Originally published on 15th January 1990
The Wheel of Time turns and Ages come and go, leaving memories that become legend. Legend fades to myth and even myth is long forgotten when the Age that gave it birth returns again. But one truth yet remains, and what mortal men forget, the Aes Sedai do not...What was, what will be, and what is, may yet fall under the Shadow. - Synopsis
The Eye of the World is book one of fifteen (if you include the prequel) in an Epic-Fantasy series known as the 'The Wheel of Time', a series that many believe to be the greatest series in the fantasy genre that has ever been written. I haven't finished the series yet, so my review will focus entirely on this book, and I will do my best to avoid any spoilers or vague hints.
The natural place to start the review is with the prologue, which is called Dragonmount, and in my opinion it may very well be one of the best written prologues I've ever had the pleasure to read. You're instantly thrown into the thick of what will become the ongoing storyline for the series, but here's the catch: you won't understand anything in this prologue. It may sound a little odd, but personally I think that's its charm! It's setting up the story, telling you how everything began, and even after you finish the book you realise that although they've steadily given you more and more information on it, you still don't truly grasp what happened in the prologue! However, even after this realisation you don't feel cheated because of it, instead you're left feeling safe with the belief that Jordan will make everything clear in due time, maybe in the next book or perhaps even the one after that. It's a brutally descriptive yet hauntingly mysterious scene, for what is the beginning of a spectacular book.
Immediately after this is chapter one and we're thrust into Emond's Field of the Two Rivers, a peaceful farming village that directly contrasts from the scene that was being painted for us in the prologue. The sudden change catches you somewhat off-guard, but not in a negative way, for it is there that we are introduced to the three heroes of the book; the reliable farm-boy Rand al'Thor, the quiet blacksmiths apprentice Perrin Aybara and the ever mischievous Matrim "Matt" Cauthon. But this peace doesn't last, and before long you're being dragged along for the ride with the three unsuspecting heroes!
I think what I enjoy most about Jordan's style of writing is his foreshadowing; you never quite know what's going to happen next. You have to understand, this style of fantasy could be referred to as "soft-fantasy" when compared to the gritty and often merciless style that George R.R. Martin uses in his 'A Song of Ice & Fire' series. But nevertheless, that doesn't mean that this story is predictable, far from it in fact. Instead you find yourself in the same shoes as the three young heroes - out in a strange new world, not knowing what's around the next corner. You know nothing about the locations, the people inhabiting them, the customs or events, or even the different races, and neither do the heroes! You're learning as they do. This helps you to relate to them, their situations and their feelings even more, and even when some of them react to things differently, you find yourself able to look at both angles with a sense of understanding.
Detail is another clear talent that Jordan has. Items of clothing, rituals, the description of people or creatures, the thoughts and feelings someone has, locations, how the characters change through their adventures, even how they eat! It's incredibly easy to paint a picture in your head of what you're reading, and because of that you'll end up loving certain places and characters, then the next moment hating others equally as strong. I know some people don't appreciate this style of writing, they might find it long-winded and at times Jordan can be a little inconsistent with the level of detail he uses, but overall I'm a glutton for detail so it resonates with me.
Of course, as with many books, the ending is the best part! Even topping the prologue in my opinion. Throughout the entire book you get this feeling that each event, every twist and turn on their journey, is leading up to something big, a huge climax; and the truth of it doesn't disappoint. Questions that you've started to form throughout the book are finally answered in an Earth-shattering end to the book, but in great style you find out that you're now left with even more questions than you had in the first place. It left me wanting to immediately pick up the next book in the series just so I could seek the answers that I now needed to know.
To summarise, without giving away too much more detail about the book, The Eye of the World is a fantastic introduction to the series. There are clear influences from other great fantasy books, such as J. R. R. Tolkien's 'Lord of the Ring' trilogy, which could deter some readers through a lack of originality. However, I believe Jordan steadily creates and draws you into a world that is every bit as interesting, detailed and complex as the one we live in, which in turn makes up for any clear influences you may notice. Like an expert angler Jordan dangles the hook and bait, slowly drawing you in until you realise that its too late to escape; for better or for worse you're fully immersed and committed to characters and the story of this series.
Because of that I will be awarding The Eye of the World a rating of...
4 Rebel symbols out of 5!
A fantastic fantasy book that leaves you needing more. Even with a few aspects that could turn some people away, I strongly recommend that everyone at least reads this opening book and gives this series a try.
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