Why you should journey through The Wheel of Time books, starting with The Eye of the World

As a long-time reader of fantasy literature, I can confidently say that diving into Robert Jordan’s “The Eye of the World” is an unforgettable journey for any fan of the genre. With over 100 million copies sold worldwide, it’s clear that this series has captured the hearts and minds of readers across the globe, and I am no exception.

The Wheel of Time series, penned by Robert Jordan, is renowned as one of the most grandiose fantasy book collections ever crafted. Debuting in 1990 with the initial installment titled “The Eye of the World“, Jordan authored the first eleven books and a prequel, before his premature demise in 2007. Brandon Sanderson concluded the series by penning the final three books based on Jordan’s notes and outlines.

To me, The Wheel of Time stands out as the epitome of epic fantasy series. While there are numerous other captivating fantasy works penned by talented writers, none match its scope, complexity of storylines, or growth and evolution of characters.

While it might not carry the same significance as “The Lord of the Rings” or possess the weight of the unfinished “Song of Ice and Fire,” “The Wheel of Time” weaves a tale of such grand scale that it could potentially remain unsurpassed.

What makes The Eye of the World so special?

It’s no wonder that “The Eye of the World,” being part of “The Wheel of Time” series, is considered one of the finest opening books in fantasy literature. From the get-go, it grips readers with its swift action and hints of enigma. Jordan skillfully establishes his intricate world without delay, ensuring that the first 250 pages are as captivating as any you’ll ever encounter, maintaining a steady pace while progressively unfolding the world layer by layer.

As a cinephile immersed in this captivating tale, I find myself introduced to five principal characters right off the bat: Egwene, Rand, Perrin, Nynaeve, and Mat. Hailing from the same secluded rural region, known as the Two Rivers, they stand at the heart of this riveting series, each playing a pivotal role in its unfolding narrative.

From a cinephile’s perspective, Jordan’s universe revolves around a cyclic cosmic wheel that endlessly repeats throughout the ages. Epic disasters and influential figures keep reappearing across history, with events unfolding in eerily familiar ways each time. This recurring cycle is called ‘the pattern’. In every era, there are a few individuals whose lives intertwine with this pattern, shaping its course to guide events towards a certain destiny. However, the outcomes can be surprisingly unpredictable…or not.

As a cinephile, I find myself captivated by an eternal struggle between light and shadow. The dark forces seek to shatter the cycle of time itself, plunging our world into an age of perpetual gloom. Yet, the champions of the Light tirelessly fight to preserve the status quo, a ceaseless crusade against the encroaching darkness. Among them are heroes hesitant and those eager, victors and vanquished; a tapestry of resilience woven through countless battles. The war rages on, unending, as the wheel of time continues to turn.

In this initial novel, you’ll encounter a new group of characters essential to the plot. A minimum of eight key characters vital to the overall narrative are initially revealed. Additionally, around ten other characters who significantly contribute to various parts of the series make their appearance.

The world of The Wheel of Time

In the narrative, magic plays a crucial role. Certain females, known as Aes Sedai, possess the ability to manipulate magic, drawing upon an existing power source. Few women have mastery over this magic, making it quite rare. On the other hand, the male counterpart of the source is corrupted; any man who uses it succumbs to madness and loses all control over the magic. Consequently, the Aes Sedai must locate any man with such abilities and seal off his access to the main power source.

Jordan skillfully constructs an intriguing narrative across the books, gradually revealing the extent of magic’s potential. In bygone eras, the Aes Sedai possessed greater abilities and could harness their powers more extensively, but over time, much of this expertise was forgotten. A significant aspect of the tale revolves around the recovery of some of these long-lost skills and wisdom. Readers are given tantalizing glimpses into this magic in “The Eye of the World“, hinting at its vast potential.

In the initial novel, the narrative predominantly revolves around Rand’s perspective, however, there’s a segment where we delve into the lives of Nynaeve and Perrin in the middle. As for subsequent books, various perspectives are explored, but the first book largely focuses on Rand.

One fascinating element of “The Eye of the World” is Jordan’s clever setup of events throughout the novel that have significant impacts much further along in the series. Each time I re-read this book, I discover new connections between the early pages and later developments in the plot, often not until books 5 or 6. The craftsmanship and intellect behind these subtle hints are almost mind-boggling.

In this initial book by Jordan, the minor shortcomings that become noticeable in later volumes are not yet apparent. Jordan has a tendency to delve deeply into descriptions, but it’s all done with intention. Additionally, he often relies excessively on familiar tropes, such as the “men are from Mars, women are from Venus” idea, which can give the books a dated feel.

In this work, the author treats both male and female characters equally when it comes to portraying them as heroes, heroines, villains, and so forth. Remarkably, women take on more significant roles than in many other fantasy novels, a fact that becomes clear right from the start of The Eye of the World.

In “The Eye of the World,” Jordan skillfully balances speed and detail, ensuring a swift narrative pace without skimping on the journey’s depth. He takes ample time to build his intricate world, flesh out his story, and fully develop the primary five characters.

By the end of the first book, the reader has already learned who the Dragon Reborn is, even though the character himself remains unaware until the second book. The author doesn’t intentionally withhold this information from the reader but rather presents it as a mystery for the characters themselves. The author trusts the reader to handle this knowledge and doesn’t feel compelled to deceive his audience by keeping them in the dark about the identity of the Dragon Reborn.

Regarding Jordan, although his writing style may have some minor flaws, he stands out as an exceptionally proficient and innovative author. Reading his books over time gives the distinct impression that a novice penned the next title you select. His skill in creating compelling narratives and complex characters is unparalleled. In my opinion, only James Clavell’s “Noble House” comes close in terms of quality, but it’s important to note that Jordan has produced a body of work consisting of 15 books, not just one like “Noble House.

From page to screen

In the initial run of Amazon’s “The Wheel of Time” series, they successfully conveyed the essence of the novel. Given that there were merely eight hours allocated for broadcast, the producers had to omit significant portions and modify or compress numerous elements with an aim towards future episodes. The show is satisfactory, but if you are a fan, it would be detrimental not to also delve into the original book.

Engaging with this book series requires a substantial investment of time. Spanning across 14 books (plus an additional prequel), many volumes are quite substantial in size. Depending on your reading speed, you might find yourself immersed for several months if you decide to read them consecutively. Notably, Dean Talbot from Words Rated reports that this series has sold over 100 million copies globally, placing it among the most widely read series available. The popularity of the series is well-deserved, as evidenced by its compelling content.

Once you dive in, the tale will capture your heart completely. You won’t be able to pull away. The characters will become an integral part of your life and as the saga comes to a close, you’ll experience a deep sense of loss and melancholy. With Jordan’s passing, it’s clear that there will be no further adventures for any of these characters, no matter how the story ends.

To set the record straight, when the last book was published in 2013, I too was unaware of how the story would unfold. It was just as much a mystery to me as it will be for you. Begin your adventure within the world of The Wheel of Time by reading The Eye of the World.

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2024-11-08 17:42