Let’s rank all 14 books in The Wheel of Time series

3. The Shadow Rising, Book 4 of The Wheel of Time

The Shadow Rising is about as good a book as you’ll find in this series. After the conclusion of the previous book, readers have a feeling a new arc is about to begin. This fourth book in the collection proves to be an excellent world-building adventure. Our formal introduction into the Aiel way of life may be confusing at first, but it has rewarding depths.

The lead female characters go through phenomenal growth during this part of the series, with each growing stronger as Jordan develops them personally and their relationships with each other. On the other hand, Mat plays sidekick to Rand, who is the true focus of this novel. Rand’s increasing abilities combined with a newfound cunning attitude results in one of his most interesting storylines so far.

Yet even he is out-shined by Perrin, who steals the show. His arc is one of love and heroism, beautifully balanced. We get a great sense here of how things have really changed since the start of the series.