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Kathy and Thom Season Three Review, No Spoilers TRANSCRIPT

Kathy Campbell: Thom has seen the first three episodes and I’ve seen the entire season. Season Three of The Wheel of Time on Prime Video. And now we’re going to tell you about it.
And just so you know, This is going to be a non-spoiler review for the first three episodes from Thom and then I’m also going to provide my thoughts for the whole season. Let’s start with Thom.
 
Thom DeSimone: The lovely folks who work on the Wheel of Time show on Amazon [Prime Video] deemed us worthy for screeners of Season Three and thank the Light because mother's milk in a cup they're amazing. Really. Cut. We can end there, like that's my feelings for this.
 
If you're coming into this wanting it to be negative, you're gonna find negative, but honestly as a twenty-five-year-long Wheel of Time fan; as someone who has a character in the books based off of them, I love this show. And this season is by far the best one yet.
 
First off I want to do the looks of this show.To sum it up in one word, simply gorgeous.
 
Costuming is next level; the variation of color and texture and material. I paused several times just to look at background characters because they were just stunning. So awesome. We all know at this point that we're going to be seeing more of the Aiel in this season. And what lead costume designer Sharon Gilham did with this particular group is just nothing short of Emmy winning. 
I'm looking at you, Television Academy. They're the ones apparently that vote on who get Emmys or who is nominated.
Sharon produced such a unique beauty with this group of people who wear such a limited color palette and are mostly utilitarian in their outfits (except, you know, looking at you, Savannah) that she had me backtracking to re-listen to dialogue. I was just lost in looking at their costumes.
When we see some particular favorite characters of the Aiel pop up on screen, I was lost in watching them.
 
Though I really do think that my favorite aspects still, even through Seasons One and Two, is going to be the Aes Sedai, Particularly their costumes, hair, and makeup. The way Sharon Gilham and Davina Lamont capture the Aes Sedai and their uniqueness of culture, personality, and everything within their costumes, hair, and makeup is just, just, like, I love it. It's so great. You can really see how each Aes Sedai comes from a different culture and a different country, different ages, different personalities.
It's beautiful.
 
Speaking of Divina Lamont, Davina Lamont is a multi-award winning hair and makeup designer and the lead hair and makeup designer on the Wheel of Time television show, which for the layman's that includes things like the Trollocs and Myrddraal or the practical effects on the Trollocs and Myrddraal like prosthetics and things.
 
Davina and Sharon work a lot together, as you can imagine, more often than not.
I had a unique opportunity to speak to both of them together prior to Season Two, and they are absolutely lovely.
And the passion they have in their work and the camaraderie they share between the two of them was palpable when I got to speak with them.
 
They spoke at the time about working together to come up with a look for Cairhien and their enjoyment in getting to play with a mashup of 13th century France and feudal Japan was just palpable.
 
Listening to them talk about how they played with hair and makeup and clothing of both cultures and also putting it into a fantasy setting was just so much fun. You could really hear the passion and excitement in their voices. And they got to play with their toys together again in this season with the Aiel. Everything from armor and weapons and hair. It was just absolutely beautiful.
The Aiel are so individually unique and beautiful that I just like, I want to go through and grab a screenshot of Aiel that pops up onscreen just to pick out the differences in each one's personal armor and cadin’sor.
 
But according to interviews that both Sharon and Davina did for Season Three, Tanchico is going to be the one that they had the most fun playing. So Davina had to say that one of her favorite designs was the characters of Tanchico, a world and look that we haven't seen on television before, wild and raw bunch of ruthless people. This is where we can really go crazy with our look. And Sharon, on the same thing, said “Tanchico was my favorite, especially because it challenged us to incorporate veils into society in a new and fresh way.” So book readers know that veils are a big thing within Tanchico. Most people wear veils in some form or fashion, regardless of their social standing. So really just be on the lookout for background characters, really, in all of our settings, just at their costumes and hair and makeup. It really encourages watches and rewatches and reWoTches and reWoTches and reWoTches.
 
Still sticking with the looks for a minute. Two men who I lovingly have given the name the Ondřejs, mainly because their names play hell on an English-only speaker with dyslexia. Mouths [me!].
But I'm going to give it a shot saying both of their names. And I'm sorry in advance if I butcher them. 
Lead production designer, Ondřej Nekvasil and lead special effects coordinator, Ondřej Nierostek. Again, for those keeping track at home, a production designer would be someone that is like leading building and designing the sets. And the special effects coordinator is not, as you might think, anything to do with computer effects, but actual practical effects on the set. So, you know, explosions and things.
 
 I also had an opportunity to interview the two of them together, and it was so much fun. I don't know why, but my very first thought seeing the two of them sitting next to each other was just like, that they were cute sitting next to each other. And I'm happy with myself that I got them to laugh when I said that whoever put them together had a sick sense of humor because Ondřej Nekvasil builds the sets, and then Ondřej Nierostek blows them up. They laughed at that, which I, you know, I will continue to think about as a highlight of my life. The beauty that Ondřej and his team brought to life seems just really taken right out of the mind of Robert Jordan himself. It just, in one word, it was stunning. The sets are gorgeous. Every single one of them. I have absolutely no notes on anything. No feelings in the negative at all on any of set design. Absolutely gorgeous
 
And then I was equally as impressed on how Ondřej blew them up, particularly in episode one. Seeing the cold open in episode one had me really excited for posibilities in the future
Speaking of episode one and things that happen, we could talk about the story a little bit. And I will again, still be non-spoilery, I promise. There’s a ton to unpack in the first episode let alone the first three. But I’ll try to keep it short, you know.
Well this is probably a good time to mention that, if you’re interested in a more spoiler filled review, you can check out Dragonmount’s YouTube where Chrystal and I are taking a deep dive into the first three episodes, screenshots, and clips all over the place. 
And, if you’re liking our content, make sure to smash that subscribe and share our channel with some friends who you think might enjoy as well. We’re welcoming to all here, even those who don’t really like the show as long as, you know, you can sit around and have discussion about it and not be toxic
No need to munch on other peoples' bunch of crunch.
 
Okay, we get taken for quite a ride right off the bat in episode one, both emotionally and physically, with another 17 minute cold open. Yes, 17 minute cold open. Those of you who watched the 11 minute teaser preview will notice the time difference there. I will say that is the cold open just sans a lot of information. So it is still worth watching in its entirety when the episode airs. I will say, steel your hearts and gird your loins, it’s a doozy.
 
We get tossed right into moral dilemmas, tough decisions, and budding new love; as well as some old flames maybe going out. A few notable changes to some character behaviors that was a bit jarring for me at first but after it cooked a little in my brain I really grew to like it and I’m interested to see how they build out on that particular character. . . See if you guys can figure out who i’m talking about.
I think it'll be pretty epic. There are some trials that our characters go through that were particularly exciting for me to see on screen, both going into those trials and what our characters actually saw in the trial themselves.
 
Now to harken back to set, costume, hair, and makeup again, damn, those scenes and the actors and crew's creativity really, really just sing through. I absolutely loved it. By the end of episode three, if you're anything like me, you'll end up on your feet cheering and laughing one minute and then wiping tears away from your eyes for a character from the books that you never thought you'd have any emotion other than hatred.
 
And really that's all I can do non-spoilery for those first three episodes. I really can't tap myself any further without divulging more info. I'm sure we'll have so many edits to cut out my accidental spoilers already. Really just watch and rewatch and rewatch and rewatch The Wheel of Time over on Amazon, especially if we want to see a Season Four! Make sure to just leave it playing on all your devices in your home as much as you possibly can.
 
With that, I love all of you awesome nerds. Thanks for hanging out with me.
 
Kathy’s Review
 
Kathy Campbel: Now, first off, the incredible things. Visually, this season is even more of an upgrade than Season Two.
 
Season One was good.
 
Season Two was great.
 
Season Three: a whole other world.
 
I cannot even begin to explain to you how many times I paused the show just to look at the incredible visuals that were on the screen. So many massive wallpaper worthy prints. Just the entire world feels so much bigger than it did before and so much more detailed. I cannot wait for you all to see it.
 
There were so many breathtaking moments with the visual effects, how things were framed and the scenery ,how the One Power was done. Everything was just incredible.
 
For costuming especially, Sharon Gilham has outdone herself. Her and her team have done some incredible, incredible work this season. There is one particular character that shows up that I actually had to stop because I, like, I audibly gasped out loud with how incredible this costume was. It was , I know I'm, listen I'm gonna say incredible a lot okay because this season was incredible I can't wait for you folks to see this because it truly is just awe-inspiring, just like with Season Two hair and makeup. All of that is another step up, like it just looks so real. There's so many more battles, so many more, let's say arguments, and moments where the hair and makeup just add an extra little something. 
 
It is flawless on the eyes. When people are having altercations with each other, it still looks stunning in the most  perfect way. It is flawless.
 
And, of course, let's talk about the casting.
 
The returning cast feels like they've settled even more into their characters than they did before. There's something really comforting about seeing the Two Rivers Five, and Moraine and Lan, and all of these characters that we've grown to love from Season One. It feels like they're even more real but on top of that the new cast, oh my goodness, the number of Zaddies in the world! Let's just say, so many attractive people it should be illegal. Everyone's going to be so impressed with the new cast this season, all of these characters that we know from the books feel amazing. Even the Forsaken that show up, let me just say, y'all are gonna love it.
 
It's so exciting to see this world that we've seen, that we've read, that we've lived with for years, come to life. And this season especially feels like authentically Wheel of Time. As somebody who's been reading the books since, you know, the early2000s ,it's exciting to see new surprises with the Wheel of Time. And that's something that this show does.
 
There's so much packed into this season and yet it still feels like Wheel of Time. There are some scenes that book fans have been waiting for that are here and they are very good. However, there are some things that I know folks are going to be missing. . . There are a few moments that I wish so desperately had been in the show that were not. And you know what? That's okay.
 
Because I know if there had been more time, more episodes, longer episodes, any of this, the thing that gets me through these moments is the fact that I know Rafe tried as hard as he possibly could to get these bits onscreen because these are iconic moments for the books that I know are sad to be missed.
 
So maybe we'll see some behind the scenes, or cuts, or here's stuff we filmed that we couldn't put in the scene, like in the show, because of time or whatever. I really hope that we get to see those because again I know that Rafe loves these bits just as much as we do, but again, there are some moments especially ones that I know people have speculated would not show up they're there get ready to be swept away with an incredible season I feel like this season especially is really going to turn around people that maybe have not read the books you can get friends to watch the other seasons and then watch Season Three they're gonna be hooked they're going to want Season Four.  This season shows what the show could be without the pandemic without strikes without all of these things that I know have affected previous seasons. We're finally to the point where I feel like it's spread its wings and it's ready to go.
 
And I think, I really, really hope that we can get more seasons of this show because this story deserves to be told and these people deserve to be the ones to tell it. So, overall, this season is wonderful. It's high fantasy at its best. It's The Wheel of Time at its best. 
It's the characters that we know and love being their true selves.
 
It is visually stunning. It is something, it's a world that you're going to want to live in. It's a world that you're going to want to hug and embrace and visit over and over and over again. And I cannot wait for you to see Season Three of The Wheel of Time on Prime Video.
Goodbye.
 
 
  • Teaser Paragraph:

    Transcript for Thom and Kathy's spoiler-free review of Season Three.

     

Michael_
Michael_

Prime Video hosting early Fan Premiere watch party for Season 3 Episode 1, London Q&A, and more on March 8th 2025

In the latest press release from Prime Video, more exciting details about the online fan event this Saturday were finally revealed!
So let's do a quick recap of everything we know about this event from this press release!
 
The digital watch-party will begin at 10am PT on Saturday, March 8th 2025 Debuting at the start of the event, prior to Episode 301, is Unraveling The Wheel of Time, a unique two-part behind-the-scenes look at the making of the first two seasons of the series. The first episode of Season 3 will be premiered in full after the behind-the-scenes look. After the episode, they will be airing the pre-recorded Q&A from The Dusty Wheel Live event in London, hosted by Matt Hatch as he interviews Rosamund Pike, Marcus Rutherford, Ceara Coveney, and show-runner Rafe Judkins. Special messages from Rosamund Pike will be sprinkled in throughout the event!  
Hyped yet? You should be!
If you STILL have not yet RSVPed for this event, you can still register at this link here!
 
Hope to see you all there!
  • Teaser Paragraph:

    Prime Video will host a Digital Watch Party for The Wheel of Time on March 8th, featuring an Early Screening of First Episode of Season Three. 

    This Digital Watch Party will be available globally on Prime Video on Saturday, March 8th, beginning at 10am PT.

    This event will feature a screening of Episode 301, the debut of a two-part behind-the-scenes look at the making of the first two seasons, and an exclusive Q&A with series star Rosamund Pike, show-runner Rafe Judkins and other special guests.

    The Wheel of Time Season 3 premieres March 13, 2025 on Prime Video

Kevin Angus
Kevin Angus

Press Junket with Madeleine Madden TRANSCRIPT

Dragonmount (Kathy Campbell): Egwene is a lot of people’s favorite character, and Madeleine Madden brings her to life. I’m so excited for everyone to see how incredible she is this season, especially with the intensity of season two. Which is in fact my first question. So let's get to it.
Hi, I’m Kathy with Dragonmount.
 
Madeleine: Hi, How are you?
 
DM: I’m wonderful. You were so kind to Humberto in Brazil, thank you so much for that.
 
M: Oh my God, it was. . . Honestly I still think about that. Brazil is on my mind all the time and how wonderful that experience was.
 
DM: I’m so glad! Well, it was so special for us as well.
 
M: Good! I’m glad I’m glad!
 
DM: So thank you. So season two was incredibly intense for Egwene and the audience. And season three is a very different type of intensity. How did you separate yourself from that mental space after filming last season’s trauma, and then again dealing with the post traumatic healing journey this season.
 
M: It was difficult! To step back into where we left off in season two. Even between seasons, it feels like a lot of time, and sometimes to get back into that mindset and even that physicality, and I mean when I saw in the script it's like “Egwene is back in the cells”  and I’m like Goddddd.
That’s always a bit of a challenge for me as an actor, and I think for any actor, is just trying to find where you left off. However, for me personally, and I know for the audience, I think it’s really important for us to see how Egwene heals from this experience and moves forward and picks herself back up. And that she is going to be okay, but she is going to need the help of other people in her life to guide her into that path of healing. But you know that’s it’s a challenge! But I feel really blessed to have been able to have such an incredible character and character arc so early on in the series.
 
DM: Many book readers were so excited about the first hints of dreamwalking that were confirmed to be part of the show. And I will say, it does not disappoint, it is incredible. And then as someone of Aboriginal descent, which has a long history of dreaming traditions, what resonated with you in this part of Egwene’s characters and then how you presented it on screen?
 
M: I mean so much of the magic and spirituality and the lore in Wheel of Time has always drawn me to this series. I think that’s what makes the Wheel of Time such a standout in the fantasy genre and Robert Jordan’s writing in his books and his appreciation for all the elements is really special. So for me like you said, and thank you for mentioning my heritage, we carry a lot of spirituality, in our culture as well and also reincarnation. That is a big element in First Nation Australia culture and that’s obvious something that we have in the Wheel of Time, and it’s such a gentle wonderful way of looking at time and lifetimes and cycles and destiny and it's really wonderful.
 
DM: thank you.one last question. Egwene travels to the Aiel waste with Moiraine, Lan, Aviendha, and Rand while the rest of the group scatter throughout the world. Which location or experience do you wish you could have taken part of, especially with the temperatures being apparently 45 degrees Celsius, 113 Fahrenheit in South Africa and all of the challenges that that brings.
 
M: Yeahhh. . . Goodness me, there's I think. . . Goodness, yeah it was SO hot in South Africa but it really helped inform the way our characters moved in where they were at emotionally and energetically. As hard as it was, we were very lucky to be filming on location.
The scene that I wish I was involved in… It’s a scene that involves a Forsaken and two of the other actors that were working in this scene with the Forsaken. They had  such a fun time and like, I don’t know how I can explain this. . .
 
DM: I think I know what scene you are talking about. . .
 
M: I think you know what scene! And even Rafe was texting the actors and was like “just watch the dailies.” And I’m like DAMNIT I want to have a little laugh and so I would have loved to have even just been a fly on the wall for that scene.
 
DM: Amazing, thank you so much for doing this. I'm so excited for everyone to see your incredible season in just a few days!
 
M: Thank you! Ahh I know! It’s crazy
 
DM: Finally!
 
M: It was lovely to see you again!
 
DM: Lovely to see you! Thank you.
Michael_
Michael_

Press Junket with Dónal Finn and Marcus Rutherford TRANSCRIPT

Marcus Rutherford: How are you doing?
 
Dragonmount (Kathy Campbell): It’s so good to see you both again, thank you so much for taking the time to do this. I’m going to start with Dónal. You were absolutely incredible in Hadestown, and thank you for signing my book back in July!
 
Dónal Finn: Ohh big legend! Nice! Thank you!
 
DM: The UK version of Hadestown is unique in its choice to allow the actors to use their native accents. In contrast to that, your Mat Cauthon Two Rivers accent is then you also have to speak that Old Tongue in that accent, so smoothly. The parts of season three that I've seen show so much more extensive use of that balance. What was the hardest part about working with an accent and a completely different language?
 
DF: Do you know what, I feel a little bit kind of liberated when we're working with a character that has an accent because you’re kind of thinking through an internal monologue or something, or your internal thought process, you hear it in a different way. So you kind of hear how they see the world and it’s got to be different than your own voice, so you kind of start to move degrees of separation away from yourself.
So I enjoy working in accents and also it’s not really like the accent is born out of necessity, not just placement but with this, when it comes to the Old Tongue. I think what was great about that was we had our dialect coach Naomi Todd. I have a text that's in the old tongue but I worked with her on it. There was nothing left open to a decision or interpretation because it felt at that point like a science, which was amazing given that it's you know, it's this world of fantasy, and that we get to decide these things based on what's there in the books as evidence. But she knew, given the way that it was written what accent within our world it might draw from, you know given what consonants it uses at the start of something, (then) that syllable is going to be stressed, and it's a case, or it might take some kind of a Russian influence or something, or this is where the verb lands within a sentence. So in the flow of a sentence, this is where you might hit that kernel that might be where you stress if you're trying to make this point. And it’s really imaginative work, and I think that really iit was a great exercise and great a great joy as an actor to kind of get stuck into that and to embody it.
 
DM: Yeah. . . Alright Marcus. A lot of book readers are very excited about what's to come in this season, especially with some new cast members including Perrin’s Falcon. She is a very divisive character in the books especially for her treatment of Perrin at times. How have you found that to play out on screen? 
 
MF: It's been amazing man. I knew everyone was kind of anticipating Faile as a character that, even as Perrin, I was kind of so excited. To me, I felt like he'd met all these characters along his journey and I felt like they'd all kind of given him something to reflect about himself, whether it be the Tuatha'an, or Elyas, or the Shienarans, or Aviendha But it kind of felt like there was someone who almost going to slap him into shape a little bit and tell him what's right. And yeah, Isabella (Bucceri) is incredible. She's amazing. She brings a new energy to the show which I think is really tricky to do at this stage. 
I heard some people have thoughts about Faile, and (Isabella) was like, “oh they might not like me,” all this kind of stuff.
But she's incredible. She makes her so strong and so fierce, but so affable at the same time. I think people are going to be really really excited about that. There's, you know, this kind of big gentle giant and this little pocket rocket energy that kind of works. When we were doing chemistry test for that character, she just came in and everyone was just like “yeah this just works.” And she’s amazing, I think all those moments from the books and the little things she has with the beard. I dunno there’s so much there that is so sweet and so much fun to play with that’s in The Shadow Rising and the other books that hopefully all the book fans relate to.
 
DM: Oh I’m so very excited. Thank you again so much for this time and I hope you have a great rest of your day.
 
  • Teaser Paragraph:

    Transcript of the press junket interview with Dónal Finn (Mat Cauthon) and Marcus Rutherford (Perrin Aybara)

     

Michael_
Michael_

Press Junket with Rafe Judkins TRANSCRIPT

Dragonmount: Hi Rafe! First off, thank you so much for how kind you were to Humberto at CCXP when they talked to you!
 
Rafe: Oh it was so sweet! We loved spending time with him!
 
DM: Thank you! We appreciate it so very much.
 
R: He was so sweet and so excited.
 
DM: He was so excited.
Book readers will recognize from the press release that the two Wise Ones that were just announced (Bair and Melaine) seemed to have swapped abilities to channel versus just dreamwalking. We even got confirmation just to clarify to make sure that it was correct. What would you like to tell the fandom to help them understand the changes that have been made. Other than just Watch and Find Out.
 
R: Yeah, for that one it’s pretty simple, which is that we wanted, we needed, to condense Bair and Amys into one character essentially. So she is really Amys and Bair combined. So it felt important for Amys side of the character that she be able to channel, and I think that relationship with Egwene. But we loved the idea that one of the Wise Ones who was really proficient in dreamwalking couldn’t channel, so that became Melaine’s character trait. So it’s not really. . . It’s a technical change from the books, but it’s more about keeping the Amys character alive in Bair, and keeping alive this idea that one of them can’t channel because I really like that.
 
DM: Yes, well we like that too. We appreciate that, thank you for the clarification so no one will yell as much. Hopefully.
Were there specific moments in the books that you felt were essential to highlight in Rosamund (Pike) and Sophie’s (Okonedo) portrayal of Moiraine and Siuan?
 
R: Oh that’s interesting! I think one of the most important scenes that we sort of focused on, especially in the first season, was this scene that they have at the top of the second book (The Great Hunt) where you kind of peel back the curtain suddenly and see, oh these two are working in cahoots with each other, and realize that this Amyrlin Seat that we’ve see as so high up above everything has actually has some relationship with Moiraine that we don’t fully understand.
And then I think outside of that, a lot of what we took was from actually their relationship in New Spring which has so much of the richness between them, and their care for each other, and their love for each other. That was really the key places we were pulling from for their relationship and so operating under the idea that maybe their relationship is that close in the books but we don’t hear about it as fully.
 
DM: Yeah, absolutely. What is a question that you’ve been hoping somebody would ask because you have a perfect answer that you know people really want to know?
 
R: Oh that’s really interesting. There’s actually, people have been good today about asking so many questions. I wish that someone had asked exactly which Forsaken we’re going to be put on screen and when, because then I would tell them. . . But no one asked. . .
 
DM: Oh and now I’m out of questions! Dangit Rafe! 
 
Both laugh
 
DM: I should've started with that! Well thank you so much for your time and I hope you have a great rest of your day.
 
R: Oh thank you you too it’s so good to see you as always!
 
Michael_
Michael_

CCXP Interview with Rafe, Josha, and Madeleine TRANSCRIPT

Rafe, Josha, and Madeleine: Happy birthday! Happy birthday Dragonmount! Happy birthday, woop!
 
Dragonmount (Humberto): Hello guys my name is Humberto and as I said I work for Dragonmount which is the oldest Wheel of Time website
 
Madeleine: Yeah!
 
Josha: Oh that's sick!
 
Rafe: It's OG Wheel of Time!
 
Josha: I love that 
 
DM: Last time we spoke with you, Rafe, you said that the Wheel of Time fandom is statistically the greatest fandom ever. How do you feel? Does it still hold up or do we need some spanking?
 
R: Statistics are statistics! They don't change.
 
M: Statistics don’t lie!
 
R: It's still the greatest fandom statistically. But I think it's, you know, what they found when they were looking at the statistics was that the response to our show is more positive. I know sometimes it doesn't feel like it in the echo chamber of the internet but like actually the response amongst fans is more positive than almost any other adaptations that are out there and that the fans are more welcoming to people outside of the fandom than any other fandoms and so I think that that's always been a nice thing about Wheel of Time. You guys created that with Dragonmount way before the show ever existed, that this was a fandom who wanted to have people come into it instead of wanting to have people stay out of it, and I think that that’s true for the show too now.
 
J: And that’s also nice that we're here. We have you in the room because—we just spoke about it—but over the last years everything has been on Zoom, or we weren't able to do any kind of press This is actually the first time after four or five years that we can engage. That's lovely.
 
R: Yeah, that’s nice, that's nice!
 
DM: Last time, you said that your favorite dinosaur was the pachycephalosaurus?
 
R: (laughs) That's what I said, apparently!
 
All laugh
 
DM: So now I feel obligated to ask the cast of The Wheel of Time: what's your favorite dinosaur?
 
J: I mean, T-Rex!
 
R: That’s what the Dragon Reborn would say!
 
M: Destruction! There was this one… I worked on a show called The Ark and it was all dinos, dinos, dinos. And there was one, I can't remember the name, but it’s got these spikes on their backs and they can regulate their temperatures through their little spikes and I thought that was really cute. So I love them. The spiky one!
 
DM: And speaking about dinosaurs and creatures and monsters, one of my favorite things about the Wheel of Time is the shadowspawn like the Trollocs and stuff like that. And in the show we've seen the Trollocs, the Fades but there's still one creature that I really like that we haven't seen it yet. And I think in the Shadow Rising there's a scene with Rand and the Draghkar. . . Can we expect to see other creatures in season three or later in the show?
 
R: I will say that, every season… well, not the first, but in both season two and season three the Draghkar has been scripted as happening in the show, and then eventually gets removed when we talk to the VFX department and they’re like Rafe, Rafe Rafe, we can’t do this for one scene.
 
DM: So, not yet. . .
 
R: We would like to get it in there! And the Draghkar has a real, I don't know if I should say this, but in the writer's room we always joke about the Draghkar being like a car full of drag queens, so when the Draghkar arrives it's just like beep beep motherfuckers!
 
M: Get in, bitches!
 
J: But there will be other creatures, right?
 
R: Yeah! We have a new shadowspawn this season. . .
 
DM: Nice! So I had lots of questions prepared for you guys, and then I saw the trailer and I had to scrap everything to just talk about what I saw! There's Rhuidean, and there's the Car’a’carn and the Aiel Waste and so many cool things for the book fans. And I would like to ask which scene was the easiest to adapt from the book and not have to say: ‘oh we have to change this and we have to change that.’ Just look at the book and say: ‘ah we can pretty much do this as it is.’
 
R: I think one scene that was really easy to do this season—and I've been really excited to get to it for a while because I think it's such a beautiful scene—is a scene with Matt and Siuan Sanche and, you know, we don't often get to because we're compressing so much from the books and we have to change little things along the way so we don't often get to have exactly the group of characters, and exactly the place that they were in the books, saying exactly the words that they said in the books. We don't get all three of those things very often and that scene is pretty much exactly the characters, exactly where they were, and saying very close to exactly the words. So it was easy to write that because you just type it up!
 
M: Copy and paste!
 
DM: And I want to talk about Egwene a little bit. On the previous seasons Egwene was this character that had a lot of the world building and the concepts about the show and the book being shown through her eyes like the Seanchan and the damane and I believe in the next season we have the World of Dreams and Tel’aran’rhiod. I don’t know if you can talk about it, but how is it to play this character that so much of the world building and core concepts that have to be shown to the audience goes through your eyes?
 
M: Oh, It's amazing because I get the privilege of you know exploring these different worlds through her eyes and you know we've traveled to some amazing locations like on this show and you know I wouldn't be able to do that if I wasn't playing her. And exploring the different cultures and meeting the people that exist in those worlds has been really wonderful to learn more about the world and her, and who she is, and what her abilities are. You know, I think even with season two in the damane cells you know you're never actually like in there with her? She's telling Min what has happened when that's happening. . .
 
R: . . .In the books, yeah. . .
 
M: . . .and so to be able to have a whole episode just to like deep dive into it has been fantastic and it's the same sort of thing with the dream walking (in season three).
 
DM: That’s perfect. And I think, I don’t know, this is my first time doing this! But it’s just that one minute left. . .
 
R: Oh no that’s ok! One minute left!
 
M: Yeah, yeah!
 
DM: (to Josha) I know this is not your first time in Brazil.
 
J: It’s not, no
 
DM: And what about you guys?
 
M and R: First time!
 
DM: Please come film here!
 
All laugh
 
M: We’re so down!
 
R: We would love to! You call us and let us know about a government rebate and we’re here!
 
All laugh
 
DM: It was great talking to you!
  • Teaser Paragraph:

    Transcript of the interview between Dragonmount (Humberto Tramujas) and Rafe Judkins (showrunner), Josha Stradowski (Rand al’Thor), and Madeleine Madden (Egwene al’Vere) at CCXP in São Paulo, Brazil.

     

Michael_
Michael_

NEW Season 3 Interviews with Dragonmount are LIVE!

The seals on the press junket embargo have finally been broken, and WoT fans will have been flooded with new interviews that occurred on a recent press tour for Season 3 of The Wheel of Time.
 
Dragonmount was lucky enough to secure three interviews.
 
The first, recorded way back during The Comic-Con Expo in Brazil (CCXP), was conducted in person by our own Humberto Tramujas, who attended the convention representing Dragonmount. He was lucky enough to interview Showrunner Rafe Judkins, Madeleine Madden (Egwene al'Vere) and Josha Stradowski (Rand al'Thor).
 
In this interview, we were able to learn a bit more about their favorite dinosaurs, as well as a hint towards a new Shadow Spawn in season 3 (and one tragic Shadow Spawn that keeps getting left on the cutting room floor).
And good news: still statistically the best!
 
You can watch this CCXP interview in full here!
 

 
 
The second interview was with Marcus Rutherford (Perrin Aybara) and Donal Finn (Mat Cauthon), as part of the official press junket, and was conducted by our fearless leader Kathy Campbell!
 
In this interview, Donal reflects on accent work when learning to speak the Old Tongue, while Marcus reflects on Perrin finally meeting his falcon in Season 3 and the "Gentle Giant + Pocket Rocket" dynamic the two bring together.
 
You can watch this interview with Marcus & Donal here!
 



Our final interview was part of the same press junket, and Kathy was able to once more interview Rafe Judkins!
 
In this interview, Rafe reflects on some of the changes made to the abilities of the Aiel Wise Ones, and talks about the essential book scenes needed to successfully bring the relationship between Siuan Sanche and Moiraine Damodred to the screen.
 
Watch the solo interview with Rafe here!
 

 
What did you like hearing the most about from these? Let us know!
  • Teaser Paragraph:

    Dragonmount posted three new videos today of press interviews for Season 3 of The Wheel of Time on YouTube

    CCXP Exclusive Interview with Rafe Judkins, Madeleine Madden and Josha Stradowski

    Press Junket Interview with Marcus Rutherford and Donal Finn

    Press Junket Interview with Rafe Judkins

Kevin Angus
Kevin Angus

New Season 3 Trailer + London Fan Screening event announced!

Today, in spectacular Wot Wednesday fashion, Prime Video released the FULL trailer for Season 3 of The Wheel of Time, with only one month remaining until the premiere on March 13th, 2025. 
 
If you’ve somehow ended up here without seeing the trailer yet, or you just want to give it another view, please indulge yourself now before continuing the article.

Watch the Trailer here!

 
Alright, you back now? One more rewatch? OK let’s get back to it.
 

 
 
If you’ve avoided any Season 3 knowledge up to this point, then you may be surprised to learn  that storylines of Season 3 are primarily based on The Shadow Rising (Book 4), potentially with a sprinkle of some Fires of Heaven (Book 5) as a treat. 

A common fan favorite among book readers, The Shadow Rising is often referred to as the book where “The Wheel of Time” becomes “The Wheel of Time”, with definitive scenes and chapters that truly set this series apart from other sci-fi/fantasy series. 
 
This trailer is full of glimpses of such scenes, bringing viewers to new locations such as the dangerous port-city of Tanchico, the throne room of Camelyn, the vast deserts of The Aiel Waste, and the forbidden city of Rhuidean within it. Meanwhile, in more familiar locations, tensions between the Aes Sedai reach a breaking point in The White Tower, as the armies of The Dark One gain more power and begin to move more openly in places like The Two Rivers. 
 
All of this, and likely so much more to come, when Season 3 of The Wheel of Time premieres on March 13th 2025. Much like the prior seasons, the first 3 episodes of the season will be included in the premiere, with weekly releases until the season finale on April 17th, 2025.
 
But wait, there’s more!

On a livestream yesterday, Matt Hatch, The Innkeeper of The Dusty Wheel, announced that he would be hosting an exclusive fan-screening event for Episode 1 of Season 3! This event will take place in London, on February 22nd, 3pm GMT, and will feature special guests Rosamund Pike & Showrunner Rafe Judkins, including a Q&A lead by the innkeeper himself. 
 
 
Interested? RSVP Here! First Come, First Serve!
 
 

 
Still here and looking for a breakdown of every second of the trailer? 
In that case, you might be interested in one of the many trailer breakdown livestreams within the fandom! Join the conversation, and embrace your inner HCFF!
 
Dragonmount Livestream
Threefold Talk Livestream
The Dusty Wheel Trailer Gai'don
  • Teaser Paragraph:

    Prime Video released the FULL trailer for Season 3 of The Wheel of Time, with only one month remaining until the premiere on March 13th, 2025. In addition, Innkeeper Hatch, of The Dusty Wheel, will be hosting a special fan screening event in London on Saturday, February 22nd, with special guests Rafe Judkins and Rosamund Pike!

Kevin Angus
Kevin Angus

The Wheel of Time Season Three: First Look

If you’re currently sitting in a cold, dark basement like I am, then another WoT Wednesday to keep you warm and cozy is just what the Wisdom ordered!

Today, Prime Video unveiled the very first “First Look” images for Season 3 of The Wheel of Time, with 10 incredible stills to keep the TheoryCrew busy (at least until next week’s drop…) as we all pass the time until the new season premieres on March 13th 2025.
 
Posted below the 10 images here, I will lightly speculate on the potential context of each image, so please avoid that section if you are so inclined. I will restrict any book spoilers to through the end of The Shadow Rising + New Spring, but no further. 
 

 

 

 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 

 

 
Aiel Overlook
Features: Bair, Melindhra, Lan, Rhuarc, (two unknown Aiel behind Rhuarc), Rand, Moiraine, Egwene (behind Moiraine), Melaine. Overlooking Rhuidean, alternate angle to the opening teaser shot.
 
Morgase + Elaida
Features: Morgase in full queen regalia, and Elaida at her side in red. They stroll side by side in the halls of The White Tower with people watching along from the sides.
 
Wonder Girls (Egwene testing?)
Features: Elayne, Egwene, and Nynaeve on horseback. Elayne is in noble green clothing, has a green ajah aes sedai ring. Egwene is in gold regal armor with the flame of tar valon on the chest, with an aes sedai ring that might be gold or yellow. Nynaeve is in yellow accented armor and a yellow dress, ring not visible. Possibly a scene from Egwene’s accepted test where she is the Amyrlin Seat, Elayne is Green Ajah, and Nynaeve is Yellow Ajah. 
 
Rand & Lan
Features: Rand and Lan back to back, mirroring each other practicing sword forms likely in the Aiel Waste
 
Siuan blast
Features: Siuan Sanche, in her full Amyrlin Regalia, seemingly shouting in anger, her face contorted in rage, as she channels threads of fire and air around herself and around her outstretched arm towards some unknown entity. 
 
Lanfear smirk
Features: Lanfear, notably with shorter hair, glancing back over her shoulder as she rounds a corner and enters house, possibly on the streets of Tar Valon. 
 
Moiraine Orb
Features: Moiraine with weaves of the one power coalescing around her as she holds a glowing palm sized orb in her outstretched hand.
 
A seer, a wisdom, and a gambler walk into a bar
Features: possibly a bar in Tanchico, an unknown man in a black and brimmed hat holds onto a cloth in front of Mat Cauthon, Nynaeve al’Meara, and Min Farshaw who all stare seemingly at him or his hat in shock. Mat is in an unbuttoned shirt with a loose robe over top of it, Nynaeve in a shoulderless dress, and Min with her hands in the pockets of her loose black pants and a belt that seemingly has a dagger tucked into a sheath on the front where the buckle would be. 
 
Avilayne
Features: Elayne Trakand and Aviendha, sit together looking into each other’s eyes as they each hold up the glass they are drinking from. They share a small smile as they stare fondly at each other. 
 
The Boys
Features: Rand al’Thor, Perrin Aybara, and Mat Cauthon all stand near a bar, Rand leaning against a stone column and holding a mug while smiling towards Mat. Perrin is beside Rand looking stoicly at Mat, holding two mugs, one for himself and one for Mat presumably, notably with his eyes still golden. Mat is just nearly out of frame, is somewhat out of focus, but appears to also be smiling or laughing with Rand. 
 
 
Season 3 airs on March 13 2025 only on Prime Video
  • Teaser Paragraph:

    Prime Video unveiled the very first “First Look” images for Season 3 of The Wheel of Time, with 10 incredible stills to pass the time until the new season premieres on March 13th 2025.

Kevin Angus
Kevin Angus

Book Review: Tea You at the Altar

I very much enjoyed the two previous books in this cozy sapphic fantasy series by Rebecca Thorne, “Can’t Spell Treason Without Tea”, and “A Pirate’s Life for Tea”. Reyna is a former guard to the ruthless Queen Tilaine, and Kianthe is the all-powerful Mage of Ages. They have settled down together in the town of Tawney, where they run a small, unassuming tea shop away from the pressures of the world.
 
Of course, life is never that simple, and over the years they have searched for missing dragon eggs, raised a baby griffin, sailed with pirates, and generally tackled injustice wherever they found it. Perhaps most importantly, they have encouraged all the people around them to become the best versions of themselves. Now they have a whole supportive community, which is very useful when you have a lot to do, and not a lot of time to do it.
 
In this, the third book of four, they are trying to entrap and overthrow the aforementioned Queen, using their own very real wedding as bait. Not to mention working out who is going to rule in her absence. But did I mention a wedding? That alone seems like a pretty stressful thing to plan and pull off! Trying to do both at the same time results in the sort of shenanigans you might imagine.
 
Most of the characters from the other books are here, as well as some new ones including Tessalyn the long lost heir to the throne, her expertly-named protector James, and Kianthe’s rather disapproving parents.
 
This series began as a reaction to the popularity of “Legends & Lattes” by Travis Baldree, but it has continued to grow away from that initial inspiration and certainly has found its own voice. The warm and loving tone was exactly what I needed, as well as the positive vibes and mutual understanding of the two main protagonists. This is my favourite book of the series so far, and I’m told by the author that the fourth and final book is even better, so I have a lot to look forward to. An extended excerpt of that one is included as a bonus chapter at the end.
 
Go read the whole series! Thanks to Tor for the early review copy.
 
Don't forget, you can pick this up in our ebook store!
 
  • Teaser Paragraph:

    A book about discovering your altar ego. In this third book of Reyna and Kianthe’s adventures, they have seven days to plan both a wedding and a coup, and it’s not exactly clear which of those will be the hardest part!
     

James Thomson
James Thomson

Book Review: But Not Too Bold

If the thought of a sapphic romance with a giant spider woman—in a creepy gothic mansion filled with tarantulas no less—doesn’t make you want to burn down said mansion and move to another country, then sit down on a tuffet, and let me tell you more about this novella by Argentine-Brazilian writer Hache Pueyo, who also translated it to English.
 
It tells the story of Dália who is one of the servants looking after Miss Anatema, the mistress of The Capricious House. She is not exactly what you would call a great boss, given that Dália gets promoted at the start of the book because Anatema eats her predecessor. Dália is given the job of solving a mysterious theft, and there’s a high chance of getting eaten herself if she fails to do so, or is too bold with her employer.
 
Anatema is only vaguely anthropomorphic in that her human face is surface level camouflage over so many teeth, and she generally has a greater number of limbs than is strictly necessary. Still, Dália is not as traumatised by all this as many would be, and what starts off as more of a predator and prey situation turns into something more caring.
 
Things move very quickly in the relatively small number of pages of the book, and I would have preferred more length to really sell Dália falling for Anatema. There’s a distinct power imbalance as well which is not remarked upon either. Regardless, I enjoyed the characters and setting a lot, and the writing is delightful even when people are munching away on fried spider legs, or corralling rogue tarantulas like escaped kittens.
 
Eight legs out of ten! Thanks to Tor for the early review copy.
 
Don't forget, you can pick this up in our ebook store!
  • Teaser Paragraph:

    Do you have arachnophobia? Probably don’t read this book. Maybe don’t even read this review.

James Thomson
James Thomson

Book Review: The River Has Roots

This is one of those books where I feel my lacklustre words are not even worthy of talking about it. It tells the story of two close sisters, Ysabel and Esther, who live in a small human town on the very edge of the faerie world. Esther has fallen in love with Rin, a being who takes on a different form every time we meet them. The sisters like to sing together, and it’s Esther’s songs that have captivated Rin. However, the farmer who lives next door has other opinions on who she should marry.
 
There is a fascinating description of magic here, visualised as untamed grammar that flows in the river between the two worlds, that people in the town carefully harvest and pass down to those who wield it:  
“That is the nature of grammar—it is always tense, like an instrument, aching for release, longing to transform present into past into future, is into was into will.”  
I feel it is best not to talk too much about the plot, but it does touch on misogyny and murder, so keep that in mind. The main tale is not very long at all and is ideally read in a single sitting. There is an additional short story “John Hollowback and the Witch” included too, which is an inventive fairy tale and also well worth your time.  
Amal’s clever and imaginative writing style really feels like nothing I’ve encountered before, and I look forward to reading more of her work in the future. Recommended!  
Thanks to Tor for the early review copy.   Don't forget, you can pick this up in our ebook store!  
  • Teaser Paragraph:

    An inventive and dreamlike fantasy novella from Amal El-Mohtar, who previously wrote the wonderful “This Is How You Lose the Time War” with Max Gladstone.

     

James Thomson
James Thomson

Prime Video Announces Five New Cast Members for Season Three of The Wheel of Time

Happy first WoT Wednesday of 2025!
Today, Prime Video officially revealed five new cast members debuting in Season 3 of The Wheel of Time!
 
Isabella Bucceri is Faile Bashere, a Hunter of the Horn
Nukâka Coster-Waldau is Bair, eldest Wise One of the Taardad Aiel
Salóme Gunnarsdóttir is Melaine, Wise One of the Taardad Aiel 
Björn Landberg is Rhuarc, Clan Chief of the Taardad Aiel
Synnøve Macody Lund is Melindhra of the Taardad Aiel
 
Isabella Bucceri
 

 
 
An exciting emerging talent, Isabella Bucceri moved from Australia to the UK in 2022 and has already begun to steadily build her resume with credits including the feature films Finally Me, Everything in Between, and Threshold. 
 
Her character, Faile Bashere, similarly left her home in pursuit of glory. Born in the Borderland nation of Saldaea, Faile left her old life behind and took the oath to become a 'Hunter of the Horn', one who seeks to find The Horn of Valere. Her adventure to locate this treasured relic has led her to a familiar place, The Two Rivers.

 
Nukâka Coster-Waldau
 

 
Nukâka Coster-Waldau is a Danish-Greenlandic actor born in Greenland, and comes with an impressiv resume on stage, as an actress, dancer, and singer. Coster-Waldau previously starred in the thriller series Thin Ice directed by Cecilie A. Mosli, and Anori by director-writer Pipaluk K. Jørgensen, as well as the critically acclaimed theatre production Plus Minus Null in 2011/12, staged by the Swiss director Christoph Marthaler.
 
Her wealth of experience will be easily matched, as she portrays the Aiel called Bair, the eldest of the Wise Ones of the Taardad Aiel. Her authority and wisdom are held in high regard among Wise Ones, even higher than that of the Clan Chief. If that was not enough for this formidable woman, Bair also has the ability to channel the One Power, as well as an uncommon ability pertaining to the world of dreams. 

 
Salóme Gunnarsdóttir
 

 
Icelandic actress Salóme Gunnarsdóttir has built a robust resume of memorable roles across television, film and theater. Her most recent television credits include The Lazarus Project, The Reunion, Pennyworth, Knightfall, Legends, The Lava Field, and Stelpurnar 5.
 
Gunnarsdóttir’s character is called Melaine, also a Wise One of the Taardad Aiel. Well respected in her own right, Melaine does not actually have the ability to channel the One Power at all. Despite lacking this access, she does still share the same uncommon ability in the world of dreams that Bair also has.  

 
Björn Landberg
 

 
Kevin Björn Wolfgang Kraus, perhaps a Gleeman in disguise, was born in Berlin, Germany. His artist name, Björn Landberg, was created in 2015 when he started his career as a German pop singer for Electrola and Universal Music, with the album Björn Landberg. It was during this time that he realized he wanted to become both a professional actor and singer. 
 
Since then, he has portrayed ‘Gaston’ in the German stage production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, he’s used his stage combat skills as the modern gladiator in a German experimental TV show named Galileo Mystery, and began dubbing as a singer in Disney’s Coco for Benjamin Bratt, as ‘Enrico de la Cruz’ for Andy Garcia in Barb and Star go to Vista del Mar, for Jay Hernandez in Bright, Omar Sy in X-Men, Daniel Sunjata in Power Book II: Ghost, Greg Wise in Strange Angel, Victor Webster in Working Mums, Adam Copeland in Vikings and Malcolm Barrett in The Boys and Preacher. 
More recently, in 2023, he founded Dreamwalk Audio, an audio production company for podcasts, audio books, voice-over and advertising, and in January 2025, ‘Bed on the Beach,’ the English version of ‘Bett am Strand,’ will be published. In May 2024, Landberg also published the podcast ‘Mutter Natur,’ featuring lovingly arranged nature sounds, gentle music, and his soothing voice.
 
Impressed yet? Good, that’s a natural reaction when you’re in the presence of Rhuarc, the Clan Chief of the Taardad Aiel. Certainly a book-reader fan favorite, Rhuarc carries much respect among the Aiel in his own right. As a Clan Chief, Rhuarc was able to complete the perilous Clan Chief trial in the city of Rhuidean, a trial very few return from. As such, he knows what mysteries lie within the fog of that city, though he is forbidden to discuss it with any who have not seen what he has seen. 

 
Synnøve Macody Lund
 

 
Synnøve Macody Lund is a Norwegian actress, director, and journalist. She made her acting debut in 2011, as the lead in Jo Nesbø’s Headhunters, directed by Academy Award-nominated Morten Tyldum. Since then, she has appeared in projects such as The Girl in the Spider's Web, Riviera, and the popular Netflix series Ragnarok (2020-2023), captivating audiences over multiple seasons. Most recently, Macody Lund starred in the Prime Video series Everybody Loves Diamonds, and played fan-favorite Cecilia Pederson in the horror blockbuster film, Saw X.
 
Macody Lund gets to play another fan favorite, though with a new sprinkle of spice that will entice even a knowledgeable book reader. Her character is Melindhra, an Aiel warrior with a thing for pretty eyes. Per the press release from Prime Video, Melindhra is “a Malkieri survivor who was taken in and raised by the Taardad Aiel”. 
 
The fallen kingdom of Malkier should sound familiar to a show-only fan, as the lost home to the uncrowned king Lan Mandragoran. After Malkier fell to the encroaching blight, refugees who survived could be found scattered across the Borderland nations. 
 
Malkieri survivors within the Aiel is an unexplored concept in the books, however Lan himself does carry an almost mythical status among the Aiel, many referring to him, in the Old Tongue, as “Aan’allein” which means “He who walks alone” or “The Man that is an entire people”.
 
Even with my own knowledge of the books, the unknowns around Melindhra already have captured my attention and my interests in a major way. 

 
The Wheel of Time Season 3 premieres March 13th 2025, on Prime Video.
 
  • Teaser Paragraph:

    Isabella Bucceri, Nukâka Coster-Waldau, Salóme Gunnarsdóttir, Björn Landberg, and

    Synnøve Macody Lund join the cast of the fantasy series for the upcoming third season,

    premiering March 13, 2025 on Prime Video

Kevin Angus
Kevin Angus

Dragonsteel Nexus 2024 Recap

Dragonsteel Nexus (DSNX), an annual convention based on the works of Brandon Sanderson, was held December 5–7 at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. 
 
Previously known as Dragonsteel (the name of Sanderson’s rapidly expanding business), the newly rebranded DSNX24 was the fourth annual convention marking a Sanderson book release. This year’s book: Wind and Truth, the much-anticipated fifth and final book in Part I of Stormlight Archive. The first three conventions celebrated Cytonic (2021), The Lost Metal (2022), and Defiant (2023).
 
In a strange twist of fate for a convention usually held in late November, DSNX24 occurred on the same weekend as Brazil’s CCXP24 and the coinciding release of the Wheel of Time season 3 trailer. So you can imagine how Wheel of Time fans at DSNX24 might have felt trying to absorb two very big sources of excitement. (Tired. The answer is very tired).
 

 
I didn’t really know what to expect going into DSNX24. I’d only ever been to Wheel of Time conventions, which are quite humble in comparison to DSNX when it comes to numbers. I kept wondering what 7,000 attendees would actually look like and if I would be able to, as a more casual cosmere reader, understand the language being spoken around me. 
 
When I finally stepped foot into the Salt Palace, I felt silly for not making the connection before: it’s basically like attending a big sporting event or concert. You can’t actually see the thousands of people until you’re in your seats, so most of the time you only pay attention to the hundred or so that surround you at any given time. But you can feel the buzzing energy of the masses.
 

 
And while there were no “nosebleed seats” in the main convention hall (dubbed “Roshar,” after the planet setting of The Stormlight Archive), it had the look, sound, and feel of a professional concert venue. The lights, the sound, the music playing between panels, the giant projector screens—all of it created an ambiance of excitement, anticipation, and “yeah, we’re definitely not in Kansas anymore.” A lot of the credit for creating this atmosphere should go to the behind-the-scenes work of the DSNX staff aka “squires,” in particular the A/V team and crowd control, who kept things running smoothly all weekend.
 

 
Entering and exiting Roshar after a big event or trying to navigate the Exhibitor’s Hall during peak times had the same packed, cattle-herded feel as everyone leaving a concert venue at the same time. But there is one very important difference: I don’t really like any of the people pushing and shoving me and spilling drinks on me at a concert. At DSNX, I kind of wanted to be best friends with them all.
 

 
Far from stressful, it felt almost warm and fuzzy to be in a huge crowd of fellow nerds, many of them in costume, who are just super happy to be there and in no rush to go anywhere (unless it’s a book signing or limited seating event). Even among the long line of people camped outside in the cold for numbered copies of Wind and Truth, the vibe was friendly and joyful.
 
The most entertaining part of walking past lines and weaving through crowds was catching snippets of people deep into cosmere analysis. Soundbites like “...Soulcasting…” and “Who is Jaddeth?” and “Hoid wouldn’t…” It was like an inside joke that everyone was in on. And even though, as I had feared, I did not understand the language they were speaking, I recognized the characters they were cosplaying and the enthusiasm they were radiating.
 

 
If you’re not a hardcore cosmere nerd, DSNX still offers a lot to aspiring writers and fans of speculative fiction in general: panels run by industry professionals, crafts, tabletop games, photo ops, sword/spear workshops, and a HUGE Exhibitor’s Hall holding almost 150 fantasy-based businesses, authors, artists, vendors, sponsors, and content creators. 
 
If you’re a fantasy fan and you still don’t like any of those things, you could just spend the whole weekend sampling all the food and drinks from about ten different on-site vendors. My favorite snack was churros from the Mexican place.
 
You might be able to try all the food, but it would’ve been impossible to attend every event, meet-up, panel, and book-signing offered at DSNX24 over the course of its three-day schedule. So here are some highlights (in no particular order):
 
Wind and Truth Release Party
With Roshar packed full of thousands of DSNX attendees and members of the public, Brandon Sanderson and his wife Emily took the stage to celebrate the release of the fifth book of the Stormlight Archive and acknowledge all the people who contributed to its publication. 
 

They also shared what Sanderson had teased earlier that day as “just about the coolest thing you could imagine, short of a movie or TV series”: Dragonsteel will be publishing the Wheel of Time series in leatherbound editions, one per year, starting with The Eye of the World in winter 2025.
 
Sanderson then slipped into professor-mode to give a charming and heartfelt talk, urging the audience against gatekeeping fans within the fantasy community the same way other genres of literature have done with speculative fiction. He proposed welcoming all new fantasy fans, such as those who are finding fantasy through the sub-genre of “romantasy,” into a community brought together by stories—even if they don’t agree on what makes a “good” one.
 
The release party concluded with a Q&A session, during which fans stepped up to the mic to ask Sanderson questions about anything from his favorite dinosaur (Stegosaurus) to the mechanics of magic systems in the cosmere, or whether a concept like calculus could manifest as a spren in the Cognitive Realm. (Yes, I needed a translator for that last part). 
 
Worldhopper Ball (contains spoilers for Wind & Truth)
New to DSNX this year was the Worldhopper Ball, an evening event held exclusively for badgeholders who had previously purchased tickets—and who were willing to dress in extravagant formal attire and/or cosplay for the night.
 

The theme of this “experiential novella” was the marriage of Shallan and Adolin from The Stormlight Archive, an event that had only occurred off-page until Wind and Truth revealed the details of the scene in a flashback. 
 
But to call it a “theme” is an understatement. The ballroom was transformed into Roshar, with exquisitely detailed scenery and fantastical lighting. Food and drinks were Stormlight themed, and actors in full costume played the main characters of the series, treating guests to scenes (both from the book and improvised) throughout the evening. The actors stayed in character for the entirety of the two-and-a-half hour event, interacting with the crowd and even taking turns at the DJ table.
 
As with any first time event, there were a few kinks (long lines for drinks, technical difficulties), but most guests were content just to dress up and be transported into a fantastical world from the pages of a book. One Worldhopper Ball attendee was so impressed by the magical night he had, he said he would have attended DSNX only for the Ball. 
 

 
Author & Artist Spotlights
In front of thousands of people in a giant concert hall doesn’t seem like the best place to have an intimate conversation, but somehow the Spotlight sessions made it feel that way. Just the guest and their host in two armchairs at center stage, under a row of colorful lights and Radiant Order banners. The vibe was more like a conversation than an interview. Spotlights of note: authors Fonda Lee (The Green Bone Saga) hosted by Dragonsteel VP of Narrative, Dan Wells; and Robin Hobb (Realm of the Elderlings) hosted by Brandon Sanderson himself.
 
Exhibitor’s Hall
When I wasn’t attending a panel, my favorite thing to do was roam the Exhibitor’s Hall. Walking up and down the narrow aisles between the vendors and creators in their black-curtained booths was so crowded, lively, and full of costumes, I felt like I was in a bustling village marketplace from a fantasy novel. And with the multitude of exhibitors, there was always something new to look at or something I missed on my first walk-through. 
 

 
Story Deck
Among the many new things announced, teased, and launched at DSNX24, Dragonsteel’s Story Deck trading cards stood out because of the experiential way they were introduced. Armed with two starter packs and a “Worldhopper Passport” challenge to earn more, attendees found themselves interacting with people they would not otherwise have approached—which was, Sanderson revealed during the Story Deck panel, what the cards were intended to do.
 
      
 
The cards feature snippets that form coherent stories only after obtaining a full set for each "lost tale." Gold-trimmed, limited edition cards have official Stormlight artwork of the Heralds. Story Deck trading was, by far, the most popular activity outside of the main events and panels. Look in any direction and you’d be guaranteed to see at least one group of people holding cards, spreading them out on a table, or waiting in line at the “Silverlight Mercantile” card trading hub.

 
Cosplay
Imagine turning a corner and running into Vin from Mistborn in her black ball gown, arm-in-arm with Elend in his brilliant white uniform. You turn another corner, and there’s another pair of them, plus someone in full Shardplate that glows and emits puffs of smoke. 
 
If nothing else, that was DSNX: seeing fantasy characters come to life all day, every day. The dedication and creativity of the cosmere fandom is out of this world (I’m thinking of the person dressed as Urithuru), and it is such a treat to be immersed in it all for three days.
 
One of the ways the con supports and encourages cosplay—and socialization—is by scheduling meet-ups for certain categories of cosplay, like Bridge Four, Radiant/Spren, Side Characters, and even Brandon Sanderson.
 
And if you’re lucky enough to catch them (I wasn’t), Roshar hosted two Cosplay showcases, during which cosplayers can walk the stagelit runway and show off all the incredible detail they put into their costumes.
 
Wheel of Time Panel 
DSNX’s only Wheel of Time-themed panel was held on Friday evening in one of the smaller conference rooms. The panelists were Matt Hatch of Theoryland and The Dusty Wheel, Dragonmount founder and author Jason Denzel, Innkeeper Anas from The Dusty Wheel and The Light's Work, YouTube content creator and author Daniel Greene, BookTuber Jacky Ragnarova of Me, My Skirt and I, and Krishna Patel, a passionate Wheel of Time fan for the past decade.
 

 
The panel had a cozy, intimate feel as panelists shared candidly about their personal experiences reading Wheel of Time and what they believe to be Robert Jordan’s legacy. Naturally, the conversation led to a discussion of the community that has been built around the series, from its early days—when fans, according to Denzel, could only share information from Jordan’s Q&A’s either in person or by mail correspondence—to the community’s current form as a worldwide phenomenon, connected at all times via social media and content creation. 
 
Even the panel’s newest Wheel of Time fan, Krishna Patel, gets what Wheel of Time fandom is all about, concluding her thoughts by telling other new fans, “This community is waiting for you with open arms.” Another highlight of the panel: someone cosplaying as Rand running through the room, waving the Dragon banner, and bantering in-character with the panelists.
 
Mistborn Santa
One of the benefits of waiting until after Thanksgiving to hold DSNX24 is that the holiday spirit was in full swing. Not only could attendees shop for gifts among the vendors in the Exhibitor’s Hall, they also had the opportunity to have their photo taken with “Mistborn Santa.” 
 
I wasn’t really sure who or what Mistborn Santa was, but I became obsessed with finding out. When I did, it somehow made perfect sense: Santa in a festive, red velvet mistcloak, holding a giant Christmas-tree Shardblade. He even had his very own Honorguard who allowed me to snap this photo in the Exhibitor’s Hall.
 
Now that the real Santa has come and gone, I can look back and say for sure that DSNX24 was the highlight of my holiday season. I had a fantastic time, and I wish I could have spent a few more days basking in the glow of the exceptional community there. For anyone who considers themself a fan of speculative fiction, I strongly recommend adding a future DSNX to your bucket list of conventions.
 
Grace is a licensed mental health counselor who believes in the healing power of found family in fantasy novels and IRL. Also known as Bain & Chiad, Grace has been reading The Wheel of Time since 1998, when she and her high school sweetheart dressed up as Elayne and Rand for Halloween. She fell in love with present-day WoT fandom and was inducted into Far Dareis Mai in 2019. She is the writer of Maidens’ List and a cohost of The Light’s Work. 
Special thanks to April Pixie and Innkeeper Anas for Worldhopper Ball Coverage.
  • Teaser Paragraph:

    A Wheel of Time fan's rundown of DSNX24 and why it's worth making the trip to Utah to live in Brandon Sanderson's world for three days.

Grace Dareis Mai
Grace Dareis Mai

Review: The Doors of Midnight by R.R. Virdi

Rajiv Moté is Dragonmount’s book blogger with a lens on the craft of fiction writing. When he’s not directing software engineers, he writes fiction of his own, which can be found cataloged at his website.
 
“A thing is a thing, not what is said of that thing.”

This mysterious quotation from the movie Birdman claims that there is a reality that exists apart from the narratives we weave around reality. On its face, that’s obvious. But in an age when narrative shapes perception, and perception manifests reality, it’s a radical rebuttal to what some call a post-truth era, in which those who control the narrative control reality.

We need narratives. Stories are how we make sense of the world. But the more emotionally compelling the story, the less it needs to conform to the nuts-and-bolts of reality. Our beliefs are a filter that shapes our truths. There is both power and danger in that. We must remind ourselves that all stories have a teller. How far we trust a given storyteller is up to us. Stories are a kind of magic—we must be mindful of who's casting the spell.

The Doors of Midnight, just released in August 2024, is the second volume of R.R. Virdi's Tales of the Tremaine, a Silk Road epic fantasy that is all about stories and how they shape and are shaped by reality. The books follow Ari, a traveling storyteller and student of magic, across two timelines in a story-within-the-story (with many more nested stories). In the present, adult Ari is not only a storyteller, but The Storyteller, whose carefully cultivated reputation precedes him and grants him access to the wealthy and powerful. This is useful, because he’s hunting demons masquerading as the wealthy and powerful.

His path keeps crossing with a mysterious beauty called Eloine who wants nothing more in life than to listen to Ari tell her his life's story and unburden himself of his troubles. And he does! With enthusiasm! This is the inner story of Ari's adventurous youth as a student of magic, a collector of folklore, a pursuer of the demons who killed his adoptive family, a prince of thieves, a cloaked vigilante, a spy for a desert warlord, an apprentice to a mystic, an apprentice to a demigoddess—and more. 

Ari had a busy youth, but he keeps himself no less busy as an adult, playing politics, investigating nobles, searching for obscure texts, getting involved with assassination plots, and always—always—telling people his story. Ari absolutely loves telling his own story, spreading rumors about himself, and knowing that people are talking about him.
 

Ari, past and present, is an incredible narcissist. It's a trait that is integral to the theme: Ari is preoccupied with (re-)inventing himself through stories, but in doing so, may be locking away truths about himself that he must someday face. That day of reckoning never happened in the chunky previous book, The First Binding, nor did it happen in the likewise hefty The Doors of Midnight.

For me, it became tiresome. This could be a coming-of-age story, but Ari never really matures out of his self-absorption. This could be a self-discovery story, but the lessons of Ari's myriad adventures seem short-lived. This could be a quest for vengeance, but Ari never seems to get any closer. Not yet, anyway. Maybe in the next volume. So what kind of story is it?

The Doors of Midnight, like its predecessor, ends up being a collection of adventure tales, loosely strung together. This, too, is no accident. R.R. Virdi is a scholar of folk tales and how they morph and merge as they travel. Characters and events conflate, fragment, or get repurposed. They become canon here, apocrypha there. Ari, The Storyteller, is crafting a legend about himself. 

Tales of the Tremaine is a quilt of episodic patches with an organizing theme and a potential reckoning on the distant horizon. Unfortunately, the question also arises: how much longer will we care? The story references Scheherazade and her narrative tease of stretching out her story for a thousand-and-one nights, but The Doors of Midnight is unfortunately less capable of keeping us breathless for what happens next. Though there are some scenes of beauty and wit, for me, it was often a slog to get through the weighty tomes of this saga.

Part of my problem is that, despite having the lofty title of The Storyteller, Ari isn't a storyteller that trusts his audience to get the point. He will present a lovely image, heavy with implication, and then spend the next paragraph or more explicating it.
 

Ari can't leave anything unspoken. He needs to narrate, pontificate, repeat himself, expound on meaning, and offer his wise insights—but they aren't all that deep. The adult Ari, who is ultimately the narrator of both past and present timelines, still reads like a young person sounding out his own thoughts and treating them with a self-important gravitas that an older reader might find unwarranted and tedious. It is, unfortunately, the prevailing style of the narration.

By contrast, the best parts of the book are when Ari learns that other characters (usually women) have internal lives, his assumptions about them have missed the mark, and their stories are perhaps more interesting than his own. These breaks from narcissism into humility make Ari sympathetic and human—for as long as they last. Ari learning to listen is actually a plot point, though it's unevenly applied. Sadly, these lessons occur in the narrated past, and Ari-the-narrator shows no signs of having grown from them.

The magic in this saga is compelling and gets right to the heart of the thematic intersection of reality and stories. Imagine a multiverse where anything is possible within the logic of a story. Practitioners of the magic in this world envision their version of the story and bind it to reality. They impose their narrative on the world. It's an amazing metaphor, which hasn't yet been used to its full effect, but there are hints that this is coming. 

Stories can be used not only to create a reality, but to hide one, and this story drops hints that the key to Ari defeating his demonic enemies (and discovering his own birthright power) is in discovering the truth hidden behind the stories—or perhaps discovering the true story beyond what others have imposed onto reality. Fans of metafiction like me are champing at the bit to see the promise of this idea realized. This book tells us R.R. Virdi is still making the promise, but we don't see it fulfilled just yet.

There are enough similarities between Virdi's Tales of the Tremaine and Patrick Rothfuss’s The Kingkiller Chronicles that one could wonder if Virdi's saga is a viable replacement for the Rothfuss story that may never be completed. Beside the myriad details that map directly to one another, both are ultimately tales that the narrator is telling about himself that call for a healthy dose of skepticism by the reader. Alas, while the elements of the two series have a lot of overlap, Virdi's approach to storytelling doesn’t scratch the same itch. With Rothfuss, there is enough of a difference between youthful and adult Kvothe that it sparks a mystery around the unreliable narration and the character’s Mary Sue-ness. With Virdi, I feel like I’m granting Ari the benefit of the doubt, and hoping for a payoff. The difference is the strength of the through-line, which in Rothfuss seems to build, but in Virdi, feels deliberately diffuse, like a collection of folk tales. I admire the cultural anthropology of Virdi’s approach, but I’m more drawn into the narrative momentum of Rothfuss’s story.

I’d have enjoyed The Doors of Midnight more if only Ari’s storytelling lived up to his self-appointed title as The Storyteller.

 
  • Teaser Paragraph:

    R.R. Virdi’s The Doors of Midnight continues the saga of Ari, The Storyteller, who may be telling us the true story of his pursuit of the demonic murderers of his family, or may just be weaving together legends heard along the Golden Road. But in this second volume of Tales of the Tremaine, the truth feels no closer.

MahaRaj
MahaRaj

Season 3 Cast Announcement: Queen Morgase, Lord Gawyn, Lord Galad, Lord Gaebril

CORRECTIONS MADE TO THE BELOW ARTICLE, PER CORRECTED UPDATE FROM AMAZON
LUKE FETHERSTON IS GAWYN
CALLUM KERR IS GALAD
 
 
Just last week, we were treated on WoT Wednesday with a casting announcement from Prime Video’s The Wheel of Time which revealed that Emmy Award-winning and Academy Award-nominated actress Shohreh Aghdashloo will join Season 3 as Elaida do Avriny a’Roihan, Aes Sedai of the Red Ajah. This was met with great excitement from Shohreh and fans alike on social media, with Shohreh poking fun at this being a poorly kept secret at best.
 
The excitement continues this WoT Wednesday, as the Royal Court of Andor is finally revealed:
 
Award Winning Actress Olivia Williams is Morgase Trakand, Queen of Andor
Luke Fetherston is ‘Lord Gawyn’*, First Prince of House Trakand
Callum Kerr is ‘Lord Galad’*, of House Trakand
Nuno Lopes is ‘Lord Gaebril’, consort and advisor to Queen Morgase

 
Olivia Williams 
 

 
Olivia Williams has an impressive resume across film, television, and theatre, well known for roles such as ‘Anna Crowe’ in M. Night Shyamalan’s The Sixth Sense and as ‘Rosemary Cross’ in Wes Anderson’s Rushmore. 
 
Her wealth of experience should be a major boon in portraying Morgase Trakand, a queen who did not inherit her throne, but instead won it through a brutal succession war against a half-dozen noble rivals. She leads the nation of Andor benevolently, hoping her daughter-heir Elayne (Ceara Coveney) can one day inherit her throne peacefully.
 
Callum Kerr
 

 
Callum Kerr first debuted as a regular on Channel 4’s Hollyoaks, filming 70 episodes during his time there. After moving to the US in 2021, he had roles in Hulu/Fox’s Monarch, and Lifetime’s Flowers in the Attic. Kerr will also soon appear in the second season of One Piece and season six of Virgin River, both on Netflix.
 
It was widely theorized amongst fans that Kerr would actually be cast as Galad, so news that he will actually be portraying Gawyn Trakand may come as a surprise to many! And it may even be regarded as a welcome surprise, to be sure!
We look forward to your Gawyn!
 
Update: We learned that the speculation was in fact correct, and that Kerr will indeed be playing Galad.
Another surprise to be sure, time will see if it is a welcome one.
 
 
Luke Fetherston
 

 
Luke Fetherston has found success on stage and screen, and expects to have an exciting 2025 with Season 3 premiering March 13, 2025, as well as starring opposite Simone Ashley and Hero Fiennes-Tiffin in the forthcoming Prime Video romantic comedy Picture This.
 
And, yes, it is he who will portray Galad, the quite skilled swordsman who also happens to look like a male model. While Gawyn and Galad are so often compared, they share a mind on one thing: protect Elayne Trakand at all costs. It should be exciting to see how these two fare on the warder training grounds.
 
Update: As stated above, Luke will instead be portraying Gawyn.
 
Nuno Lopes
 

 
Nuno Lopes was found success and renown for his chameleon-like ability to change across a wide range of characters, his initial breakthrough coming from his role in the film Alice, and his other award-winning performances including Blood of My Blood, and Lines of Wellington. 
 
A skillset that Lopes can hopefully use to bring Lord Gaebril to life on screen. Any lover and advisor to a queen as savvy as Morgase is going to need to strike a fine balance of being politically capable in his own right, without forgetting that Andor will only ever have a Queen, never a King.


 
The Wheel of Time Season 3 premieres March 13th 2025, on Prime Video.

  • Teaser Paragraph:

    Casting has been officially announced for the Royal Court of Andor:

    Olivia Williams is Morgase Trakand, Queen of Andor.

    Luke Fetherston is ‘Lord Gawyn’, First Prince of House Trakand.

    Callum Kerr is ‘Lord Galad’, of House Trakand.

    Nuno Lopes is ‘Lord Gaebril’, consort and advisor to Queen Morgase

     

    The Wheel of Time Season 3 premieres March 13th 2025, on Prime Video.

     

    Updated 11:00 AM EST 12/18/2024: Swapped Gawyn & Galad actors after press release correction issued

     

Kevin Angus
Kevin Angus

Season Three Teaser and Release Date

Dragonmount, near Tar Valon—Good things come (with the dawn!) to those who wait, and this week we have been treated to some long-awaited information about the upcoming third season of the Wheel of Time on Prime Video. First, like a banner rising above the fog of war, we got a season three poster. Fans, like those of us here at Dragonmount, immediately jumped on the image of Rand (Josha Stradowski) carrying a battered Moiraine (Rosamund Pike) through a barren and spear-studded landscape—are those dragons coiling around Rand’s forearms? Are his footsteps keeping pace with the sunrise, AKA the DAWN? And, as the image strongly implies a visit to Rhuidean in the Three-fold Land, what aspects of The Shadow Rising will we get to experience in the third season? Most importantly, WHEN are we going to see season three on our screens?
 
We did not have long to wait for the answer to the most important of these questions. Saturday, at CCXP in São Paulo, Brazil, showrunner Rafe Judkins, along with Stradowski and Madeleine Madden (Egwene), participated in a panel discussion where they revealed that season 3 of the Wheel of Time will premiere on March 13, 2025. That is fewer than 100 days from now! Set your countdowns! Tell your friends!
 
Even more exciting, although it doesn’t answer questions so much as pose a thousand new ones, the CCXP panel included the unveiling of our first teaser trailer for season three. The teaser reveals a world of heightened stakes: Moiraine confronts the incredible challenges of her mission to guide and protect the Dragon Reborn; Ishamael may be defeated, but the remaining Forsaken plot and scheme; the Black Ajah are ascendent; and the dark taint on Rand’s corrupted power continues to grow. Failure is not an option, for any of our heroes.
 
To throw a spanner into the works of would-be detectives, we have good reason to believe that at least part of what we see in the teaser represents visions that Moiraine, and possibly others, experience. Most likely, these are related to their visits to Rhuidean, but they could also reflect journeys by portal stone or the test to become Accepted of the White Tower. This means that just because we saw something happen, doesn’t mean that it actually has happened in this turning of the Wheel…
 
The Wheel of Time stars Rosamund Pike (Saltburn, Gone Girl) as Moiraine Damodred, Daniel Henney (Criminal Minds) as al’Lan Mandragoran, Josha Stradowski (Gran Turismo) as Rand al’Thor, Zoë Robins (Power Rangers Ninja Steel) as Nynaeve al'Meara, Madeleine Madden (Dora and the Lost City of Gold) as Egwene al'Vere, Marcus Rutherford (Obey) as Perrin Aybara, Dónal Finn (Rogue Heroes) as Mat Cauthon, Ceara Coveney (Young Wallander) as Elayne Trakand, Kate Fleetwood (Harlots) as Leandrin Guirale, Natasha O’Keeffe (Peaky Blinders) as Lanfear, Ayoola Smart (Killing Eve) as Aviendha, and Kae Alexander (Game of Thrones) as Min Farshaw.
 
The Wheel of Time was adapted for television by executive producer and showrunner Rafe Judkins (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Hemlock Grove). Rick Selvage and Larry Mondragon of iwot productions (Winter Dragon), Ted Field of Radar Pictures (Jumanji: The Next Level, Winter Dragon), Mike Weber (Jumanji: The Next Level, Beirut), Marigo Kehoe (Outlander, The Crown), Ciaran Donnelly (Kin), Justine Juel Gillmer (The Survivor, Halo), Dave Hill (Game of Thrones) and Rosamund Pike (Saltburn, Gone Girl) also serve as executive producers. The Wheel of Time is co-produced by Sony Pictures Television and Amazon MGM Studios.
 
All episodes of the first two seasons of The Wheel of Time are now available on Prime Video. 
 
  • Teaser Paragraph:

    Rafe revealed that the third season will premier on March 13, 2025 during a panel discussion with Josha Stradowski and Madeleine Madden at CCXP. They also shared the first teaser trailer of the third season.

Michael_
Michael_

Yes, He Sticks the Landing: A Spoiler Free Review of Wind and Truth

It isn’t hard to see the similarities between Brandon Sanderson’s cosmere and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Sanderson himself has expressed his intention to create a world as expansive and influential as Stan Lee did with Marvel. And by all measures, including the explosive growth of his business, he is on his way to succeeding.
 
Both IPs have drawn in millions of fans from all corners of the globe. Both feature increasingly intertwined worldbuilding across multiple settings, planets, and timelines. Both release content at an insane rate, with Sanderson “accidentally” writing 4 books during COVID and Marvel releasing so much content in 2025 they need a trailer for it. 
 
Readers echo this comparison as they talk about their hopes for an “Avengers: Endgame level” conclusion in Wind and Truth, the much anticipated fifth and final book in Part I of Sanderson’s Stormlight Archive.  
 
But Sanderson has been clear that it isn’t Endgame and warned fans to check their expectations, because they will be left with “big questions” and unfinished storylines. Perhaps MCU fans can consider Wind and Truth something more along the lines of Infinity War than Endgame. Wheel of Time fans might say it isn’t the ending, but an ending.
 
Worried cosmere fans can be reassured: Sanderson sticks the landing. Wind and Truth provides the perfect blend of explosive action and closure, while setting up the second half of the series. 
 
The story picks up right where the previous book, Rhythm of War, left off—with the people of Roshar preparing themselves for a contest of champions between Odium and Dalinar Kholin to determine the future of the planet. 
 
Wind and Truth covers the 10 days prior to the contest, one day at a time, from morning to night—a unique narrative choice that will keep readers in suspense and flying through the book's 1,344 pages. The “Sanderlanche”—a cascading series of action scenes, big reveals, character growth, and catharsis—comes later than expected (about halfway through Day 10), but in a way, the entire book is the Sanderlanche of the series.
 
Readers are treated to flashbacks that provide insight into the past and fill in the blanks of lore that has been referenced since The Way of Kings. Characters level up and use their powers in new and creative ways. Fight scenes are riveting, dynamic, and surprising throughout. There’s also some great throwbacks to oft-quoted, fan-favorite moments from the previous four books.
 
Plotlines divide the main characters into five groups, all trying to save the planet in their own way: Dalinar and Navani searching for answers on how to win against Odium; Venli and the singers finding their place on the Shattered Plains; Adolin leading troops into battle; Szeth and Kaladin chasing a Herald in Shinovar; and Shallan, Rlain, and Renarin going after the Ghostbloods. 
 
All five storylines are riveting, but Adolin’s was the surprise standout that will have him becoming many readers’ favorite character (if he wasn’t already). And you can take Brandon’s word for it, too—during the Wind and Truth Release Party at DSNX, he was asked to share his favorite scene or chapter to write. His answer: a sequence involving “a certain Kholin son who knows his way around a sword.”
 
Wind and Truth also shines in its themes—the virtues of hope and trust, promises and oaths, and the strength one can wield only after being broken. And, powerfully presented by the requisite flashback scenes (Szeth’s, in this case) and woven effortlessly throughout: the illusion of a fixed right and wrong and the importance of trusting one’s own judgment.
 
But that trust doesn't come easily, as characters grapple with betrayal by their own minds; so readers can expect Wind and Truth to continue and build upon its depiction of mental health challenges within the main characters. By the end of Book 4, most of the characters have overcome some of their darkest moments. Wind and Truth sees them using what they’ve learned to either fight the demons that remain or help others fight theirs. 
 
The series finale does have a sprinkling of weaknesses that only stand out because the rest of the story is so strong. For example, the mental health themes sometimes come across as heavy-handed or out of place, like when characters stop abruptly in the middle of a fight scene and try to use therapy to win over their opponent.
 
The other problems won’t surprise most Sanderson fans who are familiar with his quirks—dorky puns, cheesy humor (there’s a poop talk within the first 35 pages), and characters using modern slang that risks pulling readers out of the story.
 
But the quirks are minor, and Sanderson’s more subtle humor always lands (all birds on Roshar being called “chicken” will never not be funny). Sanderson does cute pretty well, too—some familiar spren make charming appearances, and there’s a new character that is destined to inspire the newest cosmere plushie.
 
So what if you’re not a plushie-buying, leatherbound-collecting, Investiture-studying, Easter-egg-hunting, hardcore cosmere fan? Do you need to become one to enjoy Wind and Truth? 
 
Yes and no. Wind and Truth forges connections within the universe more comprehensively than any other cosmere book has thus far—full of familiar names, missing pieces of lore, and crossover characters and magic systems from other worlds. The result is deeply satisfying and just pure fun for readers who can draw those connections.
 
Being a more hardcore fan provides the opportunity to experience all the squeals of joy and Leonardo-Dicaprio-pointing-gif moments while witnessing a massive integration of multiple cosmere books—in particular, Mistborn Era 1 and 2 (including Secret History), Warbreaker, Elantris, Arcanum Unbound, and Sanderson’s 2023 Secret Projects. 
 
It isn’t that prior knowledge of these books is necessary to understand what’s happening; it’s more like a missed opportunity for maximum impact. Like not getting the fireworks when you beat a Super Mario Brothers level, or not collecting all the armor upgrades in the Legend of Zelda before beating Ganon. You still win, and winning is awesome—you just don’t get all the bells and whistles.
 
Less hardcore fans, or those who have only read The Stormlight Archive, will still love Wind and Truth. It's full of surprises, exciting new uses of the magic system, and BIG moments for the main characters. It is exactly as a series finale should be—tying together loose ends, rounding out character arcs, delivering on the promises of foreshadowing, and bringing the first act of The Stormlight Archive to what Aristotle would approve of as the quintessential “unexpected but inevitable” conclusion.
 
Buy Wind and Truth direct from the Dragonmount ebook store here!
 
Accolades (soft spoilers)
Overall MVP: Adolin 
Coolest use of Stormlight: Shallan
Best fight scene: Szeth
Most tearjerking moment(s): Kaladin
Most changed since Book 1: Renarin 
Needed more screen time: Lift, Jasnah
Best side character arc: Yawnagawn
The POV upgrade you didn't know you needed: Sigzil
Best Worldhopper cameo: Thaidakar (wink-wink)
Best villain (ever?): Taravangian
 
Grace is a licensed mental health counselor who believes in the healing power of found family in fantasy novels and IRL. Also known as Bain & Chiad, Grace has been reading The Wheel of Time since 1998, when she and her high school sweetheart dressed up as Elayne and Rand for Halloween. She fell in love with present-day WoT fandom and was inducted into Far Dareis Mai in 2019. She is the writer of Maidens’ List and a cohost of The Light’s Work.
  • Teaser Paragraph:

    Brandon Sanderson’s Wind and Truth is an epic conclusion to Part I of The Stormlight Archive that will delight hardcore cosmere fans. New and casual readers will enjoy the ending but won’t experience the full impact of the connections drawn between other cosmere books. 

Grace Dareis Mai
Grace Dareis Mai

Dragonmount's Ultimate Wheel of Time Shopping Guide: 2024 Edition

Let’s start with the essentials. Looking to share the magic of The Wheel of Time with someone new? Start them on their journey with a copy of The Eye of the World—check your local bookstore. Tickets for community events like JordanCon, WoTCon, and MalkieriCon also make wonderful gifts. Don’t forget about supporting your special someone’s favorite creators! A Patreon membership is a thoughtful way to give them access to exclusive content and help sustain the creators who keep the fandom thriving.
 
Dragonmount has some great merch for you too! Our store is bursting with goodies to show off your WoT pride. 
Speaking of pride- are you bonded and proud? Show off your bonded status with a t-shirt featuring your favorite color & pronoun option! $28 each.

 
 
 
Looking for jewelry? These officially licensed items from Badali Jewelry should do the trick. They're currently on sale in our shop! Perfect time to grab your Aes Sedai ring- it's on sale for $79. The Ajah bracelet, which is typically $259 is on sale for $199. You can score Moiraine's Kesiera earrings for $34!
 
 
 

 
We've got Dragonmount swag too! This large tote bag is perfect to carry around the project your working on with your Knitting Circle, or some of those new books you just added to your TBR pile. Pick up the We Are All the Heroes Notebook to jot down your thoughts and have a daily reminder that you are awesome!!
 
 
 
 
 
 
Many of the content creators within our community have merch available as well! Visit your fav creator's site for their links. We've highlighted some of this year's favs for you here:
 
 

 
 
Malkier Talks has released a new Snacc Warders of Time Calendar for 2025! We know next year's calendar will be as great at this year's was!
 
The webstore also has swag for both Malkier Talks and Three Fold Talk.. and even some con merch! 
 
If you missed out on the Soundscapes Kickstarter, it's available on the Soundscapes website here. Perfect accompaniment for your re-read!
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
Looking for more T-Shirts? tWoTcast has you covered. They've got tWoTcast designs, and they even have a tWoT Quest design. We are LOVING the Wotionary designs, though! If you (or the person you're shopping for) are Wotionary fans, you need to check these out. 
 
 
 
 
 
 

If you're looking for more festive merch, head over to KritterXD's shop. She's got some great WoT inspired Ugly Christmas Sweater designs, and since it's Redbubble- you can get them on all sorts of products! 
 
This Winternight Wonderland sweater is one of our favs. A Winespring Inn Gingerbread house- are you kidding me? 
 
 
 
 
 

If you're not aware of NewCreationsbyJen, you need to get yourself over there right now because it's basically a treasure trove of fandom merch. 
 
While you're shopping for your fam, get yourself the next Frosty Mug for your collection. Or do you collect shot glasses? Pick up Black Tower Podcasts' Taste the Taint shot glass.
 
Maybe your sister could use some fancy new coasters for when she sips tea with the Tinkers. Does your brother have a baby? Get it some baby swag! 
 
Surely you've seen editions of the Weekly Wheel News floating around. Those ads are not just for show! There are all kinds of fun designs in here for t-shirts, stickers and more. You can even get Rob's gorgeous WoT map on an insulated bottle so you can gaze at it all day. 
 
There you have it! Go shopping, hit those sales, drops some hints to your loved ones, and definitely pick up something for yourself. 
 
 
  • Teaser Paragraph:

     

    Looking for the perfect gifts for the Wheel of Time fan in your life? Or, let’s be honest, yourself? We’ve got you covered with some amazing WoT-inspired treasures.

Erin D.
Erin D.

Book Review: The City in Glass by Nghi Vo

The City in Glass begins with three vengeful angels razing the city of Azril to the ground in fire and fury. Our protagonist—a demon named Vitrine who has spent generations of human lives creating the city by influencing and inspiring its people—dies along with the citizens of Azril. But demons are not welcome in the afterlife, and Vitrine returns to pick up the pieces of herself and her shattered city.
 
This dreamlike book follows Vitrine as she starts over, rebuilding her Azril piece by piece and person by person. The narrative jumps back and forth between the original Azril and the new Azril, and we get to see Vitrine realize that, although she can use the infinite time afforded to an immortal to grow a city from the ruins of the old, it will never be the original city. Some things are lost forever.
 
Grief and resilience are major themes in this book. Of course, the perspective of an immortal demon guiding a city into existence over a millennium may not be relatable to most of us. But the emotion of stark loss is, and Vo’s writing brings this mercilessly home. Vitrine, reeling, takes stock of her ruined works and wonders how the world can keep going on as if nothing has changed:
"The sky is still blue," Vitrine thought, looking up. "I am not sure that the sky should still be allowed to be blue."
 
The prose is stunning throughout this book: beautiful and raw and honest. Many of us have experienced grief in the form of the loss of a loved one, through death or separation. Although Vitrine’s loss is of a city and its history and people, it is also the loss of the time spent developing and cherishing that city. The realization that all she has left of it are memories, and that there is no future to dream of with those people, is the same crushing realization that brings the raw grief in all of us.
 
Despite the impression that you may have at this point, this is not a book that will make you sad! I loved reading this book, and Vo’s biblical “and it was so” way of describing this fantasy world of demons and angels. As Vitrine sets about developing a new city, I was reminded of the mechanics of a civilization-building strategy game. She influences the course of history by encouraging this person to study astronomy, and that person to study commerce. She selects those people who show initiative and guides them into positions of power. She teaches her people to dance, and to read, and to have ambitions and goals. With a few exceptions though, Vitrine is not attached to the people. She is immortal and they are brief, and her project and passion is the city itself.
 
I could not put this book down and I highly recommend it.
  • Teaser Paragraph:

    A beautiful and dreamlike story about a city, a demon, and an angel.

Michael_
Michael_

The Citadel Hosts Legendary Virtual Auction of Rare Wheel of Time Books from Robert Jordan's Personal Collection: Proceeds to Support Tuition Assistance Program

The Citadel College in Charleston, South Carolina—yes, the very place that helped shape the legendary Robert Jordan (aka James Oliver Rigney Jr.)—is hosting a virtual auction for the Ages. Imagine this: rare, one-of-a-kind editions of The Wheel of Time books straight from Robert Jordan's personal collection are up for grabs. This means fans can bid on items like advanced reader copies, uncorrected, rare, impossible-to-find leather bound editions, and much much more!
 
It’s like we’ve stumbled upon a treasure trove within a stasis box! If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a piece of the series that shaped so many lives, and even some other authors’ first forays into writing (“some other authors” like Brandon Sanderson or Michael Livingston), this is the moment to channel your inner ta’veren luck, listen to those dice, and dive into the bidding war of a lifetime! 
 
And, even better, it’s all for a good cause. Much of the proceeds from the sale of the items will go to supporting underprivileged youth in securing tuition assistance to attend the Citadel itself!
 
The Legacy of Robert Jordan at The Citadel
 
For those unfamiliar with the connection between The Citadel and The Wheel of Time, it’s important to know that Jordan was an alumnus of the school. His time there helped shape the discipline, precision, and depth of thought that is so evident throughout his sprawling fantasy epic. For years, The Citadel has been an unofficial guardian of his legacy, and the college’s archives are home to an extensive collection of his manuscripts, letters, personal items, and notes. Now, The Citadel is giving us, the fans, a chance to own a part of that legacy.
 
A Collector’s Dream: The Auction Details
 
This virtual auction feels like something pulled from the Age of Legends. The collection includes first editions, signed copies, and even some personal, annotated volumes that Jordan himself held in his hands. For any Wheel of Time aficionado, this is more than just an auction—it’s a pilgrimage.
 
For example, fans can bid on a copy of The Shadow Rising, the book in which The Wheel of Time began to broaden in scope, with the introduction of the Aiel and deeper dives into the history of the Forsaken. To hold Jordan’s own copy of this book is to be in touch with the Creator’s process. It’s not just a physical object—it’s a thread from the Pattern itself.
 
More Than Just Books
 
In addition to signed leatherbounds, auction-goers can bid on advance reader copies, uncorrected proofs, New Spring graphic novels, exclusive editions, paperbacks, foreign language editions, and even the personal desk and bookcase from Jordan’s home. These are the kind of treasures that we, as fans of the series, would be honored to display in our homes—items that speak to the depth and care that went into creating one of the greatest fantasy worlds ever written.
 
Picture this: you bid on and win a signed edition of A Crown of Swords. It arrives on your doorstep in all its hardcover glory. You carefully turn the pages, knowing that the man who brought Rand al’Thor, Egwene al’Vere, and Mat Cauthon to life touched these very pages. There’s magic in that.
 
How to Participate
 
The auction will be hosted online and in person by Embassy Auction International in cooperation with the Citadel College on Thursday, September 26. Online bidding starts at 10am ET, but the items are already listed here, along with information about the location of the in-person auction.
 
If you have a way to make it to the auction in person, you can peruse the items during the two days prior to the auction and maybe connect with some other Wheel of Time fans there (#AuctionCon, anyone?). But since most of us can’t make it to Kinzers, Pennsylvania, the virtual option will make the auction accessible to Wheel of Time fans across the globe.
 
As you step through your sword forms and the bidding wars unfold, fans from all over the world will be united in their shared love for this series. It’s as if the White Tower, the Seanchan, and the Dragon’s armies are coming together not for battle, but for a celebration of Robert Jordan’s legacy.
 
So, prepare your wallets, fellow Wheel of Time lovers. The Citadel is offering us a chance to be stewards of these rare and precious artifacts. May the Light shine upon your bids, and may the Creator guide the auctioneers’ hammers as they bring these books to new homes.
 
And remember, like the weaves of the Pattern, this opportunity may never come again.
  • Teaser Paragraph:

    Fellow Wheel of Time fans, hold onto your shawls and raise your Warder bonds, because something absolutely epic is happening!

Thom DeSimone
Thom DeSimone

Exciting New Soundscapes Project Celebrates the Wheel of Time Community

When I think about what makes our Wheel of Time (WoT) community "statistically the best," people like Jordan Rannells come to mind.
 
Having been a part of the WoT community for over 20 years, I've witnessed first-hand the incredible creations born from the joy and love we all share for the world that James Oliver Rigney, better known as Robert Jordan, has given us.
 
Our community's creativity knows no bounds. From fun ribbons, games, ajah-colored bracelets, stickers, tiny knitted horns hidden around conventions, to fan websites that have been running for nearly three decades, we thrive on our love for WoT, despite the scarcity of official merchandise (looking at you, Sony & Amazon). The lack of merchandise has only driven us to be more inventive!
 
This brings us to the latest exciting new beginning: the 'Soundscapes' created by Jordan Rannells. After his successful project for Lord of the Rings, he initially thought he wouldn't have the time or energy for another. Thankfully, he was wrong. We are now on the brink of experiencing this incredible new addition to The Wheel of Time literary universe. Don’t just take my word for it- Michael Kramer & Kate Reading, our beloved audiobook narrators, are all about it!

Jordan Rannell's passion project features professional voice acting and original scores, immersing listeners in the WoT story in an unprecedented way. I've had the privilege of listening to several samples at various stages of completion, along with those available online, and they are simply astounding. Imagine the rhythmic sound of hammers ringing against steel, lightning sizzling into Shadowspawn, or tanning on the beaches of Tanchico alongside the crashes waves- all while our favorite narrators breathe life into the pages, bringing the weaves of The Wheel of Time to life in a captivating new way.
 
Now, to the point! This Kickstarter project is not yet fully funded and needs our support. Even a donation of $1 can make a significant impact if enough of us contribute, and there are plenty of us. Let’s show our love for passionate creators like Jordan and help fund this amazing project!
 
The most exciting aspect of these Kickstarter rewards is that not only can you enjoy immersive soundscapes to accompany your audiobooks, but Jordan is also providing unique opportunities to actively participate in bringing this world to life. YOU can help decide what saidin sounds like or even lend your voice to one of the countless creatures and characters that populate these lands. This level of involvement offers a rare chance to influence and be a part of the rich, dynamic universe you love.
Anyone who backs the project or increases their pledge between the posting of this article and August 11th, 2024, will have a chance to win numerous fabulous prizes submitted by Dragonmount, along with a Grand Prize from Jordan Rannells himself!
Prizes will be announced Monday, August 5th during Dragonmount’s weekly Live #reWoTch stream. The drawing will take place the following Monday, August 12th, also during #reWoTch.
 
Let’s gooo, #TwitterofTime, and best of luck to all who contribute! The Wheel weaves as the Wheel wills!
 
  • Teaser Paragraph:

    We are now on the brink of experiencing this incredible new addition to The Wheel of Time literary universe. Don’t just take my word for it- Michael Kramer & Kate Reading, our beloved audiobook narrators, tweeted all about it!

    Jordan Rannell's passion project features professional voice acting and original scores, immersing listeners in the WoT story in an unprecedented way. I've had the privilege of listening to several samples at various stages of completion, along with those available online, and they are simply astounding.

Thom DeSimone
Thom DeSimone

WoTCon 2024 Recap

WoTCon 2024 kicked off with a bang headed by the Master of Ceremonies, Matt Hatch from The Dusty Wheel, and WoTCon’s Operations Director, Nae’blis. Opening Ceremonies featured the esteemed Guy Roberts as this year’s Guest of Honor.

 
With a stellar lineup, including Michael Livingston, Maria Simons, and the talented audiobook duo Michael Kramer and Kate Redding, the stage was set for a remarkable gathering.
 

 
Throughout the event, the blend of serious discussion, creative exploration, and WoT knowledge created an atmosphere that was inviting and fun.
 
The convention was structured into panel sessions, which were categorized into tracks like Main, TV Show, Games & Fun, Book, and Creative. The track names are a bit clunky, but I appreciated the clarity. Each session was rated for spoilers, ensuring all participants could enjoy without fear of unexpected reveals, a thoughtful touch that highlighted the organizers' commitment to inclusivity for all fans.


 
Panels at WoTCon were a core highlight, offering a variety of topics ranging from in-depth character analyses to speculative discussions about the series’ future. The panels offered a chance to delve deeper into the aspects of The Wheel of Time and encouraged active participation from the audience, making discussions a dynamic exchange. The printed program clearly described each panel, ensuring that attendees could easily follow their interests and engage fully with the content most relevant to them. 
 
One of the most anticipated sessions was the Season 3 Speculation & Adaptation panel, where fans shared their hopes and concerns for the upcoming television adaptation.


Another fan-favorite was the WoT Ones panel- a Wheel of Timey twist on the viral Hot Ones spicy wing-eating game show. Speaking of favorites and spice- the relationSHIP panel explored potential romantic pairings within the series, allowing attendees to flex their looney theories in a spicy new way.

The WoT IRL- Heroes of the Horn panelists speculated which real-life figures might be tied to the Wheel as Heroes, encouraging interesting discussions.


 


 
The WoT Fantasy Draft turned character analysis into an engaging sport, where participants chose characters as if picking a fantasy sports team, leading to lively debates and strategic thinking. 
 
Guests imparted their wisdom with Michael Livingston providing his expert analysis of the Last Battle and content creators providing valuable advice in the Content Creation & How to Do It panel. These were just some highlights, there were plenty more- you can find the full schedule on their website.


 
Panels aren’t the only thing on the program for WoTCon. The con’s nightlife was definitely kicking!  Friday night's featured a special dinner for content creators, guests and those who purchased the all-inclusive event ticket. The giant sing-along and all the games in the atrium set the tone for a weekend of celebration and connection. 


 
Throughout the weekend, cosplayers showcased their incredible talents, culminating in a vibrant cosplay parade on Saturday.

 
I saw Bear Elayne and also watched Shael give birth right on stage! Visit our WoTCon 2024 Photo Gallery to see more costumes in action. 














 

 
The banquet (this time for everyone) on Saturday evening was a highlight, with Matt and Nae'blis providing entertainment by reading anonymous notes from attendees that ranged from heartfelt thanks to delightfully cringy WoT-themed dad jokes and even a donation challenge. We were also treated to Kate Redding & Michael Kramer's reading of "The Grave is No Bar to My Call" from The Great Hunt. It was easy to see the experience was deeply appreciated by all who attended.


 
Post-dinner, the room transformed into a lively dance party (with a bar!) that lasted all night. We danced so much, we would have made the Tinkers proud. For those less inclined to dance, the atrium hosted a Trivia game and plenty of people to chat with, ensuring there was something for everyone.


 
It wouldn’t be a Wheel of Time convention without badge ribbons and shenanigans. There were badge ribbons (and stickers!) aplenty. Maria was giving out star stickers, which is so appropriate since she is an absolute star. Creator Salts designed some adorable stickers- a sister of each Ajah, Rand, Matt, Perrin, Valda, some other guys and the cutest Mydraal you've ever seen. Callie handed out amazing Ajah-colored bracelets that everyone rocked all weekend.



 
 

Koala Sedai presented a giant-sized Uno card from her Cards of Time game to Guy Roberts, but not before she got all the backers of her Kickstarter to sign it!





 

The Black Tower held a pinning ceremony where they raised members to Dedicated and Asha’man, including Penny "The Cake Lady" Laspina & Guy Roberts! 





 
 

Roofmistress Leigh-a presided over a ceremony where two Internet besties meeting in person for the first time became first sisters! 








 
The con closed with an improv session that perfectly displayed the spirit of community and fun among our fandom. 


This was a gathering of friends, both old and new, united by their love for The Wheel of Time.
 
As the convention wrapped up, the sense of community lingered. Plans were already being made for next year, with many—including myself—planning to arrive a day early to partake in the pre-con fun. WoTCon was a vibrant celebration of The Wheel of Time, its fans, and the bonds that tie us together.

 
I left Columbus with a heart full of memories and a renewed excitement for the series we all hold dear. WoTCon 2024 was an absolute blast, and I can’t wait to see what next year holds!


 
I’m going to leave you with my favorite photo of the weekend. Sparkles, bubbles, coffee, Maria, Michael, rubber ducks, cocktails, cameras, and smiles all around. It sums us right up!


  • Teaser Paragraph:

    This year I had the delightful opportunity to attend WoTCon for the first time, from July 12th to 14th at the Marriott Columbus Northwest in Columbus, Ohio. It was a weekend packed with excitement, creativity, and camaraderie, making it an unforgettable experience for both newcomers and seasoned fans. Cosplay group photo

Erin D.
Erin D.

Book Review: A Pirate's Life for Tea

While the first book by Rebecca Thorne shared a certain amount of DNA with Travis Baldree’s cozy fantasy Legends & Lattes, this one takes Reyna and Kianthe’s story deeper into uncharted waters.
 
As we discovered last time, Reyna is a former guard to a murderous queen, and Kianthe is the most powerful mage around, but they have both made a quiet life together in the village of Tawney, running a tea shop. There is the small matter of some missing dragon eggs they need to locate before said dragons decide to turn the whole place to ash, plus the continuing threat of Queen Tilaine, but other than that life is good, if perhaps a little too quiet.
 
A year on, and the search for the eggs has taken our couple far west to Shepara, the home of the Nacean river. They have come to see the lord of the area, Diarn Arlon, who says he will happily help them in their quest, with one small condition—first they have to deal with an annoying pirate problem for him. That problem mainly takes the form of Serina, a Robin Hood-esque pirate who is stealing grain from Diarn Arlon to feed the poor along the length of the river. She is being pursued by Bobbie, who (in a clear case of nominative determinism) is the constable charged with bringing her to justice. Did I mention the two of them used to be friends, and perhaps, something more? And who is the Dastardly Pirate Dreggs?
 
The generally light-hearted tone of the first story continues here. Bobbie crochets small animals when stressed, and is clearly under a lot of pressure by the number of these that litter the place. Reyna is helping to raise a chaotic baby griffin, and Kianthe’s puns remain truly under-appreciated. All in all, it’s an enjoyable romp and I was glad to spend more time with the existing characters, and meet the new ones. I look forward to reading the next book soon.
 
Also, a tip of the hat to any fantasy book that makes such a blatant Mass Effect reference that I laughed out loud.
 
Both books are highly recommended, thanks to Tor for the review copy.
James Thomson
James Thomson

Book Review: The Bloodless Princes

I liked the first novella in this series, The Fireborne Blade, and hoped to see more adventures with our two heroines. I did not suspect I would get my wish quite so soon!
 
Saralene is now the High Mage, but the former holder of the title (recently deceased) has other plans for her. With her trusted companion, the brave knight Sir Maddileh, she must travel to the domain of the eponymous princes and find some way to prevent her imminent demise. Along the journey, the two will also face a perhaps greater challenge—their feelings for each other.
Instead of the faux academic papers about dragons we had last time, this book breaks up the narrative with some short folk tales from the perspectives of both the humans and the dragons. The same events are seen quite differently, and the fun juxtaposition of the two feeds neatly into the story.
 
Despite the high stakes, this book feels slightly lighter in tone to the first one, particularly with the running commentary of their new feline companion. Which is not a complaint by any means! 
 
If this is all we get with these characters, the book provides a satisfying conclusion to the tale, but I certainly wouldn’t complain if we got more of these bite-sized tales every now and again, much like a fantasy equivalent of the Murderbot novellas by Martha Wells.
 
Recommended, alongside the first one.
 
Thanks to Tor Publishing for the early review copy.
  • Teaser Paragraph:

    An audacious plan to break a deadly curse leads Maddileh and Saralene into the underworld, alongside a talking cat that is far more than it appears.

James Thomson
James Thomson