I first read this book not nearly as long ago as most people, but about five and a half, maybe six years ago now. Two people that knew I read rather voraciously in almost every genre told me that this series was a must read for me. Since I rather respected these two people, I agreed to try tEotW. I didn't stop until I was through Knife of Dreams, in fact, my friend that bought KoD let me read it first since she knew I would devour it much faster than she.