This book is an absolute must for anyone who has enjoyed the series. I thought that as a prequel it might be stretching the story a little thin but it was the exact opposite, adding depth and a fascinating history to some of the key characters. I read this whilst waiting for the final instalment of the series, which has felt a little overlong at times, and it has really made me look forward to the final chapter.

I really enjoyed this book. I came to 'The Wheel of Time' books late and read so many in the series so close together that i was not appreciating them enough. I wish i had not done this as looking back i can see what a brilliant series it is. Going back and reading this book, a story about something that happened before the main story line of 'the dragon reborn' was really exciting and interesting. Learning a bit more about a few characters pasts. I look forward to continuing the main series. I'm up to 'Knife of Dreams,' although i'm tempted to start again from the beginning now!

This book brings us the back story of Moiraine and Lan, but to be honest it's not very gripping, it does fill in the blanks of how they met etc, but as a story in itself it fails to really be as memorable as the series it is prequel to, some funny scenes as well as action in the right doses and places fills the void from this book and just about gives it 3 stars, but unless you are a wot convert, don't bother