southern_sea's review against another edition
3.0
REREAD, NO-SPOILER REVIEW
The biggest merit of this book is the way it takes familiar fantasy tropes and leitmotivs and weaves them into an original creation. Firmly rooted in classic fantasy (the Lord of the Rings most of all) and Arthurian lore, The Eye of the World feels very familiar (maybe too much?) to your average fantasy reader. But if you pay attention there is plenty that sets it apart, from the revisitation of the wizard-mentor trope (Moiraine is one of the best iterations of this trope in fantasy in my opinion) to the original cosmology (inspired by Daoism, Buddhism and other Eastern philosophies).
Overall it is an enjoyable read despite some flaws (such as the confusing and, as it turns out, disconnected ending, the protagonist being somewhat of a blank slate personality-wise, the odd pace, and the failed experiment with a non-linear timeline), and it sets the groundwork for a great adventure.
The biggest merit of this book is the way it takes familiar fantasy tropes and leitmotivs and weaves them into an original creation. Firmly rooted in classic fantasy (the Lord of the Rings most of all) and Arthurian lore, The Eye of the World feels very familiar (maybe too much?) to your average fantasy reader. But if you pay attention there is plenty that sets it apart, from the revisitation of the wizard-mentor trope (Moiraine is one of the best iterations of this trope in fantasy in my opinion) to the original cosmology (inspired by Daoism, Buddhism and other Eastern philosophies).
Overall it is an enjoyable read despite some flaws (such as the confusing and, as it turns out, disconnected ending, the protagonist being somewhat of a blank slate personality-wise, the odd pace, and the failed experiment with a non-linear timeline), and it sets the groundwork for a great adventure.
allysunsun's review against another edition
3.0
This was a very long read but understandable as there was so much world building required. I would really like it in future books if they limit the amount of maps to less than 5 per book.
podanotherjessi's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
pharmdad2007's review against another edition
4.0
A good friend (that's you, Isaac) tried to tell me several times during high school how much I would like this series, but I never actually tried it. Now I am hooked! For the first few chapters, I was almost put off by all the similarities to a certain classic trilogy by Tolkien, but then the story took off in its own right. Now I am just along for the ride!
mitts's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
4.25
[4.3]
kellytopia1013's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.5
neenor's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this so much more than I thought I would! The first time I tried to pick it up, I only got through a couple of chapters before putting it down - you’re thrown into the world with very little context, and at first it felt impossible to keep up. The second time around, I persisted, and after 100 pages or so I was invested. Incredible world-building, an array of distinct, intriguing characters, and a plot filled with tension and unknowns. Can’t wait to pick up the next one!
rinyurg's review against another edition
4.0
I did love this book, the pacing was a bit slow for me past 45% until the last 100 or so pages however, was still very enjoyable. I am excited to start The Great Hunt.
kyanionthefarm's review against another edition
4.0
Who is surprised I'm in love with a complicated and beautiful fantasy world and it's characters?
kaitlyn_wren's review against another edition
4.0
now imagine if there was just a super delish romance subplot