Amazon.co.uk Review
The Eye of the World and its sequels in Robert Jordan's
Wheel of Time series show the extent to which one can go with a traditional fantasy framework, with added gusto. Stock elements are abound: a reluctant hero--in fact five humble village folk--plucked from wholesome obscurity to fight dark powers; an eternal evil enemy who can be defeated but not destroyed, until the end of the world, which is fast approaching; a mysterious sisterhood with vast powers and who love to manipulate thrones and kingdoms from the shadows (think of the Bene Gesserit of the
Dune series); a ferocious battle-hardened warrior race (echoes of the Fremen of
Dune, or the Haruchai of the
Thomas Covenant novels).
Jordan didn't become a bestselling author merely by mixing up traditional ingredients; a master storyteller, he ingeniously gives unusual twists to these conventional fantasy elements. He also excels in the descriptive and narrative skills needed to create a detailed and coherent imaginary world. The many lands he portrays are vast in scope and contain amazingly varied countries and peoples, while retaining the inner coherence needed to make them satisfying places for a fantasy fan to roam around in. However, Jordan's writing never attains the subtlety or sophistication of, say, George RR Martin and there are some annoying stylistic tics: he seems unable to introduce a female character without commenting on her neckline and thereafter has them forever smoothing their dresses.
To his publisher's credit, Jordan's books are fortunate among fantasy novels in not having covers that look like an explosion of a teenager's bedroom. The absence of such lurid artwork is, perhaps, part of their appeal. --David Pickering
--This text refers to an alternate
Paperback
edition.
Review
Vast, improbable fantasy that touches all the standard bases, with an unimpressive though complicated good. vs.-evil/cyclic-history backdrop. Upon peaceful, bucolic Emond's Field suddenly descends a horde of bestial, vicious Trollocs directed by sinister shadowy Fades at the behest of the Evil One. Their targets are three young men: sheepherder Rand, blacksmith Perrin, prankster Mat; all three miraculously escape. Also on hand are Moiraine, a well-dressed lady of the Aes Sedai (those who can tap the One Power to work magic) and her sidekick, the warrior Lan. Clearly, the only safe place for the three is Tar Valon, the magically defended city of the Aes Sedai. So, accompanied by the village Wisdom (witch) Nynaeve and her apprentice Egwene, they all set off. After some adventures and hairsbreadth escapes - the usual heroic-travelogue padding - they join up with a cuddly giant Ogier, Loial, who takes them through magical tunnels to see the Green Man. Nearby is the Eye of the World, which the Evil One fears: it's a source of power to be used against him. Finally, some sort of ethereal battle ensues, as Rand taps the power of the Eye to destroy the Evil One without quite knowing how. Neither will his readers. Despite one or two encouraging signs of inventiveness: portentous, ponderous, and contrived, with a rationale that's not even half worked out. (Kirkus Reviews)
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by Robert Jordan
by Robert Jordan
by Robert Jordan
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by Robert Jordan
