Last updated on 11 December 2024 at 10:53 am

Some regard The Wheel of Time’s eighth installment as transitional, while others claim Robert Jordan veers off course at this point. For what it’s worth, I doubt you’ll be disappointed by The Path of Daggers paperback, even though Mat Cauthon is absent. The book becomes engrossing, tense, and ultimately satisfying, with many spinning plates threatening to topple, and it’s one that ripens on a re-read.
Elayne’s character arc intensifies and becomes even more integral to the story, as it will for the series’ epic conclusion. Politics and power are as treacherous as Dreadlords, and Rand faces catastrophes that may break him entirely. Has the Pattern turned against its Chosen One?
With this book, Robert Jordan lays the groundwork for events he executes with precision later in the series. It’s worth your reading time, as our heroes need you more than ever. In this world, there are more than mere bumps on the road. So, let’s get you the paperback, shall we?

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About The Path of Daggers
The Path of Daggers was written by Robert Jordan and is the shortest book in the main series at 222,842 words (Source: A Wheel of Time Wiki). It’s also the first Wheel of Time book to become a New York Times #1 Best Seller, and it wouldn’t be the last.
The Light’s chance to wrest control of the weather from the Dark One hinges on the successful use of the Bowl of the Winds ter’angreal. Rand and his Asha’man show signs of the madness that afflicts all men who can channel, which is of immense concern to those loyal to the Dragon—yet, as trust weakens, the threat of betrayal grows stronger.
The need for an Andoran queen is pressing, and Elayne Trakand realizes the urgency upon arriving in Caemlyn. Perrin sets out to temper the Prophet in Ghealdan, while the Dragon Reborn focuses on the Seanchan. As an ancient saying of the invaders goes, all paths are paved with daggers.
Reading Age
The Path of Daggers is fantastic for young adult readers aged 14 to 17 and also serves an adult audience. Books 1 to 7 are required reading to fully enjoy this novel.
Reading Order
The Path of Daggers is the follow-up to A Crown of Swords, and you should read that first. The next book in the series is Winter’s Heart, which I think you’ll love.
Book Spiel (Spanish Edition)
El Camino De Dagas, the Spanish edition of A Crown of Swords, uses this intriguing book spiel, translated for your enjoyment:
“While Elayne and Nynaeve, aided by Windfinders and the Accepted, activate the Bowl of the Winds, Perrin is in Ghealdan seeking to gain Queen Alliandre’s public support for the Dragon Reborn.
Rand remains in Illian, trying to pacify the land, when he receives news that the Shaido are waiting for the chaos caused by the Dragon’s sworn. The long-awaited climate change, brought about by the Bowl of the Winds, causes sudden temperature changes that hinder troop movement.
Therefore, Rand decides to confront the Seanchan on the coasts of Illian, in order to halt the advance of the invading army. But Rand will not only have to fight against the enemy.”
Where to Buy The Path of Daggers Paperbacks
Take a look at these convenient shopping options if you plan to buy The Path of Daggers today:
Amazon
Amazon makes it easy to add your preferred paperback edition to your cart and check out quickly.
Most Recent Paperback Edition of The Path of Daggers

Orbit’s complete set of The Wheel of Time books, published in 2021 and designed by Duncan Spilling, includes this trade paperback edition of The Path of Daggers. The cover depicts water cascading against stone walls and a tower with a portcullis. It’s likely a section of the protective walls encircling Ebou Dar and a glimpse of one of the gateways into the city. It has 608 pages.
ISBN-10: 0356517071
ISBN-13: 978-0356517070
Tor Books Paperback Edition of The Path of Daggers

The cover for this 2013 trade paperback edition of The Path of Daggers has Birgitte raising a bow on the left, Aviendha with an arrow through her arm on the right, and Elayne looking through a gateway she has channeled. There are Seanchan and a damane on the other side. It depicts a scene from Chapter 6 of the book, Threads, and the art is by Chris Rahn. It has 544 pages.
ISBN-10: 0765336472
ISBN-13: 978-0765336477
Mass-Market Edition of The Path of Daggers

The cover for this mass-market edition of The Path of Daggers partially depicts the snake-wheel symbol trademarked by Robert Jordan in old lavender and dark purple. It was published by Tor Books in 2020 and has 624 pages.
ISBN-10: 1250252091
ISBN-13: 978-1250252098
Older Paperback Editions of The Path of Daggers
Using the links for these older paperback editions of The Path of Daggers will direct you to an appropriate page on Amazon if the version isn’t available in your country.
Mass-Market 1999 Edition from Tor Books

The cover for the 1999 mass-market edition of The Path of Daggers shows knives jutting up from a paving stone. The book is 704 pages long
ISBN-10: 0812550293
ISBN-13: 978-0812550290
1998 Edition from Orbit

The cover for the 1998 paperback edition of The Path of Daggers from Orbit has Rand leading soldiers into battle. The Banner of Light and the Dragon Banner are raised behind him. There is a Tor Books equivalent from 1999, but supply is low. Click “see all formats and editions” when you reach the linked Amazon page to scout for copies. The art is by Darrell K. Sweet, and the Orbit version has 608 pages.
ISBN-10: 1857237218
ISBN-13: 978-1857237214
1999 Edition from Time Warner Books UK

The cover for the 1999 paperback edition of The Path of Daggers from Time Warner Books UK has the snake-wheel symbol in yellow. It has 661 pages.
ISBN-10: 185723569X
ISBN-13: 978-1857235692
2014 Edition from Orbit

The cover for the 2014 Orbit paperback edition of The Path of Daggers features a “medium jungle green” snake-wheel symbol on a “dark slate gray” background. The book has 587 pages.
ISBN-10: 0356503895
ISBN-13: 978-0356503899
AbeBooks
Explore AbeBooks’ selection of The Path of Daggers paperbacks and find the perfect edition. Search AbeBooks for new copies.
Biblio
Navigate the twists and turns of The Path of Daggers with the warmth of a familiar bookstore. Biblio’s atmosphere invites you to savor the reading journey. Find The Path of Daggers paperbacks at Biblio.com.
Blackwell’s
Step into the world of The Wheel of Time with Blackwell’s, a reputable bookseller with a rich history. Please select your preferred version and benefit from their worldwide delivery. You can pick from the most recent paperback edition of The Path of Daggers (Orbit, 2021), the mass-market 2020 edition, or the 2013 edition with Birgitte, Elayne, and Aviendha on the cover.
Bookshop.org
Keep independent bookstores thriving and your bookshelves overflowing! Bookshop.org allows you to find The Path of Daggers and invest in the literary cornerstones of your community. Use these links to buy The Path of Daggers paperbacks at Bookshop.org:
United States
2020 mass-market edition from Tor Books
United Kingdom
Available Formats for The Path of Daggers
You can find similar posts at The Shining Walls covering these alternative formats for The Path of Daggers:
The Path of Daggers Hardcover: Betrayal of Oaths
The Path of Daggers Audiobook: An Epic Tale of Peril and Madness
The Path of Daggers Kindle Edition: Balance, Blades, and Betrayal
I hope you found your preferred paperback edition of The Path of Daggers. Let me know in the comments if you need any help.
Until next time, may the Light shine on you, my friends!
Russell

