Book Review of ‘Wheel of Time – The Eyes of the World - Book 1’ - by Robert Jordan

 I love fantasy fiction books. I just love them. Destiny, a new start, a young protégée, disbelief and denial over your destiny, complicated resilient friendships, embracing and growing with your powers, saviour of realms known and unknown - you have to reread the previous sentence again in a slow, deep, soul stirring voice, to get goose bumps and to truly get the essence of this description. Now, I know that I have just described all fantasy fiction books ever written but I still absolutely love a well written one. 

The Wheel of Time books came under my radar through the million advertisements from Amazon Prime for their adaptation of the books into a television series. I immediately called my book buddy and asked if she had read them.  Yes, she had read them and yes, she had liked them. Getting over the disappointment that I had not even been aware of these books until recently, I quickly bought the first three books of the series.  

The portrayal of this new world with Robert Jordan’s writing style was brilliant. The long descriptive sentences slowly paint the picture of this fantastical realm in your mind. Some seem comfortably familiar and some are excitingly diverse. He introduces new words into our vocabulary effortlessly.

I am someone who rushes through books like a bullet train. There are times where I have read the ending of the book just so that I can slow down and truly enjoy this world of words that I’m stepping into. A 14 book series is a test of my patience. I have to pace myself and commit to this journey. I feel that it is a chance for me to slow down and enjoy this journey. Let’s see.

The first book is quite a promising start. Rand al'Thor, Mat Cauthon, and Perrin Aybara are three young men living young lives at Emond's Field along with Egwene al’Vere and Nynaeve al’Meara. The adventure begins there. It took me a while to keep track of the exotic names, varied characters, trying to figure out who the important ones were and the not so important ones. I stopped sweating over it soon enough knowing that a good author would anyways keep them well connected to me.  Wild adventures, slow journeys, new persons, unknown powers, curious inn keepers, warm country food and the darkness looming overhead – loved it all.

The characters are affable enough but there seem to be 6 to 7 main characters so far and when you get invested in one, it jumps to another one. Just like the Lord of the Rings books, there are parts that seem a little drawn out and long winded.

One of the things that I love about getting immersed into the magical world of fantasy is that it makes you more aware of the allure around you. The warmth, the goodness, the people – you notice them all.  

A single ray of sun that comes in through my kitchen window is observed, not only because it highlights the area to be dusted, but I can stand near it, gently draw a trickle of power from it and let it flow through me. I use that power to give permission for the coffee to release its flavours. ‘I release thee aromas to enhance my mister’s morn.’ (You can reread it in a sombre and resilient voice – if you want). 

And this mystic power is used wisely and with prudence all day long.

Bina’s Quick Takes on Wheel 0f Time – The Eyes of the World - Book 1
(Disclaimers – I believe that every experience I have is the experience I am supposed to have and would never consider it a waste of time)
Was it worth the read?	Yes.
Do I regret reading it?	No
Was it worth the time put in?	Yes
Did I smile when I read the book?	Yes
Was I relieved when I finished the book?	Yes. I can now move on to the next one.
Was I happy when I finished the book?	Yes
Do I want to read more books like this?	Yes
Did I feel smarter after I finished the book?	No
Will I read more books by Robert Jordan?	Oh yes.
Did I get social Kudos for seeming well read in parties because of this book?	Nope. People look at me like an idiot for reading the book when I can watch it instead on Amazon.
Would I have read this book without recommendation?	Yes. After reading a sample of it though.