Tarmon Gai'don approaches menacingly. And humanity is not ready.
Rand al'Thor struggles to unite a fractured network of kingdoms and alliances in the face of the Last Battle, while his allies watch in terror as a shadow is born in the heart of the Reborn Dragon.

Egwene al'Vere, captive in the White Tower, endures the whims of the despotic Elaida and strives to bridge the differences between the disparate factions of the Aes Sedai, knowing that time is running out before the impending Seanchan attack. Her struggle will prove the mettle of the Aes Sedai, while her conflicts will determine the future of the White Tower - and possibly, the world itself.