Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
A Crown of Swords summary
Brief summary
A Crown of Swords is the seventh book in Robert Jordan's epic fantasy series, The Wheel of Time. It continues the story of the battle between the forces of Light and Shadow, as the struggle for power and the fate of the world intensifies.
Topics
Table of Contents
A Crown of Swords
Summary of key ideas
The Unraveling of Power and Politics
In A Crown of Swords by Robert Jordan, the seventh installment of the Wheel of Time series, we find ourselves in a world where the balance of power has shifted. The Dragon Reborn, Rand al'Thor, has declared himself the ruler of Illian, a move that has left the other nations uneasy. Rand, however, is struggling to maintain control over his own sanity as the taint on saidin, the male half of the One Power, continues to eat away at him.
Meanwhile, Elayne Trakand, the Daughter-Heir of Andor, is locked in a power struggle of her own. She is determined to claim the Lion Throne of Andor, but she faces opposition from rivals who refuse to acknowledge her claim. To complicate matters further, she must also find a way to secure the powerful ter'angreal that controls the weather, in order to prevent the world from being consumed by the heat of the Dark One's touch.
Struggles and Alliances
In a different part of the world, the Aes Sedai, the women who can channel the One Power, are also dealing with their own internal conflicts. Egwene al'Vere, the former Amyrlin Seat, is still held captive by the White Tower, but she is determined to use her time there to gain the support of the other Aes Sedai and challenge the current Amyrlin's authority. Nynaeve al'Meara and Elayne, along with their Warders, are on a quest to find the Bowl of the Winds, which can restore the natural weather patterns and prevent the world from falling into chaos.
Mat Cauthon, another key character, is trying to navigate his own personal struggles. He's been inadvertently linked to the fate of the legendary Aes Sedai, the Daughter of the Nine Moons, and is trying to avoid the prophecies that seem to follow him everywhere he goes. Despite his best efforts to avoid responsibility, Mat finds himself continuously drawn into the heart of the conflict.
The Shadow's Reach
As the story unfolds, we see the Forsaken, the Dark One's most powerful servants, making their moves. Sammael, one of the Forsaken, has claimed the throne of Illian and is determined to destroy Rand. He is also manipulating the Shaido Aiel, a warrior society, in an attempt to disrupt the balance of power and sow chaos.
As the characters' individual journeys continue, they become increasingly intertwined. Egwene's struggle within the White Tower, Elayne's quest for the Bowl of the Winds, and Rand's growing madness all lead to a climactic showdown. The characters must overcome their personal struggles and forge new alliances if they are to stand a chance against the ever-growing threat of the Shadow.
The Inevitable Confrontation
As the novel draws to a close, we see the various threads of the story converging. The characters are forced to confront their fears, their personal demons, and the looming threat of the Dark One. The stage is set for a confrontation that will determine the fate of the world, and the characters must find the strength to stand together and fight against the Shadow.
In conclusion, A Crown of Swords is a thrilling installment in the Wheel of Time series. It delves deep into the characters' personal struggles, while also building the tension and setting the stage for the ultimate battle between good and evil. The novel leaves us on the edge of our seats, eager to find out what happens next in this epic tale of power, politics, and the battle between light and darkness.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is A Crown of Swords about?
A Crown of Swords is the seventh book in the epic fantasy series The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan. In this installment, the struggle between the forces of Light and Shadow intensifies as the characters find themselves drawn into a web of political intrigue, betrayal, and ancient prophecies. With its rich world-building and complex characters, this book continues to captivate readers as the battle for the fate of the world unfolds.
A Crown of Swords Review
A Crown of Swords (1996) is a captivating addition to the Wheel of Time series, offering a rich tapestry of fantasy and adventure. Here's why this book is worth your time:
- Featuring complex characters and intricate plots, it keeps readers engaged and eager to unravel the mysteries of the world.
- The seamless blend of political intrigue and magical elements creates a dynamic and immersive reading experience.
- With its unpredictable twists and epic battles, the story never fails to deliver excitement and keep boredom at bay.
Who should read A Crown of Swords?
Readers who enjoy epic fantasy with rich world-building and intricate plots
Fans of the Wheel of Time series looking to continue the journey with the characters they love
Those who appreciate complex and morally ambiguous characters facing difficult choices
Categories with A Crown of Swords
Book summaries like A Crown of Swords
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
32 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
A Crown of Swords FAQs
What is the main message of A Crown of Swords?
The main message of A Crown of Swords revolves around power struggles and destinies intertwining.
How long does it take to read A Crown of Swords?
Reading A Crown of Swords takes a significant amount of time. The Blinkist summary can be devoured in a fraction of that.
Is A Crown of Swords a good book? Is it worth reading?
We believe A Crown of Swords is definitely worth reading. It offers engaging characters and intricate plots that keep you captivated.
Who is the author of A Crown of Swords?
The author of A Crown of Swords is Robert Jordan.
What to read after A Crown of Swords?
If you're wondering what to read next after A Crown of Swords, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller
- The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
- Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder
- Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys, Judith L. Raiskin
- Just After Sunset by Stephen King
- Whereabouts by Jhumpa Lahiri
- Hearts in Darkness by Laura Kaye
- Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire
- The Curious Case of Benjamin Button by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Nunzio DeFilippis
- Side Jobs by Jim Butcher