The Great Hunt by Robert Jordan (audio)
Reviewed by: Sarah Baker, Circulation
Genre: Fantasy
Suggested Age: Adults, Teens
What is the book about?: The events of book 1 ended on several major plotpoints – Rand al’Thor might just be the Dragon Reborn (which is something to be feared – the reappearance of the Dragon means the end of the age, and the coming of Tarmon Gai’don, the last battle against the Dark One). He and his band of friends had also found the Horn of Valere, which will summon dead heroes to fight in that last battle. But the Horn is stolen from under them in a shocking manner, and now they must get it back before it can be used by the forces of evil. Mat, Perrin and Rand ride to find the Horn, while Egwene and Nynaeve travel to Tar Valon to begin their training as Aes Sedai. But they aren’t as safe in the White Tower as they think. Old enemies pursue them still, and new enemies appear – grohlm, domani, Seanchan, Aiel, dark friends, and even the Black Ajah. The fight is only beginning…
My Review: I had read this book about 6 years ago, but I remembered almost none of it. So this run through the audio version was almost like a new book to me. Unlike the last one, this book leaps out of the gate and never lets up. Our characters are in nearly constant danger, and are often pitted against things they cannot understand. Though they rise to meet every challenge, it takes its toll on them. Because you are outside of the narrative, you get to see where their stories are touching each other, and the bigger implications. And when we meet back up with a character we thought was dead, I cried a little.
A great mix of intrigue, action, suspense, and a few touches of romance. And again, Michael Kramer and Kate Reading do a fantastic job of breathing life and emotion into the story (although I wasn’t a fan of their Seanchan accents since I’ve been told it was supposed to be more of a Texas drawl). Well worth the read!
Rating: 4/5
About FDL Reads
Welcome to FDL Reads, weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library. Librarians (and possibly some other guest reviewers) review all types of books, from children’s picture books, young adult favorites, to the latest adult thriller, and share their thoughts each week at fondulaclibrary.org. If the book is owned by Fondulac District Library (or another local library), you’ll see a direct link to the catalog entry and whether or not it is available. If it is checked out or at another local library, you will be able to place a hold as long as you have your library card and PIN numbers. As with any book review, these are our opinions…we disagree amongst ourselves about books frequently. We all have different likes and dislikes, which is what makes the world an interesting place. Please enjoy, and keep on reading!