Helpful Score: 9
Epic. Book one in the "Wheel of Time" series. I had to get about a quarter of the way into it before it picked up steam, but once it did I loved it. If you like "Lord of the Rings" style fantasy epics this is first rate.
Warning....you will not get much done around the house until you finish reading the book. Start reading way before bedtime.
Warning....you will not get much done around the house until you finish reading the book. Start reading way before bedtime.
Stephanie D. (LovesBooks) reviewed The Eye of the World (Wheel of Time, Bk 1) on + 84 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
The Eye of the World takes a lot of concentration and I'll be honest, I read it when I was sixteen and it took me four attempts to read it. This book is an epic fantasy and absolutely fantastic. It is the first book of a lengthy series. I can tell you that the first book is worth every bit of time you put into it!
Helpful Score: 3
i can't say this book is bad, i just couldn't get into it, far too many details to stay interesting, and they keep going into detail about what someone is wearing everytime they change scenes, like the first time you meet the hero, can't remember the name anymore, they almost tell you his messurements and who designed his outfit, then he changes clothes and the author does it... AGAIN! i like the idea of the story but the level of detail made the pace way to slow. awesome intro though, and good theme.
Helpful Score: 2
This is an excellent work in the fantasy epic genera. However, sometimes I got a sense of deja vu while reading. Many of Jordan's themes and characters borrow heavily from Tolkien. With it's compelling story line and richly detailed world, I am looking forward to reading further on into the series.
Mark M. (arcanetomeseeker) reviewed The Eye of the World (Wheel of Time, Bk 1) on + 2 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
The power of Robert Jordan's novels lies in the flesh and blood of the world he creates. His writing brings to life expansive landscapes and detailed cultures. Before long you'll feel as if you've lived in the Two Rivers all your life.
The Eye of the World is my favorite out of the Wheel of Time series. The story begins with the protagonists as young adults being chased by a horrid evil of which there is no safe place to hide. Each of the characters has so much potential and you glimpse it in this novel. During the later novels the main characters learn more about who they are and what they can do, but in the Eye of the World they are still young and inexperienced.
If the thrill of a new journey excites you then read this novel, it may be a little slow at first but it will hook you in if you stick with it.
The Eye of the World is my favorite out of the Wheel of Time series. The story begins with the protagonists as young adults being chased by a horrid evil of which there is no safe place to hide. Each of the characters has so much potential and you glimpse it in this novel. During the later novels the main characters learn more about who they are and what they can do, but in the Eye of the World they are still young and inexperienced.
If the thrill of a new journey excites you then read this novel, it may be a little slow at first but it will hook you in if you stick with it.
Veronica N. (rooandcrew) reviewed The Eye of the World (Wheel of Time, Bk 1) on + 4 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
My husband and daughter really enjoy fantasy/fiction books. This series really interested them after hearing it was very similar to the recently published books of Eragon, Eldest and Brisngr they like.
My husband read them first and found them inappropriate for our daughter so she was disappointed. (She must have a good book at all times.) Then they found out that there is a Junior series. Still the fantasy aspect but without the unnecessary extras.
My husband read them first and found them inappropriate for our daughter so she was disappointed. (She must have a good book at all times.) Then they found out that there is a Junior series. Still the fantasy aspect but without the unnecessary extras.
Connie C. (connieccrn) -
Helpful Score: 1
I have always liked books that are a series, and this one is no exception. There are elements of prior fantasy novels of adventure and quests. The era is medieval and there are some unique monsters. The weapons are all known - both physical ones and magical ones. I like the characters. It is about your basic good vs evil battle, but this story has enough new elements of that old battle to keep you interested and entertained.
Helpful Score: 1
I read this book back in college when I was 18/19. I had forgotten nearly all of it in between then and now, roughly 1.5 decades. In order for me to review this honestly, I have to get the Tolkien aspect out in the open. I do remember feeling a bit cheated the first time around at how much Jordan took from Tolkien. Tolkien himself borrowed heavily from European myths and hence, much of the fantasy genre has borrowed from him in a typical trickle down effect. Still, the similarities between The Eye of the World and The Lord of the Rings are some of the closest I have found in the fantasy genre. With that acknowledgement, I still found myself getting attached to the main characters and wrapped up in their quest. And yes, grimacing a little every time some character mimicked an Ent line, or an altercation resembled hobbits vs. nazghul, or there was smoking of the leaf.
So all that aside, Rand, Mat, Perrin, and Egwene are all very real, young, and in way over their heads. Moiraine and Lan are mysteries that only unravel a little by the end of the book. Nynaeve, the Wisdom of Two Rivers, was one of my favorite characters she tracks, rides, heals, and grumbles. I am capable of one of these skills, and I will let you guess which one. The world building was detailed and happened bit by bit, growing as the Two Rivers folks ventured further and further from their home. There were moments of humor or reflection mixed in with the action, making the pacing quite good for a lengthy first book to a lengthy series. Most of the tale is told through Rands eyes, which was adequate, but I often found myself wishing for more points of view, especially wanting to hear the inner thoughts of Moiraine.
So all that aside, Rand, Mat, Perrin, and Egwene are all very real, young, and in way over their heads. Moiraine and Lan are mysteries that only unravel a little by the end of the book. Nynaeve, the Wisdom of Two Rivers, was one of my favorite characters she tracks, rides, heals, and grumbles. I am capable of one of these skills, and I will let you guess which one. The world building was detailed and happened bit by bit, growing as the Two Rivers folks ventured further and further from their home. There were moments of humor or reflection mixed in with the action, making the pacing quite good for a lengthy first book to a lengthy series. Most of the tale is told through Rands eyes, which was adequate, but I often found myself wishing for more points of view, especially wanting to hear the inner thoughts of Moiraine.
One of my all-time favorite books. I have to keep picking up Volume One because I keep giving away copies. I've infected my entire family. Both sons, two daughters, wife...even ex-wife.
But I digress. The story. It is the story of five young people, three boys/men, two girls/women from an ancient but backwater village in a make-believe world. All of a sudden, things begin to happen and before you know it, they're heavily involved in affairs of their world. It is a world of tradition and magic, and the ancient battle of good against evil goes on un-ending. Our heroes are three young men, aged somewhere between 18 and 21 and two young women aged 18 or so and perhaps 25. The 25 year old is the village's healer and wise women. The 18 year old is supposedly her successor in training....but she had wider ambitions. The real action beings when Trollocs and Myhrrdral attack the village, and particularly the home of the three young men who apparently share something they don't know about, aside from being born within days of each other. Just prior to the attack by the evil beings, there arrives in town one of the almost legendary Aes Sedai, kind of a good but powerful witch and her warder or fighting man. They help the villagers defend themselves. Author Robert Jordan is extremely descriptive, even to the point of slowing down his narrative, but by the end of the book, you can describe the heroes and villains down to the letter. Why should that matter, because there are 11 more books and a pre-quel to read yet and you'll want to. Better than Asimov's Foundation Trilogy, better than the Dune series, better even than Norton's Witch World, whioch it comes closest in spirit to. Yes it even beats the Hobbits and the Harry Potter books. Too bad its so complicated, they'll never be able to make a movie about it, that reflects the book anyway. You'll love Egwene, Nynaeve, Perrin, Mat and Rand.
But I digress. The story. It is the story of five young people, three boys/men, two girls/women from an ancient but backwater village in a make-believe world. All of a sudden, things begin to happen and before you know it, they're heavily involved in affairs of their world. It is a world of tradition and magic, and the ancient battle of good against evil goes on un-ending. Our heroes are three young men, aged somewhere between 18 and 21 and two young women aged 18 or so and perhaps 25. The 25 year old is the village's healer and wise women. The 18 year old is supposedly her successor in training....but she had wider ambitions. The real action beings when Trollocs and Myhrrdral attack the village, and particularly the home of the three young men who apparently share something they don't know about, aside from being born within days of each other. Just prior to the attack by the evil beings, there arrives in town one of the almost legendary Aes Sedai, kind of a good but powerful witch and her warder or fighting man. They help the villagers defend themselves. Author Robert Jordan is extremely descriptive, even to the point of slowing down his narrative, but by the end of the book, you can describe the heroes and villains down to the letter. Why should that matter, because there are 11 more books and a pre-quel to read yet and you'll want to. Better than Asimov's Foundation Trilogy, better than the Dune series, better even than Norton's Witch World, whioch it comes closest in spirit to. Yes it even beats the Hobbits and the Harry Potter books. Too bad its so complicated, they'll never be able to make a movie about it, that reflects the book anyway. You'll love Egwene, Nynaeve, Perrin, Mat and Rand.
The start of it all. This is, and will surely always be, my favorite of ALL the Wheel of Time books. A lot happens, as opposed to later books where nothing seems to happen. Great characters, fantastic basis for future stories. A MUST read!
Jessica E. (sicaelliott) reviewed The Eye of the World (Wheel of Time, Bk 1) on + 68 more book reviews
I enjoyed this book thoroughly. It introduces a lot of new people, places, and concepts, so you have to pay close attention... It gets easier in the books afterward because you understand the world the characters are living in....
An interesting replay and expansion of the Lord of the Rings. A lot of homage to Tolkien, but not as tightly written.
Epic fantasy series, one of the best
Ronald M. (Fasturtle) reviewed The Eye of the World (Wheel of Time, Bk 1) on + 593 more book reviews
Very interesting read with a good plot and exciting action.
Larry K. (clanky40) -
top of the list in new fantasy genre. It has heroes that are not reluctant to fight. I hate wimpy oh my gosh do I have to types and Rand, Mat , Perrin, Egwene, Nynaeve et al are anything but. I was hooked and mourned the death of Robert Jordan.
i couldn't really get into this book
First novel, and best, in the epic fantasy series Wheel of Time.
Christopher L. (cbrett42) reviewed The Eye of the World (Wheel of Time, Bk 1) on + 7 more book reviews
This is a great book that begins a great fantasy series. Jordan develops his characters well, and knows his world inside and out, providing detail behind everything that happens. I highly recommend reading this book and the entire Wheel of Time series.
However, I must warn you that this book starts very slow. The first time I started reading it, I actually gave up on it, because it was hard to get in to and I made the mistake of starting it during a period where I didn't have much extra time to read. However, I went back later and gave it another shot. It turned out to be one of my favorite books, and is actually all the better because the slow start really sets the tone of what these people's lives are normally like before all of a sudden big stuff starts happening.
So, in summary, read this book. If you start reading it and don't think you like it, give it a couple hundred pages. I think you'll change your mind.
However, I must warn you that this book starts very slow. The first time I started reading it, I actually gave up on it, because it was hard to get in to and I made the mistake of starting it during a period where I didn't have much extra time to read. However, I went back later and gave it another shot. It turned out to be one of my favorite books, and is actually all the better because the slow start really sets the tone of what these people's lives are normally like before all of a sudden big stuff starts happening.
So, in summary, read this book. If you start reading it and don't think you like it, give it a couple hundred pages. I think you'll change your mind.
A whole new believable society with an enormous cast of real people in a fantasy world.
WOW. Good book. I like everything about it. The characters, action, background information. I also like it's a series. I found it when I checked out book 13 from the series, and really liked it. Wrote to one of the PBS members to see what she thought (some series have great books, but then some just barely ok.) She said the whole series was as good as 1 & 13. It would be best to read them in order. I agree.
I've just started on this series and have really enjoyed Book 1. I'm prepared for the rest of the books as I am being introduced to all the characters and the ancient lore that the people believe. The characters are fascinating, the descriptive writing is wonderful. I would recommend this book to anyone wanting a good fantasy plot, rich in detail and wars!
The start of a thrilling set of books very hard to put down.
This is one of those books that you have to really commit some time to reading. It has a complicated plot with an amazing aray of characters. Great for any science fiction buff.
What a wonderful romp this book was. I read it while on vacation on the Mexican Rivera and actually look forward more to spending time rolling through this story than I did doing tourist stuff. Laying by the pool, letting Robert Jordan take me to his wonderful places, was a pure joy. A great read.
Absolutely amazing!
It took a couple of tries to get into the book, but once I broke past the 50th page or so, I couldn't put it down. In fact, I stayed up past 3 in the morning reading with my grandmother. Then had to get up at 6 for work. From the time they gang leaves Emond's Field, to the very end of the book, Robert Jordan presents his characters with strife, heartache, and happiness. The characters are people that grow as the novel progresses, and every one of them is entirely multi-dimensional.
The series only gets better from there. The late, great Robert Jordan has since passed away, but he left all of his dictated notes behind, and his wife enlisted the help of novelist Brandon Sanderson to complete the series. I can only hope that Mr. Sanderson and be true to Robert Jordan's legacy. May he rest in peace.
It took a couple of tries to get into the book, but once I broke past the 50th page or so, I couldn't put it down. In fact, I stayed up past 3 in the morning reading with my grandmother. Then had to get up at 6 for work. From the time they gang leaves Emond's Field, to the very end of the book, Robert Jordan presents his characters with strife, heartache, and happiness. The characters are people that grow as the novel progresses, and every one of them is entirely multi-dimensional.
The series only gets better from there. The late, great Robert Jordan has since passed away, but he left all of his dictated notes behind, and his wife enlisted the help of novelist Brandon Sanderson to complete the series. I can only hope that Mr. Sanderson and be true to Robert Jordan's legacy. May he rest in peace.
Amanda Criner (amcriner1971) -
I truly enjoyed this book, I managed to vanish within its pages. Robert Jordan is a vivid writer and with this series I have been very impressed. This book has been read over and over and it never fails to entertain and delight me.
The first book of the best epic fantasy series I have ever read.
This is a fantastic launch into an EPIC series. Have lots of time to read and like fantasy? This is perfect.
The wheel of time turns and ages come and go leaving memories that become legend.
Robert Jordan is my favorite Fantasy writer of all time. He understands what people want in a good fantasy book. When I cannot be reading this wonderful series, I am dreaming about it, and putting myself in the shoes of the charachters, and thinking of how they would see things if they were in my position. The depth of each characther is amazing, and each is very dynamic. If you enjoy fantasy books, I believe you would find yourself wrapped up in this series once you begin. The author is going through a potentially fatal illness, so I ask all those R.J. fans out there to pray! He is a great man, and I for one also pray that he is able to finish this great line of books.
Carol T. (anjeleyes) - reviewed The Eye of the World (Wheel of Time, Bk 1) on + 111 more book reviews
It is fantasy and very intersting. i loved it. I am reading the second one now.
A great sci-fi series! Robert Jordan is one of a kind.
Elizabeth W. (pandagirl) reviewed The Eye of the World (Wheel of Time, Bk 1) on + 27 more book reviews
The Eye of the World is an excellent shepherd/ farm boy/ nobody to hero story, in which an attack on his village forces Rand Al' Thor and his companions to leave their home and embark on an epic journey complete with a variety of magical beings, legends, prophesies, and people who can talk to wolves. Robert Jordan does an impressive job of creating his own fantasy world with its own history, customs and species. The Eye of the World is the beginning of an eleven book fantasy series, but it does have a satisfying ending and can stand by itself whether or not you choose to read the rest of the books in the Wheel of Time series.
If you give this series a try, you will not be disappointed. I can think of a few sci-fi/fantasy authors I like more, but they all fit on 1 hand. Jordan has a gift for telling a good story and making the reader forget that it didn't really happen. Great 1st book to an awsome series.
The peaceful villagers of Emond's Field pay little heed to rumors of war in the western lands until a savage attack by troll-like minions of the Dark One forces three young men to confront a destiny which has its origins in the time known as The Breaking of the World. (synopsis from Reed Business Information, Inc.)
It's been awhile since I've read the book, but I do remember it being a decent read. Although the usual stereotypes of fantasy are in here (the young hero who doesn't know he has powers, etc.), I still felt like there was enough here to make it somewhat fun to read.
This is part of a *huge* series called The Wheel of Time, which I think is up to about 12 books (but don't hold me to that ;-)).
It's been awhile since I've read the book, but I do remember it being a decent read. Although the usual stereotypes of fantasy are in here (the young hero who doesn't know he has powers, etc.), I still felt like there was enough here to make it somewhat fun to read.
This is part of a *huge* series called The Wheel of Time, which I think is up to about 12 books (but don't hold me to that ;-)).
Book 1 in a series of 10.I plan to list books 1 thru 9.Very entertaining fantasy saga.I fell in love with the characters and found myself yearning to move into their world(only I'm pretty sure someone would eat my lunch in short order)and share their adventures.
I've read the first two of these books and thoroughly enjoyed them! It's been so long since I've read any Jordan books that I have to start all over. I had no idea that he had about 11 books out in this series now! Excellent series from what I've read
I have read this several times since it was published and have found some new insight each time... Well worth the reading!
Great Series of Books!
Excellent!!!
The first book of an engrossing series
I really enjoyed this book.
first book in an amazingly and rightly famous series about an epic battle between good and evil. if you like tolkien, you will love this.
This is the first installment of an extended science fiction series by Robert Jordan. Very well written, good characters, and interesting fantasy world.
Bethany F. (LaFlaca1226) reviewed The Eye of the World (Wheel of Time, Bk 1) on + 40 more book reviews
The beginning of an amazing fantasy series!
Charlene H. (CatsAndDogs) reviewed The Eye of the World (Wheel of Time, Bk 1) on + 9 more book reviews
This book is similar in style to Tolkiens Lord of the Ring booksThis is book one in the Wheel of time series and builds the base for the entire series, enjoyable for quest readers.
KellyAnne O. (GreenGarnet) -
now i will remember that i am not reviewing the whole series here but just this book alone,And with that in mind i must say it was pretty bad.
I heard so much praise about it, I bought it and was very unhappy. I couldnt get into the characters, it dragged on for what seemed like an eternity and if i cant connect with the characters, either hate them or love them i cant stand that!
This book is reminisent of terry goodkinds LARGE and drawn out series with not a whole lot going on. I dont recommend this novel. I cant! i did not enjoy it at all. Jordan RIP was so verbouse in his writing that i wanted to fall asleep. I read fantasy to be in awe, escape, get away etc this book DID NOT do that for me
I heard so much praise about it, I bought it and was very unhappy. I couldnt get into the characters, it dragged on for what seemed like an eternity and if i cant connect with the characters, either hate them or love them i cant stand that!
This book is reminisent of terry goodkinds LARGE and drawn out series with not a whole lot going on. I dont recommend this novel. I cant! i did not enjoy it at all. Jordan RIP was so verbouse in his writing that i wanted to fall asleep. I read fantasy to be in awe, escape, get away etc this book DID NOT do that for me
Loved it
Still one of the great modern fantasies. Sixteen years and 10 books later it may sometimes seem Jordan's bitten off more than he can chew - but Eye of the World holds all of the promise of what the series should be. In fact, last reread I was surprised at how very well it still holds up, and how very much I still enjoyed it.
A very good read.
My husband is reading this series and likes it a lot.
jordan creates another masterpiece
Easy reading, as if written for children, but entertaining.
Brain candy. Easy to read: not so exciting you can't put it down, not so challenging that you have no energy to read it after a hard day at work. Not particularly vivid or engaging, but not bad or boring. This whole series is like mild, slightly melted vanilla ice cream for the soul.
Brain candy. Easy to read: not so exciting you can't put it down, not so challenging that you have no energy to read it after a hard day at work. Not particularly vivid or engaging, but not bad or boring. This whole series is like mild, slightly melted vanilla ice cream for the soul.
A very good beginning to a wonderful series of books. I would definately recommend this to anyone who loves scifi and fantasy -- some think it drags a bit throughout the entire series, but I love it nonetheless :)
Tabatha B. (lylathewicked) reviewed The Eye of the World (Wheel of Time, Bk 1) on + 48 more book reviews
This was one of my favorite books as a freshman in high school. I spent hours reading this without putting it down. I'm unsure of how long it took me to read this one, but I can say I was definitely please.
women warriors and fantasy worlds.
This is my favorite so far, in the Wheel of Time series. After book two they began losing my interest, but I think I'm going to try to finish the series since I started it. I'm on book 4 now, and I've been reading it off and on for months
The 1st 4 chapters are somewhat slow, but ultimately a great read. Interesting plot keeps you from putting down the book. A great sci-fi story!
Cheryl P. (Engsetterlover) reviewed The Eye of the World (Wheel of Time, Bk 1) on + 54 more book reviews
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. In the Third Age, an Age of Prophecy, the World and Time themselves hang in the balance. What was, what will be, and what is, may yet fall under the Shadow.
The Eye of the World, Book One of The Wheel of Time series.
The Eye of the World, Book One of The Wheel of Time series.
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. In the Third Age, an Age of Prophecy, the World and Time themselves hang in the balance. What was, what will be, and what is, may yet fall under the Shadow.
The Wheel of Time turns andAges come & 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. In the Third Age, an Age of Prophecy, the World and Time themselves hang in the balance. What was, what will be, and what is, may yet fall under the Shadow.
Great Book.
Elif S. (ulookbeautifultoday) reviewed The Eye of the World (Wheel of Time, Bk 1) on + 3 more book reviews
the cover is a little ripped and some pages come off but the book stays together
