The Eye of the World (Wheel of Time Book 1) by Robert Jordan

The Eye of the World

Author: Robert Jordan

Series*: Wheel of Time

Genre: Epic Fantasy

Format: Digital via Kindle

Publish Date: January 1990

Read: January 2024

Favorite Quote: You listen sharp, think deep, and guard your tongue. That’s good advice.

Story Synopsis: The small region of the Two Rivers keeps to itself. The people there are hardy farmers and shepherds. They govern themselves, sort out issues reasonably, and enjoy their holidays throughout the year.

After a long winter, spring having yet to arrive, the Two Rivers folk prepare to celebrate Bel Tine. Rand al’Thor and his friends, Perrin, Mat, Egwene, and Nynaeve, encounter two new faces who are in town for Bel Tine. When Trollocs - monstrous man/boar creatures - attack the small village, the two newcomers reveal themselves as Moraine, an Aes Sedai, and Lan, her warder. They help the town as much as possible but quickly whisk Rand, Perrin, Mat, and Egwene away and begin their arduous journey to Tar Valon - home of the Aes Sedai.

The journey is long and action-packed, and the Two Rivers folk learn that the legends are real and the Wheel of Time is weaving a pattern, with Rand seemingly at the center. Their dreams are an opening for the Dark One to track them, trying constantly to win the Two Rivers friends to support the Dark One in his quest to bring permanent darkness to the land. Moraine Sedai works to counter the dark with her powers from the One Source and guide her new charges to help, safety, and make good decisions.

Why does this book beguile? I first encountered The Wheel of Time after Amazon announced the book series would be made into a show for Prime Video. After watching the first and second seasons of the show, I knew I wanted to dive into this epic fourteen-book series.

After only reading the first one, the books are very different from the show. I like the show as it is, and I really enjoyed the first book. I’m excited to read the rest! I do think it’s important to look at each medium separately: the TV series is an adaptation of the original material, not a direct retelling. Hopefully, that helps you enjoy each medium individually.

Rating: 5/5

Link*: The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan

If you’re interested in this, read*: The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien