Spring break with her care free room mate, and lets loose on the beach. A free for all group activity, with a bunch of beach volley ball playing guys.
Smut and sand.

I really liket it. It was nice to know how Moiraine and Lan get to know each other and how it all started.

Free on Smashwords until May 4th, 2013 with coupon code XE33R

Overall, the story flowed along nicely. It was almost like I had just discovered Jordan's work again. I actually stayed up late and kept reading until I was done; something I haven't done since book 3 or 4. The next chapter, Knife of Dreams (Wheel of Time, Book 11), had the same effect on me. If you haven't read any of the Jordan series before I suggest you be careful before you do. Obviously (since we are waiting on book 12, not counting New Spring), the series is LONG. Not only that but each book is LONG. So reading the series is a commitment. Personally, I think it is a worthwhile commitment - but it is a commitment nonetheless.