Fantasy Book Club discussion

I have read the first 4 books in the series some years ago and intend to read the rest of the series next year hopefully before the last book is released by Brandon Sanderson who took over after the death of Robert. I have enjoyed the series and also liked his style of writing. There is a interesting blog of Sanderson's that gives his views of each of the novels as he reread before starting work on the final book. WoT Read Through Notes

I've read all the books in the series published to date The Eye of the World and anxiously await Brandon Sanderson's finale. I understand that Robert Jordan had the entire book plotted, some of it written, and extensive notes for Mr. Sanderson to work from. Since it will all be done under the watchful eye of Jordan's life long editor and wife, Harriet, I have confidence it will be done in keeping with his wishes. I'm just pleased that Harriet was able to find such an excellent writer to finish Jordan's work. Sanderson is definitely a talented writer in his own right.

Such a shame that Jordan never survived to finish and get to see how the final book was received. The first 4 books were a great read, but i have read bad reports of some of the later books in the series.

I felt like the books in the middle dragged, but they are a necessary evil to getting to books 9-10-11 which are pure genius. Just persevere and you will be richly rewarded.

Only some of the middle books are a drag. In fact (and this is probably going to sound bad) it was mostly those chapters that dealt with the women. In books 5-6-7, all of the women just treat all of the men, particularly Matt, as dirt through most of it. It really rankled me, and that's what really drags me down.

My favorite part so far has been the cleansing of the taint. I was so entranced when I first read it that I could not read another book for about 2 months. I was so worried that anything else would be such a disappointment afterward!

And as for A Memory of Light, I made the point of reading Brian Sanderson's Mistborn to see how I liked his writing style. If you have not read Mistborn and you like Wheel of Time, you have to read it! It was amazing!

Its a shame he died before completion. I've not read Sanderson but I have heard he is good. I'm looking forward to the last if for no other reason to see if finished.

I've read, I think, the first 8 and gave up. If I hear one more "wringing of her skirt" I'll scream! However, I trust everyone's judgement. Are the last 3 worth it? I'm loving Sanderson's work on the Mistborn series, and am curious about his interpretation of Wheel of Time.

Laurel, you might find this essay on Sanderson's blog interesting. He wrote it after reading through the entire series again in preparation for writing A Memory of Light: http://www.brandonsanderson.com/book/...

Hello, I'm new here and love this topic because I love this series. I'm working on my third read through. This time I'm starting with New Spring to see what that would be like had Robert Jordan release that before we knew what we know now.

The only book that I really dislike is Crossroads of Twilight (which is book 10). This is the one that seemed to really drag. *yawn*

I'm also, interstingly enough, reading Mistborn for the first time. I love it!! What a fresh new take on "magic" and all that.

So, who is/are your favorite character/characters in the series?

Not the women! They're almost all bitchy, one-dimensional, tea-drinking skirt smoothers! He writes such interesting male characters - if only he could give his women some variety!

I liked the first four books in the series, but then the quality of writing seemed to go downhill for me. I think I quit reading around book six or seven.

I have to agree about the women characters. They seemed ok at first, but then became really annoying as the story went on.

You don't think Tuon is an interesting character? She's my favorite, her and Mat.

It took me two or three attempts to finally get through the first novel. By the time I had gotten to books 4-9, I felt I had committed myself to finishing the darn thing regardless. Fortunately, things began to happen in books 10 & 11 and restored my flagging interest.

One of my biggest problems with the series is that I don't like any of the "good" guys (or gals). Sitting here and ruminating on my favorite character, I realized I didn't have any. The only one I ever liked was Moiraine, and she's bumped off in book 2 or 3 (as I recall).

Moraine tanks it in book 4 (The Shadow Rising), but personally, I suspect she's going to make a reappearance.

In the beginning of the series, the women were all alright as far as characters go. They were necessary, and it seemed that they were going somewhere, which was good. In the middle of the series, they got bitchy, arrogant, and insensitive (except for Min, really). I think this was a result of them coming into their abilities and being Aes Sedai and Wise Ones. If that has turned you off to the books, fear not! Later in the series, pretty much all of them get taken down a notch or two, and it really brings them back into balance with the male characters. Really, after they leave Ebou Dar is when their attitudes start taking hits, especially from Brigitte.

The new female characters, Tuon, Brigitte, and Cadsuane I think are all really well balanced characters. Sometimes they may come off as arrogant, but really that is more of a result of years of experience, even in Tuon's case. She may be young, but she has done, seen, and survived quite a lot for her age. However, most of the time they have good reason for the way they act and what they do, and I think they are all very well written characters.

As for favorite character, I's have to say mine is Matt. His memories are so integrated at this point that he doesn't even realize most of the time that he is using them, or even that they aren't his. He has maintained that mischievous aspect of himself, but it has grown with him so that it does not get in the way of his responsibilities, and mostly helps him out.

Book 4, eh?

I guess books 5 through 9 just made it seem longer :-)

I enjoyed the first few books, but started to really get tired of it by the time it got around book 7 or 8. The major problems I recall were: (1) redundancy: the characters would repeat the same thing over and over and over again; (2) huge drawn out problems that would be completely solved if two characters who are supposedly friends would just talk to each other for five minutes; (3) too many characters...you would go entire books without even hearing anything about major characters, so when you finally got back to them a couple of books later, it was very hard to keep track of what had happened; (4) lack of consistency: at the very end of one book a character is secretly murdered...this is never mentioned again, not in the next book or any other book (at least as far as I read). It infuriated me that none of the characters even seemed to notice that this one key character had disappeared.

I've heard rumors that the last book or two had improved a lot over some of the middle dreck, so when the whole series is done, I may sit down and read the whole thing, start to finish, but I just haven't been very motivated to pick up the last few.

Moiranne is definately my favorite character, and next would be Matt.

I think I feel for Moiranne because she's been taught something for so long, and invested so much of her life in the search for the Dragon Reborn, that when she finally finds him and tries to guide him nothing goes the way she was told it was supposed to. She has to fight constantly fight the internal stuggle of sticking with her "beliefs" and letting Rand make his own decisions.

Matt. Isn't it obvious? He gets to say and do things that everyone WANTS to but is afraid to.

I have enjoyed all of the books, except 10 (Crossroads of Twilight). That's really the only one that DRAGGED ON FOREVER in my opinion.

I just read (based on news from August 2008) that Eye of the World has been optioned to Red Eagle Productions for the big screen.

Along with a major video game release, too. I am so stoked about this and can't wait to see what they do with it!

What system will the game be released on? i haven't heard/read anything about this. (PS. This is Rachel, I've changed my name. LOL)

From my understanding they are doing it like the Lord of the Rings and the Harry Potter games, so it should be available on all major systems. In fact, from the articles I read, it's the success of the LoTR and Harry Potter media franchises that inspired one for WoT.

Awesome! Can't wait!

I have not read this series yet. Is it recommended that I read New Spring first?

No. New Spring follows two of the characters from the main series 20 years prior to the events in The Eye of the World. It is not necessary to read New Spring first, and in fact, I think it has much more impact if read later on in the series. It gives insights into these two characters that does much to explain their attitudes and motivations, and I think it has much more import if read after seeing the actions of these two in the main series.

Also, New Spring assumes that you already have a working knowledge of the setting, and thus does not go into too much detail explaining things like how magic works, or the history of the setting that makes the events of New Spring important.

I would recommend reading it either right before or right after the 4th book of the main series: Shadow Rising.

Hello all. Just wanted to know how this series is? My boyfriend read them about 4times and wants me to read them. I am more into paranormal romance so any input would be great.

thanks,

I could not read these books. Too long. My wife loved them. I like books with fairly straight forward plots that move quickly. She does too, but liked these books. I think the only way to find out is try them. Maybe the story will grab you. It didn't grab me.

Amanda, I enjoyed most of the Wheel of Time books and am also a fan of Paranormal Romance (Christine Feehan, Sherrilyn Kenyon, etc). Where they are about as far from romance as you can get, I still enjoyed them immensely. Of course there were times where I just wanted a couple of the characters to just go for a roll in the hay and get it over with! I have to say Mr. Jordan isn't much of a romantic at all when it comes to his characters. The adventures, the magical powers, and the political intrigues did keep me going.

I love the first book in the series, and the next 3 or 4 are pretty good. However, after the 5th book they start dragging way to much and the continued addition of new "main characters" is really annoying. I stopped reading them after one of the original main characters was left under a wall at the end of one book and wasn't even mentioned in the entire next book. I think it would be great for someone to abridge this series back to what it was originally intended after the final book comes out.

hmmm ok i will try it then thanks guys

Shanna wrote: "I stopped reading them after one of the original main characters was left under a wall at the end of one book and wasn't even mentioned in the entire next book...."

They pick him back up in the book after the one he gets left out of, but at some point he leaves Rand out of one book except for 1 chapter and the epilogue.

I have read this series about 8 or 9 times. (Yes, really)! Moiraine is and will always be my favourite character and I'm also convinced she will return. After all, it is prophesied that if she dies, Rand will fail. Since we almost always desire the triumph of the light over the dark, we can only assume she will be back. (btw, Min said that AND there was a hint or five dropped about what Moiraine asked in the redstone arch when her, Rand, and Mat all were in it at the same time. I believe this occurred in the Stone of Tear.)

Honestly, I dont know a lot of people thgat like the series. It's long and some storylines just won't die! (For example, I'd love to get my hands on Faile and Perrin for one hour alone -- just bloody GET ALONG! omg!! And the entire Shaido problem wouldn't stop!) However.. I have to say that every nuance, every bit of every storyline is a rock thrown into a lake.. it touches everything in the entire series. That is true writing talent.

As for the ladies getting all uppity as they came into their own, well they (for the most bit) were from small towns or are striving to match up to the immense power of a parent (the queen of Andor). Of course they're going to exert influence to try and test their own boundaries. That's realistic. Mat, I feel does the same thing. He is suddenly everyone's savior. He saves everyone and everything. Dude is lucky, yes, but that ego is torture on me sometimes.

I both can't wait for the last book and I dread it. It means the end of my favourite series. A mixed blessing, eh?

So I hate to admit it ... since I'm married to a fantasy author. But I've never read this series. I know it is an icon of the genre - so I'm going to get started on it as soon as the new year hits. I've put the first one on reserve at the library. Someone else here on Goodreads (Dee Marie) favorably compared my husband's book to it when she did her review. I wasn't sure if that is a good or bad thing - lol.

Well I'll know soon enough.
-- Wife of GR Author Michael J. Sullivan | The Crown Conspiracy | Avempartha

I started this series but stopped at around Book 7. There was just so much going on with no resolution and no progress. I promised I'd return when the last book was released and I can finish them all at once. I actually didn't mind the women. At least they had an active agressive role.

For anyone who is deciding on wheather or not to read WOT, or for anyone that hasn't gotten that far yet, book 10 can be skipped completely. Seriously, don't read it, it's tedious and NOTHING happens. I believe there is one plot point that you might need to know but it happens at the very end. Message me and I'll tell you.

Book 11 is much more on track, but by the time I got to it, the series as a whole had kind of worn me out and I didn't care as much as I used to. I am looking forward to Sanderson's conclusion though.

Well I really WANT to like this book - (WOT 1) because I know it is such a staple but I'm having problems getting into it - It might just be my mood - it seems a big bite to chew...I'll give it some time and try again.

Robin, I got your husband's book for christmas! Very excited to start it! But I'm finishing Mistborn right now for the discussuion in a few days.

As for WoT. I LOVE this series. Like Viktoria, I think I've read and re-read this series 6 or 7 times. And Eye of the World is definately my favorite of the whole series (thus far). Don't let the series be daunting to you because of how many pages, and how many books. Just take them one book at a time. It's a grand journey once you get started.

Kahlen wrote: "Robin, I got your husband's book for christmas! Very excited to start it! But I'm finishing Mistborn right now for the discussuion in a few days.

As for WoT. I LOVE this series. Like Viktori..."

Kahlen - how exciting - I can't wait to hear what you think about The Crown Conspiracy - it is a nice light fun fantasy read (IMHO). I really enjoyed Mistborn and also looking forward ot the discussion.

I certainly am going to do WoT - I think the problem is I've bitten off 3 rather large books at one time - Eye of the world, Name of the Wind, and Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell I think I have to concentrate on one them move on but I've heard such good things about each of them...

-- Wife of GR author Michael J. Sullivan: The Crown Conspiracy (10/08) | Avempartha (04/09)

I have heard of many reading this series multiple times, so that sure shows how much it is enjoyed. To read an entire series 8 or 9 times is very keen :-)

JJ wrote: "I have heard of many reading this series multiple times, so that sure shows how much it is enjoyed. To read an entire series 8 or 9 times is very keen :-) "

Totally! I never get enough of it. And frankly by the time you get to book ten, the material in book one is fresh and brand new! *grin*

Viktoria wrote: "...by the time you get to book ten, the material in book one is fresh and brand new!"

Hell, each time a new one came out after book 5 I've re-read the series, just so that I can refresh myself as of to who was last doing what and where they were, lol! With Memory of Light, I'm going to take my time and read the whole thing again, and give the entire tale the credit it's due!

Robert wrote: "Viktoria wrote: "...by the time you get to book ten, the material in book one is fresh and brand new!"

Hell, each time a new one came out after book 5 I've re-read the series, just so that I can r..."

Ditto ;)

<3 WoT! I belong to Tarvalon.net actually :D

My favorite character is actually Egwene, well once she becomes the Amrylin anyway, hated her in the beginning! I also really loved this minor character, an Aiel, named Rolan. I used to love Perrin until he got whiiiiipped by Faile, and his whole "She is my life!" attitude is SO annoying. And she is just bloody annoying :P

I'm very much looking forward to the last book, Sanderson is a superb author, I loved the Mistborn series! I'm sure he'll do an amazing job :D

The WoT series was the first fantasy book I ever read. It alone captured my interest in such books and even sparked my love for reading in general. I may have other emotions clouding my judgment. I must admit, my interest in Brandon Sanderson only came because I wanted to have a feel for his writing before I read the last WoT book he was writing. Sanderson has managed to jump to top of my favorite Author list. I need a few good recommendations for my next read though. As for my favorite character in the WoT, it changes. Since there was so much time between books, I had left my teenage years and entered motherhood. I started relating to different female characters and as of late I can only say I am fond of them, like an old friend who watches their progress from afar. Actually, I rather like Lan. Maybe he's still mysterious enough to keep my interest and not the annoying and cocky Mat. (Being raised with four brothers may have something to do with the fact that I relate to the men better - or like others have said. Jordan is able to create great male characters)

Thats one thing i really enjoyed about the Wheel of Time, you could relate to the different characters easily, which is not something I find in many books i read. If you wish to find great female characters, try Ian Irvine. His main male characters usually are very clumsy, while the females are smart, very tough and adventurous.

JJ wrote: "Thats one thing i really enjoyed about the Wheel of Time, you could relate to the different characters easily, which is not something I find in many books i read. If you wish to find great female c..."

Thanks for the heads up JJ... maybe once I have enough time to read ALL the great contemporary political philosophers AND the books I'm reading for the group, I will be able to indulge in Irvine. (pause for dramatic effect)...

*giggle* ok maybe the philosophers have eaten away my brain. I was always overambitious, but now it seems to be bordering on insanity. :D

I will add him to the plethora of palm e-books I have downloaded to read at some vague date in the future. Thanks! :)

Love WOT...on book six now, and currently my favourite chars are mat, asmodean and min.

Oscar wrote: "Love WOT...on book six now, and currently my favourite chars are mat, asmodean and min."

Ohhhh someone appreciates Asmodean!!! yay! I liked him too. Still love Moiraine best though.

edit: Lanfear was damn sexy as far as the Forsaken went... or any other female character for that matter. ;)

He's just so awesome – with a name like that...
Moiraine is cool though, but i like the brown/grey ajahs best.