So You're Thinking About Reading the Wheel of Time? A Spoiler Free, Mildly Biased Beginner's Guide
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- Опубликовано: 5 фев 2025
- Wondering about whether to spend approximately 240 hours (or precisely 461 hours and 25 minutes on audiobook) reading about ultra-powerful magic users, complex characters, crazy fantasy stuff and (inexplicably) two different circus storylines? Well let me help you! I've done my very best to avoid spoilers for both the books and TV show, and will only mildly pressure you into giving your life over to this series.
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"The more you read the Wheel of Time, the more you want to read the Wheel of Time" - this is so true.
I agree with you about the slog... I enjoy reading those books now, but on first read they were tough, especially knowing you had to wait two more years to learn what happened next.
I saw the TV series first and found it pretty underwhelming and I had to keep reminding myself to watch the episodes . It had me questioning why the book series was so popular so I started reading the books and found them so much better. Now that I've finished the books I'll probably just skip the rest of the show and keep the characters how they were written
Luckily you read the books.
I just hope that people who start with the TV series have the same reaction as you and read (or hear, the audio books are also really good) the books. Otherwise would be sad...
Similar story here, only I've only read up to Winter's Heart so far. I'm a slow reader 😂
I thought the same thing myself. I'm also not really into long series, because I have a hard time remembering things. Also because I find fantasy to be kind of ridiculous. But I have been considering getting into the genre. The show did not help the want to get into the genre though.😂
@@TheGraemiis there any audio books here on yt?
@@ImIndavyjoneslocker Who knows. What does the search say?
I really like how you're relaxed about the TV show. The books still exist! Brilliant.
I LOVE this!! Such a great introduction!! Not only would this make me want to read the series for the first time but it also makes me want to re-read the series for the 30th time 😀
There are no beginnings or endings to re-reads of the Wheel of Time 😁
I have been slowly been working myself up into reading the series, this was a lovely rundown of your thoughts with a good mix of beginner friendly information, with detailed tangents on certain points that were incredibly intriguing whilst not being confusing.
I’m on book 4 of my reread. I watched the show. Loved it and was inspired to read the books. Absolutely fell in love with the Wheel of Time world!
Shadow Rising is my favorite book. I love Perrin❤
I'm in the middle of The Slog and have considered cutting and running, but you've convinced me to hang in. I will do it!!!!! Thanks.
Yes!! You can do it :D
The ending is sooooo worth it, the last 3 books are just straight fire 🔥
@@lizzieb1You were right! I'm finishing the last book right now
@@davereese6614 amazing! I'm so glad you made it :D
Thank you for providing this introduction to this series. I have slowly been buying them on my Kindle. I will try these books out and I will let you know how I feel about the first book.
"Like Dune, but with added generational Trauma" XD That's such a good comparison! This is such a great intro--I really agree on the gender issue. Sometimes he misses the mark, and some of it he absolutely hits the nail on the head with "Hmm, men, people treating you this way just because of your gender sucks, doesn't it? Hmm? It would be pretty mean to treat someone that way, wouldn't it?" I also love your breakdown of the series' parts!
I think was in my thirties before I was like: Aes Sedai =Bene Gesserit and Fremen=Aiel. No wonder these aspects of the story felt familiar to me.
Great video, Lizzie. I'm a big fan of the fantasy genre and I have struggled to read the Wheel of Time. I read the Eye of the World on the first try but I wasn't very impressed with the writing and the fact that so much of the book is taken from Lord of the Rings. It took several attempts to read the second and third books. I started The Shadow Rising for the fourth time last week and couldn't get very far. I have trouble staying with these books because Jordan is just so long winded. Many people have told me this series is greater than the sum of the parts. Your video has inspired me to keep trying and not give up. Thank you from Utah USA!!
i've been through them twice now - and I'd say they have moved to the top position of my favorite series... Good thing I can enjoy many series - but this one is so dang good. The spanking might be the funniest oddity... and there are certainly some parts where I was like "hmmm you can channel the one power but you can't fix this?" - I really like your delivery and cadence and humor. keep up the content!
True! With all the magic powers there should never be a problem with a cold bath! Thank you Moraine in the Amazon series for heating the bath water for Lan!
Thanks for the video. Starting book 7 soon for the first time. Always nice to hear someone's perspective on the series.
Thanks for this overview, just got the eye of the world recently. Its my next read once I've finish a game of thrones.
I was around when the series was first coming out, and he said it would be about 8 books......
I made it thru 4 or 5, and there were things I loved and things I hated. I'll probably read them again someday but I doubt I'll ever make it thru all of them. They're very good, but I got tired of the repetition book to book. They kept ending the same way, only bigger than the last. I did enjoy the tv show, and I understand why they made the changes they did. Plus, they were filming on location during Covid, so I think they did an amazing job under the circumstances. Good video.
I don't know anything about this series. I did watch a few episodes of the show.
I have read a lot of Sci fi and classic literature, despite liking fantasy a lot.
This channel seems goofy and fun. Thanks!
as a WOT fan for over 20 years with numerous re-reads, this was fun to watch and very much agreed
Love this! We need more wheel of time rereaders on youtube, there’s dozens of us
13:24, you hit the nail on the head. He was basically writing the same premise as the lord of the rings per his publishers... uh, very strong recommendations, and then putting his own twist on it by delving into what it might mean to be pulled away from your whole little world to be the chosen one, fated to destroy the world before dying as its savior in the last battle. Not exactly the most exciting prospect when your death is foretold like that.
This was amazing, thank you! I’ve been reading the Wheel of Time for a bit now. But I’ve only recently decided to go all the way through! I’m about finished with The Fires of Heaven!
I love the series so far!
I like your take on the series. Not really my favorite genre, but definitely my favorite book series. Have listened to the audio books quite a bit, while reading the series twice.
When I 1st read the books, Knife of Dreams had just come out & read them in order, except for the starting w/ the Great Hunt (found it by itself on a ship's library).
I thought all of the books were good, including books 7-10. The thing I liked most about Jordan was his ability to foreshadow so early on & then have things click later on.
Haven't tried watching the TV series b/c of the reviews & most adaptions don't work out well, but will give it a go after hearing your review.
I read the series last year to prep for the show, basically the first fantasy series I’ve ever tried. I got caught up in the slog and almost quit so many times but I’m SO GLAD I stuck with it. The Sanderson books are so different in a good way and memory of light is such a satisfying end making it all worthwhile.
I"m going to stop for now at the 13:00 minute mark and come back but now I'm really looking forward to reading further. I was a bit discouraged as I"m only on chapter 5 and so far the LOTR "homage" is the generous word I woould use is a bit much for me. Don't get me wrong I'm a big LOTR fan and I have no problem with an Author using concepts to springboard off of but essentially describing Gandalf and changing the color of his coat isn't doing it for me. So I soldier through the next few chapters and come back to hear the rest of your intro. Thanks 😀
I am the same as you. Every now & then, i go back & reread this whole book series. &, when i recommend to friends, that read fantasy, they always tell me The Eye of The World is too slow. &, i PLEAD with them, 'just hold on til chapter 5, & 6!'. But, to no avail. &, apparently everyone needs to be reminded that this is a work of FICTION & FANTASY. Things don't HAVE to be seen through the eyes, & social hangups of the real world. The show i wouldn't even recommend to my dog to watch, when i leave the house...🤷♀️
What a great video! As a person who DNF'd the series after two books...you make me want to give it another go!
The series definitely isn't to everyone's taste, so I understand DNFing it. Then again, book 3 is one of the good ones. Particularly good if you want a book long break from a certain tall ginger guy 🙃
The one really strong positive about the slog is that Egwene's story carries it, and continues to be great through the end.
I've been on the fence about reading this series for a little while now, the only thing putting me off that it'll be such a big undertaking and afraid of getting burned out, but the more videos I watch the more I just want to dive in and get started
While, it was the arrogance of the last Dragon that caused the taint on the male power, it was equally the obstinance of the women that caused it.
As well as desperation. Sealing the bore was a last ditch effort on the side of the light.
Not true at all. Spoilers for whole series below
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If the women had helped (used saidiar) to seal the bore then the dark one would have been able to taint both sides of the one power. The whole reason he was able to taint just the male half is because the power was pushed up against him and he was able to touch it. If the women had helped both half’s would have been tainted.
@@alanrice6077 Sort of.
While PROBABLY true that the Dark One would have been able to taint both halves of the Power, that wasn't the women's reasoning. Their leader had her own plan for how to defeat the Dark One, using tools they didn't even have access to at the time, and convinced the other women to stand in opposition to the Lews Therin's plan.
Both sides made the correct choices, but for entirely the wrong reasons.
@@iforgot6088 I was not speaking as to the females’ reasonings but just to the facts.
Let's not forget who opened the Bore to begin with..
13:29 yes! That’s exactly what Jordan’s intention was! It’s super cool to see how he takes what Tolkien did and put his own twist on it
I am spending time with my family right now as it’s Sunday. But I am just commenting so that I remember to watch this later.
Thank you. This is wonderful. I'm in my 9th read through of the series..
I always tell people that rereading the Wheel of Time is like going to a family reunion. We all have family members that we love being around, but we also have that annoying uncle or aunt that embarrass us.
When Robert Jordan wrote The Eye of the World, he makes a callback to The Lord of the Rings...and uses the beginning as a comfort part...to ease people into his story. Once people understand that it was done with purpose, they usually don't have a problem.
Like you, I've always lumped the first three as must reads. By the time that you finish the Dragon Reborn...you'll know IF you want to continue. Then from the Shadow Rising to Lord of Chaos is the next trilogy. Then the Slog from A Crown of Swords to Crossroads of Twilight, and then the most epic part, the end four books with Knife of Dream (the last full book that RJ wrote, and then Brandon Sanderson co-authoring from his note.
Honestly, even if Robert Jordan had lived, I'm not sure he could of finished it (probably would've written the Outrigger books...to push back ending the series), but we all would've rather read his version of the finished of the series. Even Brandon Sanderson says this.
On the other hand, I don't think they (Harriet McDougal) could've found a better author to finish the series.
My favourite books are Shadow Rising, Lord of Chaos, and the last three that Brandon co-wrote. That ending is amazing.
Again, thank you for this.
I just have The Gathering Storm, Towers of Midnight and Memory of Light to complete my ninth reading.
Have a wonderful day.
haha - Yeah I also, have been bugging every person I know for the best part of 30 years to read this story and alas, to no avail. BUT - if there was ONE good thing to come from the show debacle, my 12 yr old son picked it up after and we are currently almost through The Dragon Reborn, and he is right into it now so this makes me obvs super super happy :-)
I mean in the books there is kind of a mystery within the first part of Eye of the World where its unclear which of the three is the chosen one
Love the cozy vibe of this video
Wheel of Time is something I grew up with; I picked it up at age 14 and blazed through the first seven books that were out, and read every volume after until A Memory of Light was published when I was 31. I very literally grew up with this series. I am unabashedly a very biased fan, but I think I can speak from a less biased point of view, because there are some fair criticisms too.
It's very much a "chosen one hero's journey" story, but I'd argue it's the best example of that trope. From a very big picture, it's the author's attempt to process his experiences in Vietnam. Called up out of nowhere and told he must save the world from an existential threat, but the only tools he's given are tools of destruction. What prices must be paid, what costs must be incurred, to save the world? And is it worth it? It's a meditation on violence as well - how and why people in engage in it, and what it does to both the perpetrators and the victims. It also explains some of the attitudes of male characters about not killing women. If you check out the WoT Theoryland website's RJ Interview Archive, you'll see why that is.
Foreshadowing plays a huge role in the story, through the use of devices like dreams, visions, and actual prophecies. However, they're so oblique that you can theorize forever until you find out how they come true, which is fascinating. Plus there are more subtle ways the author foreshadowed things - in the fourth chapter of the first book, note the color of the balls that Thom juggles, and the order in which they appear. Eye of the World is a whole different book if you reread it after you've completed the series and recognize everything that was truly going on. The story also pulls on lore and culture from around the world and real history, from European, Asian, African, and Indigenous cultures, to real world events and figures like the Cold War, the moon landing, and Queen Elizabeth II.
As far as the TV show goes, I recommend you approach it like any adaptation - let go of your expectations and look for what it does well. It IS very different from the show in some significant ways, but it also highlights some other things much better. I loved how it foregrounded the theme of reincarnation, and characters like Liandrin and Logain get much more well-deserved attention. Ila the Tinker's speech to Perrin was absolutely heartbreaking and beautiful. The casting is terrific and Loial is just as much the Sam Gamgee of the show as he is the books.
As far as gender dynamics, it's true that it hasn't aged well, but as a friend of mine said, "It's progressive for a white guy born in the South in the 1940s, writing epic fantasy in the 1990s." And yeah, some of the author's personal uh... quirks, foibles and preferences, are pretty clearly on display.
If you hear about "The Slog", don't worry about it too much. It's different for everyone. In general, readers who enjoy spending time in the world with the characters seem to get through it much more easily than people who are into it just for the main storyline. Each book in the series still has many great high points that are worth reading and rereading.
This is a great video Lizzie. I’ve just started the series myself after reading only the first book 25 years ago
I’m currently editing my second video about it after finishing the Great Hunt
I started Wheel of Time in February of 2020 and I finished it just this past Christmas in 2022. I found my first read through a challenge but rewarding. I would like to go back and revisit the world and character again. But I definitely know on a 2nd read through I'll love the series even more
“Blues: mysterious with a hint of main character syndrome” 🤣🤣🤣
I’m reading the series for the first time, and I’m enjoying it. I’m in Winter’s Heart, and I know Crossroads of Twilight isn’t well regarded, so this wonderful review is what I needed to get me to keep going!
The Dragon's arrogance WAS certainly an element of what happened at the end of the Age of Legends... but it's not *opinion* that the political intrigue (and ALSO the arrogance of certain female Aes Sedai) contributed.
Saidin was vulnerable to the dark one's taint BECAUSE there were no female channellers with the hundred companions. There IS an argument that they have no proof that the plan would have worked anyway... but the prison WAS sealed regardless.
Only when men and women WORKED TOGETHER was the ultimate victory achieved. Sort of the theme of the entire series. And yet ENTIRELY neglected by so many people that love to focus on "men bad" or "everything that happens to, or is done by, women that I don't like is misogyny"
I think the show runners lean a bit too much into those two categories, myself. The show aint bad, but it misses the point of the books HARD in the first season (and ironically, some of the best scenes, most reflective of the original themes, are ENTIRELY new to the show :P It's really odd)
Also, STRONGLY disagree on the whole "you don't know whether the author was condoning certain things"
An AWFUL lot of people project their own issues onto the works they read. (this is fine, and part of why reading is so wonderful. But people SHOULD be cognizant of it)
Woman needs saving? That's a bad thing! (is it? Really? If you were in trouble would you berate and abuse your saviour? Should we stop emergency services responding to women, because that's just sexism? Should I NOT call out sexism or mistreatment of women, bc that would be undermining them?)
Woman isn't perfect? Is that inaccurate? Are women INCAPABLE of being unlikable? Should all women be portrayed ideally? Is no female character EVER allowed to not like another woman, not be in a bad mood, not have bad character traits?
Why is it PERFECTLY okay to portray toxic masculinity, even to generalise broadly about men (seen recently in many MCU entries, to varying degrees of success and outright bigotry) but never to explore toxic traits that women often express? Why MUST that always be evidence of sexism, whereas the former can NEVER be discussed as even *potential* evidence of sexism against men?
I genuinely think this remains a blind spot for a good many wonderful people, doing their best.
WoT literally features men as ALL potentially dangerous monsters due to the power they might express... and yet it is the portrayal of women in WoT that gets SO MUCH discussion bc some of the characters are bitchy sometimes. Or need rescuing (which obviously the boys never need.... right?) Hell, the VERY start of the book shows that of the EM5, ONLY the girls had agency. Only they CHOSE to follow the call to adventure. The boys all HAD to go, and none of them were happy about it.
And I OFTEN see these criticisms of female characters in media made by people who never actually bother to COMPARE to male characters (remember when GoT was big? And Sansa was in that very traumatising scene? And critics were up in arms about the treatment of women, and how the show and the writers obviously hate women? ENTIRELY ignoring that male characters endured similar trauma repeatedly throughout the books. Hell, there's a literal army of castrated male slaves...)
100% factual
Heh, well, thanks for this! I bogged down and gave up in the Slog years ago; maybe I'll try again. :)
LOVE these books!! have been in love with them for years! I am headed to Wotcon in ohio in july!! it's the best!!!
Thank You Lizzie! i'm on 40% of the first book and not waiting for the slog
Ah but you've got so much good stuff to go before then! I hope you enjoy the ride :D
I started watching the TV show when it first came out, not knowing anything about it... and got bored within about 5 mins.... I'm not sure why, but may have been poor production, I can't really remember - in any case, not the story itself, I didn't get far enough to even comprehend what it was about 😂
... But, I spotted a great offer on FB marketplace for the full 'multi' box sets of books, with the spine that nicely flows to create a mountain backdrop, for £20, so I've gobbled those up with plans to start reading them from next week... Having watched your slightly eccentric video, I now want to read it even more 😅
Wish me luck 😅
I’ve just started book one and I’m really enjoying it so far. I read a lot of negative reviews saying it was just a copy of The Lord of the Rings, but it really isn’t!
I only read the books for the first time a few years ago (oh gods actually it was almost 10?) and have read them all again a couple times since then. I have most of the physical books, but also audio and ebook copies which really help with rereads. I once went through the whole series in 20 days I think, listening on like 3x speed because I was very familiar by then.
The audiobooks are incredible, but my favorite is to listen and read along at the same time
Amazing summary. I agree with pretty much all your points haha.
Rand didn’t get me attached to the series at all but that’s is the best thing of the series there is so much other characters that I care for and be looking forward to see what’s happening to them. I recall that the thing that really get me in the series is the politics of it the whole conflict of people and desires to get the good things that they desire for themselves. The Daes Dar’mar is absolutely great it gets me everytime.
And then I started to like rand a little bit, not as much as some people like, but still… his sense of duty as everyone or at least every organization wants to get whatever is best for them or for anyone who is manipulating the things, Rand got this sense of duty with the world and still he doesn’t like it.
One of my favorites chapters is chapter 19 of the fires of heaven, the Morgase POV in this is amazing well written ❤.
Sorry for the English tho not my first language 😊
I think it's odd that people would see a long series as a minus. Before reading WOT (I'm on book 8) I read 35+ books of Terry Brooks Shanarra. Before that it was Mistborn, Divergent and the 20 or so books of Pern by Anne McCaffrey. After this I'm doing Discworld and the Cosmere. I look for worlds and characters I can get to know over a long period of time.
I appreciate your point of view, along with the occasional profanity. Your delivery is engaging as well. Thanks!
One thing I'd like to add is that RJ was somewhat progressive in his handling of non-mainstream relationships for his day. Remember the first few books were written in the late 80's (published early 90s), which I'm assuming is well before you were born. Same-sex and polyamorous relationships weren't as mainstream as they are now and were still somewhat taboo. Yes, I know the ladies had to get nude during rituals but he sorta had a plot device to justify it, that the participant was demonstrably a woman and therefore not subject to the madness. It's a stretch, I know, but I think in his 90's mind, that was ok and not nudity for the sake of nudity.
Me resuming reading the series every couples years a book at a time lol
My advice always boils down to "read through book four"
Could you do a review of each book? Would love to hear your thoughts on each one rather than a summary without spoilers. I want a spoiler review!
Im pretty sure I started the show when I started book 4 and I've already finished the book series and only halfway through the TV show still.
I haven't read the series yet as the 14 books seem more daunting than the megaverse of the Discworld! Will do as you suggest and start with the TV series, then take up Book 1. 👍🏽
Don't expect the first season of the show to give an accurate idea what the books are like in all respects. A *lot* of details are missing, and some things in the show were changed quite a bit.
I’ve started reading when there were just a couple of books. I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve reread the series.
The only change from the books that truly bothered me (though I do understand it) was not introducing Elayne. (Being able to delay casting/paying Elayne until season 2 makes sense to me, but still.)
This is the best why should read I've ever seen
Thank you for this introduction to The Wheel of Time. It has finally bubbled up to the top of my to-read list. Well, almost. One more book before TWoT.
According to Goodreads, there is a 15th book, New Spring. Should this one be read as part of the series? And, if so, where in the series should it be read? I’ve heard as the introduction to the series,or, after book #5. I’ve also heard to not read it at all. Since I’m nearing reading the series I’d like a bit more input on this.
For your first read, New Spring should be read, in general, in publication order - after Book 10. You can read it earlier, after Book 7, but I wouldn't recommend it after book 5 or earlier.
How I would name the different eras of the books:
Book 1: An interesting take on Lord of the Rings, that hints at some larger stuff.
Book 2+3: Two cool adventure-quests, each closed in itself continously linking to a bigger picture.
Book 4+5: Building-Blocks in a giant overarching narrative.
Book 6-10: More Building Blocks, but Robert Jordan kinda forgot, tha he wasn't writing one large book.
Book 11 onwards: I don't know, I haven't come this far yet, but I hope, its worth it.
Im on book 1 and got a LOTR vibe as well. 😂 It feels like it faded away at the point im at. I'm nearly finished the book.
After finishing the book series (and currently rereading TEotW), I still have a lot of questions, many of which concern what happens now, in the Fourth Age.
I am planning on reading eye of the world later this year.
I just got to get through some books first.
Look, I know it's a lot to ask you to read a 14 book series, so read it through twice to make sure you like it.
😆
Loved this: "The more you read the Wheel of Time, the more you'll want to read the Wheel of Time." I started reading this series over 20 years ago (I think I may be dating myself...), and ever since I finished it (10 years ago), I've wanted to re-read it. There's just SO much happening in these books, that there's NO WAY that you can grasp it all on the first read. I *will* find the time... one day.
100 percent agree! I think this was my first big fantasy series that I'd read after Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings, and I re-read it almost every year, and every time, it just gets better and better. I've read some amazing fantasy series lately, but nothing has knocked it out of its place yet :)
It may have actually been something in your hair but I couldn't help thinking you were tugging your braid at Jordan's questionable portrayal of women's groups😂
Edit: Also, those WoT memes are on point!
I don't know much about Wheel of Time but I have still heard before watching this video about this Crossroads of Twilight book and it being all filler. How much would it harm my reading experience if I just skipped that one and read a summary online (and where could I find such a summary)?
I would wait and see how you feel after finishing Winters Heart, which is also slightly tough going (in my opinion) but not really skippable. If you still have a bit of patience left then I'd reccomend at least skimming through Crossroads of Twilight because it's part of the experience, but if you just can't bear the idea of another slow book then yes you could technically get away with a summary.
Thanks for the introduction. You do a good job of pointing out some of the strengths and weaknesses of the series. I've read the series once and have very mixed feelings.
On the one hand, the premise of the magic system is genius, the world feels large and lived-in, and the main characters are great. On the other hand, the series has major problems with the pacing and some problematic aspects, especially the lite BDSM vibes. The good stuff is really good, but the bad stuff is cringe-inducing and honestly embarrassing to read. I guess it's subjective whether the good outweighs the bad or vice versa - and I still haven't made my mind up.
I'm glad I read them, but modern fantasy is a crowded space with so many other good series to read. It's hard to justify reading WoT. I probably will read them again, if for no other reason so I can make up my mind about what side of the fence I land on. So, ironically, I'm actually following your advice at the end!
im watchign the tv show to get a basis on what to expect of this HUGE world. I know the show is meh compared to the books but its not terrible. thanks for the guide!
I hated the first book and almost ditched the whole series. However, I got hooked by book 1 ending so I kept going and it turned out great. I loved the second (my favourite) and third ones so I kept myself reading (and pushed myself through the pain of books 7 to 10) and I'm currently reading book 13. Im exhausted but I'm actually excited to be getting close to the end.
"Re-reads the series ..." ... Like and Subscribe :D Oddly I have re-read the series on every book release from Book 1 but I am having issues finishing the last one. I am about half way in, so I did make a start.
It's an odd issue because it's got little to do with the story but because it was the last Christmas gift my wife bought for me before she died - I have difficulty articulating just why this issue exists but my best guess is that, in my emotional (and non-logical) psyche, finishing the book will entail letting go of her for good. It's been ten years and I have, somehow, avoided any spoilers about how the story turns out ... but I really should get on it I suppose.
Oh and, yes, the TV series sucks hugely. They got me with the first episode and I had high hopes seeing Moiraine and Lan fighting as one in Emonds Field ... and then, inevitably, Wokeness happened.
I have tried to read this many times. I just can’t get past the first half of the book. I’m still trying 😂😂
Hello! Just asking, have you read A Study in Scarlet? I'm curious.
Not even the largest series I've ever read. Although, it is the longest continuous story arc I have ever read.
I feel the pain of (increasingly) desperately trying to convince people to read these books
Have you listened to the new audiobook narrated by Rosamund Pike?
I did not notice the slog with audiobooks.
I and many others couldn’t reread it right away.
The Wheel of Time is Digital Underground in the Current Age.
I'm currently on book 9. I agree that book 1 starts of being *very* LOTR derivative, but then by books 2/3 it very much becomes its own thing. IMO 'the slog' runs from about book 4 to book 7, in which almost nothing happens... books 8 & 9 have been a little bit better, but we'll see how it goes 😅
The gender-power-dynamics are interesting. It's almost like a matriarchal world in many ways, and yet gender stereotypes are heavily leaned into. It sometimes feels that most of the series is women rolling their eyes and exclaiming "Men!" or men rolling their eyes and exclaiming "Women!" 😁 The 'thirst' is also very real - every time a new character appears their attractiveness is noted by the POV character, and barely a page goes by in which the neckline of a character's dress isn't analysed!
I’m On book 14 now!
Saidar vs Saidin. Hawkwing broke the world so now the male half of the power is dirty & evil but the female half is still good & pure. Run by the Aces Sadai. Women are the brains & males are the brawn.
Lews Therin Telamon (called The Dragon) broke the world. 😅 And the Dark One tainted the male half (Saidin) while Lews was binding him and the Forsaken.
"Women are the brains & males are the brawn."
That's more a book inside joke. 🙃
Nice to hear from another avid life long fan. Can't approve of you asking people to watch the TV show. Nothing to do with the books other than using the names and general plot. They have changed so many things as to make it unrecognizable. Be well, stay safe!
Thanks for watching! I think there are always going to be a lot of people who would prefer no adaptation of a book to one that's as loose as the Amazon one is, but I feel like those people probably know their own tastes well enough to go straight to the books anyway. And non-book readers I've talked to enjoyed the mystery plot of the TV show, so I thought it was worth highlighting :)
I recommend the TV Show it is okay. It is the first major WOT adaptation. I have seen worse. The only thing I hated was the last episode... But, I believe S2 will be better.
Browns Book Nerds and Obviously the Best…did YOU write that?
Great video :)
I read the books years ago but won't watch the show. I usually don't like tv adaptations, so i just stay away unless someone says it's worth it.
Just the knowledge that someone could create a 20 minute video about whether you should read the wheel of time series or not should tell you if you want to read it or not.
An 1100 page book covers 2 weeks of time
Fair warning.
I also re-read Wheel of Time every few years. I'm currently doing my first audio read. I'll admit I'm not impressed with Kramer and Reading.
I read 5 books.
The author was lowkey obsessed with boobs. The female characters kinda sucked, and constantly had to be saved by men in their company despite being powerful mages.
In all the books I read, Siuan Sanche was probably the best female character. That opinion is objective btw.
Why does the main character need a harem like a japanese anime character?
The books had a pattern of thoroughly boring me with copious descriptions of furniture in taverns and "Oh hey look, now they're singing a song" and then gives like 2 chapters with action at the end.
The hunt of the horn, and the book after it were good. The other three I read just pissed me off. But I heard Brandon Sanderson finished the series.....so I'm gonna pick it back up in like a couple of years. But I'm not gonna like it....
Don't let Nynaeve here what you thought how women seem to be portrayed in the books, she will kick you. 😉
I thought the books were outstanding but the tv show was atrocious. But I suppose it’s rare that I enjoy a show based on books I’ve read.
Beauuuutifulllll
Do more wheel of time videos
There is NOT a lot of spanking, no where near as much as should have been for Joline and many others.
I've read/re-read the WoT series several times. The only good and truly admirable female character in the entire series is Bela. All of the others are, at best, manipulative; and most are mean spirited, petty and/or downright evil. Poor Robert Jordan must have had nothing but terrible experiences with women during his lifetime.
Have you tried Brandon Sanderson works?
Watch the TV series and be extremely disappointed! Read the books and be blown away!
For a fantasy series of the 90s the depiction of woman is progressiv. But despite his better half helping him the author is still a man.😉
And if you hate the TV show, don't worry, it has almost nothing in common with the actual book except for names.
What I dislike about the series is the use of Wild Fire, the one that supposely "erases" the person and what they did from the pattern as if they had never existed. It's kinda odd that MAJOR villains get erased and killed that way but still what they did is around. Aran'gar for example
You mean Baals fire. The argument there is that it destroys reality so that somewhat the person is gone but also create a form of a paradox. That's also the reason why Morainne says to not use it if possible.
I am watched the tv series without knowing the books and found it bad. Bad writing, no character development, bad worldbuilding.... Then I read all the books three times in the intervall. The consequence was that I loved the wheel of time books and disliked the show even more, because of thd damage they did to a few of my favourite characters.
Better read the books first before the show. Sorry, but watching the show will taint your view of the series. Better watch it later. It's like watching Rings of Power before reading the books or watching P. Jacksons movies.
I’m sorry but you barely said any positive things 😅didn’t do much to convince me