I've been reading this series since 2003. I can't count how many time I have read it. Some books I like more than others, but over all, Jordan's universe holds me captive.

I had high expectations for this book; there were so many ends to tie up, plots to wrap up, mysteries to solve, etc. I wasn't disappointed. I couldn't put the book down, and it was worth the sleep deprivation.

Some things were very obvious, like the fact that Rand would survive the last battle, and that somehow, he'd be linked to Moredin. But Jordan and Sanderson still managed to keep me guessing as to how this would be accomplished.

Egwene's death was a surprise. I was really hoping she'd survive the last battle and remain Amerlyn for hundreds of years. I wasn't surprised that Mogedeon survived, though I wonder if the dark one was sealed away, does that mean she is no longer linked to him and thus no longer immortal?

Also, I'd like to know who killed Asmodean, because I'm sure I remember reading somewhere that that particular loose end would be tied up, though it isn't really a big deal.

Other than that, the last battle was everything I expected it to be--dark, bloody, and full of heroic and treacherous deeds. Mat Cauthon, one of my favourite characters, stood in the spotlight and shone like a beacon in this book.

Although much of it was heavy reading, there were moments of humour placed at just the right times. I smiled, laughed, and cried as I read this book. Without a doubt, I'll definitely read it again so that I can fully appreciate the stroylines instead of just wondering how exactly it was going to end.