Thank heavens for work distractions which allowed me basically to skim-listen through this book. Nothing can save this burning heap of misogynistic trash. Nothing.

I can't even. That's all I have at this point. Did I mention that I started shipping Mat and Birgitta? No? Oh, well. That's just another reason why this isn't working for me and will not. The horrible writing being the first.

Damn me for being a plot girl.

...because I just realised this is book nine and I only have five more of these to go.

Also, because Mat and Birgitta are a thing and I ship it. I don't care that there was a prophesy or that Mat acts like those words alone have married him to a woman he doesn't know. Egwene and her helper are a cute femslash ship too.

Other than that, all the complaints for previeous instalments still apply.

The duality aspect of the one power, Saidin and Saidar thing, would be brilliant if Jordan hadn't tied it with gender. As it is, I hate it with the passion of a thousand burning suns.

I was not amused by how this book ended, with a rape scene. The description of Faile's capture is as close to a graphic rape scene as Jordan who cannot make his characters to say the word "sex" is capable of writing. Or was, by this point. I'm not done with the series yet, dammit.

She fights a man bigger than her husband, is overpowered, cut out of her clothes, and tied down naked. Then it's casually mentioned that a Shaido Aiel is forcing her to be a Gai'Shain and it feels like the world's biggest cop out. It is a rape, but that's another word Jordan refuses to say outright.

You wouldn't think that a man who wrote a twelve—turned into fifteen, I'm counting the prequel—part fantasy series has commitment issues, would you. Jordan, however, couldn't commit to his world-building (women led societies that aren't actually matriarchal or non-misogynistic) or talking about issues with their real names.

If you're about to point out to me that Jordan couldn't use the word "rape" because children read these books, then I have to ask you why are you okay with children reading graphic descriptions of (sexual) assault without the author labelling them as such? Why are you okay with chilren reading about randy characters who aren't mature enough to voice and explain their desires?

If I wasn't hate reading this already, I would be now.

I AM DONE. Finally. Not four months as I thought but almost three. Because of some things I was linked to—thing one, thing two—I am definitely writing a review. If I ever recover to write coherently again (HA!). 

Post-it count: 314 (I sort of lost my spirit towards the end and started letting things slide.)

Last note: "That's not how it works."

Other: While we wait for my review (*chinhands* whatever will it say, come on tell me!) we can still play the game where you give me a number between 3 and 1168, and I'll give you a quote or a post-it comment and a quote it refers to. Or a general description of that page. If you like.

Or you could click the links, read the articles, and we could discuss.