The Wheel of Time

 

Summary (from the publisher): The Wheel of Time turns and Ages come and pass. What was, what will be, and what is, may yet fall under the Shadow.

Let the Dragon ride again on the winds of time.

The Wheel of Time turns and Ages come and go, leaving memories that become legend. Legend fades to myth, and even myth is long forgotten when the Age that gave it birth returns again. In the Third Age, an Age of Prophecy, the World and Time themselves hang in the balance. What was, what will be, and what is, may yet fall under the Shadow.

When The Two Rivers is attacked by Trollocs-a savage tribe of half-men, half-beasts- five villagers flee that night into a world they barely imagined, with new dangers waiting in the shadows and in the light.

Review: In this work of fantasy, teenager Rand Al Thor is the son of a sheepherder in a remote village town when his life as he has known it, and those of several of his friends is abruptly upended when first an Aes Sedai (a member of a special society of women who can wield the one source for power) appears and then a pack of Trollocs (horrible half men/half beasts who serve the dark one) invade their town. Morraine Sedai tells the teenagers Rand, Perrin, and Mat, that they must flee the Two Rivers to protect their family and friends. What follows is a harrowing journey through distant lands while being pursued by fantastical beasts sent by "the dark one" who has particular interest in the young people from the Two Rivers. 

Jordan did a credible job in this book creating a mythical world filled with grand and storied history, terrible mythical beasts, and a dark villain. Like many before me, I did see the striking parallels in some aspects between this work and Tolkien's work. It was disappointing to see so many borrowed elements rather than fully original thought. On the other hand, I must commend Jordan for empowering women more fully in his work. In Jordan's world, only women can wield the one power and serve as 'wisdoms' or healers in the villages. Morraine Sedai in particular is a strong and powerful female character. 

I did enjoy this book but it could have been condensed. The journey became tedious and dragged considerably near the end. The characters were not particularly well fleshed out so it was hard at times to feel overly concerned about their safety. Little details about their families, interests, or lives before the book is covered. Additionally, it was difficult to believe that four hapless, defenseless teenagers could be so lucky at avoiding danger, even with a protector. They seem besieged by evil doers on every turn, yet escape without so much as a scratch in the end. It just didn't read as wholly believable. 

Stars: 3