The Eye of the World (Wheel of Time) - Softcover

Jordan, Robert

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0812511816 ISBN 13: 9780812511819

Publisher: Tor Fantasy, 1993

Synopsis

The Wheel of Time (R) is a PBS Great American Read Selection! Now in development for TV!

Since its debut in 1990, The Wheel of Time(R) by Robert Jordan has captivated millions of readers around the globe with its scope, originality, and compelling characters.

The Wheel of Time turns and Ages come and go, leaving memories that become legend. Legend fades to myth, and even myth is long forgotten when the Age that gave it birth returns again. In the Third Age, an Age of Prophecy, the World and Time themselves hang in the balance. What was, what will be, and what is, may yet fall under the Shadow.

When The Two Rivers is attacked by Trollocs--a savage tribe of half-men, half-beasts-- five villagers flee that night into a world they barely imagined, with new dangers waiting in the shadows and in the light.
TV series update: "Sony will produce along with Red Eagle Entertainment and Radar Pictures. Rafe Judkins is attached to write and executive produce. Judkins previously worked on shows such as ABC's "Agents of SHIELD," the Netflix series "Hemlock Grove," and the NBC series "Chuck." Red Eagle partners Rick Selvage and Larry Mondragon will executive produce along with Radar's Ted Field and Mike Weber. Darren Lemke will also executive produce, with Jordan's widow Harriet McDougal serving as consulting producer." --Variety

The Wheel of Time(R)
New Spring: The Novel
#1 The Eye of the World
#2 The Great Hunt
#3 The Dragon Reborn
#4 The Shadow Rising
#5 The Fires of Heaven
#6 Lord of Chaos
#7 A Crown of Swords
#8 The Path of Daggers
#9 Winter's Heart
#10 Crossroads of Twilight
#11 Knife of Dreams

By Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson
#12 The Gathering Storm
#13 Towers of Midnight
#14 A Memory of Light

By Robert Jordan and Teresa Patterson
The World of Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time

By Robert Jordan, Harriet McDougal, Alan Romanczuk, and Maria Simons
The Wheel of Time Companion

By Robert Jordan and Amy Romanczuk
Patterns of the Wheel: Coloring Art Based on Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time

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:

"The Eye of the World is the best of its genre." - The Ottawa Citizen

"A splendid tale of heroic fantasy, vast in scope, colorful in detail, and convincing in its presentation of human character and personality." - L. Sprague de Camp

"This richly detailed fantasy presents fully realized, complex adventure. Recommended."- Library Journal

"This one is as solid as a steel blade and glowing with the true magic. Robert Jordan deserves congratulations." - Fred Saberhagen

"One hell of a story. [It] kept me up past my bedtime for three nights running-- and it's been a long time since a novel's done that." - Baird Searles, Asimov's Science Fiction

"A future collector's item. Jordan has brought out a completely new allegory in a fantasy concept that goes even beyond this massive story, working with an artist's eye and the sense of responsibility of a serious historian." - Gordon R. Dickson

"Classic oppositions are brought into play: initiates versus innocents, good versus evil, the spiritual power of women versus that of men. The travelers themselves are full of subtleties and shadows--ordinary villagers who, thrust into cosmic conflict, are unable to abandon their simple human desires and fears.
"This intricate allegorical fantasy recalls the works of Tolkien because of its intensity and warmth." - Publisher's Weekly

"Robert Jordan has come to dominate the world Tolkien began to reveal." - The New York Times

"This has magic and pacing and detail and human involvement, with a certain subtlety of a presentation and a grand central vision. Robert Jordan... is a lot of writer!" - Piers Anthony

"An exciting story; the reader is drawn in early and kept there until the last page. There is adventure and mystery and dark things that move in the night-- a combination of Robin Hood and Stephen King that is hard to resist... Jordan makes the reader care about these characters as though they were old friends; so much so that the reader will put down the book regretting the wait for the next title in the series." - Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

"A classic fantasy tale of the struggle between light and darkness, good and evil, death and life. Goodness, life, and light are always in retreat, always about to be defeated, but never quite! Don't miss it!" - Andrew M. Greeley

"Certainly a title I want to add to my permanent collection, and I shall be eagerly awaiting the sequel, which is promised at the end." - Andre Norton

About this edition

• Publisher: Tor Fantasy
• Publication date: 1993
• ISBN 10: 0812511816
• ISBN 13: 9780812511819
• Binding: Mass Market Paperback