kaziaroo's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury and Violence
Moderate: Blood, Medical content, Death of parent, Grief, War, Injury/Injury detail, Death, Suicidal thoughts, Murder, and Alcohol
Minor: Animal death, Torture, Vomit, and Child death
arcali's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
So this book is not new to me - I've read it before and have read 8 or so of the following books in the series. It might be difficult for me to give a review purely based on the content of this one alone, given I know some of what follows after, but I will try my best.
The Eye of the World is the first book of 14 or so novels in the Wheel of Time series. This series is a gargantuan beast that requires a serious time commitment, but if you like your chunky doorstoppers, this may well be the series for you.
Eye of the World is a mixed bag for me. Its pretty tropy, taking a lot of very clear inspiration from Tolkein in particular- fans of Lord of the Rings won't be able to miss them. I think this was actually deliberately done by Jordan. That said, I do know that the Wheel of Time series takes its own very distinct path as it goes on, so while it's perhaps a flaw for some people in the first book, it's not indicative of the series as a whole.
It's also pretty dense prose wise. It takes a lot of time with its descriptions and its worldbuilding. The world building is one of its strong points in my opinion though. Jordan clearly spent a huge amount of time developing the world, and it shows in all the little details.
The pacing is a bit slow, especially in the beginning, and there is a central portion that drags on a bit as well, but when Jordan hits his stride properly in an action scene, I always find myself turning the pages, gripped for more. Particularly with the way the book ends, I was tempted to jump straight into book 2 in order to continue on (but my existing TBR shortlist won out in the end)
Finally, I have mixed feelings about the way women are portrayed in the book. It's over 30 years old now, so somewhat a product of its time, and in some ways I think Jordan did try to push the envelope with this. His female characters are strong, in a world where only women can (safely) wield magical power - they have huge influence and ability, and this is something that you didn't really see much of at the time. On the other hand, the world itself has gender differences baked into it, and the characters themselves are all frustratingly prone to pertpetuating stereotypes and getting into a sort of 'men are from Mars, women are from Venus' mindset. I suspect that as the series goes on, they will have to learn to work together better, but it's something that I picked up on a lot more this time round than I did in my (much earlier) rereads.
Final thoughts: Eye of the World (and the rest of the WoT series) is a fantasy classic at this point, and I will definitely be reading the following books (I hope this time is the time when I finish the series!), but it is definitely not without its flaws.
The Eye of the World is the first book of 14 or so novels in the Wheel of Time series. This series is a gargantuan beast that requires a serious time commitment, but if you like your chunky doorstoppers, this may well be the series for you.
Eye of the World is a mixed bag for me. Its pretty tropy, taking a lot of very clear inspiration from Tolkein in particular- fans of Lord of the Rings won't be able to miss them. I think this was actually deliberately done by Jordan. That said, I do know that the Wheel of Time series takes its own very distinct path as it goes on, so while it's perhaps a flaw for some people in the first book, it's not indicative of the series as a whole.
It's also pretty dense prose wise. It takes a lot of time with its descriptions and its worldbuilding. The world building is one of its strong points in my opinion though. Jordan clearly spent a huge amount of time developing the world, and it shows in all the little details.
The pacing is a bit slow, especially in the beginning, and there is a central portion that drags on a bit as well, but when Jordan hits his stride properly in an action scene, I always find myself turning the pages, gripped for more. Particularly with the way the book ends, I was tempted to jump straight into book 2 in order to continue on (but my existing TBR shortlist won out in the end)
Finally, I have mixed feelings about the way women are portrayed in the book. It's over 30 years old now, so somewhat a product of its time, and in some ways I think Jordan did try to push the envelope with this. His female characters are strong, in a world where only women can (safely) wield magical power - they have huge influence and ability, and this is something that you didn't really see much of at the time. On the other hand, the world itself has gender differences baked into it, and the characters themselves are all frustratingly prone to pertpetuating stereotypes and getting into a sort of 'men are from Mars, women are from Venus' mindset. I suspect that as the series goes on, they will have to learn to work together better, but it's something that I picked up on a lot more this time round than I did in my (much earlier) rereads.
Final thoughts: Eye of the World (and the rest of the WoT series) is a fantasy classic at this point, and I will definitely be reading the following books (I hope this time is the time when I finish the series!), but it is definitely not without its flaws.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Death, and Violence
rexpostfacto's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and War
Moderate: Blood, Injury/Injury detail, and Animal death
emtees's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
This was a reread - actually, probably like a fourth read - for me. The series is one that I have mixed feelings about overall, but the recent show got me to reread it, and I'd forgotten how good the first book was. The world building, character development and suspense are all really strong. Even though you only see a small amount of the world in which the book is set, it all feels fleshed out and tangible. There is a sense of depth and history to it. The characters are immediately unique and have distinctive voices. The magic system, though still very basic compared to what it would become, is fascinating. The homages to other fantasy books, most obviously Lord of the Rings, are obvious, but they add to the feel of the story rather than detracting. The only complaints I have are that I wish the POVs were a bit more balanced - something that improves later when the series becomes more of an ensemble story - and that the ending doesn't quite hold up to the rest of the book in terms of, um, making any sense whatsoever. But it's still a pretty perfect beginning.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death and Mental illness
contre_qui's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I generally enjoyed this book. I liked the pacing, worldbuilding, characters, language, etc. However, I wasn't a huge fan of the incredibly strict gender binary enforced within the magic system (and therefore within the entire premise of the book). I'm a little undecided on my thoughts about the magic system just yet, but I think we'll get more information about it in sequels so I'm not too hung up on it.
Content Warnings
Minor: Injury/Injury detail, Fire/Fire injury, Violence, Death, Blood, and Animal death
ariel790's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Eye of the World seems inspired by The Lord of the Rings. There are many similar elements, with some areas that the band of protagonists visit seeming like it was plucked right out of TLoR world and rebranded. I don't mind this so much. I am of the opinion that a creator is better off taking bits and pieces, building their own world with what they enjoyed previously. Their own characters, with their own take of what choices they would have made instead in what may be in a 'familiar' setting. Over what more and more seem to do, more so now a days, and that is to overtake a current, popular IP. Calling it the same to take advantage of possible popularity and love for it, but change everything.
That said and out of the way, I read this book because of the Amazon TV series. In watching, I joined discussion threads about it, and came across one citing how different the books were. My interest piqued. If there is a book, I want to read it. Even if it is just to spot the differences. So I borrowed the book from my local library and here we are. There are many between the two... but I'm not here to discuss that, even though I could, but this is a book review, so I'll only really cover from now how I've felt about the book.
Possible spoilers beyond this point..
The book does cover familiar fantasy, adventure tropes. If you're into either, it is a safe story to read. The main protagonist is a boy who pretty much knows nothing of the world he lives in. You discover it as he does. He's joined by other characters that fit into other familiar character types. An Aes Sedai (elite of the magically inclined, mages, or 'witches and wizards'), the best friend who many not have the best of intentions, the romantic interest who has other interests to pursue, a Warder (ranger/warrior) leading the way, a Wisdom (healer/cleric), and a friend with an unexpected power. Each with their own strengths and weaknesses that eventually contribute to plot points within the story. This or that creature or persons of other powers added as needed.
The antagonist, The Dragon, is pretty much ominous, dark, and foreboding, without being delved much into until the end. He isn't directly chasing our characters, so minions are the primal driving force of pushing the characters to where they're needed. I assumed more so because this was intended as the start of a series. Final defeat of the greatest power being in the final book. As that comes to resolution with this story as its own; not every mystery opened up is solved, but biggest, first source of strength of The Dragon is confronted.
Overall, a decent read, but wouldn't put at the top of my all time favorites list. Each character on their own was interesting, I made a few favorites, together, I don't know. The pacing to keep them going was too slow so when I did set the story down, I wasn't super excited about returning to it unless a character I really liked was in the middle of being developed. Perrin or Thom in particular for me. I will probably continue with the series, but only when I have a few other reads I'm more enthralled about out of the way.
That said and out of the way, I read this book because of the Amazon TV series. In watching, I joined discussion threads about it, and came across one citing how different the books were. My interest piqued. If there is a book, I want to read it. Even if it is just to spot the differences. So I borrowed the book from my local library and here we are. There are many between the two... but I'm not here to discuss that, even though I could, but this is a book review, so I'll only really cover from now how I've felt about the book.
Possible spoilers beyond this point..
Spoiler
The book does cover familiar fantasy, adventure tropes. If you're into either, it is a safe story to read. The main protagonist is a boy who pretty much knows nothing of the world he lives in. You discover it as he does. He's joined by other characters that fit into other familiar character types. An Aes Sedai (elite of the magically inclined, mages, or 'witches and wizards'), the best friend who many not have the best of intentions, the romantic interest who has other interests to pursue, a Warder (ranger/warrior) leading the way, a Wisdom (healer/cleric), and a friend with an unexpected power. Each with their own strengths and weaknesses that eventually contribute to plot points within the story. This or that creature or persons of other powers added as needed.
The antagonist, The Dragon, is pretty much ominous, dark, and foreboding, without being delved much into until the end. He isn't directly chasing our characters, so minions are the primal driving force of pushing the characters to where they're needed. I assumed more so because this was intended as the start of a series. Final defeat of the greatest power being in the final book. As that comes to resolution with this story as its own; not every mystery opened up is solved, but biggest, first source of strength of The Dragon is confronted.
Overall, a decent read, but wouldn't put at the top of my all time favorites list. Each character on their own was interesting, I made a few favorites, together, I don't know. The pacing to keep them going was too slow so when I did set the story down, I wasn't super excited about returning to it unless a character I really liked was in the middle of being developed. Perrin or Thom in particular for me. I will probably continue with the series, but only when I have a few other reads I'm more enthralled about out of the way.
Content Warnings
Graphic: War and Death
Minor: Animal death
wogslandwriter's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This book is a classic for a reason. This was my second time reading it, after watching the new TV show and it holds up relatively well. It is very slow at the beginning and the focus Robert Jordan puts on the divide between men and women is extremely stilted and old fashioned. However, the exciting story, rich characters, and deep world building shines through it all. It would not be published in it's current form in modern day, but it is a good story for modern audiences all the same.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Body horror, Murder, Gore, Death, Genocide, Animal death, and Animal cruelty
Moderate: Mental illness, Misogyny, Stalking, Suicidal thoughts, Injury/Injury detail, War, and Vomit
Minor: Cursing, Child death, Death of parent, Drug use, and Excrement
It is a relatively violent fantasy book that does not stray away from the harsh details of a battle and death. However there is no sexual violence or even discussion of it. However, it is not Game of Thrones level gory and violent. I would rate it around a PG-13 for most people.therainbowshelf's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
If you love epic fantasy like Lord of the Rings or The Sword of Shannara, you'll probably enjoy this book. It took about 400 pages for this book to start developing its own personality, or for the characters to stop being quite as flat. The girl never stopped being flat, though. Overall, not a bad book but it just didn't stand out to me.
📘The Gist 📘: Several young men and a young woman from a rural town follow the advice of a woman they're all inexplicably afraid of to leave their village after it is attacked by creatures of legend. They then travel for a long time trying to avoid notice.
📒Representation📒: three female main characters (but they're all pretty flat)
💕 For readers looking for 💕: A hero's journey fantasy, an 800+ page book, books like Lord of the Rings and Sword of Shannara
📘The Gist 📘: Several young men and a young woman from a rural town follow the advice of a woman they're all inexplicably afraid of to leave their village after it is attacked by creatures of legend. They then travel for a long time trying to avoid notice.
📒Representation📒: three female main characters (but they're all pretty flat)
💕 For readers looking for 💕: A hero's journey fantasy, an 800+ page book, books like Lord of the Rings and Sword of Shannara
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual harassment, Blood, Fire/Fire injury, Death, War, Body horror, Violence, Animal cruelty, Animal death, and Mental illness
Moderate: Xenophobia, Physical abuse, and Confinement
summerb's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gore, Misogyny, and Violence
Minor: Death, Vomit, Alcohol, Animal death, Blood, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Death of parent, Misogyny, Murder, Sexism, Sexual violence, and Torture
readandfindout's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
3.5
On first read: DNFed, then restarted and gave 5 stars
Reread: 3.5 stars. I enjoyed this more than most 3.5 star reads, but I think that's because I know the arc of the whole story. I'm also just always going to love these books.
Style/writing: 4 stars
Themes: 3 stars
Characters: 3.5 stars
Plot: 3 stars
Worldbuilding: 3.5 stars
Reread: 3.5 stars. I enjoyed this more than most 3.5 star reads, but I think that's because I know the arc of the whole story. I'm also just always going to love these books.
Style/writing: 4 stars
Themes: 3 stars
Characters: 3.5 stars
Plot: 3 stars
Worldbuilding: 3.5 stars
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, Death, Gore, Blood, Religious bigotry, War, and Murder
Minor: Sexism, Vomit, and Animal death