Rating: Summary: This Series Looks To Become A Classic Of The Genre. Review: Having read all eight books so far written, I believe it is impossible not to consider this work as one of the few truly great offerings of fantasy fiction. Jordan has created a world that is unforgettable, a cast as varied and diverse as his mythological landscape, and a story that can only be hailed as monumental. And it is difficult to avoid superlatives in its description. Granted, Jordan's writing occasionally has its flaws - the heroines are at times too similar and adolescent in character - but he is a master storyteller, and, to date, no one equals his work either in sheer scale or intricacy of story.I actually find this first book in the series to be the weakest of the set. This is due entirely to the rather hasty manner in which he resolves the book's conclusion. After 600 pages of buildup, the last 50 pages seemed rushed and thinly realized, and the detail and characterization lavished upon earlier chapters is abandoned in a scurry to climactically bring the reader to the book's finale. Because of this, the passage through the blight, the encounter with the Green Man, and the combat with the Forsaken seem, in comparison with earlier chapters, cursory and caricaturesque in treatment. The resolution, therefore, was somewhat unsatisfying; fortunately this failing is not repeated in the books that follow. There has been a great degree of criticism found herein of Jordan's borrowings from Tolkein. Evidence of this is most apparent in the first book, and becomes much less noticeable in the works which follow. I find much of this criticism, in any event, overwrought, as Jordan's storyline, mythological background, and world are largely original, and many of the borrowings, such as the myrddraal, recontextualised in a way that make them distinctly Jordan's own. The only exception is the Green Man - far too baldly borrowed from Tom Bombadil and the Ents - but this character's presence is brief and absent after the first book. Further, all the critics seem to forget - or, more likely, simply don't know - that Tolkein drew blatantly from the Norse and Germanic sagas, and to a degree that makes him far more open to complaints of plagiarism by anyone having read the sagas or watched a performance of Wagner's "Ring." The aesthetic justification, if there is one, is in the manner and extent of the retelling, and in this regard Jordan is far more sucessful in his appropriation than was Tolkein. Finally, let us not forget that fantasy is a genre, which by implication attaches a certain amount of repetitive iconography and convention; Those who trot out this weary disclaimer neither understand nor know the history of fantasy genre. Finally, for those who, as the story continues in later books, have complained about the pace, or the amount of detail and characterization, all I can say is that you remind me of children that cannot wait to open gifts at Christmas. If you are so impatient for the story to end, or need a constant fix of action, other books are available for you: Read the simplistic tales of Eddings or Brooks, or turn for release to comics. Certainly never ever pick up a work of literature or serious fiction lest you find yourself bored with the tedium of reading.
Rating: Summary: THIS IS THE BEST BOOK IN THE ENTIRE FREAKING WORLD Review: Oh my gosh. Never in my life have I read a book with this profound sense of detail. It combines the most amazing story I have ever read with a world that sometimes seems to posses more reality than even Earth. Not only am I a Wheel fan for life, but I'm not even sure I could ever read another fantasy book.
Rating: Summary: One of the greatest books I have read Review: This book is a lot better than any book Tolkien had ever wrote. Anyone who says otherwise, is challenged to read this. This guy creates mystery up to the level you're actually afraid to read the book. I read in a couple of days, and I immediately wanted to read the sequel.
Rating: Summary: Not as good as Tolkien, but Jordan's not far below Review: This book is filled with great descriptions and characters that Jordan makes extremely believeable. The characters range from the suave Moraine, to the cold and deadly Lan, to the joking Mat, to the reluctant Rand. One complaint, though, the character development just isn't there. Some would call it subtle. Well, if you can't see development in 800 pages, than it's far to subtle. I don't care if they develop in the other books, here, they don't. Out of the three I've read this book has been the best, though, despite this gripe. Jordan starts Nynaeve pulling her braid in book three, when he had never mentioned it previously, and then he never made her stop. Instead of coming across as an informative idiosyncrassy as I assume was intended, it becomes merely an annoying habit. If Jordan stopped doing things like that, he might even dethrone Tolkien, although this seemes unlikely :). Altogether, this is a solid read if you like fantasy, but you better have the endurance to get through seven more books like this one. I'm on the dreaded fourth book, which everyone seems to hate, but no matter how bad it is, Eye Of The World is still a good book.
Rating: Summary: READ THIS BOOK!! Review: I am now an avid Wheel of time fan because of this book! I just love this series. Robert Jordan catapults you into his realm, and it left me crying for more. I eagerly await the next book!
Rating: Summary: its the graetest Review: Can you say !wow! eye of the world is the best book I have ever read. It is very full in detail from the caracters to the world Richard- Jordan creates I would recomend it to any serios reader.After I read it I went and bought the rest of the eye series.
Rating: Summary: They don't get any less original than this. Review: I have to confess I haven't yet finished this book- and I don't know if I ever will. So far, it is nothing more than a poor, hackneyed imitation of Tolkien. I mean, I don't know if I have ever read a story that so shamelessly echoes another. Not that Jordan doesn't borrow from other sources as well, because he does(Star Wars comes to mind). Unfortunately for Jordan, while he is able to borrow his ideas from other sources, he is unable to present those ideas in a convincing fashion. Few of his characters seem real. In light of this, and the fact that Jordan has followed this massive book with 7 or 8 more like it, I have to say that to me this seems to be the work of a hack. If you are thinking of reading this book and you haven't yet read 'The Hobbit' and The Lord of the Rings trilogy, do yourself a favor and read the Tolkien books instead. Written decades before 'The Eye of the World', they are none the less light years ahead of it.
Rating: Summary: I NEVER PUT THE BOOK DOWN Review: This book is truly a classic. If you love Tolkein, you must read it. The first 70 pages are dull, but after that the action never stops. Jordan creates a vivid world you will be hard-pressed to tear yourself from. However, if you do not enjoy being sucked into a very large series, this book is not for you. I have read the first five and have no intention of stopping.
Rating: Summary: Unstoppable Review: I've read this book twice and am currently reading it for the third time and all I have to say is that it dominates. Jordan takes you into a world surprisingly different from any other despite the much used youngfarmerboycomesoutofobscuritytobecomethechampionoftheforcesofgood-theme. Jordan is a master of plot and with this book the ride has only begun.
Rating: Summary: A must read for anyone whose read Tolkien. Review: The Eye of the World is a captivating novel written with a very intense and almost poetic prose. Jordan has created a very imagnative and creative world that keeps the reader reading. I especially liked the relationships he establishes between his characters and his own view of the age old theme of "Good vs. Evil." Jordan's prose is very descriptive. He uses it to create dramatic tension, increase suspense and influence the reader. I gave The Eye of the World four stars since I have not read the series as a whole. I am very anxious to read the next book in the series. I highly recommend The Eye of the World to anyone who likes the fantasy/suspense genera.
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