Start reading "The Wheel of Time" series, yes or no?

[Chrisna]

If you enjoy "quest" books then YES. Its a very long series but worth the read, it doesn't concentrate on one character so you get numerous perspectives throughout.

[Ethic]

For what it is worth, I chose to start the series. I am almost done with book 1 and very much enjoying it.

[Robin]

Awful, awful books...

Really they are awful.

[Anthony]

Robin wrote: "Awful, awful books...

Really they are awful."

no they're not!

[Jessica]

It took me until the fourth book or so to really get into this series, but they are good books and a great fantasy series. The world is developed to an amazing extent and can be very political at times, so if that isn't your thing, tread lightly. Only start reading these books if you have time to commit. I am a typically fast reader, but these books take me a while to finish. Overall, WoT is an amazing fantasy series but are a huge time commitment.

[Anthony]

Jessica wrote: "It took me until the fourth book or so to really get into this series, but they are good books and a great fantasy series. The world is developed to an amazing extent and can be very political at t..."

agree!

[Clyde]

Nah, give "The Wheel of Time" series a skip. I read books 1 and 2, then I skipped forward and read book 5. I found that books 3 and 4 weren't missed and also found myself bored with the formula writing. That was enough for me.
If you want high fantasy, I suggest Robin Hobb's Farseer series.

[Ethic]

Clyde wrote: "... I suggest Robin Hobb's Farseer series."

I'll add to my list.

[Brian]

Reading other people's reviews about books is always hit and miss. Oftentimes I find myself loving series that many other dislike (like Peter Brett's desert spear), or hating ones which other people recommend (like the malzahar books or black company).
However, that aside the WOT series is by far one of my favorite fantasy series. For me, once I fell in love with the series, the length of it was a plus since it meant more time in a world I loved. Usually when a story shifts between multiple characters I find myself liking one arc more than the others, but Robert Jordan somehow kept me interested in all the character arcs. Going through my second re-reading of the series now, and loving it. Absolutely read it.

[Richard]

Jessica wrote: "Robin Hobb's The Realm of the Eldering. We want people to read ALL the books, not just the first three. The Farseer Trilogy, The Liveship Traders Trilogy, The Tawny Man Trilogy and the Rainwilds C..."

For what it is worth, my brother, who is an avid epic fantasy/fantasy series reader, finds the Liveship Traders series to be the best of Hobb's.

[[deleted user]]

I have read an awful lot of fantasy fiction over the last 20 years. This is one of my absolute least favorites, which is sad as the story is both good and fairly original. Trouble is, in each long volume there are about 50 pages of advancing the story and 400 of boring, badly written rubbish - the story is drawn presumably to sell more. Maybe on day a the 3 volume summary will come out - until then don't waste your time.....

[Richard]

Jessica - he told me that one would need to read the Farseer trilogy first. It is on my list :)

[Jihaad]

The wheel of time is a definite good read as long as you have time, one of my favorite series

[Michael]

My relationship with this series is complex. It was the first I encountered in the genre even before Tolkien (I think) and I began reading it at age thirteen. Back then I loved it to death.

If I had known then what I know now, I think I would still pick it up. It catches flack as being a generic fantasy with little to bring to the table in the way of innovation. Other common complaints are that it's to long winded and loses it's way too often.

Truthfully these are hard to argue with objectively, but in my own opinion Jordan was such a good story teller that the resulting entertainment factor makes up for his short comings. He knew what buttons to push and pushed them well. You could say that he was a master at the classical fantasy form.

The scope of the damn thing and his attention to detail are also on a whole new level. A lesser writer would not be able to keep a world that large together.

The series is unique in its challenges and its rewards, It is definitely not for everyone. If you're a literary snob with A.D.D, avoid it like the plague. If you're open minded and can tolerate mundane details in exchange for a fleshed out, believable world then pick it up. You'll find nothing else like it.

[Teressa]

Michael wrote: "If you're a literary snob with A.D.D avoid it like the plague. ..."

I'm thinking Jordan is the one with A.D.D. -- that's why the story wanders so much, chasing rabbits, as it were. I have enjoyed it. But I'm ready to put an end to some of the stories. Same with the Game of Thrones series.

[Michael]

Teressa wrote: "Michael wrote: "If you're a literary snob with A.D.D avoid it like the plague. ..."

I'm thinking Jordan is the one with A.D.D. -- that's why the story wanders so much, chasing rabbits, as it were...."

He tried to take on too much and his work suffered for it. It's flawed and the frustration is too much for some people, and I don't blame them. For me I still get a kick out of it.

In my opinion Game of thrones is messed up on such a fundamental level that it's not redeemable at all. It's a shame too, it had great potential.

[Wes]

I have to say, I feel sorry for those of you who have given up midway through the series. Jordan does get bogged down in the plot, however when Brandon Salverson began filling in it was very refreshing.

[Carolyn]

Yes, I would give it a go. I have just started reading the series and I'm up to book 5 and I will finish the series (even if I'm 90). My daughter's partner loves the series and has read it so many times. Which is why I started reading it.

[Paul]

I loved the first and was excited about the future books. However, by the fifth book, all he did was wander around and not advance the story. I became disgusted with all the characters and no longer cared what happened to any of them. The chance to find out what would happen in the end died with Jordan.

[Nimethnimora]

Paul wrote: "The chance to find out what would happen in the end died with Jordan."

Actually, Jordan left large chunks of written material and enough notes that another author is finishing the series. Brandon Sanderson has been doing a great job writing the last two books and the last book (where we get to find out what happens in the end) is due out in January.

[Teressa]

Please, please let it be the last book! I want to wrap these folks up with a pretty bow and put them away!

[Peter]

Nimethnimora wrote: "Paul wrote: "The chance to find out what would happen in the end died with Jordan."

Actually, Jordan left large chunks of written material and enough notes that another author is finishing the ser..."

Sanderson said in the preface to "The Gathering Storm" that Jordan had written the ending before he died. So I expect the ending will be as he envisaged it.

[Dylan]

In the last three months or so, I've devoured all five of David Eddings's Belgariad and all of the Song of Ice and Fire books in paperback. I'm just loving epic fantasy. With that being said, I'm struggling to get through just the first book of Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time, Eye of the World.

I hate Jordan's writing style (for some reason, I'm always desiring words where he always doesn't use them--it's odd), the characters trust someone then don't trust someone seemingly on the same page, the bad guys seem like carbon copies of others created decades before Jordan started his series, there's a ton of similarities to books that have come before and too few differences, etc., etc.

I bought the first box set, which contains the first three books of the WoT, having not even considered the possibility I wouldn't like this. Epic fantasy is one of my favorite genres, but this may be the first series where I don't even get through the first book. Right now, I could never say to start them.

Maybe pick up the first book and see if it agrees with you...

[Peter]

Dylan wrote: "In the last three months or so, I've devoured all five of David Eddings's Belgariad and all of the Song of Ice and Fire books in paperback. I'm just loving epic fantasy. With that being said, I'm s..."

I found the first 200 pages of Eye of the World a slog. Very derivative, as you said. It gets better.

I think most Eddings (except The Elder Gods) better. Tighter. If you haven't, read 'The Redemption of Althalus'. Excellent.

[Fatin]

I started reading these books when book 11 came out. I read them all in about 2 weeks, so I don't get why people found them difficult to get through! Yes, Eye of the World, was something I trudged through for the first 100 pages or so, but by the time I'd finished that book, I was hooked.
Eagerly waiting the last book now. Even though, I need my memory refreshed about what happened in the previous ones!

[Ten]

Reading it is like reading an entire life, an entire history, an entire world. It will make you think that maybe, just maybe, that is how it feels like to watch people battle, care, hate and love one another for years and years. For people like me who waited for so long just to see the end of the series, I could say that as I grow into a mature person, the characters also grow...with me. They are right when they said that there are points and installments in the series that tend to slow the story down and make you just want to give it all up and just forget about the series, but I guess that's part of what makes this Series unique in many ways. It's not always action packed and war packed. It's like a normal world evolving normally, draggy or boring at times. Well, you can't always have rainbows all the time, the same way that you can't always have shitty things happening to you everyday.

The Wheel of Time Series is a mirror of what our world, our society is: annoying, boring at times, too many plots, too many twists, too many crazies...and yet you just can't help loving it. It's the same with the story, it's tiring, it's a long one, but once you started and persevered to the very end, you will really come to love it. It's not just your typical hack and slash stories; the plots are good, there are a lot of shadowing (is that the right term?) happening. It makes you think of the plot more not of the hack and slash thing.

Now I'm blabbering... :)) sorry.

[[deleted user]]

I loved them all, every single one, I love how Nynaeve yanks her braid when she's frustrated, I love how the Aes Sedai sniff and look down on men, I love how Min, Avienda and Elayne can share a man and not kill each other, I love Mat and his dice rolling, I love Perrin scratching his beard and I love Rand and his crazy voices in his head !!

It makes the characters likeable and more like friends to me than just a character in a book

I love how Brandon Sanderson has continued the series and I can't wait til the final book to see how it will all end !! Yes I have been waiting about 18 years or so since I first read Book 1 but I don't care

[Jennifer]

Ethic wrote: "I have never read "The Wheel of Time" series but found about half of the books at Goodwill the other day. Worth reading? Looks to be a big time investment."
Even the first book was painful for me to read, and I like epic fantasy. I highly recommend NOT wasting your time.

[Bookbrow]

No, not until the series is done...

[Kati]

I started these in HS and quit at book 5. Nothing was going to get me back there because it became very apparent Jordan had no clue what was going on - other than the cash rolling in with every sequel. I am currently re-reading them. I have the same opinion, except I really love Brandon Sanderson, so I am finishing it mainly to see how he brings it all around. It is a long haul - but I've got the time.

I've read Hobb, she's good. I'd say better than Jordan. I've read George RR Martin - and if you aren't into gritty sex scenes, steer clear. Otherwise they are good, too. But, try reading Sanderson's other stuff. Mistborn is really fantastic.

[Anne]

I started the series in my late teens when I have plenty of time for them. Since The Gathering Storm, I brought the hardbacks, but they are just sitting on my shelves. Now with my life busier than ever, I just don't see myself picking it up again. I would have to re-read all the books because I don't remember much about it.

But I have every intention of picking up the series again when the baby is older. I love epic fantasy. And the world building is awesome. I've been disappointed with a series before (Melanie Rawn's Capital Tower). Until the series is completed, I'm not buying any more books in the series.

[Anne]

Teressa wrote: "Pamela Su wrote: "Fair enough. Perhaps shrew wasn't the most apt term for all the female characters. :)

Don't get me wrong. What I like is that most of the women are very strong personalities who ..."

Yes, Aes Sedai are annoying because they think they know better. With great power comes great responsibility and they have forgotten that to some extent.

[[deleted user]]

I started to read in the beginning of the year, I'm in book nine, Winter's Heart, and I can´t stop reading. It is just great, especially the Aes Sedai.

[Sarahhms]

I would say no, because they are to long and so very similar to sword of truth serie of Goodkind (which is also better in mu opinion!) So I you want a long fantasy serie to invest time in, chose the goodkind serie :)

[Keith]

I think in this case you need to do a google search on the book. This series is one top ten all time series. It is very good and I have readr and reread the books for the past 20 years. Jordan is very discriptive and it can be slow in places but I think it has been worth it. The last book comes out Jan. 8th and I cannot wait to read it

[[deleted user]]

Sarahhms wrote: "I would say no, because they are to long and so very similar to sword of truth serie of Goodkind (which is also better in mu opinion!) So I you want a long fantasy serie to invest time in, chose th..."Don't you mean the Sword of Truth is very similar to the Wheel of Time? Because the Wheel of Time is older.

[Anne]

Sarahhms wrote: "I would say no, because they are to long and so very similar to sword of truth serie of Goodkind (which is also better in mu opinion!) So I you want a long fantasy serie to invest time in, chose th..."

I'm a big fan of Terry Goodkind, but his story is nowhere near the epic complexity of Wheel of Time. And like Rui said, his books came out after Wheel of Time.

[Adam]

This series is a must read for any fan of Fantasy. While I agree that the series bogs down a little in the middle (books 5 or 6 through 9 or 10), I think that it was a necessary evil for Jordan. He created (basically from scratch) a world full of detail, history, culture, legends, myths, intrigue, action, and believable characters.

The storyline is epic. As such I think that Jordan came to a point where he had trouble quickly moving his world to the brink (which is where he needed it to be for the finale). And while the story did drag getting there, I think that if it had been pared down, much would have been lost in the process.

This series is arguably the best Epic Fantasy written in the last thirty years or so. Definitely in the top 5 if not numero uno. I like it better than Goodkind's 'Sword of Truth' and so far more than "A Song of Ice and Fire'. Though both series are undeniably great in their own rights.

I too have read, and re-read, this series over the last 15 years, so I envy you much that you can pick it up now and read it through once from beginning to end, without being forced to wait for years on the next installment.

[Adam]

Ethic wrote: "For what it is worth, I chose to start the series. I am almost done with book 1 and very much enjoying it."

I am so glad you chose to start this one, and that you gave so many of us a chance to talk about our likes and dislikes concerning it. I'm sure the discussion of whether or not you should read it will continue until you have completed the series.

[The]

I liked the Wheel of Time, but I don't believe the series is for everyone. There are a lot of things about the series that can rightfully turn people off, but on the other hand there are some great things about it, too. I wrote an in depth blog article about the pros and cons of the series which I've linked below. This might be able to help you make a decision.

http://www.all-that-is-gold-does-not-...

[Peter]

Too late. I've already read the entire series. As, I suspect, most of the posters from November LAST YEAR and before, have.

[Ian]

For those of you who liked David Eddings or other sub par authors who can't write a female role, this might be an okay choice.

It's an interesting but cliche world where, after the first couple of books, the author decided that it would never end. Then they died and had to have someone else close down the outfit.

I quit this series about half way though (at Path of Daggers) as it was just people wandering around being boring in a variety of ways. Poor character development and thousands of pages of non-events are what happens here.

[Jjab]

If you are into fantasy fiction. they are pretty good. An added bonus is the sereis is complete so you can read straight through with out waiting for the next book.

[Greg]

Jjab wrote: "If you are into fantasy fiction. they are pretty good. An added bonus is the sereis is complete so you can read straight through with out waiting for the next book."

I agree. I'm about 1/3 of the way through the last book now. I started the series back in '96 and I envy those who are just picking it up. Not having to wait for the next title is a great thing.

[Melissa]

Belinda wrote: "I have read books one and two and really struggled to finish the second one, I think it is daunting knowing there are still so many for me to read. But also the story line does seem to drag on a li..."

I am in the exact same boat. I have been trying to push through book two and I keep reverting to other books.

[Nancy]

NO NO NO NO NO! Sucks you in for several books then you realize nothing actually happened in the last 2 or 3!

[Daniel]

Yes. It's a long series but one of the best.

[Peter]

Ian wrote: "For those of you who liked David Eddings or other sub par authors who can't write a female role, this might be an okay choice.

It's an interesting but cliche world where, after the first couple of..."

Interesting that David Eddings was through his entire writing career David & Leigh Eddings. She just didn't get credit until late in the piece.

[Christine]

Ethic wrote: "I have never read "The Wheel of Time" series but found about half of the books at Goodwill the other day. Worth reading? Looks to be a big time investment."
It's a great story if you like sci-fi/fantasy. But Jordan lets the story get out of control and it really starts to lag in his later books. You could do what I did—read: the first 8 or 9 (they are really good through at least the 6th), skip the last one or two Jordan wrote, and start in with Brandon Sanderson's last three. Sanderson is able to pull the story back together.

[JackM]

I bought the first 8 from W for £2.50 ea. Winters heart was the first I had to wait for. Brandon Sanderson definately improved on what had been written before, but even He rewrote a book from other perspectives e.g. The last but one. I was glad to finally finish the set and won't reread it. As for wandering plotlines Terry Goodkind was also guilty of this, but he did write fewer books in The Sword Of Truth series.