is the first book in Robert Jordan's monster fantasy series, the Wheel of Time. Currently at twelve books, with two more planned before completion, and the books averaging about 700-800 pages (some at 1000 pages), this series is not for you if you like short books or only read one or two chapters a week (unless you don't mind using a long time on finishing it).The book starts in Emond's Field, a quiet and remote village, far from any big cities or any of the action in the world. In Emond's field we meet three friends; Rand, Mat and Perrin whose lives are turned upside down when the village is attacked by trollocs (creatures bred by the Dark One, the evil presence in the world). And Aes Sedai (a kind of sorceress) who happens to be in the village explains to the three friends that the trollocs were after the three of them and if they want to keep the village and their friends safe they must leave the village with her as soon as possible. This then becomes the start of their grand adventure. I won't go into too much detail about the story here though, just over the main and important points of the story.
Originally, they set out for Tar Valon, the Aes Sedai headquarter, but early on their journey they get separated into three parties. They meet up again in Caemlyn, where they learn new information about the Dark One's plotting, and plans must be changed. Instead of continuing to Tar Valon they must find the eye of the World, a mystical place of great power where they supposedly can hinder the Dark One's plans. They then head into the Blight, a dangerous and evil place seperating the rest of the continent from the lands of the Dark One. How that goes, I am not going to reveal though.
The book is well written, the story flows, for the most part, smoothly, and the characters are believable and enjoyable. Robert Jordan's way of writing is good, he has a nice way of building up to plot-twists and the chapters are easy to read. Robert Jordan makes the characters come to life in your head, though he seems to be better at creating male rather than female characters. It isn't that obvious in the first few books, but as the series progresses I find the female characters become more and more boring. In this book though, even the female characters are interesting and enjoyable.
It is clear that Robert Jordan has spent a lot of time building up a massive back-story for the world, which comes out during the cours of the books. Events in the past are hinted at throughout the book, and you get a sense that Jordan has spent a lot of time building up his fantasy world. As the protagonists travel through country after country, customs and landscapes change, and thus, the world comes alive in your head.
The Eye of the World
is a book I would recommend, I've recommended it to several friends, most who have come to love the book and continued reading the series. It has a nice story progression, an exciting plot, interesting characters and a massive back-story. If you read fantasy literature you have probably read this book already, or at least heard of it, but if you are new to the genre, this is a book I recommend you pick up.So long
. With 50 minutes on the bus to and fro work everyday, I actually manage to get quite a few pages done even on days when I don't really have time to read. On some days though, I am to tired to read and use the bus ride o catch up on some much-needed-sleep.