A review by emtees
The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan

Did not finish book.
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.
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