Wheel of Time Boxed Set I

The Wheel of Time #1-3

by Robert Jordan

The perfect gift! This gorgeous boxed set includes the first three books of The Wheel of The Eye of the World , The Great Hunt , and The Dragon Reborn , as well as New The Novel , the exciting prequel to the series. Looking for the perfect gift? Every Robert Jordan fan will want this handsome set for their collection. Also makes an ideal gift for the fantasy reader who has never experienced the thrill of The Wheel of Time. This exclusive set is the only place that the trade paperback edition of New The Novel will be available.

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Epic Fantasy, High Fantasy, Science Fiction Fantasy, Epic, Science Fiction

1972 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1990

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Robert Jordan was the pen name of James Oliver Rigney, Jr., under which he was best known as the author of the bestselling The Wheel of Time fantasy series. He also wrote under the names Reagan O'Neal and Jackson O'Reilly.

Jordan was born in Charleston, South Carolina. He served two tours in Vietnam (from 1968 to 1970) with the United States Army as a helicopter gunner. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with bronze oak leaf cluster, the Bronze Star with "V" and bronze oak leaf cluster, and two Vietnamese Gallantry Crosses with palm. After returning from Vietnam he attended The Citadel where he received an undergraduate degree in physics. After graduating he was employed by the United States Navy as a nuclear engineer. He began writing in 1977. He was a history buff and enjoyed hunting, fishing, sailing, poker, chess, pool, and pipe collecting.

He described himself as a "High Church" Episcopalian and received communion more than once a week. He lived with his wife Harriet McDougal, who works as a book editor (currently with Tor Books; she was also Jordan's editor) in a house built in 1797.

Responding to queries on the similarity of some of the concepts in his Wheel of Time books with Freemasonry concepts, Jordan admitted that he was a Freemason. However, "like his father and grandfather," he preferred not to advertise, possibly because of the negative propaganda against Freemasonry. In his own words, "no man in this country should feel in danger because of his beliefs."

On March 23, 2006, Jordan disclosed in a statement that he had been diagnosed with cardiac amyloidosis, and that with treatment, his median life expectancy was four years, though he said he intended to beat the statistics. He later posted on his Dragonmount blog to encourage his fans not to worry about him and that he intended to have a long and fully creative life.

He began chemotherapy treatment at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, in early April 2006. Jordan was enrolled in a study using the drug Revlimid just approved for multiple myeloma but not yet tested on primary amyloidosis.

Jordan died at approximately 2:45 p.m. EDT on September 16, 2007, and a funeral service was held for him on Wednesday, September 19, 2007. Jordan was cremated and his ashes buried in the churchyard of St. James Church in Goose Creek, outside Charleston.

Reviews

[Olga Werby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This a big commitment...

I want to start this review by being very explicit -- don't start unless you have the time to finish in one go (over many months). There is so much detail and so many characters (all sounding similar) that it would be difficult to get through without an online guide...or if you just give up caring.

I posted the images of the books, spines out -- I want you to fully understand the commitment you are making. It took me about a year to finish all 14 books. I haven't decided if I want to spend additional time reading the prequels; certainly not any time soon. Below are my short notes on each book (not summaries of the plot) and the number of pages per book:

#1 The Eye of the World (written by Robert Jordan) -- 753 pages
Very interesting world, very well defined, with many nuances. I liked the characters. It was a bit long-winded, but enjoyable.

#2 The Great Hunt (written by Robert Jordan) -- 658 pages
After reading the first book, I felt committed to continuing. I was still enjoying the story. And for the first time, I noticed just how much "The Game of Thrones" and "Harry Potter" 'took' from this fantasy. The parallels were numerous and kept coming. I feel like "The Wheel of Time" is the true original. It is both deeper and wider than either of these other fantasy series.

#3 The Dragon Reborn (written by Robert Jordan) -- 673 pages
Once committed to this story, I've read it one book after the other. For if I didn't, I wouldn't be able to keep up with all of the names and places. There is a LOT to remember! I wish there was a way to click on the name in the book and get a quick recap of who this was... I don't know how people read these books when they had to wait for the next installment for several years. Thank goodness I didn't start these until they were all done.

#4 The Shadow Rising (written by Robert Jordan) -- 1051 pages
Okay, this is where I've invented the term Peril Loop -- a continuous series of bad events that happen to the main character in a story -- and Peril Loop Fatigue — how the reader feels when too many improbable bad events happen to the main character one after another in a continuous barrage of peril. Book 4 is where I almost stopped reading these series several times. Enough is enough!!!!

#5 The Fires of Heaven (written by Robert Jordan) -- 926 pages
Still reading...

#6 Lord of Chaos (written by Robert Jordan) -- 1049 pages
I've made it this far...

#7 A Crown of Swords (written by Robert Jordan) -- 902 pages
I love how detailed the world developed in this fantasy is. Everything seems motivated by deep time events. You get a sense of how customs and people changed based on historical events. This is far better than "The Game of Thrones." Robert Jordan must have a library-worth of notes... Unfortunately, I don't.

#8 The Path of Daggers (written by Robert Jordan) -- 669 pages
This one is a bit shorter. Is Mr. Jordan getting tired? As much as I love the millions of details, I'm getting exhausted... I heard about these series many years ago, way before I read "The Game of Thrones" (GoT). I figured as a writer, I should read "The Wheel of Time" as a great example of world development. I have a lot to learn... Yet, GoT HBO series was in some ways an improvement over the book -- the stories were tightened up; many characters were combined; unnecessary details removed altogether. I will NOT be reading the last book of GoT if it ever comes out...

#9 Winter's Heart (still written by Robert Jordan) -- 705 pages
Like in any story, you fall in love with some characters more than others. Mr. Jordan is careful to give equal time to all his main characters and to develop their storylines fully. But I feel like the main story is getting sidelined...

#10 Crossroads of Twilight (still written by Robert Jordan) -- 832 pages
For all of the details, some main ideas are starting to get lost. Still reading...

#11 Knife of Dreams (still written by Robert Jordan) -- 886 pages
So glad that I'm reading this as an e-book version -- I don't have that much room in my house...or in my purse -- I read everywhere; and if I had to carry these books, I would have serious back problems.

#12 The Gathering Storm (written by Robert Jordan AND Brandon Sanderson) -- 861 pages
I began reading these series partly because Brandon Sanderson was one of the authors. He picked up writing the series towards the end. Brandon has an amazing imagination and I love his writing style. I think "The Wheel of Time" books are the better for having him as a co-author. Still, this story is getting long in the tooth.

#13 Towers of Midnight (written by Robert Jordan AND Brandon Sanderson) -- 977 pages
When will this end?! I love long books...but this is too much! And things are getting muddled. The story is getting lost in the details... Who are these people?!!

#14 A Memory of Light (written by Robert Jordan AND Brandon Sanderson) -- 1025 pages
Aside from Book 4, this was the worst of the bunch -- too long; too many unnecessary plot points while the main plot points are left unresolved. I couldn't wait for this one to end. Some interesting bits, but overall a disappointment. Peril Loop Fatigue. Peril Loop Fatigue. Peril Loop Fatigue.

Overall review: the best-developed fantasy world I have ever read. But too long, too meandering, too lost. These series should have been shorter, tighter, more intense. The "side" stories were entertaining and might have been a nice addition as stand-alone novellas, but they should not have been included in the first read-through. People will probably hate me for writing this, but I'm also one of those who believe GoT would have benefited from some judicious editing. And did I mention Peril Loop Fatigue? How many readers gave because they just got too tired of the main characters continuously battered by bad guys and fate? At some point, such twists of fate stop being engaging and become burdensome. Still, for the sheer scope of vision, I rate the whole series as 4 stars. Some books are better than others...

[Tyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these books. These are the books that truly got me starting into enjoying reading. I highly recommend these to anyone looking to get their young teenage boys away from video games and into amazing books. I love this series!

[Hanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read these a long time ago, different editons than this, and in Swedish, but this is what I have in my bookshelf at the moment. I had read fantasy before these books, but The Wheel of Time series was what made me fall in love with the genre.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Wheel of Time: Boxed Set #1 (Wheel of Time, #1-3)
by Robert Jordan
The first books of the epic tales of Robert Jordan's wheel of time, the introduction of Rand, and his friends running for their lives from monsters and legends, only to find themselves drawing more attention from unwanted evil influences in their world. includes eye of the world, the great hung and the dragon reborn.

[Joe · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oi... not the best fantasy writing out there. I got as far as book 9 and then felt as if none of the characters or writing style had anything to do with the previous books. That took years to read I won't get back.

[Rex Fuller · Rating 2 out of 5]

Verbose garbage. If you're going to borrow from Tolkien then at least do it succinctly. Fourteen books is immensely excessive for writing of this caliber. There are interesting elements brought to the table (such as the magic system and cultural ethos) but Jordan seems to be writing for the least common denominator here. This is a great way to make money (Fifty Shades of Grey now holds the record for the fastest-selling paperback of all time) but there are better and ultimately more rewarding ways to spend your time.

[Dawne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these books! I will re-read this series and I can hardly wait for the last book in January! I am currently trying to purhase all of the books in hard copy since I borrowed most of them in paper back.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book series is amazing! It has the best character development I have ever noticed in a series. The author does a great job of developing and balancing so many main characters while keeping it exciting!

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Classic: BAM!

[Susan Reubens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the series

[Calvin Biss · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm torn between whether to continue or quit now with this series , too many LOTR themes going on in this book but no where near as enjoyable too read as LOTR .

[Seyda Aylin Gurses · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best fantasy series I've ever read. All 11 of them!

[Steven Prentice · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Wheel of Time series, especially the first three books, are fast paced, yet slow enough to get to know the dozens upon dozens of characters who Jordan somehow keeps relevant throughout the series.

The world building and character arch’s are absolutely superb. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever read before, the scope of it is daunting at first, but when I was almost done with the series I found myself truly upset that the end was near. I felt like I grew up with the characters.

It honestly felt like the world that Robert Jordan built was real, and I was reading a very interesting story about the hero’s of the history of this far away land.

If you liked Game of Thrones for it's large world and cast of characters, all of their schemes and political games, then you’ll love WOT.

Yet, unlike Game of Thrones, WOT has less politics and more action, along the lines of Lord of The Rings.

But to say that Wheel of Time is the same as either would be a lie. It’s stands among itself, a pillar for the fantasy genre. Somehow, Jordan (as well as Brandon Sanderson who finished the final books due to Jordan’s untimely death), has taken the typical Fantasy storyline we all expect in series like these, and turned all the rules upside down and started from scratch, only keeping a basic skeleton of the traditional tales.

You will be disappointed with yourself if you don’t read these books soon, as Amazon is in the process of adapting it into a tv series. (with a budget that blows Game of Thrones out of the water)

I can’t recommend a series that bests The Wheel of Time in terms of Character Building and getting you to love, and hate, so many different main and sub characters.

It’s a true masterpiece. A work of art.
———————————————————————————
My original review is below this. I realized that I wrote such a detailed review, (and although marked that it contains spoilers, they are minuscule, that I promise), which was so long, I couldn’t make it the “Review of The Wheel of Time Boxed Set 1-3.”

Instead, what follows below is a deep dive into what you will have to look forward to if you decide to read WOT as a series.
As I said, it contains tiny spoilers, but nothing that you won’t learn of during the beginning of the first book, and still minor to the plot at that.

Below is a deeper dive into what WOT is about, as well as some of the backstory to events that unfold. I don’t think (in my personal opinion) that anything you’ll read from here on out will “spoil” the books.
In fact, I wish I had read something like this myself before embarking on the journey of reading WOT. Many of the topics I touch on I didn’t learn until AFTER I had read the series, and geeked out on the Companion book and histories of the series.

With that being said, if you want a deeper dive then read on, but if not, then what was written above is how I truly feel and the rest of this review is for building up your excitement.
(let’s face it, you already know you’re going to read Wheel of Time now!)
———————————————————————————
Here my take:

In Book 1 of The Wheel of Time, Robert Jordan does a fantastic job balancing the length of the typical “Small village farm boy(s) meet a Wizard (in WOT’s case, an Aes Sedi—Women who can channel the One Power) on a beautiful day, usually a festival. We’ve seen this in LOTR, Shannara, etc. Sometimes it happens entirely too quick, with the boy/girl accepting their fate and gallivanting off to save the world from sure doom. Other times, I won’t mention names, this part drags on too long. Eye of The World balances it so well, that for the entire 14 book series you get the sense, no matter how much the characters change/grow or what City they journey to, that the “good ole’ Edmonds Field folks” are the purest of heart and the soul of the world. Their roots stick with them, and you no matter how much change occurs. Yet, Jordan doesn’t have them resist their fate for so long arhat it begins to feel like a task reading. (uughhh, I have to power through the next 100 pages for it to pick back up)

The plot moves forward at just the right pace, with Eye of The World basically introducing you to the Edmond Fielders; Rand, the main protagonist, along with Matt & Perrin, (Rands childhood best friends and the other two main characters—Though other characters are arguably more important than even them) Egwene & Nynaeve (The first who is assumed Betrothed to Rand and they love-and hate each other throughout the first few books. Nynaeve is the Wisdom of Edmonds field, who can Listen to the winds and read the weather) and the final two very crucial characters met in the beginning of book one is Moraine (Aes Sedi) and Lan (her Warder. Warders are the protectors of their Aes Sedi, if they choose to bond one.)

I’ve realized that this is going to be an article, rather than a review, if I try to review the first three Wheel of Time books. So, I’ll say this instead:

Aes Sedi, (remember, their women who can Channel the One Power—a Wizard or Druid just to give you a broad stroke of what channeling means), are Women. Men used to be able to channel, but During the Age of Legends, when Lews Therin Telamon (also know as Kinslayer for murdering his entire family when he went mad), and the Hundred Companions sealed The Dark One away in the Bore, along with the Forsaken. ( Powerful Aes Sedi— Men and Women from the Age of Legends who turned to the Shadow during The War of Power)

The result of the sealing of the Dark One’s prison was a taint on Saidin — The male half of the True Source—The women’s half is Saidar), causing all men who can channel to eventually go Mad and wreak havoc and destruction, usually upon those they love due to paranoia.

Moraine, the Female Aes Sedi has been searching for The Dragon Reborn, who is the reincarnation of Lews Therin. Prophesied to return to battle the Dark One again at the Last Battle.

In the first three books, signs that Dark Ones prison is weakening are present. They become more and more substantial as the plot moves on. False Dragons begin to appear much more frequently,
(Men channelers who claim to be the Dragon Reborn and raise army’s under the Dragon Banner but are ultimately caught and Gentled by the Red Ajah—A faction of the White Tower, which is the Stronghold and training grounds for Women Aes Sedi)
and Trollocs (creations of the dark one and the forsaken—the dark ones foot soldiers who are half men half animal. At times they may have a mans lower body abd most of the upper body, but with a wolfs snout or an eagles beak, while some are more monster than man, and have hooves. They eat what they kill—humans, and even their own dead, and are controlled by Mydrall or “Fades” another creation of the shadow. They resemble men, but have no eyes although they can see very well, especially at night. They can travel through shadows and their eyeless gaze strikes a gripping fear into all who look at them, making them easy prey)

Moraine has come to Edmonds Field to retrieve Rand, Matt, Perrin, and she even takes Egwene after sending the ability to channel in her, because she has reasons to believe that one of the three boys is the True Dragon Reborn.

That’s all I say of the plot. I will change this to having involved spoilers, considering how much I detailed about the dark ones forces and Egwene’s ability to channel (although if you read this series, you’ll soon learn that I spoiled such a small aspect of the first book that it will not ruin it at all for you)

I truly hope you decide to read this series, as it’s easily one of the best, (actually it’s the best), I’ve ever read.

Rest In Peace: Robert Jordan and thank you Brandon Sanderson for finishing the series. You wrote it with your own style, yet, you kept the heart and soul of what Jordan created.

He would be proud to read what you finished.

[emily_everafter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time is one of my all time favorite series for the in depth story, character development and overall journey that the 14 book series takes you on. That being said, each individual book, and certainly the second and third book are only three star reads. The story follows the journey of Rand, the dragon reborn, who must fulfill a prophecy and defeat the coming of the Dark One and the breaking of the world. With the help of his friends, Mat and Perrin and an entirely too large host of characters, he sets out on a journey to do just that. Characters come into and leave the story with such rapidity they no longer seem important to the overall story and such details as the run down of whatever the entire party is wearing down to the buttons makes for a lengthy, albeit enjoyable story. I love the story for the destination, not necessarily each part of the journey. The later books are much better.

[Walter Meier]

Book 1: pretty much LOTR, but RJ did intentionally tried to mimic elements of it. I don't love the pacing, but I love the word it's in.

Book 2: I could Tell RJ was making this into something more at this point, sometimes the book is hilarious, sometimes is scary. I think RJ was still figuring out how he wanted to write the series at this point.

Book 3: this is when it really shines. I like how it's written where the Rand only really has 2 chapters, great ending too.

The Wheel of Time is a Saga, I can only imagine the planning that went through RJ mind. But we know through interviews that he had a vision of how this series would go. When reading the first three books it felt as if he knew where he wanted to go, but not necessarily how to start. While that makes the first two books awkward it also made the rest of the series more rewarding. As of this moment I am on book 8, or at least about to start it. I will have a review of book 4-6 as well.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with this magical world Robert created many, many years ago. I have just finished rereading the entire series again. I am currently watching the TV series, whilst it is good it is not as good as the books.

If you haven't read this series you are truly missing out.

I have every book sitting on my bookshelf.

[Bernardo Barros · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a tale! Mandatory if you like fantasy! Truly epic tale, protagonists powers are hard earned and used accordingly. One of the most appropriate character power level growths I've seen.
All around, in my opinion, a bible of fantasy.

[Marina Grecco · Rating 4 out of 5]

TOO SLOW!!
But its a master piece.
I intended to finish all 14 books in 2020 and I couldnt, because the books are super slow and it become tedious at times, but I often catch myself wanting to revisit the characters so its good I have a whole bunch of books ahead of me.

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this long epic story of three boys growing up into destined lives of great adventure.

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lord of the Rings remade

[Lizzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very engaging classic fantasy, this book has just the right mix of plot, action, and character development. I'd recommend it to all fans of J.R.R Tolkien, and to fans of D&D.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've reviewed these books individually.

[Anthony Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The beginning of a journey. Not to be missed by any fantasy fan.

[Xandra Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE THIS SERIES!!!! I am revisiting it from 22 years ago when I read it for the first time. It is still as good.

[Elise Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favourite series! I absolutely love the Wheel of time and have read it multiple times!
Must be time to read again!

[Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first and best of the series.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining young adult fantasy with diverse characters and significant world building.

[Lianne Knox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely love this series so far. I would definitely recommend for fantasy readers.

[Levi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great epic series.

[Alyson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome! there are no words to describe the extraordinary story telling and reach of this epic saga.