Lord of Chaos is the sixth book in the Wheel of Time fantasy series. This series takes place in a different land with primitive technology and many eighteenth-century elements. Robert Jordan has crafted an intricate, very real world filled with centuries of deep history and dozens of characters. This series creates a new reality, one in which ages come and go like trends, and a thousand years is not that long ago to many people. The perspective in this book changes regularly, and it is not surprising for the narrative to switch to the enemy’s point of view. This switching of views makes for an interesting read, and when Jordan shows the evil character's side, it creates a nice dramatic irony.

This book centres on Rand al’ Thor, the Dragon Reborn. He is prophesied to save the world from the Dark One and its slew of creatures, such as Trollocs, Myrddraal, and the most dangerous of all, Forsaken. Forsaken are powerful beings that have lived for thousands of years serving the Dark One. Rand is plagued by the responsibilities of his title and by the person he must become. “Duty is heavier than a mountain, death lighter than a feather,” he often says, and his internal struggle creates a fascinating plotline. The other major characters are Matt, Perrin, Egwene, Nynaeve, Elayne, Min, and Aviendha.

While you would think a book set mostly in eighteenth-century society would be demeaning towards women, this book has many women who are stronger and more powerful than most men. Whether she is a warrior, Queen or Aes Sedai (women who can control “Saidar,” a power like magic), most of the female characters are smart and resilient.  

While all this sounds like a standard fantasy series, Robert Jordan has created something more in the mundane details and realistic character development. At times this can get boring and the mundane problems can feel like drudgery. The book is fantasy, but most of the time Jordan’s world feels very real.

This is not a series that can be picked up at the sixth book, and for those well versed in the Wheel of Time series, the sixth book is awash with new relationships and problems. The most shocking developments are Egwene’s new role and Rand’s relationship with the Aes Sedai. The book has so many smaller plots that it might have been fast-paced and confusing, but Lord of Chaos is a large book  

In conclusion, this book is a great addition the Wheel of Time series, but Robert Jordan’s style is unique and can take a while to get used to. At times it can be boring, but the emotional payoff is big.