The Eye of the World

The wheel weaves as the wheel wills.

The Tolkien influence on this book is obvious, but the Wheel of Time still stands on its own with the depth and breadth of its world and lore. What an amazing introduction to a glittering new fantasy world that I can't wait to dive into and find out more about. 4.5 stars from me.

The story starts off introducing us to Rand al'Thor, a regular farmer's son from the small cozy village of Emond's Field in the Two Rivers. The village is all excited for their festival, Bel Tine, when they are suddenly overrun by Trollocs. Rand is put on the run with two of his best friends, Perrin Albara and Matrim Cauthon, along with a mysterious lady stranger and her stoic bodyguard. They set off on a long, long journey that brings them face to face with all the stuff of legends.

There is no doubt that Robert Jordan did an absolutely stunning job at creating this world. Unlike most high fantasy novels where the world is usually a flat backdrop for the plot in the foreground, you can tell that the world in the Wheel of Time is vast. There are passing references to other cultures or bygone eras which has no direct impact on the plot but just serves to flesh out a real three-dimensional world that feels way beyond whatever we are able to see in this one book.

The plot in itself is fairly straightforward, but also compelling. A group of people go off on a long journey, first to escape evil but then to confront it. A lot of questions are set up in this book that are probably deliberately not answered - this is, after all, a 14-book series - but yet the book in itself is wrapped up in an overall satisfying way. You end off feeling satisfied but still wanting more.

The main cast of characters are compelling in their own way as well, though some more so than others. For a good majority of the book, our three teenage boys behave impulsively and make poor af decisions. I am only thankful that none of them go off on a “Why me?” tortured-Chosen-One tirade. We have a good mix of female characters in the cast as well, each powerful or with great potential in her own way. My favourite character, however, has to be Loial the Ogier, who is a cinnamon roll, doesn't care about much, and is just along for the ride. Good ol' Loial, may the Light illumine him forever.

Highly recommended for anyone who loves fantasy and intricate world-building, especially those who love high fantasy and Lord of the Rings.