Join us for a deep dive into The Path of Daggers, the eighth book in Robert Jordan’s legendary fantasy series. From 5th to 11th May 2025, we’ll be following Rand al’Thor, the Dragon Reborn, as he faces growing internal struggles, political fractures, and the ever-looming threats of the Seanchan and the Forsaken.
With shifting allegiances, battles for control, and tensions among allies, this instalment marks a darker and more turbulent chapter in the journey. Whether you’re a first-time reader or a returning fan, this readalong is the perfect way to experience the intrigue and adventure of Jordan’s world with fellow fantasy lovers.
📖 Book Overview
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Originally published in 1998, The Path of Daggers continues the sprawling saga of The Wheel of Time. Rand must maintain control over the nations he has conquered, battle the invading Seanchan, and wield the One Power with increasing caution. Meanwhile, Elayne and Nynaeve seek to fix the weather using the Bowl of the Winds, Egwene asserts her leadership among the rebel Aes Sedai, and tensions boil over across the continent.
With intense battles, growing distrust, and critical moves on the chessboard of destiny, The Path of Daggers is a turning point that sets the stage for even greater conflicts to come.
🗓️ Readalong Schedule
To fully immerse ourselves in The Path of Daggers, we’ve structured a week-long schedule with daily discussions, analysis, and interactive challenges.
Day 1: 5th May – Gathering Storms
Chapters to Read: Prologue – Chapter 3
Story Prompt: Share your Path of Daggers book copy or reading setup!
Discussion Question: “How is Rand’s mindset shifting after the battles he’s fought?”
Challenge: Describe Path of Daggers in three words and post using #WoTReadalong.
Day 2: 6th May – Strained Alliances
Chapters to Read: Chapters 4–8
Story Prompt: Highlight a moment that shows the fragile political alliances.
Discussion Question: “Are the nobles truly loyal to Rand, or only to their own ambitions?”
Challenge: Pick a sigil that represents the political chaos of this book.
Day 3: 7th May – Seanchan Threats
Chapters to Read: Chapters 9–13
Story Prompt: Share your thoughts on the Seanchan’s impact on the world.
Discussion Question: “How do the Seanchan differ from the other major factions we’ve met so far?”
Challenge: Predict how the Seanchan presence will reshape the future.
Day 4: 8th May – The Bowl of the Winds
Chapters to Read: Chapters 14–17
Story Prompt: Celebrate Elayne and Nynaeve’s achievement – favourite moment?
Discussion Question: “How does the use of the Bowl change the course of the story?”
Challenge: If you could control the weather with the One Power, what would you change?
Day 5: 9th May – Shadows Deepen
Chapters to Read: Chapters 18–22
Story Prompt: Share a tense moment between allies.
Discussion Question: “Which alliance feels the most unstable to you now?”
Challenge: Choose a song that captures the mood of growing distrust.
Day 6: 10th May – Battles and Betrayals
Chapters to Read: Chapters 23–27
Story Prompt: Pick a battle scene and describe your emotional reaction.
Discussion Question: “Are Rand’s methods becoming too ruthless?”
Challenge: Summarise Rand’s journey so far in five emojis.
Day 7: 11th May – Consequences and Costs
Chapters to Read: Chapters 28–End
Story Prompt: Share your final thoughts on The Path of Daggers.
Discussion Question: “What lasting impacts do you predict from the events of this book?”
Challenge: Choose a quote that captures the heart of Path of Daggers for you.
🔍 Discussion Questions After Finishing
- How does Rand’s use of power evolve through The Path of Daggers?
- Elayne and Nynaeve’s storyline is a major thread – what stood out to you about their arc?
- How is Egwene’s leadership growing compared to previous books?
- Which political alliances do you think are strongest? Which are doomed?
- How do the Forsaken’s manipulations continue to impact the world, even from the shadows?
- Path of Daggers is often described as a transitional book. Do you agree or disagree?
- What are your biggest predictions for Winter’s Heart?
💬 Join the Discussion!
Be sure to tag your posts with #WoTReadalong and follow @UptownOracleBooks on Instagram and @UptownOracle on TikTok for daily prompts, polls, and discussions!
What are you most excited about in The Path of Daggers?
