A lot of important things happen in this book. Events in this book also take place at the same time as events in the next book Crossroads of Twilight, which is why I'm combining the two summaries and reviews. Elayne continues to try and get a grip on the Lion Throne and gather her supporters in Caemlyn and it is revealed she is expecting twins, but the father is kept a secret from everyone but close friends.
Mat is trapped in Ebou Dar, which is under Seanchan control. He plans his escape and his plans are going great until he stumbles into a Seanchan Noblewoman named Tuon who is revealed to be the Daughter of the Nine Moons, the heir to the Seanchan throne. A few books before this, we learn of a prophecy that says Mat is to marry the Daughter of the Nine Moons. So instead of leaving her behind, he kidnaps her and takes her with him. He escapes Ebou Dar and continues to try and escape Seanchan-controlled territory with Tuon.
Rand is bonded by Elayne, Aviendha and Min as a warder, with a spell that is modified from the original warder spell. Rand hunts down several Asha'man traitors and then travels with Nynaeve to Shadar Logoth where they proceed to cleanse Saidin of it's taint. They are guarded by Cadsuane and a number of other Aes Sedai, Asha'man, and warders. This is a huge turning point in the books for Rand. He cleanses the taint so that men will no longer go mad, but he is frustrated that people are so hard to convince he has cleansed the taint. This adds to his distrust and frustration with everyone around him.
Perrin continues to try and rescue his wife Faile who has been taken prisoner and goes so far as to make a temporary alliance with the Seanchan to rescue Faile from the Shaido.
Egwene continues to lead the rebel Aes Sedai against the White Tower, where she is captured and held prisoner because of a stupid mistake.
Rand rests after his ordeal with cleansing the taint and sends his advisers to make a truce with the Seanchan. The Seanchan agree, but request to see Rand in person.
These two books were very entertaining and had a lot of great surprises and turning points.
