It is as though an entirely new character has been introduced into the book. And he is the main character.

I am excited, but in a way I am a little sad. We have been watching Rand grow from a very good natured and well intending boy into a dark monster very gradually. We knew at some point it would change, and that he would shed his darkness and anger. I assumed that it would be just that, a shedding of the darkness, leaving only Rand and his strength and goodness, even if it happened all of a sudden as it did.

But Rand didn't just turn back into good Rand, he suddenly became something entirely different. I don't recognize this character. Where did he come from?

His presence not only keeps the dark one at bay, but Rand seems to know this somehow. What on Earth happened on Dragonmount? After we left him in TGS did the creator suddenly decide to play a role and give Rand a Light Aura and miraculous power?

I have never had an inkling that Lews Therin had this sort of power in the AoL. It seems clear that Rand has full access to the memories of his past life without having to view them through madness. But how does he get Light power? Did Sanderson overdo his character, or is this what RJ intended? I have to assume that the light aura and flower power were intended by RJ. But I don't know for sure.

At least his earth power has been foreshadowed and even previously witnessed. But the light aura really comes out of nowhere for me.