Jordan novel perfect choice for fantasy fans
Kian Hagerman
Mesa Legend
Given the increasing popularity of fantasy novel series adaptations to both TV and film, I recently felt the urge to begin reading one of my favorites, “The Wheel of Time” books by Robert Jordan. Those innumerable fans of the HBO “Game of Thrones” show should find taking up the first novel of the series, “The Eye of the World,” akin to returning home and relaxing in a well-worn comfortable recliner. There are many similarities in Jordan and George R. R. Martin’s writing styles; a penchant for detailed descriptions of people, places and things both near and far, world building on a grand scale, and characters with depth that aren’t easily pigeonholed within pages of being introduced. The setting incorporates elements of real world mysticism like reincarnation, and the idea that time is cyclical is where the series gets its name.
Shaitan is the antagonistic force that compels the hero Rand on his long and arduous journey, battling against the being that has opposed The Creator of the world countless times in previous ages.
Magic is considered dangerous, especially when practiced by males, who were driven mad by the corruption of Shaitan just prior to successfully sealing the ancient evil away. Thus, the order of Aes Sedai are comprised of females controlled by a governing body that seek to curb the threat posed by any male capable of channeling, yet divided into groups with differing motives that are in some cases diametrically opposed to one another. In the time leading up to the novel, the seals against Shaitan has weakened considerably, and his armies rampage through the countryside, causing wanton destruction where they go. Readers meet Rand and his neighbors as “The Eye of the World” begins with a visit to Two Rivers by Moiraine, an Aes Sedai on the hunt for a male she knows that Shaitan’s forces are seeking nearby.
Eventually choosing to bring along Rand and a few others back to the White Tower of the Aes Sedai, what follows is an epic saga that will enthrall and entertain. The first novel alone is worth the time to read, just as a self-contained story it is truly a complete work. Taken along with the rest of the series, it is merely the tip of a vast iceberg that has stuck with me ever since. Sadly, Jordan did not live to see his creation finished, though the series was completed by Brandon Sanderson admirably. Passing away in 2007 from heart disease, Sanderson used reference material made by Jordan to create three more volumes, the story of the lengthy final book Jordan had planned being split between them. Those who are already fans of the series may be happy to hear that rumors of a TV show being in development were confirmed by Harriet McDougal, Jordan’s widow.
