Anyhow, I have to say I have mixed feelings about the entire series. I'm trained in English literature, from a critical standpoint there are problems aplenty with Jordan's novels--especially around the 6 book, and leading up to the penulitmate one. He developed a problem with pacing, and spent far too much time on individual side plots. I think he became too wrapped up in his characters. Many authors say that they listen to the characters, and write what they hear. I think that he merely gave too much credence to that method. Now I also view Jordan as a storyteller. As a storyteller he is among the best I have ever read. This is the other side of the pacing coin. I think he became lost in his vision of the story, and really became overambitious in his attempt to paint the entire picture before him. Now the diehard WOT fan will continue reading--no matter how the books would have stretched on. I believe that is because the diehard fans are those who are dedicated--even addicted--to the story itself. Now, back to the books. The media itself hindered the expression of the vision RJ had, but equally RJ's vision hindered his very own writing. It is as though the story became a hydra--two new subplots coming out of every finished one, and each character leading to two more. It simply became unwieldy.
At any rate, I will stay tuned to see how the storyteller finishes his yarn.
If any feels that a graph would enhance the above anaylsis, please let me know and I will try to oblige you.
