yeah, I definitely like Rand's chapters and would've liked more of them in KoD. I don't mind Cadsuane's prodding, I'm one of the few who actually likes her. she has her limits and her reasons, and she's also a *radio edit* when it's time to throw down.

however!

Elayne's chapters don't bother me as much as they used to. I dig em when there's some focus on Birgitte, Dyelin, or Charlz. the intrigue with the Rose Throne interested me as well. I'm somewhat sympathetic to her manner because, well, she's trying to be a queen. she's more of a symbol than a person, so I don't expect her to act down-to-earth. her petulance does get annoying, of course.

Perrin is sort of the same way. I like his character fine, but I also really like reading about Tam and the Gaul-Bain-Chiad triangle. same with Mat, only with Noal, Thom, Tuon/Selucia, Aludra, hell pretty much all of his secondary characters. the chapter with Furyk Karede, think it's called "A Cup of Kaf," is one of my favorites in KoD.

Egwene's spirit during her imprisonment impressed me. she faced a pretty horrible situation yet was able to turn it around. I'm not sure it's fair to compare her with the way Siuan dealt with her captivity but it still shows a lot of strength and fortitude. plus some of the scenes were hilarious.

and holy hell tangent city. wopz!~

I really like Rand's duality. despite what he says, he's not as hard as he needs to be, as he's constantly struggling with his prior beliefs and inherited propensities. sometimes they cost him a great deal.

high fantasy is great and all, but I get enough of it from other sources. if Rand was completely weak or completely strong then I'd be bored by his chapters. the "wounded hero" has a tragic-poet-samurai appeal, and I dig it.