Rating: Summary: If you read this book you will read the next book! Review: This is one book you must read. This is Fantasy with a big F, if you know what I mean. A good build up of character and a very 'realistic' environment.
Rating: Summary: An auspicious debut to an overlong series Review: To address the ongoing issue of Tolkien comparisons, I have to say, in all objectivity, that there are a few glaring similarities. Of course, the Dark One speaks for himself. The Myrrdral resemble the Nazgul, at least outwardly, Moirainne's function is similar to Gandalf's and even disappears while fighting an enemy, like Gandalf. Padan Fain brings to mind LotR's Gollum. The one I find most striking is the similarity of Lan to Aragorn. Both of these characters have grey in their hair, suggesting they are older than they appear; both are kings without a country and, finally, within the name Mandragor'an is contained the letters that spell Aragorn. Coincidence? If so, it's a really remarkable one.One major problem I have with the series is the characterization; that is, with a few exceptions, I don't like the characters. They are either grating or outright despicable. Throughout the series I get an overwhelming feeling of cynicism, as if they characters don't really like each other and that Rand's world isn't one worth saving. I suppose the intended effect is realism by having the various characters snapping at each other frequently, but there's realism and there's over-the-top. WoT is over-the-top. Again, if I liked them I wouldn't mind 5,600 or so pages, but these don't strike me as characters I'd want to spend an adventure with. Another thing: about this world being so believable, I have to question that. For one thing, why do all the people of these nations speak the same language? Perhaps the only two races that speak different languages are the Seafolk and the Seanchan, and I'm not even sure of that. For such a supposedly complex and believable world, this seems glaringly simplistic and unbelievable to me. Anyway, the main problem I have for the series is its length, which is in itself is not bad, just that that length is primarily a bunch of padding, containing massive descriptions of clothing and appearance and who remembers what else. If WoT's formidable word count had contained more story, I would not be complaining. Jordan certainly seems to have enough story to tell without having to resort to mind-numbingly long descriptions. Well, I guess it did say in the book that there are no beginnings or endings in the Wheel of Time. Definitely have to agree on the latter. This series is 8 books and 10(!) years long and still no end in sight. I liked this book and perhaps the next two books of this series but my appreciated waned with each succeeding book until the final slap in the face that was Book 7, after which I lost all hope and interest. If you don't mind this type of long-running series (and also if you happen to like Jordan's style of writing), go ahead and read it. If instead you like the concept of resolution, you might want to give this series a miss.
Rating: Summary: Great book in the best series ever made Review: This is the beginning of the best series of books ever written. Buy this one now, you wont regret it!
Rating: Summary: Unoriginal and tedious... but i can't look away... Review: I'm going to say it right off the bat, this book had problems. The characters were shallow. The only difference i could tell between Rand (the main character) and Perrin is their abilities which develop later on in the story. Everybody seems to have the libido of a kindergartener, it's like the book was written for 10-year olds. You NEVER get a physical description of any of the characters; you're expected to settle for Egwine is pretty, Nyevene is pretty, Min is pretty etc. Much more time is spent discussing the surroundings and the characters' attire, which i for the most part disregard anyway. Much of this book is fluffed up with needlessly descriptive passages. The plot was trite. You'll get the exact same thing reading Tolkien or Dune or even Dragonlance, The Chronicals of Narnia, and those Lloyd Alexander books. The conversations were awkward and unnatural. I found myself scratching my head whenever a certain female character spouts off. People don't act like this. We're so used to seeing the main diabolical evil bad guys that they throw at us that they no longer have any effect. The secondary bad guys seemed much more threatening, and realistic IMHO. That being said, I had this disgusting urge to read the next book, it's sick, really. The plot starts gain momentum at the end and i felt myself wondering if the next book is worth reading. Who knows? You might actually like it!
Rating: Summary: One of the best fantasy novels I have read Review: This book was one that I could not put down. I have re-read it every time the next book in the series has come out and I still enjoy reading it. If you like David Eddings Belgeriad or the Mallorean series, this is one to add to your collection.
Rating: Summary: good book Review: great book compared to most of the trash written today---not as good as Tolkien--series gets better though
Rating: Summary: Slow but GOOD!!! Review: The Eye of the World had it's good and bad parts. It was the best when all the companions were together, and there were a lot of fun chapters. But as soon as the group got split up, it kinda went downhill. Some chapters with Elyas, Perrin, and Egwene, we especially boring because half of the stuff that happened with them weren't vital in the story, and really didn't need to be told. I'm not saying it will be a bad series though. The first time I read it, I didn't like it much, but now I am trying it again, and like it much more. And no I can't tell you if his books are like Tolkien because I never read a book by him. but this fantasy series by Robert Jordan is very promising. I think the idea of the Dragon Reborn weas great, and I can't wait to read "The Great Hunt" and the other novels to see how Rand Al'thor handles the role of DR. I can't wait!
Rating: Summary: A GREAT read! Review: This book is a masterfully written fantasy novel that rivals even the lord of the rigns trillogy. the wonderfull tales of Rand al'thor and perrin aybara as well as many other characters will mezmerize you for hours!
Rating: Summary: The Tolkien of the 90's Review: No it's not as good as LORD OF THE RINGS, nothing is. But for this day-in-age, it's very fascinating. Though it doesn't have the greatest and most interesting plot in the world, Jordan does create a completely original fantasy series, which is what most authors have trouble with. If you're into fantasy, I recommend this book to you,it'll keep you entertained for a few weeks. Don't speed read it, enjoy it and read at normal pace, it'll create a movie in your mind. Note to other reviewers:I agree that they DO whine to much and yes they all claim that the other knows how to deal with girls better. And I will say that Rand is the dumbest of them all when it comes to girls, Egwene wants him, and he doesn't even see it coming.
Rating: Summary: Couldn't put it down - instantly wanted to read Book 2! Review: I'm quite glad that I was introduced to this remarkable series. I'm amazed by the grand depth of the world that Rand and his companions live in. Even though I'm the kind of person who likes to get into the action quickly, and the real action didn't start until past page 50, I still loved it. I read it so much in such a short period of time that I felt it was not around 800 pages, but much shorter. The non-action parts of the book are quite interesting, and the action makes you feel as if you are really there. I recommend this book as a must-read for anyone who likes fantasy.
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