The Wheel of Time?

[NeutralMunchHotel]

I was just wondering what people's thoughts are on this series? I may start reading it, and just want a general idea of how good it is. Generall consensus around teh intarwebz are that at around Book 5 it seems to go downhill slightly - which, considering it's at least a 15-book series could be a problem.

So, for those Timies (?) out there - 2 major questions: A) Does the series go downhill after around 5 books, and B) Basically, is it worth my time? Plus, any additional things you think I should know would be greatly appreciated!

Just as a bit extra - my fantasy genre pedegree is basically zero, aside from a few Redwall books when I was younger!

 

[AdhesiveTape]

I haven't read it, but I've heard both good and bad (mostly frustrated rants) things about it. I've also been thinking about reading it because my favorite author is finishing off the series. Yay Brandon Sanderson!

 

[Arkhangelsk]

I find it very interesting. I read half of the first book, and while I don't have enough of the facts to formulate an adequate opinion, I will say this: I was intrigued by the story, it was interesting and I fell in love with it, but the writing turned me off. Don't get me wrong, it was indeed well done, but the book requires patience, and the writer's vocabulary is often broader than the reader's. And I didn't have much time on my hands, and the very detailed writing left me with a story with a very slow progression. If you're willing to take your time, I recommend it, cause the story seems great and epic, but be sure to bring some camping equipment, cause you're going to be in that world for a long time.

 

[Fbuh]

Only start reading it if you are going to go through with reading all eleven current books plus the twelfth one which is still being written. Now, I like a good book and I like a good series, but 12 is just too damn much. AS far as the actual story, it was good, but it didn't strike me as phenomenal. The style and themes were about the same as you normally see in modern day fantasy fiction: magic, castles, and a boat load of Middle Eastern philosophies and thematic elements.

 

[Lady Nilstria]

My opinion: READ THEM NOWWWWWWW. The fantasy genre demands it.

A.) Concerning book 5+, it's not that they go downhill in plot or storytelling. The characters are still very amusing and I consider the Wheel of Time to be one of my most favorite fantasy series I've ever read. However, after book 5, the pace slows down a bit. Some might say considerably, but I didn't really care. I've read them all (and own), excluding the ones that haven't been published yet, of course.

B.) Yes, it is worth your time. The most amazing thing about the WoT to me is that I actually cared about the characters. I felt real apprehension regarding them, and for me, who has read tons of fantasy...that's a first. Only Robert Jordan has been able to evoke that kind of reaction from me. For that, he ranks very highly with me.

C.) If you're an artist, you will find yourself spontaneously wanting to draw the main characters. Trust me. I should know.

D.) When a character is introduced and their appearance described, take a moment to remember it. I think that's the best advice I can give you. I still can't remember what the Aiel woman looks like because I skimmed over her description. >_<

E.) If TWoT is not your cup of tea, I recommend the Dragonriders of Pern and the Dragonlance Chronicles.

 

[Lopunny]

My opinion: READ THEM NOWWWWWWW. The fantasy genre demands it.

A.) Concerning book 5+, it's not that they go downhill in plot or storytelling. The characters are still very amusing and I consider the Wheel of Time to be one of my most favorite fantasy series I've ever read. However, after book 5, the pace slows down a bit. Some might say considerably, but I didn't really care. I've read them all (and own), excluding the ones that haven't been published yet, of course.

B.) Yes, it is worth your time. The most amazing thing about the WoT to me is that I actually cared about the characters. I felt real apprehension regarding them, and for me, who has read tons of fantasy...that's a first. Only Robert Jordan has been able to evoke that kind of reaction from me. For that, he ranks very highly with me.

C.) If you're an artist, you will find yourself spontaneously wanting to draw the main characters. Trust me. I should know.

D.) When a character is introduced and their appearance described, take a moment to remember it. I think that's the best advice I can give you. I still can't remember what the Aiel woman looks like because I skimmed over her description. >_<

E.) If TWoT is not your cup of tea, I recommend the Dragonriders of Pern and the Dragonlance Chronicles.

Basically all this, bear in mind though he died before he could finish the last book, so its being released by his son.....that why its taking ages, hes trying to piece his dads notes together

 

[GothmogII]

Some people say it does, I'm not one of them unfortunately, I read the whole series exactly once, and I generally read books I like more than once.

That said, it's an okay series. It -is- very long as you've noted, though a tad more modest at present 11-book series (14 if you include the soon to be released three final books after Jordan died or New Spring which is basically an unfinished prequel series), and even then, each book is several thousand pages long.

So, not light reads at any measure. Plus, there is a lot of descriptive text, places, arms and armor and the like, which while interesting in it's detail can get very tedious, not to mention just keeping track of all the relationships between all the characters.

If you're still up for it after that, dive right in. If you're just getting into fantasy though, I'd recommend The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien, it's an excellent starter to an entire genre and is actually pretty light on the 'fantasy' which is surprising for a book with giant spiders, goblins, shapeshifting bears and a dragon. :3

Basically all this, bear in mind though he died before he could finish the last book, so its being released by his son.....that why its taking ages, hes trying to piece his dads notes together

Don't think it was his son...his wife and a guy named Brandon Sanderson, though, I haven't read any of his work personally, good thing Mr.Jordan left copious notes anyway.

 

[TheMatt]

I was just wondering what people's thoughts are on this series? I may start reading it, and just want a general idea of how good it is. Generall consensus around teh intarwebz are that at around Book 5 it seems to go downhill slightly - which, considering it's at least a 15-book series could be a problem.

So, for those Timies (?) out there - 2 major questions: A) Does the series go downhill after around 5 books, and B) Basically, is it worth my time? Plus, any additional things you think I should know would be greatly appreciated!

Just as a bit extra - my fantasy genre pedegree is basically zero, aside from a few Redwall books when I was younger!

My favourite series, though if this is your first splash into fantasy you may want to put this off. Try anything by David Eddings or david Gemmel, that will wet your appetite. The wheel of time is a FANTASTIC read (as mentioned, it is my favourite series bar none, I have reread the whole thing about 6 times) but is IS a bit heavy. Series get crappy after boof 5? Hells no. Though I agree with whoever said it above me, it slows down a bit, but still rules.

Only start reading it if you are going to go through with reading all eleven current books plus the twelfth one which is still being written. Now, I like a good book and I like a good series, but 12 is just too damn much. AS far as the actual story, it was good, but it didn't strike me as phenomenal. The style and themes were about the same as you normally see in modern day fantasy fiction: magic, castles, and a boat load of Middle Eastern philosophies and thematic elements.

Muhahaha, 3 more books my friend, 3...

 

[Dr_Matt]

Very good series, although it is a big time commitment. I wouldn't necessarily agree that the quality of the story went down hill after the first 5, but there are issues with the story having too many threads with no obvious sign that they are going to come together. In some places, it felt as if we were only catching up with a particular group of characters so that we didn't forget about them, but with no real advance to the storyline.

Jordan's last book is going to be split into 3, so it'll be 14 books rather than 12.

http://www.tor.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=blog&id=19734

I'm not so worried about that, but it's a shame that there will be no follow up to the "outrigger" novels. A New Sping was a really good story.

 

[GothmogII]

I was just wondering what people's thoughts are on this series? I may start reading it, and just want a general idea of how good it is. Generall consensus around teh intarwebz are that at around Book 5 it seems to go downhill slightly - which, considering it's at least a 15-book series could be a problem.

So, for those Timies (?) out there - 2 major questions: A) Does the series go downhill after around 5 books, and B) Basically, is it worth my time? Plus, any additional things you think I should know would be greatly appreciated!

Just as a bit extra - my fantasy genre pedegree is basically zero, aside from a few Redwall books when I was younger!

My favourite series, though if this is your first splash into fantasy you may want to put this off. Try anything by David Eddings or david Gemmel, that will wet your appetite. The wheel of time is a FANTASTIC read (as mentioned, it is my favourite series bar none, I have reread the whole thing about 6 times) but is IS a bit heavy. Series get crappy after boof 5? Hells no. Though I agree with whoever said it above me, it slows down a bit, but still rules.

You sir have my love. Yes, David Gemmel and David Eddings are also win :3 And...died fairly recently too ;_; Gemmel was a few years ago, Eddings was last year I think. Gemmel is an especial favourite of mine, a lot of his books reminded me of the Conan mythos, and all really down to earth.

 

[TheMatt]

I was just wondering what people's thoughts are on this series? I may start reading it, and just want a general idea of how good it is. Generall consensus around teh intarwebz are that at around Book 5 it seems to go downhill slightly - which, considering it's at least a 15-book series could be a problem.

So, for those Timies (?) out there - 2 major questions: A) Does the series go downhill after around 5 books, and B) Basically, is it worth my time? Plus, any additional things you think I should know would be greatly appreciated!

Just as a bit extra - my fantasy genre pedegree is basically zero, aside from a few Redwall books when I was younger!

My favourite series, though if this is your first splash into fantasy you may want to put this off. Try anything by David Eddings or david Gemmel, that will wet your appetite. The wheel of time is a FANTASTIC read (as mentioned, it is my favourite series bar none, I have reread the whole thing about 6 times) but is IS a bit heavy. Series get crappy after boof 5? Hells no. Though I agree with whoever said it above me, it slows down a bit, but still rules.

You sir have my love. Yes, David Gemmel and David Eddings are also win :3 And...died fairly recently too ;_; Gemmel was a few years ago, Eddings was last year I think. Gemmel is an especial favourite of mine, a lot of his books reminded me of the Conan mythos, and all really down to earth.

Dude, he wrote the Conan books so the fact that his other stuff reminds you of them surprises me very little.

Wait, what? Eddings is dead? WTF!!! omg! What about "the adventures of Geran and Silk?" What's that? There is no such book? I know, but a boy can dream!

 

[axia777]

I was just wondering what people's thoughts are on this series? I may start reading it, and just want a general idea of how good it is. Generall consensus around teh intarwebz are that at around Book 5 it seems to go downhill slightly - which, considering it's at least a 15-book series could be a problem.

So, for those Timies (?) out there - 2 major questions: A) Does the series go downhill after around 5 books, and B) Basically, is it worth my time? Plus, any additional things you think I should know would be greatly appreciated!

Just as a bit extra - my fantasy genre pedigree is basically zero, aside from a few Redwall books when I was younger!

I have read ever single book. The series did get slow around book 5 but then around book 7 it really starts to pick up again. By book 9 it starts to speed along like a speed train. All in all I considered the series worth my time.

Another series of books you might enjoy are George RR Martins "A Song of Fire and Ice".

 

[DeadlyYellow]

I love the Wheel of Time series. I just hope the last few books will be as good as the original author's work.

I'd also recommend Goodkind's Sword of Truth series.

 

[TheMatt]

I love the Wheel of Time series. I just hope the last few books will be as good as the original author's work.

I'd also recommend Goodkind's Sword of Truth series.

I am so with you until a certain point... The first book "Wizard's first rule" is literally fantastic..

but the end of the series? come ooooooooooonnnnnnnnn...

Since I forget how to do the /spoiler thing I'll describe it vaguely...

So the thing is wayyy older then we thought and it is the key and therefore we win...

how fricken stupid was that?

 

[GothmogII]

I was just wondering what people's thoughts are on this series? I may start reading it, and just want a general idea of how good it is. Generall consensus around teh intarwebz are that at around Book 5 it seems to go downhill slightly - which, considering it's at least a 15-book series could be a problem.

So, for those Timies (?) out there - 2 major questions: A) Does the series go downhill after around 5 books, and B) Basically, is it worth my time? Plus, any additional things you think I should know would be greatly appreciated!

Just as a bit extra - my fantasy genre pedegree is basically zero, aside from a few Redwall books when I was younger!

My favourite series, though if this is your first splash into fantasy you may want to put this off. Try anything by David Eddings or david Gemmel, that will wet your appetite. The wheel of time is a FANTASTIC read (as mentioned, it is my favourite series bar none, I have reread the whole thing about 6 times) but is IS a bit heavy. Series get crappy after boof 5? Hells no. Though I agree with whoever said it above me, it slows down a bit, but still rules.

You sir have my love. Yes, David Gemmel and David Eddings are also win :3 And...died fairly recently too ;_; Gemmel was a few years ago, Eddings was last year I think. Gemmel is an especial favourite of mine, a lot of his books reminded me of the Conan mythos, and all really down to earth.

Dude, he wrote the Conan books so the fact that his other stuff reminds you of them surprises me very little.

Wait, what? Eddings is dead? WTF!!! omg! What about "the adventures of Geran and Silk?" What's that? There is no such book? I know, but a boy can dream!

That was Robert E.Howard who created and originally wrote Conan stories. (though you may have Robert Jordan in your head being the topic about his books as he did write a series of Conan the Barbarian stories collected in the aptly named 'Chronicles of Conan'.

It's awesome all round though.

 

[TheMatt]

snip

Dsnip

That was Robert E.Howard who created and originally wrote Conan stories. (though you may have Robert Jordan in your head being the topic about his books as he did write a series of Conan the Barbarian stories collected in the aptly named 'Chronicles of Conan'.

It's awesome all round though.

Shit, you're totally right.

You read Any Raymond E feist?

 

[axia777]

I love the Wheel of Time series. I just hope the last few books will be as good as the original author's work.

Me too. I really mad me very sad when Robert Jordan died. What a total downer. I am nervous as to how this new guy Brandon Sanderson is handling the material. I know Jordan's wife Harriet is looking over all of it. Sanderson is also trying very hard to respect and emulate Jordan's writing style to try and keep it more continuous. But still, to die while writing the last in the series of books. Fuck that shit is sad.

What is also more sad is that Jordan had some insane ideas for another series of books after he finished the Wheel of Time series. Such is life.

 

[GothmogII]

snip

Dsnip

That was Robert E.Howard who created and originally wrote Conan stories. (though you may have Robert Jordan in your head being the topic about his books as he did write a series of Conan the Barbarian stories collected in the aptly named 'Chronicles of Conan'.

It's awesome all round though.

Shit, you're totally right.

You read Any Raymond E feist?

Yup, I've read the whole Riftwar Saga (Magician etc.), The Empire Trilogy by him and Janny Wurts and the Serpent War Saga. Love to get my hands on the Krondor series someday, no luck in bookstores so far, probably order it online. I did read both Prince of the Blood and The King's Buccaneer, and while I enjoyed them, they still felt unnecessary even if they tied in neatly with the overall series.

Speaking of which, tried George R.R.Martin? I've only read A Game of Thrones and A Clash of Kings myself but it seems to be an excellent series so far imo. So very very dark and deliciously so.

 

[axia777]

Speaking of which, tried George R.R.Martin? I've only read A Game of Thrones and A Clash of Kings myself but it seems to be an excellent series so far imo. So very very dark and deliciously so.

That series of books fucking rules. It is fantasy for adults and that does not mean some cheesy soft core porn fantasy. I can't wait for the next book. It is kind of a dark joke that Martin is going to kick the bucket like Jordan did before his series is really finished. I certainly hope not. I am also very excited because this epically awesome series of books is being made into an HBO series by some of the same people who made Rome. It is currently being filmed in locations all over Northern Europe.

It also looks like the next Wheel of Time book "The Gathering Storm" comes out on Tuesday, October 27, 2009. Here is to it being great. I am so nervous.

 

[TheMatt]

snip

Dsnip

snipD

Shit, you're totally right.

You read Any Raymond E feist?

Yup, I've read the whole Riftwar Saga (Magician etc.), The Empire Trilogy by him and Janny Wurts and the Serpent War Saga. Love to get my hands on the Krondor series someday, no luck in bookstores so far, probably order it online. I did read both Prince of the Blood and The King's Buccaneer, and while I enjoyed them, they still felt unnecessary even if they tied in neatly with the overall series.

Speaking of which, tried George R.R.Martin? I've only read A Game of Thrones and A Clash of Kings myself but it seems to be an excellent series so far imo. So very very dark and deliciously so.

Serpent war saga = good Darwar = better

I love all his books...

Jimmy the hand is ok, Honoured enemy is awesome and umm.. the other one... ummm... is good... whatever it's called... murder in lamut... had to look it up...

yah, I loved the empire series.

new one comes out in a few months in paper back it's called "Rides a dread legion" I cannot fricken wait.

Yup, The george RR martin series kicks ass BUT I have been waiting forever for the next one..

Tyrion 4 life...

and stop killing the wolves, goddamnit that make sme angry..