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This book is a treasure, the first volume of the fabulous series, The Wheel of Time. No comparison to the Amazon series of the same name, by the way...it is a thousand times better. The series is neither adapted from the novels nor is it truly inspired by the novels - as it changes and destroys the characters, basically only using their names, and perverts the world created by the author and the story he tells. The rich world building and amazing tale by James Rigney Jr., aka Robert Jordan, makes this one of the classics of all time. Though this first work is basically a stand alone novel, you will be thrilled to continue the adventure along with the main characters, who will live on in your imagination long after you have finished the books.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time is an epic fantasy spanning 14 books and a prequel. So 15 books, if you want to get technical. Jordan writes with flair, but takes time to focus on the details. Some would say that he focuses too much on the details, actually. He also has a tendency to run more main characters than your average book. That is, there are three main characters, but dozens of others receive their own chapters, some of them almost as many as the "main characters." Plots within plots, webs within webs, but always a satisfying conclusion. The good guys will win, as they should in this type of fantasy. This is the beginning to my personal favorite series. Let it be yours as well.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
CAUTION: Only start reading this book if you intend to read the entire series (12th will be released next year). The first 4 or 5 or excellent, but then the quality of writing decreases noticeably as more characters and minor, unimportant story lines get added in. This is the first book in an adventure that covers thousands of pages, more probably than even the author envisaged (there are 12 now). Robert Jordan's series just grew and grew. I loved all of the books and this first one is like the cream on top of the cake, it makes you want more and more. The story beings rather quickly with the peaceful villagers of Emond's Field getting savagely attacked by trollocs (troll, orc-like minions of the Dark One) forces three young men (Rand, Perrin, Mat) to confront a destiny which has its origins in the time known as The Breaking of the World. The book leads them on a journey to places vastly different from any they have ever known. Jordan does an excellent job of getting you to care about his characters. He does overuse many words and phrases, but to me the story is more important.Read full review
Jordan weaves the story so well that you don't wish you were there, you are there! In this series you will find complex story lines, characters you either love or hate and a way of life loosely based Eastern philosophy (think of ying and yang) Many compare Jordan to Tolkien. Aye, there are similarities. Most notably is the rough reading that one tends to come acrossed as the authors take us down the path of literary immersion. TAKE NOTES! It makes it easier. Tolkien laid down the gauntlet for other writers to pick up. In many aspects Jordan has picked it up and superceded the original master. Bottom line, if this isn't your genre, don't read it. However, if magic and mayhem twiddle your mind, take a chance and I would bet that you will sing the praises of Jordan.
Jordan is to fantasy what King is to horror. The world picture he builds is entirely convincing, while being amusing involving, touching and funny.The battle of the sexes has rarely been handled any better.At one stage I thought he had written a pot-boiler or two in amongst the many gems in this series, but on re-reading the series I find I was mistaken, all are very necessary to plot development.Supposedly the series ends with the next book (12th). I can't see how he will manage it, there are just too many loose ends for one volume. Thirteen somehow seems a far more likely number, and if you include the fore-runner, New Spring, then 14. I recommend this series to anyone who enjoys a tale well told, whether a fantasy devotee or not - satisfaction guaranteed.