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Books 2 and 3 in the Wheel of Time series are usually the ones that fans tend to gloss over on repeat readings, because when compared to the later volumes, they're not so packed full of subplots and multiple POVs. In fact, if The Great Hunt were a movie, it would be directed by an action director like Michael Bay, because there isn't much meat to the story - it's all plot-driven. This doesn't make TGH bad; on the contrary, it makes for an exciting read. There just isn't much character development.
The first time I read TGH, I flew through it in one sitting, and read it again as soon as I was finished. Quite a lot happens, although most of it goes by so quickly that you have to stop and re-read a chapter or two to regain your bearings. Jordan expands the formula he introduced in TEOTW: split his main characters into groups, and have them join together again at the end. This time around, everybody meets in Falme, but not until after the great battle scene, where the Heroes of the Horn kick some serious booty, and Rand's duel with Ishamael scorches the sky.
There are plenty of heroes, and we're introduced to a couple of new villains. The appearance of Selene/Lanfear adds a spicy edge to Rand's confusion about his channeling abilities and his budding maturity. The Seanchan, though, start out in the series as a very impressive adversary; we are allowed to see them through several POVs: Bayle Domon, Egwene, Padan Fain. More chilling are the second-hand reports from the Children of the Light and Hurin that describe heinous acts of cruelty and murder. The Whitecloaks might be insidious, but the Seanchan don't mess around - they get in your face post-haste.
There are a lot of impressive scenes in TGH, scenes that resonate in future books. The two most obvious ones are Rand's audience with the Amyrlin and Ingtar's sacrifice. From the former, we saw how Rand could use his Two Rivers stubbornness and dedication to his advantage, and from the latter, we saw Rand as an agent of forgiveness, and Ingtar as a tragic figure. As with TEOTW, this is Rand's book, and we spend a great deal of time watching him deal with the various challenges, and Jordan does a good job of showing Rand mature into the role of a leader.
Well, let's begin breaking down The Great Hunt:
Plotting - There were essentially two main plot threads, with one (the Hunt for the Horn) splitting into two for half the book. Separating Rand from the others gave Jordan the chance to make him an impromptu leader, as well as strengthening Perrin's wolfish abilities. The girls in Tar Valon fall into a trap so obvious that it made me want to howl, but then again we knew not to trust Liandrin, didn't we? :) The plots all move quickly and without much preamble, although the beginning scenes in Fal Dara are slow. More importantly, the plot threads are timed better than the previous book, resulting in a clear narrative. No confusing flashbacks in TGH (guess he learned his lesson from TEOTW).
Characterization - When you're writing the kind of action-adventure story that inspires memories of Indiana Jones movies, character development tends to fall by the wayside. Of the three boys, only Rand has any significant development, as we see him gradually growing into a leader. We learn a bit more about Min and Elayne, but not enough to truly separate them from Egwene in our minds. Moiraine nearly disappears from the narrative entirely, but instead we get Verin, who seems as mysterious as her Blue counterpart. It is clear at this point that Jordan has a great handle on the mental makeup of the average Aes Sedai. Of the secondary characters, Hurin stands out as a likable, loyal guide, and it's a shame that he hasn't made any subsequent appearances.
Pacing - After the slow beginning, which sets up the rest of the book, the narrative moves with liquid speed, without almost any clogging introspective passages or minor plot thread side trips. The suspense builds nicely, with the false climax in Cairhien a highlight, and the real climax is written with more conciseness than you'd expect from a fantasy writer.
Best Scene - It has to be Rand's audience with the Amyrlin. If the reader's sympathies weren't totally with Rand before that scene, they definitely were afterwards. Imagine being told by the most powerful person you've ever known that you're a monster who will eventually go insane. Who knows what might have happened if Lan hadn't schooled him with some Borderland customs?
Best Quote - "Go, Rand," Ingtar said. He turned to face the street and did not look at Rand or Hurin again. "Take the Horn where it belongs. I always knew the Amyrlin should have given you the charge. But all I ever wanted was to keep Shienar whole, to keep us from being swept away and forgotten." "I know, Ingtar." Rand drew a deep breath. "The Light shine on you, Lord Ingtar of House Shinowa, and may you shelter in the palm of the Creator's hand." He touched Ingtar's shoulder. "The last embrace of the mother welcome you home."
Most Screen Time - Again, this is Rand's book. The title of the book refers not just to the hunt for the Horn of Valere, but Rand's hunt for his identity, his destiny. TGH begins and ends with scenes that have Rand front and center, although you have to wonder if he's better or worse off by the end. :)
Overall - The Great Hunt is a lot of fun, even though it doesn't match the complexity of the more recent books. The plotting may be a bit formulaic, but it's still better than anything Terry Brooks has ever written. 4 out of 5 angreals.
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