The fourth volume in the saga is ambitious, rich, & detailed. Annotation. The seals of Shayol Ghul are weak now, and the Dark One reaches out. The Shadow is rising to cover humankind. In Tar Valon, Min sees portents of hideous doom. Will the White Tower itself be broken? In the Two Rivers, the Whitecloaks ride in pursuit of a man with golden eyes, and in pursuit of the Dragon Reborn. In Cantorin, among the Sea Folk, High Lady Suroth plans the return...

When the Dark One's forces attack Rand's encampment, Rand loses his nerve, escaping under the cover of battle. After a journey of soul-searching and self-discovery, Rand emerges as the Dragon Reborn — able to touch the One Power, yet unable to control a force that will eventually drive him mad. Before it does, Rand must battle the Dark One to the death. He must marshal the courage to accept his calling. All civilization depends on it.