Readalong Dates: 14th – 27th April 2025
#WheelOfTimeReadalong
It’s time to continue our epic journey through The Wheel of Time with the seventh instalment: A Crown of Swords by Robert Jordan. This book kicks off a fresh arc following the dramatic events of Lord of Chaos and continues to build the intricate threads of prophecy, politics, and power.
Whether you’ve been following along from the beginning or just joining us now, this readalong is a great chance to immerse yourself in the world of Rand al’Thor, Egwene al’Vere, Mat Cauthon, and the many forces vying for control of the Pattern.
What to Expect in A Crown of Swords
Without giving too much away, A Crown of Swords explores the aftermath of Dumai’s Wells, the political fallout among the Aes Sedai, and Rand’s increasing struggle with his role as the Dragon Reborn. We also get more Mat (yay!) and some exciting scenes in Ebou Dar that set the stage for major future developments.
Expect:
- New alliances and betrayals
- Epic magic battles
- Political intrigue and dangerous manoeuvres
- A deepening of the world’s lore and prophecy
Readalong Schedule
We’ll be reading this over two weeks:
- Week 1: 14–20 April – Chapters 1–19
- Week 2: 21–27 April – Chapters 20–41 (to end)
Join us as we dive into Book 7 of The Wheel of Time – one day, a few chapters, and one unforgettable journey at a time.
Dates: 14 April – 27 April
Total Chapters (excluding prologue): 41
Goal: ~3 chapters per day
Day 1 – Prologue to Chapter 2
Instagram Prompt: First impressions of where the story picks up. Are you excited to see how Mat, Rand, and Egwene’s paths develop?
Challenge: Share your TBR stack or your favourite Wheel of Time book cover!
Day 2 – Chapters 3–5
Discussion Prompt: Mat is back! What are your thoughts on his situation in Ebou Dar? Challenge: Post a flatlay or shelfie based on your favourite character from the series.
Day 3 – Chapters 6–8
Discussion Prompt: Elayne and Nynaeve’s dynamics are always interesting. Do you enjoy their storyline so far? Challenge: Share your current cosy reading setup with Wheel of Time included!
Day 4 – Chapters 9–11
Discussion Prompt: How do you feel about Egwene’s growing authority? Challenge: Describe A Crown of Swords so far using only 5 emojis!
Day 5 – Chapters 12–14
Discussion Prompt: Rand is making moves! What do you think of his plans with the Asha’man? Challenge: Recreate a Wheel of Time aesthetic or colour mood board.
Day 6 – Chapters 15–17
Discussion Prompt: What are your theories about the Seanchan and their future role? Challenge: Post your annotated pages or favourite quote so far.
Day 7 – Chapters 18–20
Discussion Prompt: What are your thoughts on the different representations of power (channeling, political, military) in the book? Challenge: Share a bookish meme or a Wheel of Time GIF.
Day 8 – Chapters 21–23
Discussion Prompt: A lot of threads are converging – what storyline are you most invested in? Challenge: Book spine poetry using any books on your shelf linking back to WoT.
Day 9 – Chapters 24–26
Discussion Prompt: Let’s talk pacing – do you enjoy the slower character-building moments or prefer the action-packed ones? Challenge: Share your favourite reading snack or drink!
Day 10 – Chapters 27–30
Discussion Prompt: What did you think of the ending? Did it live up to expectations? Challenge: Share your final thoughts or write a 3-sentence review on your IG story.
Day 11 – Chapters 31–33
Discussion Prompt: What are your thoughts on the Kin and their role in the wider Aes Sedai world? Challenge: Share a photo of your current read or a favourite hiding place in a fantasy city.
Day 12 – Chapters 34–36
Discussion Prompt: Were you surprised by what the Bowl of the Winds actually is? What do you think of the group now assembled to use it? Challenge: Create a flatlay or moodboard inspired by the Bowl of the Winds or a weather-related aesthetic.
Day 13 – Chapters 37–38
Discussion Prompt: What are your initial impressions of the Seanchan? How do they differ from other factions we’ve met so far? Challenge: Use five emojis to describe your reaction to the Seanchan.
Day 14 – Chapters 39–40
Discussion Prompt: Rand is becoming increasingly isolated. Do you think he trusts anyone anymore? Challenge: Share your favourite powerful quote from Rand.
Day 15 – Chapters 41–43 (End)
Discussion Prompt: Shadar Logoth is a chilling setting for this confrontation. What did you think of the battle’s outcome? Challenge: Share a final thoughts post – rating, overall impressions, or a reel recapping your reading journey.
Don’t forget to tag @UptownOracleBooks and use #ACrownofSwordsReadalong and #WheelOfTimeReadalong to join the discussion!
Discussion Questions
Let the threads of the Pattern weave together as we discuss the seventh book in The Wheel of Time.
The Weight of Leadership
- How does Rand’s role as the Dragon Reborn evolve in this book?
- In what ways does the pressure of prophecy and responsibility affect his mental and emotional state?
- How does Rand’s treatment of others shift, and do you view this as growth or a warning?
The Women of the Pattern
- How do Nynaeve and Elayne grow during their time in Ebou Dar? Do you enjoy their dynamic?
- What are your thoughts on Nynaeve’s moment of vulnerability and what it means for her character arc?
- How does Egwene’s role as Amyrlin continue to evolve in Salidar? What do you think of her manipulation and political skills?
Power, Magic & Morality
- What do you think of the way the One Power and the newly introduced male channelers are portrayed here?
- Do you see a clear moral compass in how power is used – or does Jordan blur the lines between right and wrong?
- How do you interpret the significance of Rand working with the Asha’man – is it a smart move, or dangerous?
The Nature of Prophecy and the Pattern
- With characters increasingly referencing “the Pattern,” how do you think Jordan uses fate vs. free will?
- How does Mat’s role in the Pattern become clearer (or more complicated) in this book?
- Do you think any of the main characters are starting to resist their roles in prophecy?
Matrim Cauthon & Character Balance
- How does Mat function as both comic relief and a serious character within the story?
- What are your thoughts on his time in Ebou Dar and his interactions with Queen Tylin?
- Is Mat’s treatment in Ebou Dar by Tylin a commentary on gender dynamics, and how did you feel about it?
The City of Ebou Dar
- What’s your impression of the setting in Ebou Dar compared to other cities in the series?
- How do its customs, politics, and societal structure differ from other nations we’ve seen?
- How does the hunt for the Bowl of the Winds unfold and what does it say about the power structures among Aes Sedai and Kin?
The Forsaken and the Dark One’s Influence
- How do the Forsaken continue to influence events in the shadows?
- What are your theories about Sammael, the threat he poses, and how that confrontation was handled?
- Do you think the Forsaken are growing more desperate, or are they still one step ahead?
Relationships and Romance
- How are romantic relationships treated in A Crown of Swords? Do you feel they add to or detract from the larger plot?
- What are your thoughts on Rand’s relationships with Min, Elayne, and Aviendha at this point?
- Does the presence of love/affection ground the characters or complicate their personal arcs?
Religion, Cultures, and Belief Systems
- How does Jordan continue to layer different belief systems into the world?
- What stood out to you culturally about Ebou Dar, the Kin, or even the Seanchan?
- Do you think these differing ideologies enrich the story’s worldbuilding, or are they overwhelming?
Final Thoughts & The Path Ahead
- Were you satisfied with the conclusion of this book?
- What do you think the major themes of A Crown of Swords are?
- What are your predictions or hopes for The Path of Daggers?
Join the Readalong
Whether you’re reading The Wheel of Time for the first time or revisiting it, this is a great opportunity to read alongside others and share your thoughts as you go. Don’t forget to use the hashtag #WheelOfTimeReadalong and tag @UptownOracleBooks.
Grab your copy of A Crown of Swords and join us from 14th to 27th April as we unravel more of the Pattern!
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