by Kody Hackbusch

Created on: March 04, 2010   Last Updated: March 05, 2010

Rating (8 out of 10)

Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time is one of the best selling fantasy series of all time.  This first book effectively introduces us to the characters, villains, creatures and the magic of Jordan’s epic world.

The tale begins in Two Rivers when the peaceful Edmonds Village is invaded by hideous Trollocks and their commanders, the eye-less Myrddraal. It soon becomes evident that this is no random attack, the creatures are after young Rand Al Thor and his friends.  Quickly recognizing the danger to themselves and their families the young men flee with the assistance of an Aes Sedai (sorceress) named Morraine and her guardian A’lan.  Two others also join the escape; gleeman Thom Merrilin and an innkeeper’s daughter named Egwene. 

The seven companions are constantly chased by dark enemies while Rand and his friends begin to have nightmares of Ba’Alzamon, the Dark One.  Along the way, Rand accidentally summons the “true source” (magical power) giving us a clue as to why the Dark One is after them.  Morrain realizes the gravity of the situation and leads them toward the Aes Sedai city of Tar Valon.  Hunted relentlessly by an ever growing host of creatures the group is eventually split-up.  Morrain soon discovers Ba’Alzamon’s evil plan to destroy the Eye of the World, a secret untainted pool of magical energy and one of the seven seals to the Dark One’s prison.  Having demonstrated an ability to harness the true source Rand is caught up in a battle beyond his understanding.  

Despite its 800 pages this book moves along swiftly.  The similarities to Lord of the Rings are undeniable however Robert Jordan does his level best to create something new and exciting.  The real highlight of this book is the action.  Jordan doesn’t simply pit his characters up against one or two monsters but instead thousands at a time.  The Myrddraal are quite fearsome and will make the hair the stand up on the back of your neck.  Eye of the World is an enjoyable read and proves why Robert Jordan has enjoyed such success.  Other nice features are the well detailed maps and the glossary at the back.  Often times fantasy worlds have so many unique names and terms that it can be hard to follow.  Eye of the World is not overly surprising and the ending is a bit of a let down but there is enough here to keep you reading into book two.  To date, there are thirteen novels in the series so if you get hooked expect to be in it for the long haul.

Further resources:

reviews

http://www.dragonmount.com/RobertJordan/

Similar titles:

Lord of the rings by J.R.R. Tolkien

The Belgariad by David Eddings

Sword of Truth by Terry Goodkind

Shannara by Terry Brooks

Other titles in this series:

The Great Hunt

The Dragon Reborn

The Shadow Rising

The Fires of Heaven

Lords of Chaos

The Crown of Swords

The Path of Daggers

Winter’s Heart

Crossroads of Twilight

Knife of Dreams

The Gathering Storm (co-written by Brian Sanderson)

Towers of Midnight (forthcoming) (by Brian Sanderson)

Learn more about this author, Kody Hackbusch.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.