10k views almost a year later. What a crazy year. Thank you to the WoT fan community for basically "making" this channel happen.

@snarfmcgillicutty2616

4 жыл бұрын

The Dusty Wheel too. Big group.

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

Snarf McGillicutty I definitely have given some of those groups thank yous for directing more folks my way, but they really don’t need my help to succeed. They’re doing great. But I’ll always pay it forward any way I can.

@RobertWilliamSavoy

4 жыл бұрын

Whats the story with your hardcovers? You decided to read the WoT and just bought them all? Did you buy them all off of one person? Some of those are rare now, curious to know.

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

Robert Savoy I’m a collector. When I decided to read the books I found 8 of them in a used book store and decided why not. The others I had to hunt down and overpay for, as expected.

@RobertWilliamSavoy

4 жыл бұрын

@@mikesbookreviews Nice man - seeing the full hardcover set in the thumbnail is what made me click in the first place - a good investment!

When most people talk about the 'slog' they dont emphasise that, like a rollercoaster, after the 'slog' comes the the 4 book 'downhill' that will make you laugh, cry, rage and have pride in characters you will by then love. I have read the series 5 times and I cry on book 14 everytime! (And then find myself laughing while the tears are still on my cheeks) RJ is awesome but kudos to BS for doing an outstanding job of using Jordan's notes to do the ending justice. Also a nod to Harriet (RJs widow) for carrying on his post book work so admirably.

@mikesbookreviews

5 жыл бұрын

Makes me think of how folks bitched about Harry Potter & the Order of the Phoenix after the 3 year wait, but no one who binge read them had a problem with that book.

@SirRyno23

4 жыл бұрын

I am a grown man and even I could not hold back the tears on book 14.

@praetorxyn

4 жыл бұрын

@@SirRyno23 Same in some moments.

@turtleanton6539

4 жыл бұрын

Too true

It always makes me so happy to see more people read WOT for the first time!! I'm like, "Wow you have such a fun time ahead of you!" :)

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

It has been great with all the discussion. WoT fans have been really awesome as I've slowly read through. Just finished Path of Daggers.

The slog is not that bad when you're not waiting years between books. I enjoyed it pretty well more because I just enjoyed spending time with the characters regardless of what they were doing. Jordan does a great job of expanding the world beyond what the Emond's Fielders kids are doing. Yes, there's one or two plots that are less interesting, but each and every book has at least a few cool scenes to its credit. One other thing you might think about as you read is that Jordan wrote the series in part as a way to deal with his experiences in Vietnam. There's more than a few similarities between the Dragon Breaking the world, and men drafted to save a country, but only given weapons of destruction to do so.

@mikesbookreviews

5 жыл бұрын

Every fantasy series I've ever read has some plot threads with characters I didn't find interesting. With a series that has 35168034864 characters, I'm going to accept this will happen.

@turtleanton6539

4 жыл бұрын

@@mikesbookreviews 😂😂😂😂

@Berndr

4 жыл бұрын

I like slog, because it focus on characterisation and intrigue rather then action, true main storyline slows down … but for me it was all about characters anyway!

I've read the entire series about 5 times through. I try to read it through once every couple of years. Everyone says that books 7 through 10 are slow, but in fact book 9 is one of the most pivotal and important in the entire series. It gives the good guys hope.

@mikesbookreviews

5 жыл бұрын

Christopher Rousseau I think all the warnings from the fandom prepared in a way that my expectations for 7-10 are so low that I’ll end up thinking they’re much better than I was told. I’m currently in between 6-7 right now.

@TNorville101

4 жыл бұрын

I think the main “slog” comes from the feel of the book beginning to ending. The first 6 books, being parts of this large tome, have a specific beginning and ending. 7-10 all feel like they were meant to be 2-3 books total, but were split up into 4 for size, and so the beginning and ending feel like they overlap into each other.

"The slog" is just a lot of set up, details and information. It can be slow reading, but it's very rewarding to push through. You're already a Sanderson fan, so I fully expect you'll enjoy the ending books!

@mikesbookreviews

5 жыл бұрын

For sure. My love of Sanderson is the whole reason I decided to begin the series, honestly.

@josies1604

5 жыл бұрын

@@mikesbookreviews same!

I found this series in 1993, in my first year of college. I was always broke then (I spent all my money on books... even food money) but after reading Eye of the World I bought all the books that existed at the time (6) and waited impatiently for him to release number 7. I remember when I got book 7: I entered one of my college’s study rooms with the book in hand and very excited. My friends smiled but clearly didn’t understand. Still, they were used to my enthusiasm for “weird” books. I was shocked when 5 guys I never met noticed the book in my hand, stood up and left running (one mumbled something like “It’s already out!”). So, that’s when I realized the books were more popular than I thought :). BTW: I was a woman studying engineering, the ratio of women to men in that room was about 10%. For some reason I never managed to convince my girl friends to read fantasy. Never understood that: I love fantasy and science fiction since I was a child.

There is nothing more spectacular than watching someone else experience WoT for their very first time! That's why we are so adamant about not spoiling things! Every single one of us wishes we could erase our memories and experience this journey for the first time, again. On the other hand, this series is SO meaty, re-reads are incredible! There are half sentences from EotW that come into play in the last three books. There are hints at what's to come, in that very first book, that jump off the page on your second read. The fandom has been robust for nearly 30 years, despite the series ending in 2013, because there is STILL so much to discuss and debate! I'm about to sit here and binge watch all your reviews up to current, end of feb 2020! Also, as a point of inclusion, I gotta plug the audiobooks. Michael Kramer and Kate Reading do the narration for the entire series, which is pretty amazing when you realize how long a career span these books were. Apparently it was their first as a team! Some people love them, some people hate them, mostly because pronunciations are HARD in this series. I absolutely recommend them, plus it cuts down on the time it takes to read the series. I listen when I drive, when I work out, when I'm cooking, etc. All. The. Time. The story is so engrossing and in my opinion the narrators are fantastic and I just get lost in the story in the best possible way!

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

I have series like that. I wish I could experience The First Law again for the first time. I struggle with audiobooks. Too much listening ADD and I miss so many details. But perhaps on a "re-read" when I know all the important stuff I could give it a try.

@TheDevler23

4 жыл бұрын

@@mikesbookreviews i do listen on 1.5x speed, which helps because my brain wanders sometimes. I have no idea what it would be like to do audiobooks for the first read through, though. The nerd in me loves it because i can tap "bookmark" on things and come back later to review them. I may or may not be currently working on a spreadsheet of forshadowing, specific character beats, and tracking the growth of characters not loved by the fandom. Also LGBTQ references in the series, which many people miss somehow. Audible make this process sooooo much easier!

@donvineyard8654

4 жыл бұрын

@@TheDevler23 I bet you will find the audio to good to rush. The voice actors / readers are very good. it makes the story feel new and different. hIGHLY recommend the audio for round two. I have read 3 times and listened 3.5 times. ...on my fourth pass. love it every time.

@TheDevler23

4 жыл бұрын

@@donvineyard8654 I've gone through the audiobooks 2x now, and read the physical ones 6 times. I wholeheartedly agree that the audiobooks are worth it, for SO many reasons! I also know they aren't for everyone. Not everyone can focus on a story that way, for this long. But me? If I'm driving, working, walking, cooking, anytime I have my headphones in, it's probably this series!

@j.s.173

3 жыл бұрын

@@mikesbookreviews The First Law is incredibly underrated, happy to see that you loved it.

I started it since the majority of people consider Robert Jordan's works most similar to Tolkien who is the pinnacle, apex, apogee, climax, and Lord of modern fantasy. It's true as far as I can tell. Robert Jordan has came the closest.

@spdcrzy

4 жыл бұрын

Tolkien might be the originator of HIGH fantasy. But I'm sorry, he doesn't even come close in terms of epic fantasy when compared to RJ.

Just read book 1... wow! From page 1 to 800, I was hooked. Now for book 2...

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

Awesome! Book 2 is even better.

Can’t wait til you get to Dumais Wells. Book 6. It basically sets up the rest of the books and has huge implications throughout the rest of the story. It’s done so well

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

I'm on book 12 now. DW was indeed quite fun.

There was a mere four books in the series when I started on it. It seemed a lot less daunting at that time. Oh, what a sweet summer child I was.

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

I still remember my roommate at the time buying Storm Front by Jim Butcher on the same trip he got Winter's Heart. Crazy to think all these years later I'm not only reading the Wheel, but Dresden Files, too. Better late than never.

I just started the first book. I'll be watching your reviews as I go along. Good video

@mikesbookreviews

5 жыл бұрын

Enjoy the journey!

This is the BEST channel on KZread.

Great video Mike! Can’t wait for you to post your videos for the first 3 books! :)

@mikesbookreviews

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks! I'm really glad others are interested in this journey I'm taking. The Eye of the World video should be up soon.

I have yet to read The Wheel of Time but it's on my list as one of my must reads. It's size does intimidate me though. I'm a slower than average reader so getting through it will take me quite some time. I get migraines if I read for too long as I'm legally blind without my glasses, of which are super thick and still don't get me to 20/20 vision. I mean it took me two months to read SK's 'It' because of this. Loved that one by the way. The other thing that concerns me is that I've heard a lot of people say that there are two or three books in the series that seriously drag. These things don't concern me too much though since the series as a whole is held in such overwhelmingly high regard. So I'm definitely going to read it.

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

My advice is to just take it slow and realize it isn't a race. Take breaks and read other things in between to keep you fresh. It's worth the journey if you can avoid burnout.

@separator94

4 жыл бұрын

@@mikesbookreviews Definitely. I used to be the type of person who would only read one book at a time but that changed pretty quickly. Especially when reading long series. Thanks for the advice!

As a long time fan of The Wheel of Time, I have lost count of the number of times I have read it. I am very much enjoying hearing your reactions as a first time reader.

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

This is what I love about the WoT community. They're so inviting. Whereas most other established fanbases treat "noobs" like usurpers.

Omgg instead of reading, im binge watching your videos! And i am so excited to discover a lot of fantasy books to read from your recs videos.Thanks!

hey mike, i have watched some of your videos now and i realy enjoy how you voice your opinion and are open for discussion. earned my sub, keep it up!

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Nothing I love more than talking to others about these things. Happy to have you come along.

Been reading since 91 ive read them a million times through. i concur about 7-10 when i first read them and had to wait 2-3 years between each one. Some of which i saw as part 1 and 2 of the same book but upon rereading them i enjoy them nearly as much as i do the others nothing can top 3 4 5 6 for me. Listening to the audio books again to prep be excited for the amazon series. looking forward to following your experience Mike

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

So far, 2-4 has been my favorite arc. I'm currently on 11 and a lot of folks say this is where the series gets its mojo back.

I'm reading through the series for the first time this year as well. I've had the Eye of the World sitting on my shelf for six years, and I finally picked it up in January. I'm on The Shadow Rising and can't wait to continue. I hope the "slog" doesn't slow me down too much.

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

I am through 6 of them. Starting "the slog" in January. Happy reading!

Remember that this was the top selling series in fantasy. Only recently being overtaken but song of ice and fire * which is riding the HBO series high* If you can read shannara which was good and sword of truth which is a wheel of time clone than you will love this series.

@mikesbookreviews

5 жыл бұрын

I read some Sword of Truth. Didn't realize the similarities until just now.

Gonna be starting my journey through WoT at the start of February, very excited. Gonna try and read one book a month which I think is reasonable, that’s on average less than 50 pages a day it seems. I’m honestly just as excited to finish each book and watch your videos covering them afterwards (and Merphy Napier’s videos, too, though I’d love other recommendations of similar videos)

Saw this on r/wot and I can't wait to hear your reviews! What got me through the slog - which is exaggerated - was that I had discovered the audio books around that time and sprinkled some of that in with primarily reading. If you haven't heard any of the audio books you should check them out. They are amazingly well done - after my first read I had to check out the prequel (New Spring) which sent me back into the full series on audio book only which I still can't get enough of.

@mikesbookreviews

5 жыл бұрын

Hey! Thanks for watching. I've heard the feedback on the audiobooks and they have me somewhat interested. I seem to develop ADD when listening to audiobooks and my mind drifts too much, so I've always stayed away from them. I figure at this point that the so-called "slog" is overblown. Not having to wait years between books probably makes that easier. The first 3 reviews are up now. I have about 250 pages left in TSR.

@kevind9140

5 жыл бұрын

Just got through the first 3 reviews - can't wait to hear about TSR. Love the quotes and interactions you choose to discuss.

@mikesbookreviews

5 жыл бұрын

@@kevind9140 I have about 100 pages left in TSR. In usual Jordan fashion, it's taking off like a rocket now.

Thanks for the video! I hope to start the wheel of time after I finish the book I’m currently reading and then the Name of the Wind by Rothfuss.

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

NOtW didn't click for me, but WoT definitely has.

Just found your channel and Im excited to see your reviews. I'm also currently reading WoT for the first time at age 44. Just started Knife of Dreams.

@mikesbookreviews

3 жыл бұрын

Enjoy! I finished in April.

Just finished eye of the world. It's amazing

@turtleanton6539

4 жыл бұрын

Its cool

Please keep going. It really is worth finishing. I cried for 40 minutes after finishing the last book.

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

Oh, I will definitely finish. I just felt like not spreading the 14 books out was going to cause me to burn out, so I took a brief break. Starting back in January with Crown of Swords.

@j.s.173

3 жыл бұрын

I did for 40 days. :D

When he DNFs The Wheel of Time 150 pages in. 😆 They hadn’t even left Emond’s Field.

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

Heh. I’m starting book 9 in February.

Why I decided to read Wheel of Time... your videos!!!

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

*takes a bow*

@simgingergirl

4 жыл бұрын

@@mikesbookreviews and I'll be starting a booktube channel. I just need to wait for my microphone to get in. The one of my laptop has a weird buzzing sound that makes the videos unwatchable.

I find myself picking up the series for a reread every few years. It was such a profound influence on a very large portion of my life. Coming back to it is like picking up an old friend.

i am also reading this because 2 things: upcoming Amazon serie and discovering Brandon Sanderson. Im up to Book 5 so far an i think it´s great. love how after book 2 the stakes were raised an the series felt a whole lot more mature. Yeah, some characters can become a bit annoying, but i have certainly not disliked anyone too much... also i love two things from Jordan´s style: the way he can change POV mid scene and some of his writing has been pretty funny too. Still going strong!

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

Book 2 was where it all changed for me. I was expecting trope after trope as with most traditional fantasy but Great Hunt turned all of that on its head.

I'm 37 and you and I have a very similar story. I'm almost done book 1 and will be following you on my........journey.

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

Welcome! The Wheel Weaves.

i read the books so many times as they were coming out (i started reading them in 95 when i was 10 or 11) that i am genuinely fascinated with readers who read it through for the first time without going back (over and over, and over). there are so many things you just don't notice the first time you read it, and i wonder what a full read through without digesting might be like.

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

I'm through the first 6 and resuming with Crown of Swords around New Years.

Hey Mike, recently found your channel. Really enjoy your reviews! Been a big reader all my life , off and on at times. Just started WoT, 80 pages in. Found the beginning a little slow and confusing. However just reached the point where Rand and his dad get attacked in their farmhouse. Kinda digging it now. Hoping this will be the start of an epic journey! Really wanna care about these characters as much as Frodo or Tyrion. Thanks for the referral! Funny side note... read this one book about the Knight Templar (always been fascinated by them). Can’t remember the title or author at the moment, but I do remember the book being around 900 pages and nothing happened lol! I mean, nothing! For 900 pages! Anyway, didn’t want that to happen again, so I hope WoT doesn’t disappoint!

The Wheel of Time is THE greatest fantasy epic of all time!!

I’m in the same boat - 40+ and finally diving in to this series This series and Malazan are always beckoning me to start

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

Malazan is the next hefty series I have planned. But I won't start it until I finish WoT. If I try to do them at the same time, I'll never finish either. SO probably 2021 sometime. I get a ton of requests to do Malazan.

@turtleanton6539

4 жыл бұрын

So Nice! Enjoy

@tara5742

4 жыл бұрын

Same!

Better than Game of Thrones. My uncle turned me onto the series with the Eye of the World when it first came out. I was in the 9th grade. It was the only book at the time and didn't say anything about "Book 1" on the cover. Thought it would be the only book until the story didn't end. Little did I know there would be 14 books. I love this series.

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

It has been one hell of an adventure. Makes me wish I had tried it at a younger age.

I was still in middle school when I picked up LotR, after that I wanted more and got into Deiscworld through my English teacher, to this day Pratchett is still one of my top three authors. The other two being Brandon Sanderson and as you might guess Robert Jordan. I still remember seeing the translated to Norwegian Eye of the World at my local library, I took it home and tore through it in three days, finishing it at the ski lodge during a school day trip. Oddly enough none of my teachers came up demanding that I should get up and go skiing. I guess as long as I was present I could do whatever. ;-) At that time I thing book seven had just came out. I think I went English from then on and read through all then released books inside a year or so. The slog for me was after that witing for the next installment. WoT has been with me for most of my life. Starting the series at its finished stage feels a bit strange to me Mike, but I am glad you do not have to wait for the next book. Enjoy! :-)

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

I've never read more than the random Discworld book I read as a preteen. I get lots of requests for it. Maybe someday.

I started eotw sept 2018 finished whole set feb 2019, powered throu the lot, i didn't find any of the books slow, but i like intrigue...

@FILIPBG100

4 жыл бұрын

Liar

Alright you talked me into it-lol. Just bought it and might start it after I finish Mistborn , I am only half way through

I like the Shallan art in the background

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks! It's actually signed by Sanderson.

As someone just starting the Wheel of Time and having finished the Eye of the World a few days ago, I'm going to be taking this journey with you, just with a tiny time abyss between us XD

I came here on Naeblis' recommendation. I am very excited (like many other WOTers) to see how a new reader experiences the series. I am glad people are avoiding spoilers because those twists/resolutions were the most exciting and satisfying moments in the series. I just finished my 3rd reread and yrs it was torture to wait 2-3 years between books. That's why so many fans complain about "The Slog". After this last reread it wasn't nearly as annoying or slow because I burned through the books and picked up the next one right after. There are also plenty of great moments during 7-10. Enjoy!

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

Hope you enjoy your visit and think about hanging around. I love talking to all the Wheelies. They are what has made this project so much fun.

@robertlester641

4 жыл бұрын

@@mikesbookreviews I subscribed and rang the bell! I actually binge-watched all your WoT videos in a night

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

@@robertlester641 Wow, thanks. In doing so I think you can witness the evolution of the channel over the course of a year. Glad you're enjoying the content.

8:55 You will not be able to stop. Have fun with this story. It is my favorite

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

I actually did take a hiatus after book 6 because I felt like I was going so fast I wasn't retaining anything. But I plan to start back in January.

Started reading a few days ago after enjoying the first 4 episodes of the amazon series (episode 5 is gonna be out of friday) and wanted to read the books before they were spoiled by the series. Really enjoyed the first 4 episodes but man on is "the eye of the world" so much better. Started it 3 days ago and now I'm 400 pages in... why did the show change it so much! I like the show but wow the books just kicking ass atm. Came to it after finishing forge of darkness in the malazan universe of books so it's like a comforting easy to read and follow mug of hot chocolate. So glad I've got another super huge fantasy series to dig into!

This series is one of my favorites.

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

I am very much looking forward to attacking "the slog" come new years.

@turtleanton6539

4 жыл бұрын

@@mikesbookreviews its real bad. But maybe not as bad as people say they have goodstuff and the "slog" is in every Jordan book.

@turtleanton6539

4 жыл бұрын

@@mikesbookreviews and hey what about that talking trolloc in the first book. That sure was strange.

7-10 has a lot of back story. He also shows the other side of the story in some of those themes/plot line in the first 6 books. It is interesting if you look at it that way.

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

SPOILER: The Slog was overblown. I'm on book 12 now.

Just started this long journey myself. Currently about 20% into Eye of the World. :)

@mikesbookreviews

5 жыл бұрын

Welcome aboard! Seems a lot of people are taking a first-time dive into the series. Makes me hopeful the Amazon series will have a real chance to succeed.

@hellinterface6721

5 жыл бұрын

@@mikesbookreviews Yikes. Amazon? WTF does amazon have to do with anything? Inb4 it gets rerouted and turned to shit by mainstream culture.

@turtleanton6539

4 жыл бұрын

Nice

I really want to read Wheel of Time. I have the 14 books on my shelf looking at me. I wanted to read it but I discovered Mark Lawrence and Joe Abercrombie and been reading their work ever since xD that and the Saxon Chronicles by Bernard Cornwell. I hope I’ll get to it this year

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

That's why when everyone tells me I have to re-read WoT when I finish I'm like NO WAY. I have way too many others things I want to read.

@thedoc4114

4 жыл бұрын

It’s a much more satisfying series than those in my opinion just give the first one a try

@danielfreitas8196

4 жыл бұрын

The Doc I will try it for sure. But I just love grimdark

I’m 47 and just finish book 4. Love it so far. Good storytelling is good storytelling no matter what age

I read the series after it was completed, didn't have to wait a long time to read the slog books, still found much of the material to be boring. I stuck with it because I was already so far in and I'd read that it gets much better again, fortunately Jordan did bounce-back nicely before his untimely passing.

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

I can certainly see the frustration with a lot of the series. I truly feel (I'm on book 10 right now) that a good editor could have gotten this down 8-9 books of straight fire.

Great series, read them start to finish multiple times.

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

I should be finishing up trip #1 within the next month.

@nufvcosta

4 жыл бұрын

@@mikesbookreviews keep at it, you'll love the gathering storm.

im a 100 pages into book 3. loving it so far

30K now!!!

I'm not really into fantasy series. Finishing up The Dark Tower Series (book 7 atm) will be my first time but now I'm really intrigued to start Wheel of Time for one reason: 1. I see Stephen King in the background (painting?)

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

Yes, that whole shelf is everything King has written on hardcover. I'm kind of a fan.

@carlocanillas1807

4 жыл бұрын

I see that now after checking your channel. I've subcribed. I'll be following your reviews but mostly Stephen King's Into The Multiverse haha and I'm gonna recommend you into a facebook group, Stephen King: Constant Reader Fan Club, I'm in (this is the least that I could do). Long days and pleasant nights, sai!

I started this series when there were only 6 books out. I wish I had the foresight to buy them in hardcover from that point forward. I never made it through the first time as I just forget a lot of things between books, but I've started over as I'm pushing my 40's and have just reached book 4. I missed SO MUCH when I read it as a teenager the first time, but I have a vague sense of book 4 being one of my favorites.

*Some minor spoilers* I am sorry. That "slog" killed the series for me. Yeah I got through it but it was a chore. Maybe because the slog was a hell of a lot more than 3 books for me. The first 3 books or so I agree with everything people say thats good about the books. They are right up there with LofR and Game of Thrones. But OMFG after that until the last book Jordan wrote, did the plot move at all? How he gave page long descriptions of areas and people you more often than not would never see again. Even the ones that were vital were way too descriptive. "It was a red room. Redder than most but not the reddest he had ever seen. Something about the red room made him think of the color red. It had green curtains. Not the color of the deep sea but more an emerald green. The green curtains made him think of the green curtains of his childhood. On the floor was a rug. It was brown. He had never seen this color brown before unless you took into account the brown of his wife's eyes. He turned to look at his wife to remind him of how brown her eyes were." Page after page of this crap! How he would just repeat over and over already existing plot lines and developments like he hadn't just mentioned them the chapter before.The CONSTANT braid tugging! Not seeing major characters for books at a time. How EVERY single woman is smarter and wiser than EVERY single man and the men need their constant guidance to even tie their shoes. How one woman gets instantly angry at anything you say to her. Until of course she finds her man and mellows a bit. Then if one of the women sees a man Jordan has chosen for her, she instantly loses all her intelligence and becomes a love sick teenager. Please explain to me in what world the 3 or 4 most arrogant, full of themselves, powerful women suddenly all at once fall in love with the same man? AND ARE WILLING TO SHARE HIM! WTF? This was the biggest fantasy of the whole series. And I have to say, who wants to read 5 or more books just to catch ONE major plot development that lasts a few pages? Even people who love the books admit to skipping pages and chapters at a time. The books got lots better once Sanderson took them over but it was way too late to redeem them for me. However, I am super excited for the tv series. The basic idea behind the books was really cool and I am sure the developers will cut out much of the "getting paid by the word" crap Jordan wrote into the books.

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

As someone on book #12 currently, I an understand the gripes. I've been saying all along that the series should have been about 8-9 books, tops.

@turtleanton6539

4 жыл бұрын

@@mikesbookreviews could have easily been "the slog" is in all the books constant repeats of braid tugging skirt smoothing and calling men sheep herders etc. Repeating things we know. And overlong description. There really is a FANTASTIC tale in here but the fat needs trimming.

@savageraccoon787

3 жыл бұрын

Ok

@ChristmasLore

2 жыл бұрын

Thing is, this is not even consistent: men still are kings, soldiers, every other trade; they have agency and freedom, they often dictate actions of people around them, etc. It's a gimmick, this "inversion of roles", a poorly executed one at that. And the sexism is also very present on the opposite direction, within the books, with sentences from the men, and inherently in the way most women are written. All of it, it made it almost impossible for me to (way too often) grind through the story- instead of purely enjoying it.

My favourite fantasy series ever.

@mikesbookreviews

5 жыл бұрын

Seems you are not alone on that front. I never knew how much love this series had from their fanbase until I began.

Steven Erikson's "THE MALAZAN BOOK OF THE FALLEN" is far and away the most ambitious Fantasy series ever penned and though I like WOT, IT REALLY DOESN'T HOLD A CANDLE TO MALAZAN. The depth and scale of Erikson's world-building is ABSOLUTELY STAGGERING and unlike most Fantasy authors, he takes the reader to every single continent in this series. Another amazing aspect of this series is that every book is a different genre, for example: "Gardens Of The Moon" is a nod to Dungeons & Dragons, "House Of Chains" is a psychoanalysis of Conan, and "Midnight Tides" is a Shakespearian tragedy. These are only 3 examples, but the series is really long, about 17 entries and DEMANDS several readthroughs in order to fully understand the plot. It's immensely fascinating though!

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

Funny you say this. The viewers voted and I'm starting Malazan next January.

@MrJordwalk

4 жыл бұрын

@@mikesbookreviews I think Malazan will resonate with you because you like Dune, and this is, in my opinion, Fantasy's answer to Dune.

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

@@MrJordwalk Sounds glorious.

@MrJordwalk

4 жыл бұрын

YEAH!!!!!!! IT IS, MAN! It's a joint world from Steven Erikson and Ian Cameron Esslemont, and IT'S A LONG HAUL. Unlike in The Wheel Of Time, the plot doesn't get lost in the world-building, but rather the world-building is integral to the plot. Steven Erikson works in Archaeology and Anthropology when he isn't adding to the grand catalogue of Malazan books, and I guessed that he was either a student of those fields or a professional in them, because he showcases a grasp of the cyclical nature of history and the layers of civilization that people who work in those fields possess. THE BOOK OF THE FALLEN (THE MAIN SERIES): 1. Gardens of the Moon 2. Deadhouse Gates 3. Memories of Ice 4. House of Chains 5. Midnight Tides 6. Night of Knives (Esslemont) 7. The Bonehunters 8. Return of the Crimson Guard (Esslemont) 9. Reaper's Gale 10. Stonewielder (Esslemont) 11. Toll the Hounds 12. Orb Sceptre Throne (Esslemont) 13. Dust of Dreams 14. The Crippled God 15. Blood and Bone (Esslemont) 16. Assail (Esslemont) 17. Dancer's Lament (Esslemont) 18. Deadhouse Landing (Esslemont) 19. Kellanved's Reach (Esslemont) Esslemont's contributions The Book Of The Fallen are elaborations on characters and events in the main plot that Erikson leaves somewhat vague, while Erikson's entries advance the plot and he's working on a new book, "The God Is Not Willing", the first entry in a sequel trilogy called 'Witness' (revolving around ONE OF THE BEST CHARACTERS IN TBOTF). The 19 books I listed above aren't even the totality of books that Erikson & Esslemont have written for the world of Malazan either. There's also a 6-book series called The Tales Of Bauchelain And Korbal Broach (a dynamic duo of Necromancers) and a partially completed project called "The Kharkanas Trilogy" (Steven has yet to write the final entry, but put it on the back burner because of how complex the first books in the Trilogy are). I'M GEEKING OUT ABOUT THIS SERIES, I KNOW LMFAO! BUT THAT'S BECAUSE THIS IS UNLIKE ANY OTHER WORK OF FANTASY I'VE EVER READ. I'm currently on "The Bonehunters" and I don't understand what's going on in the story, but I'm completely immersed at the same time! It's a wonderful paradox!

I approached high-fantasy in my teen years, starting with Tolkien. Now I think I have read more than 300 fantasy and science fiction books (well, more than 1k overall) and, though Jordan led me to very high peaks and low downs, I still see two other high-fantasy series that tie The Lord of the Rings: Wheel of Time and Malazan. Both are a real journey, you feel their worlds, you feel their main and also minor characters. At the end of these long journeys, you feel like you walked there with them and saw what they have seen.

Sanderson turned me onto WoT. I read the Eye of the World, was a bit iffy about it until the end at which point I knew I was hooked. Then I found out it was 14 books So I cursed the day I listened to Sanderson. Loved WoT, but damn you Sanderson.

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

I have damned Lord Ruler Sanderson a few dozen times myself.

I started it at Christmas because I'm a huge malazan fan and wot is the one that is usually held up as its rival in terms of scope. I am currently halfway through book seven and am enjoying it. Its a lot more lightweight than I expected but the almost episodic nature is enjoyable.

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

Right, I've always heard read WoT and if that wasn't too "big" for you, Malazan is the next logical step.

@MrTheswayzeexpress

4 жыл бұрын

@@mikesbookreviews so far I'd say that holds up. Wheel of time seems a lot more traditional, classic fantasy with traditional story arcs and each book being the episodic linear sequel to the last. Malazan is much more complicated. This far into wheel of time I would say I prefer malazan greatly but I would say that it's extremely dependent on personal taste.

Your friend is absolutely correct.

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

Yes, he likes to remind me.

Just ordered the first five books from ebay (praying that I don't have to wait until July for the last one to arrive). The reason I didn't want to read it until now is that I was against the idea of someone else filling in for an original author. I thought that, as much as you follow the author's directions, it's still going to be fanfic, since it didn't come straight from his hand(s). But after butchering myself with nonfiction for the last 6 months and having a sizeable fantasy experience under my belt (HP,, ASoIaF and LoTR), I decided to finally go for it. Finding out about the upcoming TV show just strengthened my resolve.

Just finished the second one (literally), I’m enjoying them, but I’m not blown away….yet. However will keep reading, because I’m stubborn…

I'm considering starting this series, its caught my interest. Complete newbie to fantasy. Read one harry potter book and the hobit years ago. But everything I hear makes me want to try WoT.

@jasontodd5356

4 жыл бұрын

Cross Infini the first 2/3 of the book are basically the fellowship of the ring but after that everything is original.

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

The only recommendation I can make for people is make sure you accept that this is going to be a marathon, not a sprint. If you try to read 14 of these times back to back you’ll likely burnout. Take breaks, read other stuff in between. If you do that, you’ll probably enjoy it. Also, don’t judge the series off the first book. Give it at least until the end of book 2 before you decide to DNF or keep going. Good luck!

@mrbamfo5000

4 жыл бұрын

@@mikesbookreviews I read them all almost back to back this summer. The people that had them were missing 3 of them towards the end. While I was waiting for them to come in I read the LOR trilogy. The WOT is far away my favorite series to date.

@j.s.173

3 жыл бұрын

@@jasontodd5356 From halfway in Great Hunt the path divides, in my opinion.

You should seriously consider coming to JordanCon in Atlanta. When plague ends. 3rd weekend in April.

@mikesbookreviews

3 жыл бұрын

I was coming to the one this year before it was canceled. If it happens in 2021, I plan to be there.

I'm on about book 7 of WOT now, I'm liking it so far. I quite like the idea of a big huge series with loads of books. I often overlook single books because a single book means that when I finish it I have to start all over again with a new world, a new author's writing style, new characters, etc. And get invested in new characters all over again. I think my favourite series' so far are the Riftwar Saga by Raymond E Feist, and Robin Hobb's Farseer series. Mainly because they have about 30 and 15 books in them, respectively.

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

I usually look at an incredibly long series and wonder if it's worth it. I can't think of a series over 7-10 books where plenty didn't have a handful of the books being a letdown. But if a series stays consistent (a la The First Law) I never want it to end.

@JoeBob79569

4 жыл бұрын

@@mikesbookreviews Yes, I really enjoyed those. I liked how the descriptions of the characters was simple, and also kind of exaggerated, and over the top at the same time. Kind of Sin City style. At least that's the vibe that I got. I haven't read the stand alone novels yet, but I think I'll reread the whole lot again when the new books come out.. The only long series that I ever abandoned was the Mazatlan, but I think I'll get back into it again sometime, as it was just starting to get interesting, but I didn't realise it at the time as it was a bit overwhelming.. I vary between sci-fi and fantasy every so often, and I think I'll need to get a sci-fi fix again after I finish the WOT..

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

@@JoeBob79569 I'll always rec First Law. All books. Sci-Fi series I've liked, which is kind of light, is the Red Rising books by Pierce Brown. They're light enough that you can take them on rather easily for when you need a quick sci-fi palate cleanser.

@JoeBob79569

4 жыл бұрын

@@mikesbookreviews Yea, I just read the Red Rising books a few months ago, quite enjoyed them. My favourite Sci-fi to date is probably the Lost Fleet series, for ship battles & tactics, or anything by Peter Hamilton for his descriptions, scale, and writing style.

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

@@JoeBob79569 I'll check out Lost Fleet. Thanks!

Mike I am 62 and just started collecting the wheel of time. I have 3 hardcovers books numbers 7 = 9= and 11. I am shopping around because some people want a crazy price for those hardcovers, and that's what I want. My sons have bugged me for years to read it. I love fantasy, but for many years I read nothing but horror and thrillers. Since I became a book tuber however my reading has a much wider scope. I read my first Joe Abercrombie book a couple months ago, I love his writing. It is dark and explicit. I hate when I buy a dark fantasy and it doesn't live up to its promise. 3 years ago I gave away my entire book collection except my Stephen King collection and started over, because I had read all my books multiple times. I am hoping this series is as good as everyone says, but I won't know anything till I can find book 1 at a reasonable price.

The thing about wheel of time i love is that there are all these peoples and cultures. It all feels real, which with their casting could prove difficult, if all the cultures live in a melting pot its not so unique

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

I kind of see both arguments. I felt like each culture (Seanchan, Shienaran, Malkieri) had distinct traits and appearance. But I also could see how the breaking caused forced diversity and less segregation.

@adammalone2909

4 жыл бұрын

@@mikesbookreviews For sure. But growing up in a small farming community, but full of diversity would remove some of the shock and awe when they get out of the rivers and see just how beautiful the world is

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

@@adammalone2909 And that's the point that I have no counter to. In those first few chapters, the trio of boys are completely blown away by Lan and Moiraine. Not so sure they would be in the other situation.

@adammalone2909

4 жыл бұрын

@@mikesbookreviews That can be skipped and not effect the narrative. But i like rand realizing how little he knows, how big the world is, then realizing the fates of all these cultures and people are on his shoulders

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

@@adammalone2909 *nodding*

i love WOT, im on my 9th? reread with audiobooks? none the less, im still with you. every time i restart it im like is this worth my time? (even with skipping some shitty parts) is this really something i wonna redo... n when im about to fall asleep at night, i think of this story, all the heroes n villains and all the nameless people inbetween

Best book ever.

its a real good story

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

Just finished book 9.

I started this series with book 4 ,gifted to me and then went to book 5 before going back to book 1 and believe it or not I think people should actually do it this way!! At 1st it's like another language with his writing style and ter'angreal and shit like that but then it starts making sense -anyway the reason I recommend starting at 4 and then going back to 1 is , I think book 4 the best and the opening chapter with Lews Therin in book 1 has so much power when u know that back story that it actually gave me chills! anyway ur on the best one right now ,man and the next few are fairly good too

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

Tarantino style.

@cilthyfunt

4 жыл бұрын

@@mikesbookreviews lol ya ,now that I think about it - went on to see ur book 4 review after this comment but switched off after u said u didn't like it as much - I loved all the padan fain stuff and mat going through the twisted doors but especially fain - where he can hear the madness in his laugh but doesn't care or resisting trying to caress the tension in the white tower still cracks me up - where he has the Myrdraal chained down is some cool shit too

7 to 10 aren't too bad actually in my opinion. They are slower, but there are some really interesting parts and I still really enjoy them every time I read through them.

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

I understand why they have the reputation they do, but it has been severely overblown.

Trust me my friend. WoT has one of the most epic finishes ever. Brandon Sanderson killed it. You have got to finish this series.

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

On book 12 now!

@j.s.173

3 жыл бұрын

Sanderson came in at the right moment. He's (personal opinion) the best "young" author in epic fantasy and he concluded a series that - inevitably - is a series from the 90's, turning the ending into a real "contemporary" series from the 10's . Maybe it's an unpopular opinion, but Jordan made it great and Sanderson made it complete.

I’ve read 5 of the books. Besides EotW which I read in about 4 days. The other 4 books I read about half and then feel drained, I write some notes so I can’t remember it when I picked it back up. It has taken me 3 years to read 5 of the books and it’s not because I’m a slow reader lol. And When I get back into the books, I’m totally immersed and love them. Hopefully I’ll finish the series before 2030 lol

Does the series have slow points? Most definitely. Is it be boring if you just want excitement? Sure. But does it help develop the characters into real people who are all unique and different and you genuinely care for and end up making the end of the series so much better? Hell yes!

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

The action is great, but there's a ton of character development between those moments. I'm okay with it, but I can see how it keeps away short attention span readers.

I currently have read books one and Two , and I have decided to make a stop and read some other stuff before I continue reading the next two books, I'm not going to force It up on myself. It's kind of underwelming and that kind of throws me a bit back . I also don't understand the Magic system. Does It get less confusing the more you read ?

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

I think the magic system has some confusion, but never to a way you won't understand the series. It's like Sanderson's methods where if you want to get into the nuts and bolts of really understanding the magic, you can. But if you don't, it won't change the story. As for forcing it, take your time. It's a year later and I just finished book 10 because I took breaks. You have to.

@kipling9625

4 жыл бұрын

@@mikesbookreviews okay !! Thanks for the advice . I'll take my time (in fact while watching your reviews of book one and Two I actually got a bit hyped to read the third book ). I'll be returning once I finished to keep watching them !

Should I read this or the stormlight archive?

For a while I’ve been looking for a new series not long finished the Witcher series and have started the stormlight archive it was either this or wot did I make a bad decision?

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

I mean, I think both series are good. But this one is done. Stormlight is only releasing book 4 of a planned 10 this fall.

@samuelbird7151

4 жыл бұрын

Mike's Book Reviews ok thanks I think I will continue the stormlight archive and pickup WoT when I’m caught up

I wouldn't say 7-10 are slow. 8 and 9 are surely very slow, but 7 and 10 are great!

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

Now that I’m through it I’ll say 7 was excellent and 10 wasn’t as bad as folks say.

I don't know why I'm watching this and other "Why you should read WoT" videos on KZread. I've already read The Eye of the World and am 10 chapters into the Great Hunt, also its 12:30 am.

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

Hey, you just want to make sure your investment is worth the time. I get it.

for me actually the real story and drama starts in book 4 particularly with Siuan storyline, Book 4 is when I got truly hooked...I believe book 4 is when Jordan has his transition from classic into modern style and that slog everyone talks about I actually loved it, the main storyline does slow true... but characterisation, politics and intrigues take over in more depth, and if you are into it you will not find it as bad!

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

For me it really took off in book 2 when I realized this wasn’t just knockoff Tolkien.

*_I’ve been hearing a lot of rumours about a Wheel of Time T.V. series... Anyone know when & which Channel??_*

Welcome home brother

@mikesbookreviews

5 жыл бұрын

It’s all part of the pattern.

Like all things it has its flaws but overall a fantastic read.

Am i the only one who is not even close to a consistent reader (meaning i havent read a lot of books) but once i heard about Wheel Of Time from Daniel Greene i was like FOURTEEN BOOKS HELL YESSSSS !!!

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

Interesting. Most folks are intimidated by that fact. But if you're looking for something to keep you busy a long time, this is it.

@fast.food.ninjalarry954

4 жыл бұрын

@@mikesbookreviews Yeah and I really enjoy big stories you know ? I like when progressing far to the story thinking 'Remember how things were back then ?' Or just seeing how much a character changes. By the way I am binging your Wheel Of Time Review-Diaires really AWESOME stuff !!!

takes no time with audiobook while playing total war. last week of dec 2021-25 jan 2022 up to chapter 15 book 7. gonna get as far as possible till 17 feb.

oh, and robert jordan kinda invented the "rafo" thing. he didn't want to spoil his threads.

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

I heard it from Brandon Sanderson, but that makes sense that RJ is the one he got it from.

You should read the Rift War Saga

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

It’s on the list.

I decided to try to reread the series after waiting for the slog to finish. Hopefully I can make it this time.

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

I think it’s worth the investment.

@cmmosher8035

4 жыл бұрын

@@mikesbookreviews truthfully , I have a real hard time rereading so a year later I am 75% through Great Hunt. I have finally read Elantris though so at least I started knocking out the Sanderson side of things.

I just finished book 4 and I'm enjoying, the first book I thought it was a bit disapointing, I always heard how good this series was and the first book felt to me like almost a copy of the lord of the ring journey, but it got better after each book, gonna take this to the end, although I feel a bit lost in some parts too much infodumping in some parts. I do have a bit of complain about the female characters, they are all strong willed and determined and all that but it kinda makes it feel like they are all almost the same personality wise, and Nynaeve right now is a big pain in the butt, most annoying character in the book right now by far, while Moraine seems to be the best female character at the moment even with all the scheming. Right now Perrin is my favorite character, it seems like he had most development since book one.

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

I thought the first book was fine. Nothing new or original but I was interested enough to keep going. I'm glad I did.

@BrunoCAquino

4 жыл бұрын

@@mikesbookreviews It was fine, I say disapointing because it was too similar to lotr, it wasn't bad but since I've heard so much about the series I was expecting something more original on the first one, but I'm glad I kept on going.

Hilarious. I started WoT decades ago, DNFed it in the first book. Now I’m 50, started again yesterday, and after 200 pages I’m getting huge DNF urges again. Rural idyll start, fleeing from dark riders, wise and mysterious wizard, dark and gruff ranger, comic relief companions with names starting with M and P, misty mountains, a shining white city, a baddie who is evil itself... am I describing LotR? Yes! But also WoT. I’m having a hard time not thinking “oh, this again,” and just as hard a time caring even a little about any of the characters. Does it get much, much better soon?

40 isn't old!

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

I feel younger now than I did at 30 (Keto).

As a recent reader i do not agree with the book 7 to 10 slog. Of course i understand if you read these books while they were coming out. But back to back. Crown of Swords was really enjoyable for me. Some parts had that innocence like in Eye of the World to me. In books 8 to 10 i understand the criticism but it wasn't like it was that way all through the books. Some chapters had that feeling to me. Crossroads of Twilight had the most of them but still amazing books none the less.

Happy to go through archives now as I come down from the high of the season release

Have you read the memory sorrow and thorn series by Tad Williams? Its great.

@mikesbookreviews

4 жыл бұрын

I've been kicking the can down the road on it for awhile.

I just finished the Eye of the World. After reading the first 2 books of the First Law trilogy, I was severely underwhelmed by what I've read of WoT so far.

@mikesbookreviews

5 жыл бұрын

Jim Johnson Yeah, it’s very different.

@slicedpie

5 жыл бұрын

First book was very introductory. see how you like the 2nd book, it sets more of the tone for the rest of the series in terms of how RJ writes as in the first book it was very much a copy of Lord of the Rings in plot.