Rating: 
Summary: The beginning of an excellent epic fantasy.
Review: The best fantasy series since Tolkien for me. A few small town yokels end up being the pivotal players in a
legendary battle. Diverse and interesting characters in a
rich and absorbing world. Thumbs up, and you'll probably want
to buy the next 6 books in the series... :-)
Rating:
Summary: Spell Binding
Review: In this book we are introduced to Rand Al'Thor and his friends.
The book opens with a BANG and will hold you till you are done.
You learn the secrets of The One Source and the battle that is
about to come.
Rating: 
Summary: Tolkien meets Taoism.
Review: "The Eye of the World" is the introductory volume of the mammoth and immensely popular "Wheel of Time" series. It lays the foundation to the series by introducing us to three young men who are central characters in the great and cosmic conflict against evil, describing their difficult and dangerous journey to the Eye of the World, constantly facing the perils and powers of magical abilities wielded by friends and foes. The series bears the unmistakable imprint of two main influences.1. The worldview of Tolkien. Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings" was the ground-breaking fantasy that firmly established the future direction of this genre. His originality and imagination pioneered the structures of the fantasy playing field within which Jordan works. Although Jordan's characterization, description, and use of language rarely equals that of Tolkien, many of his concepts and ideas (notably "The Dark Lord" and his "black riders") will be recognizable, and this epic fantasy with its cosmic conflict is superior to most other modern efforts in the genre. Like Tolkien, Jordan's characterization and conflict parallels much found in the Christian Bible. Underneath the trappings of fantasy, "The Wheel of Time" is actually a very religious book. Aside from the central struggle between good and evil, there are many unmistakable Biblical parallels and allusions, such as the idea of the tree of life, and the multitude of prayers to "Light". One only has to substitute the constant references to "Light" with "God" and the point is already made. In contrast to the Creator and the "Light", is the Dark One, "Shai'tan". Is it a coincidence that this sounds like the Biblical "Satan"? "Shai'tan" shares many other titles with his Biblical namesake, notably the "Father of Lies" and "Lord of the Grave." And just as the fallen Satan and his angels of the Bible were destined by God to be bound in "Sheol" or realm of the grave, so Shai'tan and his followers ("the Forsaken") are bound in "Shayol Ghol." Jordan closely mirrors the eschatology of the Biblical Revelation, where Satan is set free from his prison, leading to a final cosmic battle between good and evil that ends the world. There is even a Messianic Christ figure - "the Light in the flesh" (p.779 ) - upon whom the hopes of the world rest, and like Jesus, Rand is tempted by Shai'tan to receive great power by kneeling before him. Jordan plainly borrows from Tolkien, and from the source that inspired Tolkien's cosmic conflict - the Bible. But this is not to say that Jordan is not original. Quite the opposite: he is far from a Tolkien carbon copy! Within the contours of a Tolkien-style genre of fantasy, he has created his own medieval type world, with his own conflicts and cast of characters. "The Eye of the World" has captured the hearts and imaginations of readers by its own strengths, not merely strengths borrowed from Tolkien. Although he rarely matches the epic grandeur and heroic tone of Tolkien's classic, Jordan in fact even surpasses Tolkien in suspense and action. 2. The worldview of Taoism. Yet Jordan does not slavishly follow Tolkien's Christian worldview, but significantly departs from it by strongly incorporating elements of New Age Eastern thinking, particularly Taoist religion and philosophy. In contrast to Tolkien and the Bible, where history is portrayed as linear, progressing towards a final goal, the history portrayed in "The Wheel of Time" is circular, repetitive, and without end. Jordan describes history as a "Wheel of Time" (a symbol for eternity) which turns, and ultimately repeats itself. Not surprisingly, this history features reincarnation. At the heart of the wheel of history is the "True Source" of power, consisting of equal male and female halves (saidin and saidar). This is clearly the Taoist yin-yang (Taiji) concept dressed in new clothing. Jordan's universe is actually very pagan in character, because the characters do not find success and salvation by reaching to God, but to the magical powers of this "True Source." Jordan's fantastic universe is governed not by the Creator, but by the "Wheel of Time", which leaves little room for the exercise of free will, since history is destined to repeat itself, and events are largely determined by the previous revolution of the "Wheel of Time". The Creator makes the wheel, but then it is the "Pattern" which weaves - "Everything is part of the pattern. We cannot pick or choose." (p.143). "It will be as the wheel weaves." (p.422). It is the Deistic, deterministic, circular universe of Taoism. But don't let the underlying philosophy behind the universe of the "Wheel of Time" scare you. I found it stimulating, particularly the notion that all of history and even my individual life is part of a grand pattern, woven by the hand of an unseen Creator. But "The Eye of the World" is not primarily a book about philosophy, but an exciting story. Although I do not share much of the thinking behind the implicit world-view of the "Wheel of Time," this did not prevent me from enjoying the book as an engrossing story. Jordan has created a series that lacks Tolkien's grandeur, but is more readable. Admittedly, the first hundred pages are somewhat difficult to read, because you are introduced to a new world, with new characters, creatures, and conflicts. But once this world becomes familiar, you will find it completely captivating. The action and suspense rarely lets up, and you will find it hard to put this book down. One could argue that the ending is somewhat rushed, but on the whole, these hundreds of pages are sure to keep you constantly surprised and satisfied. "The Eye of the World" absolutely deserves its place as one of the best contributions to contemporary fantasy.
Rating: 
Summary: How to begin.....
Review: I started this series when it first came out and enjoyed it a great deal. The story was good. The writing was okay. I looked forward to each book as it came out. Maybe it's because I'm 13 years older and more mature, but I'm just reading to find out what happens at this point. I can't be the only person out there who is appalled by most of the characters. I'm tired of hearing their thoughts as they lie to themselves...'I only did that because I wanted to......certainly not because this other person wanted me/coerced me/tricked me into doing it....certainly not!' I'm tired of their arrogance and overbearing pride. It seems that during every exchange one character is trying to abusively prove their superiority over another. How many times can we endure Nynaeve having to swallow her pride and yank her braid? Or endure her terrible treatment of her 'friends'? Or the seafolk insulting everyone with impunity until someone finds a way to do the same to them? Are these characters so stupid that they can't realize that they can walk away from the abuse and refuse to deal with those that treat them poorly? What is Jordan's fetish with this type of character interaction? Does he actually believe that this is how people behave or is he operating under the misconception that we enjoy it? Would anyone really be upset to see Nynaeve killed at this point? Or Elaine? Or Logain? Or the Ashaman? Or Cadsuane? Or the Wave Mistresses? Or all of the Aes Sedai? Rand, Perrin, Mat, Min and Lan are about the only ones I have any caring about at all. The rest have such irritating arrogance that a horrible, painful death would be a relief. I beg you, Mr. Jordan. I want to enjoy the rest of your series. Make us care about your characters again....have them grow and show some common courtesy and respect for each other. Tie up some loose ends. Advance your plotlines. Come to an ending.
Rating:
Summary: Jealosy so unbecoming.
Review: Robert Jordan's works are always a pleasure to read. He certainly has taken a genre that, for a while, had grown rather stale and gave it new life. Certainly, he is no J.R.R. Tolkien by any stretch of the imagination. But then Tolkien was not truly writing the Lord of the Rings for pure escapism. Most scholars would agree that there is alot to be said within its pages. Jordan is the complete opposite, this is escapism to the core, and I love it. It is quite easy to relate to all of the characters, the story pads along quite nicely, and if you decide to read it through again, you'll be certain to find a thing or two that you missed before. That said, also be forewarned, the scope of this story is HUGE! The series is now slated to reach 13 books, and they only get better each time. Sure there are some unfortunate problems, those should be expected from a series of this size, but they are easily overlooked since they are so small.
That said...
I have always found great humor in the works of such authors as Terry Prachett and Peirs Anthony, but nothing can compare to the stuff that I read on these reviews. To dislike a book, even a series of books, because they think that the author is milking it for what it's worth? Come on people, let's be honest...WOULDN'T YOU!? So, stop being haters; jealosy is so unbecoming.
P.S. Don't get mad unless I'm talkin' 'bout you!
Rating:
Summary: Great for a Fantasy Read, but...
Review: I'm not gonna tell you any different than what I think. The book is good. The book is great. The book is a great fantasy book, which appeals to many of the students in my school. However, I could not seem to get interested in it anywhere in the book. It's long; 784 pages of the actual story. Most of it is detail that's actually pointless, really. I'll admit, Robert Jordan is a hell of a writer. Nobody is saying anything different than that. The story is, uhhh, how should I put it, too drawn out?
The characters are alright. I especially liked one of the centrally main characters, Rand Al'Thor, or however it is. A sheepherder from the Two Rivers, Rand has to come with a few others because it seems that the "Dark One" has chosen him. (I really did not understand some of the story, I'm doing my best.) He goes on a journey with Thom Merrilin, Moraine Sedai, Egwene, Mat, Perrin, and Land. (I forgot a few of the names, I borrowed the book and I've already returned it.) The Dark One has chosen Perrin and Mat as well. When their land is attacked by Trollocs, that's when they go on the quest. Along the way, they encounter darkfriends, draghkars, and more Trollocs. The action is slow paced and not very interesting. (Just my opinion). After awhile I was forcing myself to read. (I had to read it, due to school regulations) It really didn't do anything for me.
However, now that I'm finished with it, I find myself wanting to know what happens next. I don't know if I'll get another book from the series or not. Sometimes I wonder how Rand dealt with his situation towards the end of the book, and how the other characters got along. I might only read another if I can borrow it and I have alot of time to read, or I'm just bored. The book is well-written, but like I said, it never held my interest, and I was forcing myself to read. I say pick it up if you are a fantasy guru, but if not, I'd say leave it alone. Too long winded.
(Some information may be inaccurate. As I've said, I don't have the book for reference. Some of the plot may not be too much of help.)
Rating:
Summary: Good first book, but the series sucks
Review: This book by itself deserves about four and a half stars. I admit that it is an excellent and entertaining book, with characters that I found intereting and a plot line that found intriguing. This book redefined fantasy for me. Then again I was in eighth grade, and after reading nothing but the likes of Redwall and Harry Potter, I was captivated by this concept of 'adult fantasy'. Now, as a senior in high school, I realize that the series, if not this book alone, is bland and unoriginal and, towards the later books, is stagnant, a cruel betrayal on Jordan's part to all his fans.
The first book, in my highly negative opinion of the Wheel of Time in general, may be worth reading, along with the next three, if you have the tremendous will-power not to continue with the rest of the books. These four are very entertaining and stuff actually happens, and they held the promise of a great fantasy series. The latter books did away with that promise for good.
When I read this book, I gained a great amount of respect for Robert Jordan. But all this book is is a hook into a vast money-making machine. I later lost all respect for him an now hate him. My suggestion is to not take the bait and leave this book on the shelf. They say that it is better to have loved and to have lost than not loved at all, but I think WOT is the exception. Read Eye of the World if you must, but, for the love of the gods, don't read much farther.
Rating:
Summary: This Book is This Book
Review: Jordan had the start of what could have been an amazing series... unfortunately, he refuses to end it, and is really just milking the cash cow now, on his 9th book. Ironically, the Wheel Of Time Series is much like the Wheel Of Time In The Book, repetitive and never-ending.
Rating: 
Summary: You can pass this one safely
Review: I got about halfway through the book, when I just couldn't get on. Why? It is unoriginal. Gob'lin please no. Writing shows no special style. If you want to read fantasy, go get George R.R. Martin's Song of Ice and Fire. Or even Goodkind's Sword of Truth, brutal though it is, Goodkind at least has a gripping plot unlike this bad copy of Tolkien. If you have read any of those two authors you will be dissapointed with Jordan.I can't imagine anyone reading volume after volume of stuff like this.
Rating:
Summary: more like 2 and a half...but I'll finish the series
Review: I made it through the fifth book by sheer force of will. I'm trying to listen to them over again on audio to get back into the story, but I just can't seem to care about these characters. The world is vivid and detailed, colorful, and even original, but the characters are shallow, the women are annoying, (if Nynaeve pulls her braid one more time, I'll scream), and the men, with few exceptions, are complete door mats. My real issue, though, is all of the detail with no real impact on the story. If you want tedious detail that actually enriches a story, read A Song of Ice and Fire, by GRRM. Jordan's details, while impressive in scope, are pointless most of the time, and the characters act like children, most of the time. I find myself just not caring. I will finish the series eventually, and maybe there will be payoff. The prequel was interesting, and the final battle should be good. Beware new readers, it's thick, drawn out, muddled with useless details, but if you can wade through it, or you're a teen, this is a good book to cut your teeth on. If you've read George R.R. Martin already, you'll be disappointed in Jordan.
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