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Tor's Read of the Wheel of Time by a Newbie
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I was also thinking it might be fun to read along as I've only read the first book and about half of the second.
Cool. I also haven't read it and have been meaning to...
I really loved the W0T rereads that Leigh did on Tor, but she's a super fan from way back on the rasfwrj bulletin board days. I used it to refresh myself of the story when the end Sanderson books started coming out. It's an easy and entertaining way to refresh the story, while still skipping the marathon in the middle. And the theories, man, stuff I didn't even come close to realizing. Super fan indeed.This new reread, seeing it through the eyes of a noobie, might convince me it's time to read the whole thing again ... or it might scratch the epic fantasy itch instead ... I think this might be dangerous though. I crazy love those books.
it's likely to scratch the itch on new books as she's mentioning quite a few other books in the first article
I also need to read them for the first time. Will be starting them at the end of April :)
Mod
Allison wrote: "We thinking Eye of the World Buddy Read?"Count me in.
Allison wrote: "We thinking Eye of the World Buddy Read?"Living up to your title as Buddy Read Instigator, Allison!
WoT is a series I left unfinished (because there were no more books at the time) and the re-entry cost just feels so high... all I remember is that the main character's name is Rand and I think wolves show up in one of the books. A buddy read might help... :D
Keep an eye on the version I linked in my first post, I picked it up for $44.99 and it includes 14 books plus the prequel at around $3 a piece on Amazon.
Mod
Living up to your title as Buddy Read Instigator, Allison!
WoT is a series I left unfinished (because there were no more books at the ti..."
mwahaha! *twirls her buddy read mustachios*
Okay, we're on for end of April. Let's get a move on people, we've got a brick ahead of us! Square up your lives, return your other library books, secure your copy of this bulletstopper of a tome. Synchronize your watches for 2 months from now.
Mod
Allison wrote: "We thinking Eye of the World Buddy Read?"Yes! Count me in.
I’m excited that you all are planning to read the first WoT book! I’ll enjoy reading your discussions. I started WoT this past November and am currently on the third-from-the-last book. I’m really enjoying the series. Book 1 starts off with just a few characters and a straight-forward, streamlined story, so it’s a nice, non-intimidating introduction. The complexity slowly ramps up in subsequent books, picking up increasingly more side stories and characters, some of whom are a bit slippery to keep track of even with an e-reader’s searching abilities. As for the less slippery ones, I’ve still made much use of my Kindle’s search feature. Being able to touch the name of a vaguely-familiar character and get an instant reminder of the pivotal role they played 4 books ago is helpful. :)
we could continue on with those of us who want to read the whole series... I think I stopped at book 6 or 7 years ago, because I couldn't remember what was going on and who the characters were from prior books.
I'd be down for a whole series read. I keep meaning to and then get distracted so a buddy read would totally help me focus and set goals.
I can’t decide if I want to read Wheel of Time or not! I’m a very indecisive person. Does anyone want to try to convince me of how great the books are??
Ashley wrote: "I can’t decide if I want to read Wheel of Time or not! I’m a very indecisive person. Does anyone want to try to convince me of how great the books are??"I listen to it. Tried to read it and just couldn't do it, but have really enjoyed listening to it.
Ashley wrote: "I can’t decide if I want to read Wheel of Time or not! I’m a very indecisive person. Does anyone want to try to convince me of how great the books are??"For me, it is one of those "why not?" answers. Wheel of Time, if you're into fantasy, is supposed to be one of those "peak" of fantasy series. A big reason though is my love for Brandon Sanderson, if his name is on it, I'm going to read it lol. But from what I have heard, the books were great before Sanderson took over. Another huge reason, for me, is that I'm going to start a six-month backpacking trip in April and couldn't think of a better time to read a complete 14 book series.
But if all else fails, why not read the first one and if you don't like it, then you can at least say you gave it looksy. Couldn't say that if you didn't try :D right?
Mod
I've also found that buddy reads lend *SO MUCH* to my reading enjoyment. It's so nice having people who notice things that maybe I've missed, or adding context I didn't have. Even if the book itself isn't my favorite, reading it with a group gives me a ton of motivation and joy. So why not try!
I'm in for the whole series if we can keep the momentum.
Mod
You cannot do this to me right now, Travis. I have goals this year, Travis!
*throws plans in the trash*
Oddly enough this version:The Complete Wheel of Time
starts with the Robert Jordan prequel:
New Spring
What is a bit depressing is that I'm over 2200 locations into the compilation and I'm still at 1% read... However, at 12,592 pages that's to be expected
CBRetriever wrote: "Oddly enough this version:The Complete Wheel of Time
starts with the Robert Jordan prequel:"
That is weird. I’m probably not telling you all anything you haven't already seen before, but I wouldn’t recommend reading the prequel first. It doesn’t really spoil anything major, but it does take away the ambiguity that a couple characters have in the first few books, and I think that’s part of the fun. I also think the knowledge gained in the early books makes it easier to appreciate the characters and the story in the prequel.
People usually recommend waiting until after at least book 5 to read it. Personally I was happy reading it in publication order, after book 10. After reading it, I decided there were two good reasons to read it after #10 instead of #5, but I can see why people think it makes sense after #5.
In the end, whether one reads it first or last or somewhere in the middle, it probably won't matter too much because it stands on its own pretty well.
Allison wrote: "You cannot do this to me right now, Travis. I have goals this year, Travis!*throws plans in the trash*"
Sorry. Not sorry. A little bit sorry? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
But, mainly: really looking forward to finally reading a series about which I've heard so many good things!
YouKneeK wrote: "That is weird. I’m probably not telling you all anything you haven't already seen before, but I wouldn’t recommend reading the prequel first. It doesn’t really spoil anything major, but it does take away the ambiguity that a couple characters have in the first few books, and I think that’s part of the fun. I also think the knowledge gained in the early books makes it easier to appreciate the characters and the story in the prequel."too late - I'm 3200 locations into it (and I did finally hit 2%)
:(
CBRetriever wrote: "too late - I'm 3200 locations into it (and I did finally hit 2%)"I really don’t think it will have any significant impact on your enjoyment of the series. It will probably feel like the proper order since that's how you'll be introduced to it. How are you liking it so far?
it's good, but I had read the first few books before. I just started reading the compilation, and I was thinking "I don't remember any of this..." so it was a bit confusing. I was also used to one of the characters being mentally stronger.
Aah… I can see where that would have been confusing if you thought you were starting with something you’d already read before.Sorry, I completely forgot that you'd already mentioned reading the first 6 or 7 books before. In that case, reading the prequel now wouldn't make much difference at all.
I think it'll give me a different read on the first books which is good
Allison wrote: "Travis wrote: "I'm in for the whole series if we can keep the momentum."You cannot do this to me right now, Travis. I have goals this year, Travis!
*throws plans in the trash*"
That’s my thing too, I’m reading so many books at once, including A Song of Ice & Fire series, and I’m only at the very beginning of book 2. Do I really want to take on another lengthy series? But, count me in for the end of April! I’ll at least give the first book a chance. Plus, my kids may be going to stay with my parents for a month when school lets out, so I may get some extra reading time for this.
Mason, your backpacking trip sounds fun! I hope it’s a great time!
Ashley wrote: "Plus, my kids may be going to stay with my parents for a month when school lets out, so I may get some extra reading time for this."..."
Wow! JEALOUS! :)
Mason - “Another huge reason, for me, is that I'm going to start a six-month backpacking trip in April."
Somehow I missed this when you originally posted it. Wow! How exciting. That is a longtime dream of mine. Do you mind sharing which trail you'll be hiking?
Ashley wrote: "Mason, your backpacking trip sounds fun! I hope it’s a great time!"Thanks!
Travis wrote: "Somehow I missed this when you originally posted it. Wow! How exciting. That is a longtime dream of mine. Do you mind sharing which trail you'll be hiking?"
Yea, the PCT. Been planning for months now (probably longer than it will take to actually hike) so I'm definitely ready to get out there. April 21 is my step off, you're welcome to join!
Mason - “Goodnight” wrote: "Yea, the PCT. Been planning for months now (probably longer than it will take to actually hike) so I'm definitely ready to get out there. April 21 is my step off, you're welcome to join! ."That'd be amazing, but it's going to have to wait sadly. Hoping my body is still up for a thru-hike by the time circumstances allow...
Anyway, my kids and I will be in Bend visiting my folks from the first week in July through mid-August. You'll maybe have passed the Three Sisters Wilderness by then, but if not, hit me up. If timing works, we'll pick you up, shuttle you to REI for any equipment needs, and then give you some calorie-dense meals, cold beer, a place to crash and do laundry, and, when you're ready, a ride back to the trail.
I started a re-read last year, and put it on hold when too many other good books caught my attention. So I don't think I'll be reading the buddy read, but I'll probably be following along. Who knows, if you get up to book 8, I'll jump in and finish my re-read. Or I might cave in and start earlier than that. There are certain scenes that are just so masterfully written, that I don't mind reading them over and over.I really think that anyone who enjoys epic fantasy needs to read this. I started reading it in High School when there were already multiple books out, and it didn't finish until I was out of college. It was my first experience with epic fantasy, and it pretty much set the standard for me. I've read many great books and series, but this one will always be one of my favorites.
Travis wrote: "Mason - “Goodnight” wrote: "Yea, the PCT. Been planning for months now (probably longer than it will take to actually hike) so I'm definitely ready to get out there. April 21 is my step off, you're..."Sounds great to me man, I'll hold you to it! I'll be in the area around mid to late August (if I keep the pace I hope to of course).
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Books mentioned in this topic
The Complete Wheel of Time (other topics)The Complete Wheel of Time (other topics)
New Spring (other topics)
The Complete Wheel of Time (other topics)
https://www.tor.com/2018/02/20/readin...
I love the Tor Re-read and/or first read of books series