** spoiler alert ** 
 Not a whole lot of action happens in this book, but several continuing plotlines are set up, and that's why I'm giving it 4 stars instead of just 3. Also, Robert Jordan's annoying habit of repeating some things in every book doesn't really kick off in this one, (such as re-explaining how the power works, who can use it, what the wheel of time is, and just about everything else really). Anyone who is reading this series should start with book 1, and by book 4 they should have a good idea of the rules of this world without having to be told again at the beginning of every book. Like I said, I didn't notice it as much in this one, but I sure picked up on it in the 4th and each successive volume. Anyway, the plotlines: 
 The Black Ajah is exposed and proven to actually exist, and the hunt for them by Egwene and friends commences. 
 While we don't meet all of the remaining Forsaken, it's clear that all of them are now free, and will be causing trouble. 
 We are introduced to the Grey Men who serve as assassins for the dark one. They are so ordinary looking that they walk around unnoticed by almost anyone, even when one is walking straight toward you with a knife drawn. 
 Egwene learns of her dreaming ability and begins to play around in Tel'aran'rhiod. 
 Faile (ugh, the bitchiest of all the protagonal bitches in this series) shows up, and her relationship with Perrin is set up. Meanwhile, Perrin becomes more immersed with his wolf side. 
 And the best! Mat starts to become the Mat I love later in the series. In the first 2 books he's a whiny little shit, and I really just want to smack the taste out of his mouth. But now we begin to see his awesomeness. He continually stays in trouble with just about everybody, but he kicks ass anyway. 
 We don't see Rand very much in this book, but it works here (unlike a later book in the series, if I recall). He runs off, but we get glimpses of him from Egwene's dreaming, and see that he's learning how to use his ability. Then at the end he finally proclaims himself as The Dragon Reborn, which is the main plotline of the entire series. 
 The Aiel show up, but it's cursory. We don't really learn much about them until the next book, but at least they're here now. 
 Another cursory glance: The Prophet. And really, there's not much more to say about him at this juncture, but he's here now, and he'll be making things exciting for people in the future. 
 I can't remember anything else right now. Like I said, this book doesn't have any epic battles or scenes that stand out against others in the series such as one in book 6, and another in book 11. However, there's a line in this book that I love. Moiraine comes in looking a bit haggard, (or as haggard as she ever gets which means that every hair is still in place, but she might have a worry line on her forehead), and she says "The Forsaken are loose, and one of them rules in Ilian." That's the stuff that makes goosebumps if you're really into this kind of shit, which I am. 
 Check it out, and enjoy.