New Spring

New Spring is a prequel to Robert Jordan’s bestselling fantasy series, The Wheel of Time. The book was published in 2004 and narrated by Kate Reading and Michael Kramer. It is set 20 years before the events of the first book in the series, The Eye of the World, and follows the journey of two young Aes Sedai, Moiraine and Siuan, as they set out to find and guide the prophesied Dragon Reborn.

The story begins in the city of Tar Valon, the seat of the Aes Sedai, an all-female organization of powerful magic users. Moiraine, a novice Aes Sedai, has been given a task by the Amyrlin Seat, the leader of the Aes Sedai, to search for the Dragon Reborn, a powerful individual who is destined to either save or destroy the world. Moiraine is joined on her quest by her best friend and fellow novice, Siuan, and together they leave Tar Valon to search for the Dragon Reborn.

Their journey takes them to the city of Canluum, where they encounter a young man named Lan Mandragoran. Lan is a skilled warrior and a Warder, a protector of Aes Sedai. Moiraine senses that Lan is more than just a skilled fighter and realizes that he is also searching for the Dragon Reborn. Together, the three of them set out to find the Dragon Reborn and fulfill their destinies.

The story is filled with action, adventure, and political intrigue. The world of The Wheel of Time is vast and complex, and New Spring provides readers with an opportunity to explore the history and lore of this world. The story is also a coming-of-age tale for Moiraine and Siuan, as they must navigate the challenges of being young and inexperienced Aes Sedai in a world filled with danger and betrayal.

One of the strengths of New Spring is its focus on the characters of Moiraine and Siuan. The Wheel of Time series is known for its large cast of characters, and it can be overwhelming for readers to keep track of them all. New Spring, on the other hand, has a smaller cast of characters, which allows for more in-depth exploration of their personalities and motivations. Moiraine and Siuan are strong and capable characters, but they are also flawed and vulnerable. They are forced to make difficult decisions and face the consequences of their actions, which makes them relatable and compelling.

Another strength of the book is the world-building. Jordan’s world is rich in detail and history, and New Spring provides readers with a glimpse into the past of this world. We learn about the origins of the Aes Sedai and the Dragon Reborn prophecy, as well as the politics and power struggles of the different nations. The world feels alive and vibrant, and readers will be left wanting to explore more of it.

The narration by Kate Reading and Michael Kramer is excellent. They both have distinct voices and are able to convey the emotions and personalities of the characters. The pacing is just right, and they are able to bring the story to life in a way that makes it engaging and immersive.

Overall, New Spring is a must-read for fans of The Wheel of Time series. It provides readers with a deeper understanding of the world and its history, as well as an opportunity to explore the characters of Moiraine and Siuan. The story is well-written, engaging, and filled with action and adventure. The narration is excellent, and it is a pleasure to listen to. Whether you are a longtime fan of the series or new to the world of The Wheel of Time, New Spring is a book that should not be missed.