The Eye Of The World: Book 1 of the Wheel of Time (Soon to be a major TV series) - Softcover

Jordan, Robert

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0356503828 ISBN 13: 9780356503820

Publisher: Orbit, 2014

Synopsis

'Epic in every sense' - Sunday Times

The first novel in the Wheel of Time series - one of the most influential and popular fantasy epics ever published.

The Wheel of Time turns and Ages come and pass, leaving memories that become legend. Legend fades to myth and even myth is long forgotten when the Age that gave it birth returns again.

But one truth remains, and what mortal men forget, the Aes Sedai do not . . .

What was, what will be, and what is, may yet fall under the shadow.

'With the Wheel of Time, Jordan has come to dominate the world that Tolkien began to reveal' New York Times

'A fantasy phenomenon' SFX

The Wheel of Time
The Eye of the World
The Great Hunt
The Dragon Reborn
The Shadow Rising
The Fires of Heaven
Lord of Chaos
A Crown of Swords
The Path of Daggers
Winter's Heart
Crossroads of Twilight
Knife of Dreams
The Gathering Storm
Towers of Midnight
A Memory of Light

New Spring (prequel)

About this title

Review:

The Eye of the World and its sequels in Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time series show the extent to which one can go with a traditional fantasy framework, with added gusto. Stock elements are abound: a reluctant hero--in fact five humble village folk--plucked from wholesome obscurity to fight dark powers; an eternal evil enemy who can be defeated but not destroyed, until the end of the world, which is fast approaching; a mysterious sisterhood with vast powers and who love to manipulate thrones and kingdoms from the shadows (think of the Bene Gesserit of the Dune series); a ferocious battle-hardened warrior race (echoes of the Fremen of Dune, or the Haruchai of the Thomas Covenant novels).

Jordan didn't become a bestselling author merely by mixing up traditional ingredients; a master storyteller, he ingeniously gives unusual twists to these conventional fantasy elements. He also excels in the descriptive and narrative skills needed to create a detailed and coherent imaginary world. The many lands he portrays are vast in scope and contain amazingly varied countries and peoples, while retaining the inner coherence needed to make them satisfying places for a fantasy fan to roam around in. However, Jordan's writing never attains the subtlety or sophistication of, say, George RR Martin and there are some annoying stylistic tics: he seems unable to introduce a female character without commenting on her neckline and thereafter has them forever smoothing their dresses.

To his publisher's credit, Jordan's books are fortunate among fantasy novels in not having covers that look like an explosion of a teenager's bedroom. The absence of such lurid artwork is, perhaps, part of their appeal. --David Pickering

Review:

Epic in every sense (Sunday Times)

A fantasy phenomenon (SFX)

With the Wheel of Time, Jordan has come to dominate the world that Tolkien began to reveal (New York Times)

About this edition

• Publisher: Orbit
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 0356503828
• ISBN 13: 9780356503820
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 816