ABOUT THE AUTHOR
James Oliver Rigney Jr. was an American author born in 1948 in South Carolina. Robert Jordan was his pen name.
His most famous work is the high fantasy series, The Wheel of Time. Jordan was also one of the original writers of Conan novels. He has also published other works under different pseudonyms.
Jordan served in the Vietnam War as a helicopter gunner.
After he was diagnosed with cardiac amyloidosis, Jordan ensured that all the critical plot lines for The Wheel of Time were available to round off the series. He breathed his last in 2007.
Harriet McDougal, who was Jordan’s wife as well his editor, chose Brandon Sanderson to write the final three books of the series.
SYNOPSIS
The Eye of the World is the first book in the epic saga, The Wheel of Time.
Three thousand years after the ‘breaking of the world’, Aes Sedai Moiraine and her warder, Lan, are looking for the Dragon Reborn. Their search brings them to a quiet village, Emond’s Field, in Two Rivers. One of the three boys – Rand al’Thor, Matrim Cauthon, and Perrin Aybara – there could be the true Dragon Reborn. However, before Moiraine can draw any conclusions, the village is attacked by the Trollocs, who intend to capture the three boys at the behest of the Dark One.
Moiraine asks the boys to accompany her to Tar Valon without disclosing her real intentions. A Gleeman and Egwene al’Vere, a potential Aes Sedai, accompanies them on their journey. The village wise woman, Nynaeve al’Meara, follows them to get the boys back home safely given her mistrust of the Aes Sedai.
The Trollocs relentlessly follow and attack them. Their original plan changes, and the group breaks further into mini-groups, each with adventures of their own. The five youngsters from Two Rivers eventually discover who they really are, and the Dragon Reborn is finally revealed.
WHAT WE LIKED ABOUT THE EYE OF THE WORLD
The Eye of the World is an out-and-out page-turner. Robert Jordan has put together a bewitching world of fantasy. He has beautifully interwoven multiple plot lines, which eventually converge as everything begins to make sense. The characters are well developed with detailed backstories. Each character is like a piece in a jigsaw puzzle. Readers are kept guessing to the very end as to who the real protagonist is.
Another noteworthy aspect of The Eye of the World is the strong presence of potent female characters. From the Aes Sedai to a simple farm woman, no female is at the mercy of men. There are absolutely no damsels in distress.
Even the antagonists and their minions make the readers uncomfortable in a fairly enthralling manner, making this an even more interesting read.
All in all, The Eye of the World is the perfect curtain-raiser for a wonderful series.
WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER ABOUT THE EYE OF THE WORLD
For the sheer sake of nit-picking, like most books with sequels, The Eye of the World leaves the readers with far too many unanswered questions. The story is bound to have some gaping holes until one reads the next book in the series.
QUOTES
The Wheel of Time turns, and Ages come and pass. What was, what will be, and what is, may yet fall under the Shadow.
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The leaf lives its appointed time, and does not struggle against the wind that carries it away. The leaf does no harm, and finally falls to nourish new leaves. So it should be with all men. And women.
CONCLUSION
The Eye of the World is the beginning of one of the greatest adventures a reader can ask for. We would recommend this book in a heartbeat to every fan of the epic fantasy genre.
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