The Eye of the World is a fantasy novel by American writer Robert Jordan, the first book of The Wheel of Time series. It was published by Tor Books and released on January 15, 1990. The unabridged audiobook is read by Michael Kramer and Kate Reading. Upon first publication, The Eye of the World consisted of one prologue and 53 chapters, with an additional prologue authored upon re-release.
The book was a critical, and commercial success. Critics praised the tone, the themes, and the similarity to Lord of the Rings (although some criticized it for that).
On January 2, 2002, The Eye of the World was re-released as two separate books aimed at a young adult market, with larger text and a handful of illustrations. These were From the Two Rivers and To the Blight. The former included an additional prologue entitled "Ravens", focusing on Egwene al'Vere. The American Library …
The Eye of the World is a fantasy novel by American writer Robert Jordan, the first book of The Wheel of Time series. It was published by Tor Books and released on January 15, 1990. The unabridged audiobook is read by Michael Kramer and Kate Reading. Upon first publication, The Eye of the World consisted of one prologue and 53 chapters, with an additional prologue authored upon re-release.
The book was a critical, and commercial success. Critics praised the tone, the themes, and the similarity to Lord of the Rings (although some criticized it for that).
On January 2, 2002, The Eye of the World was re-released as two separate books aimed at a young adult market, with larger text and a handful of illustrations. These were From the Two Rivers and To the Blight. The former included an additional prologue entitled "Ravens", focusing on Egwene al'Vere. The American Library Association put The Eye of the World on its 2003 list of Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults.
What a great book. I was a bit reserved after having watched the tv show and wasn’t sure if I should try the book series. I am glad that I did. Much better than the show—somehow I am more drawn into the world than I was when just watching the screen.
I will definitely continue with this series. The mixture of magic, fantasy and medieval-like lands is exactly what I like.
Really excited to see what the next book is about!
I absolutely adore the Wheel of Time. It's by far my favorite series.
But, book one has some problems. Originally, I've always heard, Jordan wasn't sure if he would get to write more than 3 books with his publisher, so he structured the first 2 very differently from the others. He also hadn't fully fleshed out the world yet, so there are some inconsistencies with how magic works in this book compared to the other books. Jordan described EOTW as his homage to the Lord of the Rings, and it very much shows- if you've read LOTR, you'll see a LOT of similarities here. That is not true of the other books after this one.
The best part about this book is the story, but it has some pacing issues IMO. Jordan improved enormously as a writer in book 2, and by book 3 he had really cemented the world, …
I absolutely adore the Wheel of Time. It's by far my favorite series.
But, book one has some problems. Originally, I've always heard, Jordan wasn't sure if he would get to write more than 3 books with his publisher, so he structured the first 2 very differently from the others. He also hadn't fully fleshed out the world yet, so there are some inconsistencies with how magic works in this book compared to the other books. Jordan described EOTW as his homage to the Lord of the Rings, and it very much shows- if you've read LOTR, you'll see a LOT of similarities here. That is not true of the other books after this one.
The best part about this book is the story, but it has some pacing issues IMO. Jordan improved enormously as a writer in book 2, and by book 3 he had really cemented the world, his style, and the characters. The start may be a bit rocky, but it gets so much better!
Jordan's Wheel of Time is a true classic of fantasy literature (and, no offense meant to any authors out there, it's also actually a finished series. ;) ). Eye of the World is the first book in the series, and it's a great read.
The pacing of introducing new facettes of the colorful world and it's (mostly) unique concepts is well done. No bigger lore-dumps, nothing terribly overwhelming, but enough regular reveals to continuously drawing the curtains back more and more (and even at the end of this book the reader hasn't seen nowhere near everything).
There is a certain level of coming-of-age to the story, but it's never overpowering the actual story. Sure, some characters might show behaviour, that's not terribly well explained (Nynaeve, looking at you), but for the biggest part, character motivations make sense (at least in hindsight).
So, if the idea of reading 14 jam-packed books …
Jordan's Wheel of Time is a true classic of fantasy literature (and, no offense meant to any authors out there, it's also actually a finished series. ;) ). Eye of the World is the first book in the series, and it's a great read.
The pacing of introducing new facettes of the colorful world and it's (mostly) unique concepts is well done. No bigger lore-dumps, nothing terribly overwhelming, but enough regular reveals to continuously drawing the curtains back more and more (and even at the end of this book the reader hasn't seen nowhere near everything).
There is a certain level of coming-of-age to the story, but it's never overpowering the actual story. Sure, some characters might show behaviour, that's not terribly well explained (Nynaeve, looking at you), but for the biggest part, character motivations make sense (at least in hindsight).
So, if the idea of reading 14 jam-packed books (600+ pages of small-ish print) filled with a vibrant, magical books, fantastic concepts and colorful characters, Eye of the World is your gateway into the world of The Wheel of Time.
Enjoy the ride.
Je ne connaissais pas cette saga que j’ai découverte grâce à l’adaptation d’Amazon. J’ai donc découvert en ayant partiellement connaissance du récit sous la forme de série.
J’ai apprécié ce premier tome qui a des échos du Seigneur des Anneaux très marqués. Le récit prends énormément son temps sur le premier quart du livre, et s’emporte un peu étrangement sur la toute fin. Les personnages sont intrigants et l’univers aussi, mais il y a tant de choses qui restent cachées ou juste évoquée que cela donne le vertige.
Je pense continuer la saga, mais à mon rythme, ce premier tome m’ayant pris un bon mois.
Review of 'The Wheel of Time, Boxed Set I, Books 1-3: The Eye of the World, The Great Hunt, The Dragon Reborn' on 'Goodreads'
5 stars
Another great stepping stone in the saga of The Wheel of Time. A plot that starts slow but by the end has you breathless; characters that continue to evolve as they embrace, or try to run from, their destiny; and a setting that grows clearer and more complex, this book has it all. This was a great addition to the series and, in my mind, a sort of capstone book that wraps up the first arc of The Wheel of Time. With the Dragon Reborn fully declared, the series takes on a new direction as the enemies become clearer and the stakes higher.
This book is where it all starts. Even at the onset, you can tell it's going to be a long ride. This book has it all, a fast-paced engaging plot that hints at a grander adventure to come; a unique cast of characters that grow and develop within the book, and for the rest of the series, too; and a setting that captures the imagination, whether it is of the magic, the cultures, or the legends of thousands of years past.
Robert Jordan's interminable journey begins. Honestly, it was... fine. I don't feel like I want to pick up the next one though. There's a lot of "ambient literature" here, to draw a comparison to the videos of beaches or quiet libraries you start on YouTube that you leave on in the background.
A truly fantasy masterpiece. The plot is so complex and huge. The description is so detailed and well explained. Each character is so unique that it is hard to pick your favorite one.
Review of 'To the Blight (The Eye of the World, #2)' on 'Goodreads'
4 stars
I liked it! I am pretty sure I've read it before ages ago, but didn't remember much. I know ppl talk smack about it, but the first book was great!
Bit annoying how vague Jordan was about some things, I understand wanting mystery and all. But I coulda done with him laying a bit more out in plain English lol.
The Eye of the World has proven to be an in-depth, well thought, and breathtaking read. Robert Jordan has imagined a truly vivid world, where events seems to fly by at breakneck speed. Something about this book, maybe its tangibility, or the soul encased in its writing, will keep readers enthralled. As mentioned, this fantasy's plot is very fast paced, which greatly bumps up the excitement level.
Something truly astounding in my mind is the sheer detail Robert Jordan crafted into his novel. He seems to have an incredible eye for cause and effect relationships, which leads me to believe he would be a good historian. Indeed, reading The Eye of the World is a bit like reading history. In that sense, I could compare him to J.R.R Tolkien. Truly impressive work.
The Wheel of Time also incorporates a very detailed magic/belief system, unlike that of The Lord of the …
The Eye of the World has proven to be an in-depth, well thought, and breathtaking read. Robert Jordan has imagined a truly vivid world, where events seems to fly by at breakneck speed. Something about this book, maybe its tangibility, or the soul encased in its writing, will keep readers enthralled. As mentioned, this fantasy's plot is very fast paced, which greatly bumps up the excitement level.
Something truly astounding in my mind is the sheer detail Robert Jordan crafted into his novel. He seems to have an incredible eye for cause and effect relationships, which leads me to believe he would be a good historian. Indeed, reading The Eye of the World is a bit like reading history. In that sense, I could compare him to J.R.R Tolkien. Truly impressive work.
The Wheel of Time also incorporates a very detailed magic/belief system, unlike that of The Lord of the Rings. At the beginning of time, a Creator forged the universe and the Wheel of Time, which turns for eternity and weaves all lives. The wheel has seven spokes, and each represents an age. The magic in The Wheel of Time series is called the One Power. This form of magic is stemmed from something called the True Source, which powers the Wheel of Time. The One Power is dualistic, kind of like Yin and Yang, but instead is called saidin and saidar. Men are able to wield the saidin aspect of the One Power, and women the saidar. Not all people can use the One Power.
I found many similarities between Jordan's system of magic and eastern religions in our world. The Wheel of Time concept is derived from Hindu and Buddhist teachings, while the True Source and saidin and saidar are reminiscent of Taoism. All in all, it makes for an interesting book.
Truly, The Eye of the World is a spectacular read for lovers of fantasy epics. It is detail rich and very fast paced. Sometimes the plot may seem a bit predictable or cliche, but it is still satisfying nevertheless. I've heard that the series is long (13 books and still going) but I plan on reviewing every one in the coming months.
Overall Grade: A+ The Eye of The World combines the best of fantasy: a mysterious history, vibrant characters, and an intense plot. Readers should notice Jordan's eye for details and appreciate the incredible story he has woven. Anyone planning on reading the series is surely in for an incredible journey of 13 books. Personally, I can't wait to embark!
