A story has a beginning, a middle and an end. For the WoT series we've got an 8 book begining, no middle and no end in sight. This book has 600 pages of character development. It has no plot and does nothing to advance the over all storyline. A storyline which has become so bloated that I'm not sure Jordan will ever be able to resolve all of the plots and sub-plots. If you're hooked, wait until it's out in paperback, or better yet wait until it's in the library. If you haven't started the series, DON'T. Personaly I don't intend to buy another WoT book until Jordan finishes the series, assuming that ever happens. For now I give PoD and the WoT series zero stars.