The freewheel Time

Why my great magnanimity I gave an extra star in Dragon Reborn?

Many of the promises of the previous volumes are held here by answering widely our expectations. Better yet, the characters do not end up changing.
Indeed, I approached one hand above the immaturity of sentimental characters - also emits serious doubts about the mental health of some of them, and secondly I emphasized the cultural riches of the universe set up by Jordan. Including the construction of myths and legends that do not serve just scenery, but are integral parts of this universe. From this point of view, I dreaded fireworks worthy of a damp squib.
Yet it is clear that Jordan does not sulk his pleasure about the way it is changing each of its protagonists. Their destiny is perfectly integrated in the mythology of the Wheel of Time, fundamentally changing the character of these.
It is interesting to note that the changes are such that we are surprised to budge as socks depending on the character that we follow. In my case, the character of Matt really annoyed me for example. With this volume, I discovered a new interest in it. Conversely, those for which I had a little more esteem appear to me much less friendly.

To not spoil your reading, I must not go into details; but I can say that in general, the Dragon Reborn will not fail to answer the many questions left unanswered until now. You'll learn much more about the nature of the course source. But above all, you will see that this volume stands introductory constraints of other volumes to make way for a true narrative that makes us enter boldly into the thick of it.
Unfortunately, you will not escape the endless repetitions, lengths and descriptions flirt with the unbearable. But much of these are better controlled and really serve the purpose. For example, you still rehashing Pérrin and again that was a blacksmith, that's why he's tough and blah-blah-blah. But this information that you can not ignore and perhaps not even support this level of reading will finally make sense! In the same vein, you will continue to ask you if there are hair Nynaeve who never ceases to do battle with her mat.
What changes here concretely, is that the personal adventure hero looks like a rite of passage. The real resolution taken by each is not to be crushed by the wheel in making every effort to deal with what lies ahead. This choice stems from interesting situations, making always go ahead characters that do not earn that power, but also nuance. And that's really what was missing.
Indeed, besides the stylistic through the author for whom "bis repetita" is not an axiom, but a leitmotif, its characters were previously afflicted with appalling naiveté. This is still the case for some of them; but note blurred area that appears slightly in their psychology, gradually diluting the Manichean and childish character of their personality that was found until now. More nuanced so the heroes are more crepuscular hair. Not everything is "all white or all black", thus significantly reducing the narration. I make it clear "substantially", because it is not a panacea, just a good start.
The actions are for their really interested; even exhilarating at times.

It's been a while since I finished the Dragon Reborn; if instantly I wanted to read more, you can not say it was an irrepressible desire. And now, if I know that will buy the fourth volume because of its upcoming release, it will be extremely addictive for my desire to read the book 5 survive his expectations. Yet this addiction is still no at present because of the many flaws (which are always the same) listed in my three comments.
In short, the fourth volume will be convincing or so close a cycle for me to go beyond; more especially as I read that Claude Mallé (translator) was going to take a little break (which is understandable in view of the work). But if it is too long ...