The Wheel of Time - A Spoiler Free Introduction

Ойын-сауық

I'm on a mission to help you find your new favourite books.
This video is a spoiler free and (mostly) unbiased introduction on the Wheel of Time (aka one of the best fantasy book series of ALL TIME). Ideal for new readers who want to know more about the series and if it's worth the commitment to read all 15 books.
I cover general world building concepts, characters and plotlines, content guide/warnings, readability report, rating each book in the series, and THE SLUMP. Plus tips for how to read a series of this magnitude.
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Пікірлер: 67

  • @maybelore
    @maybelore Жыл бұрын

    what do you mean you're not very entertaining? the most entertaining thing in the world is watching someone talk about something their passionate about.

  • @Paulovlyra

    @Paulovlyra

    4 ай бұрын

    Perfect

  • @kaykayy13
    @kaykayy13 Жыл бұрын

    I've been watching all your videos! I love your positivity and how you stress reading is for enjoyment. Sometimes it can feel like a race or competition when you see everyone online reading so many things. It's important to remember reading is for ourselves!

  • @cronkthebookguy

    @cronkthebookguy

    Жыл бұрын

    Thank you! You're so right about reading. The FOMO is real! :D Sometimes I feel guilt about the books I haven't read, when I should feel excitement. A good attitude about reading takes practice.

  • @krissaunders6418
    @krissaunders6418 Жыл бұрын

    For the people looking to get into the Wheel of Time, there are 2 recommended reading orders: 1) books 1-5, The prequel, books 6-14. This order is recommended for plot reasons. I recommend this order because it makes the beginning of book 6 all the better. It is great without this reading order but with it, it becomes the icing on the cake. Book 6 is considered the best in the series though my favorite is book 12. 2) books 1-10, prequel, then books 11-14. This is the release order. Many recommend it just so you get to experience the series the way readers originally got to. But reading A New Spring (the prequel) after book 10 can be daunting and kinda ruins a twist but I've already said too much. Most don't recommend prequel, books 1-14 on your first read. It would give you a false promise of certain POVs prevalence in the series. You will want to reread the series. Most consider the first read great but the second to be even better because the amount of foreshadowing that will go over your head in the first read through is astounding. Interesting note: Books 12-14 were originally written as 1 book and Brandon wrote it thick as RJ requested but it was too thick to make a profit off of so it was rewritten as 3 books. The same thing happened with book 9 and was broken into book 9 and 10. It is why book 10 is the worst in the series.

  • @manuam98

    @manuam98

    2 ай бұрын

    I'm reading it in release order, currently reading Knife of Dreams after reading the prequel. I've just recently read the twist I think you are referring to, and I don't agree that it's been ruined in any way by reading the prequel just before. It's something I had been wanting to happen for a lot of books, but had given up on thinking it would. And now that it's confirmed, my mind is blown!!! (People who don't know what we're talking about might be very confused but I hope people who have read the series know what's being talked about lol).

  • @krissaunders6418

    @krissaunders6418

    2 ай бұрын

    @@manuam98 Fair point. I just like the extra bitter sweetness for the beginning of book 6 more. I think you did a good job obfuscating what we are talking about without hindering those in the know. Did you know the climax of book 9 is told that it could happen in book 1? You have to dig for all the info but it is all there.

  • @manuam98

    @manuam98

    2 ай бұрын

    @@krissaunders6418 Doesn't surprise me the thing you are saying about book 9. I always thought the people who reread the series are crazy, but by this point I think I might someday, with all of the foreshadowing, and all the secondary characters which would be way easier to follow with a wiki, without fearing spoilers.

  • @inkylynx2777
    @inkylynx2777 Жыл бұрын

    I started reading WoT at the beginning of the year by listening to its audiobooks at my work! I've found I read books better if I listen to them than if I physically read them, and I'll actually hack away at their Everestine heights. So far it's doing well since I finished 8/15 books! So for those of you who don't have the mental fortitude to physically read WoT, perhaps give the audiobooks a go! Michael Kramer and Kate Reading (lol) have wonderful voices for all the characters, and it might be easier for some of you to absorb the ambience of location and clothing descriptions and the big words if you hear them instead of see them. My one downside I will admit is that it may be hard to remember where places are. I didn't look at a map until I finished the first few books and even now I have a poor sense of where anyone is in the world in relation to one another. Don't be like me. Pull up a map of the Westlands and reference it often whenever you're listening.

  • @timothyburbage
    @timothyburbage Жыл бұрын

    I love the music for your intro is like an 80s soap. I imagine each scene in your intro is a different character who lives in the town of Cronk

  • @cronkthebookguy

    @cronkthebookguy

    Жыл бұрын

    Omg that's an amazing idea! Town of Cronk. Makes me think of Lazy Town. Maybe I should add Muppets next? :D

  • @timothyburbage

    @timothyburbage

    11 ай бұрын

    @@cronkthebookguy Everything is made better with Muppets

  • @datfly3034

    @datfly3034

    15 күн бұрын

    I agree. I was thinking of an 80s kids science show that you’d watch after school.

  • @AshleyRebecca
    @AshleyRebecca Жыл бұрын

    I love how you make reading approachable! You also do great with synopsis that don’t spoil anything. I appreciate the perspective!

  • @sw3dge
    @sw3dge Жыл бұрын

    I'm actually reading book 3 now and am loving it. Great job breaking everything down so comprehensively without spoilers. Also it is unbelievably bold of you to name a cat Nynaeve.

  • @ViperRT99
    @ViperRT9911 ай бұрын

    Just happened by this channel. I'll Keep an eye out on it. The one thing I couldn't get over was "slump". It's the "slog". 😀 I personally feel that Crossroads is the only real slog. Anyway. I like the content so far.

  • @cronkthebookguy

    @cronkthebookguy

    11 ай бұрын

    Thanks! Yeah I've had a few people very 'passionately' insist it's slog. I've been chastised a few times now by close friends. But I've heard other both ways. :)

  • @brettpetty7840
    @brettpetty78409 ай бұрын

    I wasn't much of a reader before wheel of time. Like you were talking about in the intro, I didn't have good reading habits lol. I stumbled upon a clip from some college humor game show and one of the people called WOT "nerd homework" and for some reason that stuck with me, I wanted to see if I could nerd out on something so huge. So I listened to eye of the world, got on KZread to see what people had to say about it and I found the most wonderful community of book fans! Fast forward a year and a half later and I had finished the last book. I would give anything to read WOT for the first time again, I think about it almost every day. It's what gave me confidence to dive into other big fantasy like stormlight. Long story short if anyone is reading this comment without having read WOT I recommend it with my whole heart. The main characters arc is the best of all time! Love your channel buddy just stumbled upon it today, good luck!

  • @manuam98

    @manuam98

    2 ай бұрын

    I feel like once you read Wheel of Time you are prepared to read anything, like any other book series feels so small in comparison 😂

  • @HeavyTopspin
    @HeavyTopspin8 ай бұрын

    What really makes WoT stand out is that there are certain set pieces that you'll want to go back and read again and again. I've read every book in the series at least twice (EoTW 8 times, LOL, starting with book 6 I reread the series from the beginning with each new book's release), but occasionally I'll just pull out certain books just to read a specific extended scene.

  • @Ulmo90
    @Ulmo908 ай бұрын

    Awesome pitch for WoT, have read the series twice and I really enjoy it

  • @kimberlymerriam
    @kimberlymerriam Жыл бұрын

    Stumbled across your channel today by watching your overview of the Throne Of Glass series. Great stuff! I haven't seen anyone else in the "BookTube" space do videos like you do. I appreciate that your approach is to introduce your audience to new books, as opposed to simply giving us your opinion. Loving the movie and M*A*S*H references, too! Looking forward to what you put out next! Happy reading. 📚

  • @birdmaster091
    @birdmaster09110 ай бұрын

    I'm on book 4 right now and I'm loving it!!!!!! I love your explinations and positive energy with your videos too 😎👍

  • @turtleanton6539

    @turtleanton6539

    5 ай бұрын

    Indeed😊

  • @safinan8008
    @safinan8008 Жыл бұрын

    Hi 👋 I’m fan of the wheel of time series too, I’ve only read first 6 books… happy reading I’m from uk 🇬🇧

  • @datfly3034
    @datfly303415 күн бұрын

    I haven’t read these books. However, all the reviews I’ve seen talk about how they’re a legendary series, and then proceed to list the many flaws and problems. It makes me reluctant to invest any time in reading them.

  • @MrSuperluigi101
    @MrSuperluigi101Ай бұрын

    As it so happened , I discovered the wheel of time in December 2023 . I ordered the first 3 books . Life stuff happened and I’m finally about to begin reading it tonight . Based on your enthusiasm and energy , I am very excited to delve into the immersive and deeply woven world of the Wheel of Time . I will try to make it through the slog you mentioned so I can get to the glorious ending .

  • @cronkthebookguy

    @cronkthebookguy

    Ай бұрын

    That's awesome! I'm a little jealous of you, starting your journey for the first time. Hope you enjoy!!

  • @issymartin6197
    @issymartin6197 Жыл бұрын

    Hi! New to your channel and seriously have so much respect for your approach to book videos, you seem really happy and kind - SO refreshing!!!!

  • @ninalvdok2520
    @ninalvdok2520 Жыл бұрын

    Your enthusiasm inspired me to reread the series, just started book one again! I love that I stumbled upon your channel, looking forward to your next video😊

  • @LordB298
    @LordB298 Жыл бұрын

    Absolutely love this! Currently on Book 8, and it has started to slow down. However, I’m reading the Throne of Glass series when I need a break from WoT and it’s working out better for me that way. For anyone who needs help the Wheel of Time Companion app is a great spoiler free reference!

  • @yelena86

    @yelena86

    11 ай бұрын

    Wow Thanks for the tip, didn’t know about the companion app. Cheers 👍🙏

  • @rachels8377
    @rachels837710 ай бұрын

    You are quickly becoming my favorite booktuber on KZread!! I love your positive attitude and sense of humor, plus you always deliver very balanced, well-researched, and fair takes. Excited to subscribe and looking forward to more content! 🎉

  • @TheOkayestBookReviewer
    @TheOkayestBookReviewer11 ай бұрын

    I've had the first 3 books on my shelf for years. You made a very convincing case, and I'm moving book one to my more immediate TBR : )

  • @turtleanton6539

    @turtleanton6539

    5 ай бұрын

    Yes😊

  • @Elendilka
    @Elendilka Жыл бұрын

    Thank you for this video! This series is now a lot less intimidating to me, after your introduction. :)

  • @samsampier7147
    @samsampier7147Ай бұрын

    Love your channel. I started reading Wheel of Time in middle school. I stopped at Book 9. I recently started reading book 1 via audiobook. Great performance despite the Maid and Butler dialogue. 24:06 adorable cat, I feel like I was just called a woolhead.

  • @thesuperheroguy1
    @thesuperheroguy18 ай бұрын

    I came across your channel recently, and I love it! You are rapidly becoming one of my favorite Booktubers along with Mike from Mike's Book Reviews, Moid from Media Death Cult, and Jonathan from Words in Time. I'm currently reading The Wheel of Time. I'm on Book 2 "The Great Hunt", and I'm a few chapters from the end. Your intro to the series makes me want to keep going--which I will. But I'm taking a brief break to read "The Color of Magic" before diving into Book 3 of The Wheel of Time. Your video on Discworld is also amazing, and that's why I'm slipping in a Discworld book in between The Wheel of Time because I so want to dive into Discworld. All your other videos I've seen are top notch. Thanks for doing Sci Fi September. To be honest, I'd love to see you do more Sci Fi content along with the Fantasy as I'm currently making my way through a list of the 300 best Sci Fi novels. Keep up the great work! I only disagree with you on one thing--you're very entertaining.

  • @AlexPhaedrus
    @AlexPhaedrus Жыл бұрын

    Great video! Your enthusiasm and excitement are palpable, and I love the light-hearted tone and humour. If I didn't already love this series I think you would have definitely sold me. I'm currently making my second attempt to read through this series (I didn't even make it all the way to the slump/slog last time); I'm currently reading Fires of Heaven. I have to say that the TV show was pretty disappointing to me, so I'm on that side of the fan divide. Again, totally enjoyed this video, I hope you make a bunch more. I saw that you have the Dresden Files books behind you. I have tried the first book and found it kind of OK, but have not really kept reading (also watched the TV adaptation, but whatever). I would love to hear what you enjoyed about that series.

  • @cronkthebookguy

    @cronkthebookguy

    Жыл бұрын

    Mate, this comment was super wholesome! Thanks heaps! Good luck on your 2nd read through attempt. Fires of Heaven is a kickass book with a 'third act' that is just off the chain. I totally agree about the TV show, to be honest. I wanted to be harsher in my comments but was trying to keep the vibes positive! :D I'm working on a Discworld video right now, but Dresden Files is scheduled next.

  • @krissaunders6418

    @krissaunders6418

    Жыл бұрын

    Hope your second attempt goes well. Enjoy. The show makes the characters pop of the page superficially but when you go deeper they are caricatures. Then you get the plot changes and it puts the story in a strange place. If they had stayed closer to the books or gone farther away from them the story would have been better. Then there are the mistakes... Best said that I did not like the show but I like that both the fans and antifans of the show can encourage people to read the books. Book 2 of Dresden Files is a refinement of the formula and shows how Butcher can handle multiple factions interacting to tell a story. Book 3 is different factions start getting fleshed out and is the starting point for the underling plot for the rest of the series. Book 4 goes deeper into a couple factions and starts showing what the Dresden Files really is; an Epic fantasy wearing a urban fantasy trench coat. If you give the series another try go till Dead Beat. It is my favorite in the series and if you don't love the series by then you won't warm on it after that.

  • @grandadmiralmanatee
    @grandadmiralmanatee Жыл бұрын

    A fellow Ibanez fan! What a beauty and nice playing

  • @cronkthebookguy

    @cronkthebookguy

    Жыл бұрын

    Nice account name! 👌

  • @ilsevanlegos7529
    @ilsevanlegos7529 Жыл бұрын

    Very good video. I've started collecting all the books in this series although I've only read books 1 and 2 so far.... but will definitely continue.

  • @Akuma60
    @Akuma609 ай бұрын

    I want to defend book 10. I really do. However at the end of 9 was expecting IT TO GO DOWN. Was living in China when it came out. Searched the whole country for it. Went to Japan, Korea. Finally found a copy in Thailand. And it was book 10.😅

  • @MrT115
    @MrT115 Жыл бұрын

    Great video. I agree that it's not matriarchal but there is a subtle female privilege in the world. Almost all world leaders are female except if it's a militarized society. I think it works to its advantage. The way the world views male channelers is useful for the conflict it creates for Rand.

  • @intogrey2038
    @intogrey2038Ай бұрын

    Finish book 2 of Game of thrones and I enjoyed The wheel of time show.So this is a great break for another style book so picked up the boxset today.

  • @Paulovlyra
    @Paulovlyra4 ай бұрын

    Thank you for this channel

  • @yk2k_illustrations
    @yk2k_illustrations11 ай бұрын

    Plan on getting into the wheel of time once I’m done with stormlight archive 😭🙌

  • @cronkthebookguy

    @cronkthebookguy

    11 ай бұрын

    Good luck! If you enjoy Stormlight, you'll love Wheel of Time. Very similar style books.

  • @Joenah5
    @Joenah55 ай бұрын

    Not sure if you've read it but my favorite book of all time is Worm by Wildbow

  • @yelena86
    @yelena8611 ай бұрын

    I think you’re very kind fair and entertaining 👍🙏

  • @yelena86
    @yelena8611 ай бұрын

    Can you please review Bryce Courtenay especially The Potato Factory or any of his books if you’ve read them. I really enjoyed his books a few years back and I’d love to know your thoughts on them. Also can i please recommend a video series where you thought the book was overhyped, you didn’t actually didn’t like it or even hated it? Thank you so much 👍✌️🙏✨❤

  • @MrT115
    @MrT115 Жыл бұрын

    My fav books are book 4 and 11.

  • @margarethaines9310
    @margarethaines931011 ай бұрын

    Noticing your shirt ~ congratulations!? Be sure to let us all know if you publish your own writing 🙂

  • @Utu5477
    @Utu54774 ай бұрын

    Could you review the "Red Queen" Series by Victoria Aveyard and "The inheritance games" Series by Jennifer Lynne Barnes?

  • @turtleanton6539
    @turtleanton65395 ай бұрын

    😊

  • @reischappetta487
    @reischappetta487Ай бұрын

    Totally thought it was a hemsworth, what a shame well I’m here might as well watch the video.

  • @tyrusdutton
    @tyrusdutton Жыл бұрын

    Your should check out some Robert E. Howard the story are over a hundred years old so understand that they might not be your taste

  • @naomimoon7082
    @naomimoon708211 ай бұрын

    Can this series be read in any order?

  • @cronkthebookguy

    @cronkthebookguy

    11 ай бұрын

    Hi No, sorry. You should definitely read Wheel of Time in order, books 1 - 14. The only except is the prequel novel, New Spring, which can be read anywhere after book 1. Happy reading!

  • @jaydenduncan8388
    @jaydenduncan83885 ай бұрын

    That’s really weird that you say the first book is one of the strongest. I really enjoyed it but I thought the ending was rushed

  • @yelena86
    @yelena8611 ай бұрын

    👍✌️🙏✨

  • @q-urtm1497
    @q-urtm14977 ай бұрын

    Hey if you ever can please remake this video with your better audio quality that you have now

  • @cronkthebookguy

    @cronkthebookguy

    7 ай бұрын

    Yeah, I legitimately plan to do that one day. Wheel of Time is one of my favourite series. It deserves a top quality video.

  • @radomu1
    @radomu12 ай бұрын

    Yeah, Crossroads of Twilight, book 10, is horrendous.

  • @AmandaInEly
    @AmandaInEly Жыл бұрын

    But you are a Hemsworth really though.

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