Kevin's Watch

If you like a fantasy saga that always keeps you guessing, always on the edge of your seat, and constantly biting your fingernails, read The Wheel Of Time books by Robert Jordan. The story of Rand Al'Thor and his rise from the adopted son of an old farmer to The Dragon Reborn and his battle to stay alive and stay sane until the Battle of Tarmon'Gaidon rivals even the Lord Of The Rings books by J.R.R. Tolkien.

Syl, Do you want to answer this?

The Wheel of Time is good, even almost great. It certainly is much more exciting then the Lord of the Rings! But it`s maybe a bit too complex..there`s so many parallel stories at one time.

My frustration with this series is that the author doesn't appear to be in any hurry to finish it. He has so many subplots and minor characters going, over the last few books the mainplot lines seem to have not moved much at all.

However, I will give him credit for having created a well-thought out world, very detailed, with a lot of back-history. He also is a very good writer of battle scenes, which is a weakness of some other fantasy writers.

This is of course, a matter of personal taste. I generally don't get into very rambling things, and like a lot of action in my stories. For those readers who enjoy a lot of details then Jordan is probably perfect for them.

I couldn't finish the first book. 'Nuff said.

Try Martin then kick ur silly WoT out the window on 2 the Terry Brooks slag heap!

Hey! Watch it! I like Terry Brooks' books. And I like the Wheel of Time too.

Each to their own, i always say!

But Dag's son - WoT more exciting then LoTR??? I'm sorry mate, but you lost me there...

I`m sorry for the blasphemy, Earthfriend. I`ll go into the woods now, and live as a hermit for several years until I have been cleansed of this sun.

But LotR can be just a biiiit dull at times.

Actually, I meant to write that I should cleanse myself of this SIN.

Made it through book 4 and then couldn't take it any more. I agree with Danlo, Read A Song of Ice and Fire by Martin and than compare the two.

Although I must admit, Jordan does have a large and loyal fan base so he must be doing something right. I just can't take the lack of immediacy and tension in the story.

Just my opinion.

Dag here at KW we understand what u mean about the sun--but it's more appropriate 2 add the word "bane" 2 it!

Actually, the Sunbane is rather useful. Now, if only Turiya would let me keep it for her... Hmm, maybe.....

Well, I like to read, but since I don't know much about the authors I've always had trouble choosing what to buy - After reading this thread, and hearing some other mentions of WoT, I decided to have a look at the series, so I've just ordered one of the books on amazon. If I like, then I might continue with the series. I think I'll move onto ASOIAF after that.

The first four were good. Entertaining with an interesting, if a bit simple dichotomy between the sexes. After that... eh. The only one that sticks in my mind was Winter's Heart, but that just made the next one seem that much worse (it was really bad... so bad that if it hadn't been the... what, 10th?... book in the series, I would not read another one after that, of which, there appears to be 3 more, each one probably taking about two years to publish). If you're trying to kill some time and aren't in any particular hurry to see a story end, it's a pleasant world to immerse yourself in. If you do decide to start the books though, just remember, you were warned.

Lady Thea--I 2 initially liked Brooks---The 1st Shanarra book was cool and I even wanted 2 name my kid, if I ever had one, after one of the main characters. Even if it almost was a blatant LOTR ripoff. I also really dug the concept and 1st book in the Knight of the Word series: Running with the Demon. Un42nately Brooks, 2 me, goes out of his way 2 destroy his initial good efforts by writting sequels...

The Magic Kingdom for Sale books were fun, too. Along the lines of Stasheff's spellsinger books. I'm a sucker for the regular guy transplanted to fantasy realm type stories (obviously )

Dag son of Dag wrote:I`m sorry for the blasphemy, Earthfriend...But LotR can be just a biiiit dull at times.

That is a very common complaint, i'll admit!

But put LotR in it's cultural and historical context, and for pure originality it leaves WoT for dead! Indeed, i could argue that without LotR, the genre that sustains books like WoT wouldn't exist...well, maybe that's a bit much , but LotR is still the grandpappy of modern fantasy!

Just one hobbits opinion

I beg 2 differ! The Worm Oroborus by E. R. Eddison is the grandpappy! Ok let's compromise mayb it's the great-grandpappy! I don't kno y but LOTR was never dull 2 me...maybe I just read faster over the dull parts?

Now Now gentleman please don't go off topic. Try to remember that the purpose of this thread is to bash <Ahem> excuse me, discuss the Wheel of Time series. ;^)

P.S.

Sorry to all of you that like the series! I just couldn't help myself. I respect your right to your opinion and if you like the Wheel of Time who am I to judge. <Runs away and hides>