Rating: 
Summary: Why is this series so popular?
Review: As a lifelong fantasy reader and occasional fiction writer, I have to say that this book is abysmal. It is so badly written that I feel compelled to defend the art of writing against such fodder by, what else, posting a review on Amazon.
Now, admittedly, the first book must have had some redeeming qualities or else I wouldn't have made it through the second one. Or it could just be part of the brilliant marketing trap of book series. Right now, I can't say if I will finish out the series, but since book three is sitting on my shelf, I just might have to read it.
The series is conceptualized quite well. Jordan has set up a vast, complex, and interesting world in which to let is characters roam, though I can't seem to keep all the ancient wars straight. The problems are his characters and his sense of narrative action. The characters are flat and dull; they are as psychologically complex as a group of lab rats. They behave predictably. For instance, Rand makes a big point of thinking "I will not be used!" or something to that effect, just to create tension I suppose, and yet he takes the dragon banner with him. Hello? Is it a shock when he pulls it out and uses it in the end? Yeah, couldn't see that one happening. The big bad guy, Ba'alzamon is a poor cousin to Darth Vadar. "Serve me, and live." What's next, "Rand, I am your father"? And don't get me started on the female characters. They are all predictably and blandly beautiful. Lame things come out of their mouths, like when Elayne says "Is this what an adventure is like?" Such sophisticated dialogue.
I can't shake the feeling that this is the kind of story I might have construed as a young teenager. Jordan's writing is about on that level. The action skips along without any logical progression; in fact, most of the character's actions are illogical. When Rand, Loial and Hurin are transported to that other dimension, it makes perfect sense to them that there is a damsel in distress (Selene) waiting for them and they are in no way suspicious of her. We as readers of course are much smarter, but that's not saying much. That's only one example among many.
If a story is going to be drawn out over twelve books, you had better have characters that are complex and compelling. Jordan hasn't delivered that for me. These cardboard characters could pop up in any kind of literature. There better be considerable payoff in those last pages. If I ever make it that far. Jordan certainly is not compelled to meet our expectations because he is already laughing all the way to the bank.
So, overall, I am largely disappointed. Jordan has done the genre of fantasy a great disservice by weighing down our shelves with this series.
Rating: 
Summary: CONTINUES TO BE A GREAT READ
Review: As with the other books in this series, I am addressing each book as it stands, not taking into account the whole series. This second book, in my opinion, is a actually better than the first. Character developement has reached a point where it is much easier to track the exploits and tribulations of each of the many, many characters Mr. Jordan has introduced. The story line continues to be solid. As with the first book, this continues to be a very complex work and you cannot just flit your way through it. I did read a couple of other reviewers who felt that Jordan's writing was somewhat juvenile. I might suggets those reviewers go back and take a second look. So much is in they eye of the beholder. I should be able to write like Jordan...sigh. Again, after well over fourty years of reading this particular genre, I feel this is some of the best. It may not be my favorite, but it is good. As to the rest of the series...well we shall see. I highly recommend this one.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent basic epic fantasy. Top notch.
Review: I am a fan of big, fat fantasy volumes, this should be said first. I would rather take my time and absorb a world slowly than slice through it quickly. Not everybody has this preference, I know, and what people like is what they like.Robert Jordan gives us a richly detailed world to soak in, but it still does not feel like sloggish reading. So far, so good. Character development is very good and represents a nice continuation of 'Eye of the World.' While I liked EotW, I was more connected with the characters after 'The Great Hunt.' The world is richly detailed and characters have been given more depth. There is some reward at the end for those who have been faithfully moving through the story. There is some torture, but it is described only mildly. This is a relief after reading some of Terry Goodkind's graphic torture description. In fact, when I realized they were using a collar to control and cause pain, I had a mini-learned-Goodkind-fear response. (Hats off to Goodkind for that, I guess). However, Jordan is a little more gentle with the reader. Thanks Robert. As in most fantasy stories, there is some derivation. However, these are not needless and Jordan has created his own world. I have enjoyed these books and will read the rest of the series. In fact, the Dragon Reborn is ordered and should arrive today. Overall, this is a great and enveloping story that is perfect for the fantasy fan and is accpetable for younger readers (who have the necessary reading skills).
Rating:
Summary: I don't care what anyone else says
Review: I am enjoying this book!! I haven't finished it yet, but it is hard to put down and I hate having to put it down just to go to bed!!
I realize that many people give this book/series low stars stating that Robert Jordan isn't like their obviously favorite authors, however I realize that Robert Jordan is different. I am enjoying the series, thus the 5 stars for this installment. I truly hope that this helps people who are thinking of embarking on the series and that they use it as a guide, not a rule.
Rating: 
Summary: Slow & plodding at times, but still a fun read
Review: I am not a fantasy reader....I had read Stephen King's "Dark Tower" series, and a friend at work recommended "Wheel of Time". I have to say, I really enjoyed the first book "Eye of the World". The way the story developed and the characters was fascinating and I was sucked in. About halfway through this second book things.....began....to....slow...way....down. I don't know if I am just tired of following of the same story or if Jordan's writing pace is just wearing me down. I enjoy in depth character studies....but usually only when it pertains to characters who will be focused on throughout the story, Jordan seems to give even the bit players a lengthy description. Also, I am beginning to suspect that almost any storyline involving the main characters; Perrin, Mat, Rand, Loial etc..are beginning to lose the tension the first book held because I don't think Jordan will let any real harm come to them in these first few books. So, when Mat's life seems in danger midway through the book, I don't feel the urgent need to read on because I already know he will survive. I don't know how...just that Jordan doesn't seem willing to kill off one of his main characters. Also, I hope that Jordan will begin to populate his novels with average looking or ugly people. So far everyone who happens along is exceedingly beautiful or strikingly handsome. I was kind of hoping Rand would be described as looking like Clint Howard just to balance things off. Still this isn't a bad book, but I don't think it lives up to the promise of the "Eye of the World". The action and climax of this book is very good once you get there, but be warned, you don't want to start this series here, you would be completely lost.
Rating:
Summary: Great Book
Review: I eagerly anticipated getting to this book, especially after having spent so long trying to wrap up the first in the series. It is really more the first book than "Eye....", which seemed more of a introduction into the world of Jordan. You don't even necessairily have to read the first book: the characters and their back-stories are all explained, not too great length, but enough to get a good idea. I'd suggest reading EOTW anyhow, it's a good piece of literature.
This is the continuation of th WOT series, and is basically the platform on which to set up Rand al'Thor and his future. In fact, a more appropriate title would be "The Book of Rand", since the other characters generally sit around, watching and waiting for the next move. Perrin, my favorite character, doesn't really make the kind of advancements that I would have liked, and Mat is still basically as he was at first, not quite realized, just a stock character of sorts, although he is one of the main reasons for the story to go on, and he has a good role in the ending. Nynaeve becomes a bit more likable, a bit more tolerable, and Egwene is more fully realized. Moiraine and Lan don't have much of a role here, although you do find out more about them. Also, a character comes back from the dead....
As with the first book, I have a serious bone to pick with Rand. His stubborness and his refusal to accept the truth are very irritating and somewhat nerve-wrecking. I found myself wanting to slap him on numerous occasions. He does somewhat become more enjoyable towards the end, and he has noble enough reasons for doing a lot of the things he does. A main element of the series so far seems to be the beauty of friendship, loyalty, love. Another is the conflict between good and evil.
This novel doesn't seem quite as long as the first, and I was able to complete it in a few weeks. Keep in mind, I have a LOT of free time. If you had 6-8 hours of steady reading time every day, you too could finish it in about that much time, but otherwise it could be a matter of months. The finale alone is worth sticking along with the tale for. As would be expected, the book ends, when you would like it to keep going. Fortuately, there are many more to be read, and I am going to be starting "The Dragon Reborn" very soon. All in all, it's fantastic read, and I recommend it highly.
Rating:
Summary: You can't put this book down
Review: I haven't read a Fiction book in years. Most are in a bookshelf unfinished never to be touched again. This book is NOT like those others. After the initial set-up of the first few chapters I was swept away never to look back. The book charged ahead with vivid characters and intense action.
Multiple story lines weave and meander together brilliantly leaving you a bit off balance and hungry for more. :) Truly a masterpiece!
Rating: 
Summary: Arguably the Best of the Wheel of Time Series
Review: Robert Jordan does it again in this great book. With Rand, Loial, Perrin, Mat and more they go searching for the stolen Horn, that has Artur Hawking and his armies bound to it, but anybody can use it and then the horn and the armies are bound to that person! Also stolen is Mat's dagger from Shadar Logoth and Mat's dying.
Full of excitement, loyalty, and danger, makes this book arguably his best.
Rating: 
Summary: The "Hunt" goes on... and on and on...
Review: Sometimes a hit isn't as good as the second time around. Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time series debuted in the slow, ponderous "Eye of the World." The follow-up is a bit better, with a slightly better plot and some Machievellian intrigues, but Jordan's mediocre writing and glacial pace turn it into another pulpy mess.
Rand and company have arrived at the home of the Aes Sedai, the female sorceresses who now hold his fate in their collective hands -- because he can do magic, albeit by accident, they might "gentle" him. What he doesn't know is that Moraine and the Aes Sedai leader, the Amyrlin, are secretly plotting to keep him safe -- because they suspect he is the Dragon Reborn.
All the Aes Sedai intrigues are interrupted when the stronghold is invaded by trollocs and a Myrdraal -- and a message for Rand is scrawled on the wall in blood. Turns out that they were stealing the legendary Horn of Valere, which can raise dead heroes. So Rand and his friends -- including Mat, whose life is bound to a stolen dagger -- go out in search of the horn.
Robert Jordan's books are slow. Really slow. Incredibly slow -- the hero, Rand, spends a hundred pages fretting about something that never happens. He spends an entire chapter getting dressed. Long books -- Dosteyevsky, Tolkien -- are often good things, richly nuanced and full of intricate plotting. But Jordan just seems to be describing everything in detail.
The plot itself has promise -- the action scenes tend to be swift, gritty and tense; the idea of a stolen horn that can raise the dead is an intriguing one. But between it is endless pages of quibbling and personal tics, as well as dozens of minor characters who have no bearing on the plot. For example, Jordan introduces countless Aes Sedai, but only two other than Moraine have any plot purpose.
Sadly, Jordan's writing isn't up to the challenge -- he reads like a second-rate pulp writer. The force of ultimate evil is called Shai'tan (can't he come up with a better name?), and just stops short of cackling out loud. The characters all interact by flirting or bickering, usually with women expressing disdain for the men. Jordan devotes a great deal of attention to the jewelry and clothing of the characters, even devoting a paragraph to a piece of Moraine's jewelry.
The characters are more like a collection of tics and personality flaws than actual people -- Rand spends all his time worrying, but breaks out long enough to be a hero. Nynaeve and Egwene pull their hair and snipe, while Perrin feels inferior and Mat flirts. Of all the characters, Moraine is the only one who comes across as a person, especially since she keeps most of her plans to herself.
"The Great Hunt" is one of those fantasy books that could have been quite good if about three hundred pages had been whittled out of it. As it is, it's merely a sloppy book with second-rate writing.
Rating:
Summary: Better than the first
Review: TGH is a step and above the first book in the Wheel of Time series. The pacing is much better and the characters receive much more development. IMO, the Seanchan were an interesting touch, and learning more about the curious Ogier gave more depth to Loial, one of my favorite characters. The climactic battle involving the Seanchan, the Whitecloaks, the heroes summoned by the horn, as well as Rand and Ba'alzamon was amazing. in fact I could clearly visualize it in my mind. On to Dragon Reborn!
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