burgs wrote:I'm not as interested in the series as I used to be. The later books lost me, as he introduced new character after new character after new character and new plot line after new plot line after...
You get the drift.
On one hand, it's admirable that he attempted to give us a "fantasy" that was as close to "reality" as possible, including all interested parties in the world. Turn that hand, and it gets a bit boring.
That's one thing I like about SRD. As he's said...he only writes what he thinks is essential for the story.
RJ has passed that.
That said...I've always had faith in the ending...that he knew what it was, and that it would be *terrific*. I certainly hope we get to see that, but more than that, I hope that he is able to write it. Not for us, but for himself.
You know, RJ always has maintained that he started the series with the final scene in his head, and then he had to go back and figure out how things happened that way. I find that a fascinating approach to storytelling.
And the thing you speak of regarding plot lines and characters. . . well, that's part of why I like it so much. I love analyzing things, and the more realistic a story the better. I've had a fantastic time trying to figure out what is going to happen next. I even love the fact that some fans still argue over who killed Asmodean. . . and that happened, what, in book 4? I like the fact that I have to think while I read the books. In fact, my family and friends have developed slang for me and my behavior while reading. Apparently they have watched me do this on countless occasions. I will stop reading, look off into space for a minute or two, then pick up on the word I left off on. When asked, I always say that I was thinking over how a certain thing/event played into a story. The term they use for this is "processing." Yeah. . just like your computer does.
All in all, I find Mr. Jordan to be a gifted storyteller, and one of the best writers out there today.
Just kidding. . .
