One sentence summary:
The seventh installment in the epic fantasy series, The Wheel of Time, follows the continuing adventures of Rand al’Thor as he struggles to control his growing power and unite the nations against the Dark One.
Book genre:
Fantasy, Epic Fantasy, High Fantasy
Main topic of the book:
The main topic of ‘A Crown of Swords’ is the growing conflict between good and evil as the forces of darkness seek to overthrow the world of the Wheel of Time and the chosen hero, Rand al’Thor, struggles to unite the people and defeat the Dark One.
Key ideas:
- The importance of self-discovery and acceptance of one’s true identity and power
- The consequences of war and the sacrifices required for the greater good
- The impact of destiny and the role of free will in shaping one’s fate
- The power of alliances and the strength that comes from uniting different nations and cultures
- The never-ending cycle of good versus evil and the need for heroes to step up and fight for what is right
Main parts of the book and a short summary:
- Prologue: The prologue introduces the reader to the new threat of the Seanchan and their conquest of the coastal city of Ebou Dar.
- Part One: Lion on the Hill: Rand al’Thor and his allies continue their battle against the Forsaken and the forces of the Dark One. Rand also begins to show signs that his power is growing too strong for him to control.
- Part Two: A New Arrival: Mat Cauthon returns to Ebou Dar with a plan to rescue his captured friends, and crosses paths with Elayne and Nynaeve as they search for the legendary Bowl of the Winds.
- Part Three: A Fan of Colors: Elayne and Nynaeve continue their search for the Bowl of the Winds while dealing with the political schemes in Ebou Dar. Meanwhile, Egwene al’Vere assembles an army to march against the Forsaken in Tar Valon.
- Part Four: Into Cairhien: Rand and his followers travel to Cairhien to meet with the rebels and try to gain their support in the war against the Dark One. However, betrayal and danger await them in the court of the Dragon Reborn.
- Part Five: A Call to Stand: Rand makes a deal with the Seanchan to help him in his war against the Forsaken, but this alliance has its own risks and complications.
- Epilogue: As Rand contemplates his next move, he realizes that the cost of his victory against the Dark One may be more than he’s willing to pay.
Key takeaways:
- The power of unity and alliances in times of crisis
- The importance of embracing one’s true identity and destiny
- The theme of war and its consequences
- The presence of political intrigue and backstabbing in times of conflict
- The constant struggle between good and evil and the role of heroes in shaping the world
Author’s background and qualifications:
Robert Jordan (pseudonym for James Oliver Rigney Jr.) was an American author best known for his epic fantasy series, The Wheel of Time. He wrote 11 books in the series before his death in 2007. Jordan was an experienced and accomplished writer, having served in the US Army and worked as a nuclear engineer before turning to writing full-time. He was inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings and other notable fantasy works.
Target audience:
The target audience for ‘A Crown of Swords’ is primarily lovers of epic fantasy, high fantasy, and fans of The Wheel of Time series. This book is also suitable for those interested in themes of good vs. evil, political intrigue, and destiny. As the series progresses, the target audience may also include young adults due to some mature themes and content.
Publisher and first publication date:
‘A Crown of Swords’ was published by Tor Books in 1996. It is the seventh book in The Wheel of Time series and was one of the New York Times Bestsellers.