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Daniel Greene I just finished WOT yesterday and need to fill my life with more fantasy. Which fantasy book (preferably a series) would you recommend among your favorites.
Typical libtard kid has a picture of one of the worst presidents in history in the background and prob doesnt know a single thing about him or why he was so bad.
yeah but now you have other great book like song of ice and fire that are still not finished and seemingly take 20 years foe each new iteration to come out lmao...
My boyfriend picked up Wheel of Time when he was trying to get back into reading after he saw your top 10 fantasy video. I ended up following his steps after seeing him super hyped while reading and I'm absolutely hooked too. We also pulled 3 other friends who ended up surpassing us with progress by now and the series basically saved their mental health throughout 2020. Thank you Daniel!
IMO, all five of you are in for a rolling good time. I'm almost jealous of you, being able to read it all at once... without having to wait for next book to be published... and reading it for the first time. It brought me many hours of enjoyment... and many smiles, with some of the character's humorous quirks. May it be, that it does the same for you and your friends.
I envy you Paulina, when I read it I had nobody to share the joy with, to bounce ideas off of, to compare notes with and explore it together, by the time I got to A Memory of Light I was taking it in smaller and smaller bits each day in the vain attempt to ration what little I had left. If I may I would like to recommend the Safehold series for you when you finish WoT.
The Wheel of Time spends so much time fleshing out the entire cast that the main character is only in the third book for a couple of chapters. But he's still the main character of that book, because despite him not being there, the plot still revolves around him. It's incredible.
@@joecourtney8552 no, on the contrary it lets you experience other characters more deeply. It takes from LOR in that it starts with a group or party that eventually breaks up with each character having their own part to play in grand scheme of things. So each chapter usually covers a particular character. Yes some of the books will ignore a particular character except for a single chapter maybe at end.
@@chadwhitfield6946 It depends on what you enjoy reading about, I think. In many ways the main character in WoT is more a concept than a character, and as such does not have to be present in order to drive a plot forward; however, it also makes the character itself feel more distant and less present as his characterization matters less over the concept he comes to represent. At least I found that to be true over time. Personally I could never finish WoT which was probably a combination of many things, with one of them being that I simply got burnt out reading fantasy at the time, but also that the large scale of WoT, over say, a more smaller-scale and personal story, made me lose interest. It does share a lot of similarities with A Song of Ice and Fire in that regard insofar that it's a very politically driven story with a humongous cast and that could be raised as a criticism against it, since it will be impossible to care for every character, and that sometimes less relevant characters end up stealing time from the main story that just doesn't have to be there. Even more so with Jordan, due to his detailed writing style. I began to really lose interest in WoT around the books where Rand took more and more of a backseat in favor of the political intrigue which occurred around him, and I never got around reading Winter's Heart and the final book as a result. To me, which I found the most interesting in the end was the psychological tension within Rand's mind, and when that was removed from being a major plot detail, I thus lost interest, as huge political conflicts just don't interest me a lot. Not too surprisingly I'm more interested in stories that dip into cosmic horror and psychological tension such as psychological thrillers than I am high fantasy as a result. And while Harry Potter too has a humongous cast, Rowling never went into the political conflict much of her world, which made it feel much more personal and real, and I think therein just lies the difference. It's the same reason I lost interest in GoT really quickly as no character spoke to me and the overall conflicts presented in the story also never appealed, either.
@@Kamishi845 I think it helped me reading WoT in that I read the books as they came out. Because of that I had to wait a year or 2 to read the next book. I could def see how starting it now and being so much story could burn anyone out. Plus Jordan does repeat himself alot. It got to point I would skip whole paragraphs because I didn't need to read how some woman reacted when a handsome man walked in by straightening her shirt or hair instinctively. But you should def someday finish it. Sanderson def picks the pace up when taking over.
@@seanassociateproductions1691 Me, I feel sorry for Lan... but I really enjoyed the trope about how all three of "the boys" kept thinking that the other two knew so much more. Honestly, though, I'm not sure who I "pity" the most... Lan with Nynaeve? Perrin with Faile? Or Rand, with Elayne, Aviendha, AND Min?! Come to think of it, that's one of the good points of the WoT series... it's chock full of incredibly strong women... and I don't seem to recall a SINGLE "Mary Sue" among them.
@@Nyet-Zdyes Same lol, the fact that every single character had faults, made mistakes and lost fights was really refreshing after reading and watching some more modern stories. I especially like how nynaeve's brash and often arrogant character never really went away, even as the character evolved and matured-allowing a protagonist's weakness to continue. I think those kind of things were one of the main reasons why-after books 3-5, you could get really invested in the other characters, who had previously been more secondary to Rand. Wheel of time was ahead of it's time imo, with strong women and men as well as weak ones, likeable characters ranging from irresponsible and jokey, to disciplined and ruthless. Wheel of time isn't my favourite story, but it's definitely the one i consider most well written (that I've read) and it's still right up there with my faves anyways.
I had the honor of meeting Robert Jordan in 1996 and having him autograph my WOT books. He was so kind and talked about writing and his love of history. I was about to have knee surgery and he had undergone knee surgery recently himself,so he gave me advice on rehabilitation exercise. Great video!
What I really noticed about the descriptions RJ uses is that they vary depending on which character we are having a POV from. Matt will notice wealth and how expensive things are, Rand tends to pay a lot of attention to swords and food being a farmer, Perrin often pays attention to how things are built like buildings or tools or how practical their clothing might be. Nyneave hilariously is the one we get so much dress detail from, the women who swears up and down she isn't obsessed with beautiful clothes but not so secretly is. It really adds to the characters unique voices.
I realized this when I saw the 50th misandrist rant in the book and realized they were all when Nynaeve was narrating. That both made me realize this cool feature of Jordan's writing, AND that the, lets be honest, horrible gender politics are purely because the characters are mostly medeival peasents that are manipulated by a cabal of women.
I started reading WOT in 1992. I still remember where my best friend tried very hard to convince me to start reading the series. (On a ski lift in Switzerland.) Successfully, I might add. We spent two decades discussing the books and speculating on the course of the story, and of course the ending. Rand and his friends became a part of our lives. The news of the impending TV series and watching videos like this one makes me consider reading the series again.
I re read It in 4 months time and I am 17 I love it. You see so much more on your second time around. My mother and father have each read the whole series 4 times
You know, I'm imagining the ski lift breaking half way up and you two were stuck there for a few hours. Your friend just turns to you - sensing that they have you trapped - and starts telling you why you need to read the Wheel of Time.
Buried under the publicity of series that have existing shows and movies... Quite sad tbh..... WOT> GOT/ASoIF, HP, LOTR, etc all the way. Reading through the second time! it's so amazing :)! stick with it, the ride is awesome
Bryce Forsythe I believe they all have wonderful attributes that make them special to different people. I’ve been loving all the ones I read so far and I’m sure it will be one of my favorites. I like it a lot better than I did Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn.
@@geminidragonreads I'm on trip from Taren Ferry to Camelyn and saw your posting :) Enjoy the series. I'm on my 6th journey/read through and oh how I envy you first time reader. 😊 These characters are like old friends I hold close to my heart and I'm guilty of visiting them often. All the best.
I totally get this and it's awful. Here in Brazil the rights to the first era of Mistborn were taken down and we can't find the first book nowhere. I would say I know english pretty well, but reading books of fantasy/sci-fi can get difficult. Unfortunately it's what we've got if we want to read.
@@marianaoliveira20998 I've just finished reading the first Mistborn book in English and I would say, that the language there isn't quite that difficult, at least once you get to know the words related to the use of the individual skills that tend to repeat often throughout the book. So give it a try, it's worth the effort!
Thank you. In my despair over GOT season 8 and the time it will take until the new book you popped up in my recommended. Started book 1 and I am hooked.
Something forgotten: NO MARY SUES! EACH AND EVERY character grows organically in their strength and ability and off their own merits. No one gets it easy! ALL have to struggle and fight for their roles, positions, and power (both internal and external/political)! And everyone acts within their character to get them where they end up. It's a messy journey for all! With deep personal struggles as they change and grow during the evolution of themselves and the tale... STRONG FEMALSS: Incredibly well written and diverse female (and make) pro/antagonists! Magical elements that aren't magic weilders: part of the incredible world building is its use of multiple magical(ish) creatures and happenings... Loyal, the steddings, eye of the world, etc. And lastly: it's COMPLETELY UNIQUE idea of how the world is formed and how it works - ie ”the wheel weaves as the wheel wills” how the pattern of events and life is a tapestry of human, emotional, physical, and action oriented yarn! While heavily influenced by destiny, there is still the option for free will, the dark ones touch, balefire and the elements of taverin (sp?) to further shape events which ALL have realistic consequences. Even the idea of reincarnation in how it is presented makes logical sense (which can be true for the real world too...)
One thing I love is that it subverts the chosen one trope by making it realistic and genuinely a scary experience than all sunshine and rainbow for the protagonist. Instead rand goes through so much shit that he starts to do questionable decision even infront of his friends.
Freddy Martinez for sure! It's a much more honest portrayal of what ”adventure” and ”glory” really is... And how much self sacrifice it truly takes to be a hero or legendary! I'm rereading for the first time right now, and it's even more amazing than the first read because I can focus on so many of these type of elements rather than just keeping my bearings on the plot and people...
there is one, but he doesn't show up until the last book, really. and it doesn't matter because he's awesome anyways. (spoiler next) Androl and the Lava Wall was so badass, it negates his mary sue-ness imo!
I'm coming back here to say that 2 years after I watched this video, I started reading (listening acutally) the wheel of time because of you Daniel, and thank you! I am in love with the books
I remember finishing A Memory of Light and realizing for the first time in over a decade (I started the series after book 6 had been out so was able to catch up) I didn't have a Wheel of Time book on the horizon to wait for. I eventually started into Sanderson's books, but I recall it was such an odd feeling that it was actually over. I still go back and read some of the scenes over and over again. Not sure I'd rate it the best ever -- I think Tolkien holds that honor still for me, and the epic nature of Malazan is still stunning, but without a doubt it's one of the most influential fantasy series of all time.
Yeah, Tolkien has serious depth to his works. And, another literary work of magnificent depth and breadth is the Bible. Read through, read it again, read it again, read it again. You'll always get something new and amazing each time, ad infinitum, whereas WOT and LOR have limited depth, ultimately. Peace out.
As a guy who almost never reads fantasy, I started The Wheel of Time after this video, and it currently goes amazing. I am instantly hooked by the easy storytelling that doesn't jeopardize the details. And I never found any detail described too much. Nothing unnecessary and gives so much depth to what you're trying to imagine. Thank you!
This guy is obviously lying, what the hell man, the over describing was what I hated the most about it, I mean come in how many girls have to react to that guys handsomeness.
I also started after this video, but I hated it. Book one started good, but then the pace slowered. After reading book two I stopped. I wish that I just can teleport to the books that Sanderson have written
I convinced my mom to read the first book, she mainly read romance novels, she described the book as a constant journey where everyone was always traveling. I have come to appreciate the journey more than the destination as that is where you see the characters grow.
I just finished "The dragon reborn" and I am on my way to "The shadow rising"!! These books are something else Edit: I am almost finishing Knife of Dreams!! This is so good
Hahaha that 'ya got it' montage was amazing, you definitely got me pumped up to continue reading the series! I love all the interviews you included, really brings into perspective how many authors have been influenced by WoT. Will for sure be sharing this video with some people who are hesitant to start this series!
I wanted first to get all the 15 books (yes, including New Spring) so I could start reading them. I am in the 5th book and damn, I just love how everything is described in all the books. How the magic works, how the character develop, the enemies and the culture...is just all damn good!!
Something you missed that I feel Jordan does well (and is a major element in his series) is prophecy, foreshadowing and metaphor. This is mostly through his dream scenes and prophecies of the dragon.
He is the king of foreshadowing. Things you read in the first book that you think are pointless end up morphing into massive and irrevocable events and character arcs 11 books later. It's definitely a series where you can reread every book 5 times and still discover something new.
I’m currently doing my first re-read of the entire WoT Series. It’s amazing how much you can retain from each book individually & collectively when you read them back to back VS waiting 2+ years for the next book to come out. I’ve got 15 pages left to go on Book 6 LORD OF CHAOS and I have fallen in love with the Battle at Dumai’s Wells all over again. I can’t wait to see how this Battle on the upcoming TV Series.
@@geoffharmer1366 appereantly agent of shields,wesrworld and game of throne writers with costume designer of harry potter movies (mostly deathly hollows).
The assumption of transitivity of preferences is questionable. Time and time again I found that people whose stuff I like (including Brandon Sanderson) liking something tells me nothing about whether I'd like that something or not.
I felt this video was a little bit of a personal attack. My friend literally was on me this morning about the fact I haven't started this yet, an hour later I see this video. Long story short, Eye of the World is sitting on my desk now.
DO IT! Before the end of the second book, The Great Hunt, you won't be able to find enough time in a day to read. Nothing is what you think it is or will be, no one turns out how you imagine, the world is vastly larger than you can conceive and the characters become personal friends with almost no exceptions. If you decide to do it my only recommendation is that you NOT WATCH VIDEOS ABOUT IT! Spoilers will absolutely destroy the series! Enjoy!
not gonna lie....this is legit the best series ive ever read....but that first book was one hell of a slog to get through....i understand why it was....and after reading them all i totally get it.....but gawd damn that first book guys.........ffs....it was a gawd damn job
When the sun rises in the west and sets in the east. When the seas go dry and mountains blow in the wind like leaves. Then The Winds Of Winter will come out, and not before.
I recently came across a chart that listed the length of various fantasy series. I was so shocked to see how much longer the Wheel of Time is compared to Discworld. Like, Discworld seemed incredibly long when I got into it, and now that I’m past a fourth of it, seeing the length of Wheel of Time was still jarring. I do fully intend to read it, I just don’t know where the hell I will find the time to. It might take me finishing high school and uni before I can even start it xD
Yeah, but the length is attributable to excessive verbage given to certain extraneous scene details and individuals' feelings and shit. I skipped pages and pages and pages of such, as I read the series and I think the whole series could have easily been half the number of books.
Is there a fan edit of the book that cuts down on the excess descriptions and other not strictly necessary parts ? , I am not a fan of those as I lack the imagination to visualize it anyway and it slows down my reading pace
I very much enjoyed this honest analysis and, although I have not previously read any of Robert Jordan's books, I might now. Recently I have been thinking a great deal about the use of detailed descriptive passages in my own work. I generally use minimal description of objects/places/physical appearance, preferring to allow the reader's own imagination to do the work for me. My feeling is that, if allowed to visualize for themselves, readers will develop mental images that are more real/tangible. This also provides more room for me to focuss on plot, world-building and character development. I realise this makes me something of an outlier (in the fantasy genre at least).
Both Kate and Michael do a phenomenal job on the audiobooks. Their performances and the quality of the recordings only get better as the series progresses. I hope you enjoy the experience! I just finished up AMOL and the series for the second time and if anything it was an even more magical journey than the first.
@@twig8523 I have no complaints outside of the "moh-geh-deen" vs. "moh-gideon" mix up. That confused the crap out me and made me doubt my memory during my first listening lol.
@@joelsephjoelstar for me it's: moh-"ghchhuuhhh"-dine like a yiddish/shushing blend. (Exaggeration for demonstrative purposes) I do something similar but more "French"ish with Egwene.... Ugh. So gross to drop a hard "egg" on her name. VERY UN-feminine 🐔🐣
Great video Daniel! Couldn't have said it better myself. Obviously, I feel the same way about the series. People don't know what they are missing out on by not reading these books. I think one of the nuanced things that you pick up even more after a couple re-reads is how well Robert Jordan does the "unreliable narrator" A bit of Holden Caulfield in each of the POVs we get from our characters. It can sometimes be infuriating for the reader because we have more information than the characters do, but they really don't see the same event the same way and he does such an excellent job of fleshing out the way these different perceptions would actually play out in the way the characters act on what they see. Another great video. Keep up the good work man and I'll see you at JordanCon!
You Daniel Greene inspired me to read this series and as I have just finished A memory of light 5 minutes ago came to say, Thankyou. Thankyou for sending me on this exquisite journey.
I got it as an audio book which did not work for me so I started The Stormlight Archive. I haven’t completely given up on it. Thanks for asking! Any advice?
@@gothamoracle I haven't started it myself! Haha. I am reading the Malazan Book of the Fallen right now. I was just curious how a new reader felt about Wheel of Time!
Anthony Lynch maybe I’ll start it early next year. I’ve dedicated 2020 to everything Cosemer and my physical TBR is out of control. I’m reading Kings of the Wyld right now.
You are so amazing, the way you talk about the wheel of time🙌🏽🙌🏽 man I just had to get into it, I got it on Audible and I’m in love❤️ I had to stop by and give a big thank you as i am very new to this magical world🤗🤗🤗
I started reading the wheel of time, in part, because of your channel. Thank you for the videos you make, you have enriched my life. I hope you have a spiffing day :)
This video here is why I decided to click the subscribe video. Love your energy. I just finished Winters Heart going through my first ever read of wheel of time and I love it!!
I don't think he meant "read the book" as a joke :P.. I've read the series too but I think I have to read it again. (I normally never re-read books, Lord of the rings is the only fantasy book series I have read more than once. Just because I dont really see the point of reading trough a story that I already know how its going to end etc.. *shrug*)
Ok so this has been on my to read list and I started The Eye of the World last night. Got to chapter 3 and I am really enjoying it. One of the criticisms I hear is Roberts descriptions can be too much and It may be too early to tell for me yet but so far his way of writing paints such a vivid picture in my mind, I love it. I haven't stopped thinking about the snowy town all day today and can't wait to get back to it. Only thing I can nip pick at is only chapter 3 and there has been like 50 character names thrown at me haha.
Agreed. This series is a monolith in terms of the fantasy world. I admire so much about these books, but for my fellows who got burnt out after the first three, I do understand. I thought books 1-3 were awesome, and I felt like the resolution at the end of book three, with the addition of an epilogue, could have made for an amazing trilogy. I made it halfway through book six before getting burnt out. I was honestly so sad when I did, because I respect so much in this work, even through I couldn’t get through those books. It is clear that Robert Jordan loved his world, which I can really get behind myself. I am sure that the series continues to shine, with its world and character’s complexity and amazing flavor. For me, I’m pretty sure I know why I burnt out. I read these books in the seventh grade. At that time, I was reading YA and 70s/80s short fantasy novels, where the plot moves at a breakneck pace, and there is always action. I wasn’t used to the slower paced, detailed epic. Fast forward many years later, here I am, a wishful aspiring writer building my own worlds. I love being detailed and methodical with the history and and culture, and running my characters through them. I have a feeling that reading them again now would give me a very different experience than in the seventh grade. I think that if I tried it again, I could make it through to the end.
OK, you confinced me. I'll give it a try, and with the slow speed that I read at, it looks like I have the next year or more of reading material laid out for me.
I began reading the WOT series in middle school and fell in love. I didn't make it through Lord of the Rings but I read the first 9 books of the series straight through and it took me a couple years... then I had to wait for a really long time for 10 to come out. I didn't know Jordan was ailing at the time. I tried reading some other fantasy but couldn't get into it. TLDR I legit cried when I finally got my hands on the 10th book because I had "forgotten most of my friends". Once I heard that Mr. Jordan had passed I full on morned for days. When a book series can have that kind of impact it's unparalleled perfection.
I found this series about six months ago after finishing the 3rd Stormlight book. I used to be an avid reader when I was a teenager and into my early twenties. After that I had 5 kids and didn't have the time. I have since tried to start reading again. I just started book 4 of the Wheel of Time and I am hooked. I actually have been listening to this series on Audible, and Michael Kramer is a master narrator. I got my Father interested in the series and he is already on book 12. Granted, he is retired and has more leisure time than I do. Can't wait to see how the series plays out.
I’m currently rereading A Song of Ice and Fire, in hopes that GRRM releases the Winds of Winter soon (probably not but I can dream). But once I’m done, Wheel of Time is next! The Eye of the World is sitting on my shelf just waiting to be opened. I’m pretty excited, it seems like it’s going to be an awesome series
Daniel, because of your glowing recommended, I start my literary journey through the Wheel of Time today. Looking forward to it. At 53, I have not read a fantasy novel in over thirty years. Partially because of my high standards and somewhat because I don't think any can match the old classics. Keep up the great work!
Love this video, such a masterpiece! I was trying to think of anything to add and really struggled, you summed it up so nicely. Maybe the whole playing with gender roles thing? That’s definitely one of my favorite aspects of the series.
I just started the stormlight archives and I am having a lot of trouble putting it down to do boring things like eat and work.... LOL I cant wait to start the wheel of time now, after watching your video. Also I might have fallen a little in love with you after this.
I finally decided to start reading the series after this video, just ordered it and I simply can't wait to get my hands on it. Amazing video! Greetings from Brazil :)
I love the first one it is an amazing read but then it just gets better and better! I started with the prologue book which was hard to understand but when I read the 1st book I understood so much more.
Brandon Sanderson was my #1 incentive to finish the Wheel of Time series. I had stopped at #8 long ago. Last year, I decided to start over again so that I could get to the Brandon Sanderson finale. And I don't regret it one bit!
I hope you’re right about character development! I just started it and I know it’s still early but I couldn’t care less about them which is not very good. I’m very excited about the world building and the history though so I’m definitely giving it more time. I guess after reading Robin Hobb the stakes are high in terms of characters’ psychology.
Never thought of it but my first intro in fantasy was Patricia McKillip's RiddleMaster of Hed Trilogy. She had a young price of fisherman, who liked playing harps and had a knack for solving riddles. He gets plucked from home by an elder harpist to solve possible world ending riddles. Since it's a trilogy and not a very long one instead of different cultures, Patricia placed emphasis on the Land. The various regions of the realm shaped its rulers and peoples. Of course there is magic, but again it comes from the land: he must learn from the land and draw its power into himself. The big battle is the payoff: our fisherman is the Chosen One, the heir to the entire realm. It was a great intro and still one of my favorite rereads. But now I understand where that storyline originated. Don't think I'd have 'connected the dots' without this video. So, many thanks.
i love this video and your passion for the wheel of time! i agree with you! i have only ever listened to the first 2 books as audiobooks when i was training for my marathon, but i fell in love with this story and it and its characters have stayed in my heart! im starting again with the series and listening to the eye of the world as i exercise now and am keen to finish the whole story!
I love it when intelligent people discuss things I find interesting; thank you for your videos. I would love to hear your thoughts on David Endings’ books; specifically influences or any possible relationships between Eddings’ work and the Wheel of Time.
I just ordered the 1st book. I have always been curious about this series but also very intimidated. This video pushed me over the edge to finally pick up the first book.
I love Brandon and read him years ago, however, I was so crushed by Jordans death that I still haven't been able to bring myself to finish the series. I even bought expensive WOT Hardcovers so I could read them as soon as they were published.
I’m currently on book 3 & it’s been a challenge simply because it’s so slow paced. That being said, I’m so curious about SO many things that I’m committed. Even if I’m just committed because of Perrin & Moiraine, I’m still committed. I’m in a reading slump due to some personal stuff, but this video makes me want to dive back in, which means the rest of my day = WoT :) Thanks!
I finished book 10 and I'm staring 11 soon. I recommended this series to my partner years ago and he ended up reading it before I did. This is a great series! I love it!
I thought that after reading all 15 book of WoT, It would be more easier to part with the characters, but it wasn't. The characters became just like best friends for me. And yes for me it shall always be the story that captured me.
Same, after finishing the series I found myself liking wheel of time images on Pinterest. I started listening to the Audio books. I can't wait for the TV series.I need to start a new book series.
Started reading the Wheel of Time back in the 90's (which was middle/high school time for me). The books were still being written and the story continued to build and grow. It was such a large part of my life and I had a few friends who were also reading it - which made it that much better. As a freshman in college I even commissioned a blacksmith to create a pole-arm for me loosely based off of the Ashandarei. Eventually, though, the story grew to such a widespread political level that I struggled to keep all of the people, places, events and stories straight. Then it happened - the next book came out, and I didn't pick it up. Or the next. Having seen the top 10 video, and this one, I am really feeling drawn to starting back at Eye of the World and giving it a second go with adult eyes. But blood and bloody ashes, will it be an undertaking...
Thanks for throwing this out there. The few books I have read I enjoyed, however when it got to the point I felt like I needed to take notes, I struggled. It is not a college course, although it could be, but got so deep and entwined I just lost my place with things.
Being 40{cough cough} years old, I have ALWAYS seen this book on the shelf at every book store I went to. I tried multiple times to start it, yet always got bored with it pretty much from the first few chapters. I recently gave it another shot. I slogged through the first few chapters, then by the end of EotW I WAS HOOKED. I have switched over to the audio book due to lack of time to read ( I can listen to the book and work at the same time now). Why was I waiting? Why didn't I give it an honest try from the beginning? Such a great series. Your videos have made me appreciate even more; particularly your character reviews. Keep it up.
An excellent writer but a very different experience. I don't think they are directly a good comparison. Pratchett is writing his own sub genre of fantasy not a single epic.
I'm reading the third book in the Wheel of Time right now, and it's so great! I felt maybe Jordan was also influenced by Indian mythology. I'm from India and our ideology does say the energies of the world are split into male and female halves. The God Shiva represents the masculine energy and his wife Parvati, the feminine energy. It reminded me of Saidin and Saidar, which I thought was fascinating! I'm really loving this series and can't wait to finish it!
Fantasic point. One of the things I love about WOT was seeing the interesting influences and ideas that ring true to our own understanding and experience but portrayed in such a wondrous and fantastical setting. These cultural and real to life gems are things that set Jordan apart.
You hit the nail on the head. I started reading this series in 1992 and spent the next 2 decades always waiting for the next book. I would re-read the series right before the newest book would come out and I would find something new each time. 2 years ago I re-read the whole series while on a 2 week holiday for the first time since the release of the last book and I still think it is the best series I have ever read. Thanks for this video and I look forward to more information about the upcoming Amazon series. I know they will change many things but I hope it feels like the Wheel of Time.
Well I was already searching for copies on bookdepository so... this video just proved I had to buy these books. As a lover of high fantasy in particular and fanatsy in general... I kind of HAVE to dive into this because I will be so happy
Feels silly to say this after watching the video- but I’m a big fantasy fan and have been on the fence about this series for a while. You sir - have finally pushed me over the edge. Next year - you got it! Gonna start!
I have always been a big lover of the fantasy and high fantasy genre, a couple of years back i was in a Tesco grabbing a sandwich, on my way out of the store i saw a book shelf, all books pre-owned for £1 with the proceeds going to charity, i picked up one battered book, 'The Eye of the World' and did not stop reading until i had finished the series, to this day I consider the moment I thought "fuck it, why not take a peek" as one of the best decisions i ever made xD
While I think WoT is great, my problem with it is the sheer number of unlikeable main(ish) characters. I often find myself more entertained by reading chapters of characters that might have 1 pov in a book and then drag through several hundred pages of characters I just don't care about or straight up dislike. It makes it difficult to be in their heads.
I have the same problem with it. It always seemed to me as a series with huge potential, but that falls short because of its main characters. Specially Mat and Perrin never captivated me. I’m currently at The Shadow Rising, but it’s been a struggle reading it. I always felt like a lot of characters are kinda shallow as far as their motivations, desires and fears go.
The images of and mention of the insanity aspect of the magic system......that finally kicked me over the edge. I'm sold. Adding to my TBR. DAMN YOU DANIEL.
Okay, I have to be honest, Daniel: Even as a major fantasy fan, I was still a bit skeptical about the Wheel of Time. After this, I am DEFINITELY going to check out Wheel of Time when I get the chance! So, you accomplished your overall goal here with me, at least.
I really do want to start The Wheel of Time. I love fantasy and I’m always looking for great fantasy stories, whether they’re books, anime, comics or games. However, I won’t lie, Wheel of Time is very intimidating mainly because of how long it is. And I’m not just talking about the series itself, each individual book is long!
Great commentary. I’ve only read up to book 9 so far, and I agree that it’s spectacular. Honestly it’s been 15 years probably since I read that last book, but your video makes me want to start over and finish them. They are really good.
Buy The First Book Here: www.amazon.com/dp/B00HTJTX1C/?cv_ct_id=amzn1.idea.PZVXSKM6DK2Q&cv_ct_pg=storefront&cv_ct_wn=aip-storefront&ref=exp_cov_danielgreene_dp_vv_d
Daniel Greene I just finished WOT yesterday and need to fill my life with more fantasy. Which fantasy book (preferably a series) would you recommend among your favorites.
@@andersulvang5061
Try some Brandon Sanderson
Mark Lawrence books
@@andersulvang5061 also Malazan book of the fallen
Typical libtard kid has a picture of one of the worst presidents in history in the background and prob doesnt know a single thing about him or why he was so bad.
These are my favourtite books!
me: already reading wheel of time
also me: why should i tho
Same
true lmfao😂
SO same 😅
Halfway through book 10 and here I am
Why? It's incredible that's why!
Okay, okay bro... I'll read it. Damn.
lol did you finish the series?
Me too. I'm in the second book already. I'm really enjoying this story.
@@FrutillyTa amiture I'm on 12
Better read it or the DG mafia will represent!
This was my reaction a month ago. It’s been slow going through the first book but I’m almost done with it and I’m enjoying it a ton
Read it because it’s already written! You don’t have to spend 20 years waiting in frustration for the books to come out like us old nerds had to do 👍🏻
I did that with Harry Potter. I will never allow myself to do that again because authors have a bad habit of dying mid-series.
I stopped reading when they were still being written and read them after they were finished.
Oh god, that's SO true... I read the first book in 1991..........
Very true, now that it's complete I feel like something is missing.
yeah but now you have other great book like song of ice and fire that are still not finished and seemingly take 20 years foe each new iteration to come out lmao...
My boyfriend picked up Wheel of Time when he was trying to get back into reading after he saw your top 10 fantasy video. I ended up following his steps after seeing him super hyped while reading and I'm absolutely hooked too. We also pulled 3 other friends who ended up surpassing us with progress by now and the series basically saved their mental health throughout 2020. Thank you Daniel!
IMO, all five of you are in for a rolling good time.
I'm almost jealous of you, being able to read it all at once... without having to wait for next book to be published... and reading it for the first time.
It brought me many hours of enjoyment... and many smiles, with some of the character's humorous quirks. May it be, that it does the same for you and your friends.
I envy you Paulina, when I read it I had nobody to share the joy with, to bounce ideas off of, to compare notes with and explore it together, by the time I got to A Memory of Light I was taking it in smaller and smaller bits each day in the vain attempt to ration what little I had left. If I may I would like to recommend the Safehold series for you when you finish WoT.
If you read the entire series you will feel by the end of the books that you have lived an entire lifetime and be that much more wise.
Honestly, this is the feeling I felt when I finished the Wheel of Time, and I've never been able to put it into words before.
Best part is the nostalgia for the beginning that you have by the end because it's take you months or years to get to the end of series
I felt that when I read the Rabbit Angstrom series. Not a fantasy series though.
Well said… that really makes me want to read it.
The Wheel of Time spends so much time fleshing out the entire cast that the main character is only in the third book for a couple of chapters. But he's still the main character of that book, because despite him not being there, the plot still revolves around him. It's incredible.
Jaxon Lyman never read the series but this has me intrigued
This makes me think it will read slow and harder to get through.
@@joecourtney8552 no, on the contrary it lets you experience other characters more deeply. It takes from LOR in that it starts with a group or party that eventually breaks up with each character having their own part to play in grand scheme of things. So each chapter usually covers a particular character. Yes some of the books will ignore a particular character except for a single chapter maybe at end.
@@chadwhitfield6946 It depends on what you enjoy reading about, I think. In many ways the main character in WoT is more a concept than a character, and as such does not have to be present in order to drive a plot forward; however, it also makes the character itself feel more distant and less present as his characterization matters less over the concept he comes to represent. At least I found that to be true over time.
Personally I could never finish WoT which was probably a combination of many things, with one of them being that I simply got burnt out reading fantasy at the time, but also that the large scale of WoT, over say, a more smaller-scale and personal story, made me lose interest. It does share a lot of similarities with A Song of Ice and Fire in that regard insofar that it's a very politically driven story with a humongous cast and that could be raised as a criticism against it, since it will be impossible to care for every character, and that sometimes less relevant characters end up stealing time from the main story that just doesn't have to be there. Even more so with Jordan, due to his detailed writing style.
I began to really lose interest in WoT around the books where Rand took more and more of a backseat in favor of the political intrigue which occurred around him, and I never got around reading Winter's Heart and the final book as a result.
To me, which I found the most interesting in the end was the psychological tension within Rand's mind, and when that was removed from being a major plot detail, I thus lost interest, as huge political conflicts just don't interest me a lot. Not too surprisingly I'm more interested in stories that dip into cosmic horror and psychological tension such as psychological thrillers than I am high fantasy as a result. And while Harry Potter too has a humongous cast, Rowling never went into the political conflict much of her world, which made it feel much more personal and real, and I think therein just lies the difference. It's the same reason I lost interest in GoT really quickly as no character spoke to me and the overall conflicts presented in the story also never appealed, either.
@@Kamishi845 I think it helped me reading WoT in that I read the books as they came out. Because of that I had to wait a year or 2 to read the next book. I could def see how starting it now and being so much story could burn anyone out. Plus Jordan does repeat himself alot. It got to point I would skip whole paragraphs because I didn't need to read how some woman reacted when a handsome man walked in by straightening her shirt or hair instinctively. But you should def someday finish it. Sanderson def picks the pace up when taking over.
I just wish I knew as much about girls as Perrin did.
And I wish I knew as much about girls as Rand did...
@@Yungshamgod and he wished he knew as much as Frodo did
Light I wish mat was here, he always knew what to say to girls
@@seanassociateproductions1691 Me, I feel sorry for Lan... but I really enjoyed the trope about how all three of "the boys" kept thinking that the other two knew so much more.
Honestly, though, I'm not sure who I "pity" the most...
Lan with Nynaeve? Perrin with Faile? Or Rand, with Elayne, Aviendha, AND Min?!
Come to think of it, that's one of the good points of the WoT series... it's chock full of incredibly strong women... and I don't seem to recall a SINGLE "Mary Sue" among them.
@@Nyet-Zdyes Same lol, the fact that every single character had faults, made mistakes and lost fights was really refreshing after reading and watching some more modern stories. I especially like how nynaeve's brash and often arrogant character never really went away, even as the character evolved and matured-allowing a protagonist's weakness to continue. I think those kind of things were one of the main reasons why-after books 3-5, you could get really invested in the other characters, who had previously been more secondary to Rand. Wheel of time was ahead of it's time imo, with strong women and men as well as weak ones, likeable characters ranging from irresponsible and jokey, to disciplined and ruthless. Wheel of time isn't my favourite story, but it's definitely the one i consider most well written (that I've read) and it's still right up there with my faves anyways.
I had the honor of meeting Robert Jordan in 1996 and having him autograph my WOT books. He was so kind and talked about writing and his love of history. I was about to have knee surgery and he had undergone knee surgery recently himself,so he gave me advice on rehabilitation exercise. Great video!
What I really noticed about the descriptions RJ uses is that they vary depending on which character we are having a POV from. Matt will notice wealth and how expensive things are, Rand tends to pay a lot of attention to swords and food being a farmer, Perrin often pays attention to how things are built like buildings or tools or how practical their clothing might be. Nyneave hilariously is the one we get so much dress detail from, the women who swears up and down she isn't obsessed with beautiful clothes but not so secretly is. It really adds to the characters unique voices.
You have given me a strategy to employ in my own writing.
I realized this when I saw the 50th misandrist rant in the book and realized they were all when Nynaeve was narrating.
That both made me realize this cool feature of Jordan's writing, AND that the, lets be honest, horrible gender politics are purely because the characters are mostly medeival peasents that are manipulated by a cabal of women.
"A well-rounded piece of cake"... so the whole cake
I now desire to make a cake that is made to be eaten in round slices, not in triangles
@@sempressfi Good idea! Call them "cupcakes"!
@@ALTDOK667 You. You win the internet. Everyone else go home!
@@fardareismai4495 lol, I don't think I want it!😁
@@ALTDOK667 that's fair 😂
I started reading WOT in 1992. I still remember where my best friend tried very hard to convince me to start reading the series. (On a ski lift in Switzerland.) Successfully, I might add. We spent two decades discussing the books and speculating on the course of the story, and of course the ending. Rand and his friends became a part of our lives.
The news of the impending TV series and watching videos like this one makes me consider reading the series again.
don't... listen to the audiobooks instead...
I re read It in 4 months time and I am 17 I love it. You see so much more on your second time around. My mother and father have each read the whole series 4 times
I started in 1999 I think winters heart had just been released - man it was painful waiting for the next book to come out every couple of years!!!
That's what I call an elevator pitch.
You know, I'm imagining the ski lift breaking half way up and you two were stuck there for a few hours. Your friend just turns to you - sensing that they have you trapped - and starts telling you why you need to read the Wheel of Time.
If I ever get in trouble I’m hiring this guy as my lawyer.
I’m currently reading WOT, my thoughts so far: “Where has this been all my life!”
Hey lady you know me?
Al'Lan Mandarogan ???
Buried under the publicity of series that have existing shows and movies... Quite sad tbh..... WOT> GOT/ASoIF, HP, LOTR, etc all the way. Reading through the second time! it's so amazing :)! stick with it, the ride is awesome
Bryce Forsythe I believe they all have wonderful attributes that make them special to different people. I’ve been loving all the ones I read so far and I’m sure it will be one of my favorites. I like it a lot better than I did Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn.
@@geminidragonreads I'm on trip from Taren Ferry to Camelyn and saw your posting :)
Enjoy the series. I'm on my 6th journey/read through and oh how I envy you first time reader. 😊
These characters are like old friends I hold close to my heart and I'm guilty of visiting them often.
All the best.
i am learning english to finish reading the wheel of time. in my country only the first six volumes were published.
That kinda sucks.
I totally get this and it's awful. Here in Brazil the rights to the first era of Mistborn were taken down and we can't find the first book nowhere. I would say I know english pretty well, but reading books of fantasy/sci-fi can get difficult. Unfortunately it's what we've got if we want to read.
@@marianaoliveira20998 I've just finished reading the first Mistborn book in English and I would say, that the language there isn't quite that difficult, at least once you get to know the words related to the use of the individual skills that tend to repeat often throughout the book. So give it a try, it's worth the effort!
I can well imagine Robert Jordan jumping with both glee and pride, at having motivated someone to learn a foreign language to read a book.
aye bro, you can literally download it for absolutely free
It’s one of the greatest literary works ever written. There.
Thank you. In my despair over GOT season 8 and the time it will take until the new book you popped up in my recommended. Started book 1 and I am hooked.
Same boat. Valar morghulis.
#MeToo
Literally the same thing happened to me. Just finished 1st book.
That’s why I am here as well!
Same. Season 8 left me feeling empty a little bit and I wanted a new fantasy series to fill that emptiness.
What I remember from WOT is *tugs braid, smooths skirt
*crosses arms under breasts*
*Sniffs with some emotion*
chocopong98 Don’t remember the skirt smoothing not from WoT specifcally anyway.
@@pourartistacrylicsbyshanno3987 Any time a man was described as handsome by a woman there was skirt smoothing.
@@SadPeterPan1977 Im rereading them now so that must not have started till book 3.
Something forgotten: NO MARY SUES! EACH AND EVERY character grows organically in their strength and ability and off their own merits. No one gets it easy! ALL have to struggle and fight for their roles, positions, and power (both internal and external/political)! And everyone acts within their character to get them where they end up. It's a messy journey for all! With deep personal struggles as they change and grow during the evolution of themselves and the tale...
STRONG FEMALSS: Incredibly well written and diverse female (and make) pro/antagonists!
Magical elements that aren't magic weilders: part of the incredible world building is its use of multiple magical(ish) creatures and happenings... Loyal, the steddings, eye of the world, etc.
And lastly: it's COMPLETELY UNIQUE idea of how the world is formed and how it works - ie ”the wheel weaves as the wheel wills” how the pattern of events and life is a tapestry of human, emotional, physical, and action oriented yarn! While heavily influenced by destiny, there is still the option for free will, the dark ones touch, balefire and the elements of taverin (sp?) to further shape events which ALL have realistic consequences. Even the idea of reincarnation in how it is presented makes logical sense (which can be true for the real world too...)
One thing I love is that it subverts the chosen one trope by making it realistic and genuinely a scary experience than all sunshine and rainbow for the protagonist. Instead rand goes through so much shit that he starts to do questionable decision even infront of his friends.
Freddy Martinez for sure! It's a much more honest portrayal of what ”adventure” and ”glory” really is... And how much self sacrifice it truly takes to be a hero or legendary! I'm rereading for the first time right now, and it's even more amazing than the first read because I can focus on so many of these type of elements rather than just keeping my bearings on the plot and people...
there is one, but he doesn't show up until the last book, really. and it doesn't matter because he's awesome anyways. (spoiler next) Androl and the Lava Wall was so badass, it negates his mary sue-ness imo!
I'm coming back here to say that 2 years after I watched this video, I started reading (listening acutally) the wheel of time because of you Daniel, and thank you! I am in love with the books
I remember finishing A Memory of Light and realizing for the first time in over a decade (I started the series after book 6 had been out so was able to catch up) I didn't have a Wheel of Time book on the horizon to wait for. I eventually started into Sanderson's books, but I recall it was such an odd feeling that it was actually over. I still go back and read some of the scenes over and over again. Not sure I'd rate it the best ever -- I think Tolkien holds that honor still for me, and the epic nature of Malazan is still stunning, but without a doubt it's one of the most influential fantasy series of all time.
Yeah, Tolkien has serious depth to his works. And, another literary work of magnificent depth and breadth is the Bible. Read through, read it again, read it again, read it again. You'll always get something new and amazing each time, ad infinitum, whereas WOT and LOR have limited depth, ultimately. Peace out.
It took about a year, but after hear you raving about it constantly I finally picked it up. I'm now on book 5.
I am there too...and...blood and ashes...I feel I cannot stop!
As a guy who almost never reads fantasy, I started The Wheel of Time after this video, and it currently goes amazing. I am instantly hooked by the easy storytelling that doesn't jeopardize the details. And I never found any detail described too much. Nothing unnecessary and gives so much depth to what you're trying to imagine. Thank you!
Wait until you're on book 7 and 8, then the details start to drive you crazy. Still a great read however.
This guy is obviously lying, what the hell man, the over describing was what I hated the most about it, I mean come in how many girls have to react to that guys handsomeness.
@@cjdanskine1984 Im at book nr 6 and details dont matter to me. Its Nynyve constant nagging. She just. Doesnt. Shut. Up.
I also started after this video, but I hated it. Book one started good, but then the pace slowered. After reading book two I stopped. I wish that I just can teleport to the books that Sanderson have written
@@bilgeturkkan6095 as someone who persevered through all the books, i'd say it wasn't worth it.
I like your description. Wheel of Time feels like it's a bridge between the classical fantasy of Tolkien and modern fantasy.
I convinced my mom to read the first book, she mainly read romance novels, she described the book as a constant journey where everyone was always traveling. I have come to appreciate the journey more than the destination as that is where you see the characters grow.
I just finished "The dragon reborn" and I am on my way to "The shadow rising"!! These books are something else
Edit: I am almost finishing Knife of Dreams!! This is so good
The Shadow Rising was probably my favourite book of the series. But I recognise it's not perfect and has some issues. How did you find it?
They will wear you down.
Yesssssssss! 🙌🙌🙌
Well , that escalated quickly !
Hahaha that 'ya got it' montage was amazing, you definitely got me pumped up to continue reading the series! I love all the interviews you included, really brings into perspective how many authors have been influenced by WoT. Will for sure be sharing this video with some people who are hesitant to start this series!
I wanted first to get all the 15 books (yes, including New Spring) so I could start reading them. I am in the 5th book and damn, I just love how everything is described in all the books. How the magic works, how the character develop, the enemies and the culture...is just all damn good!!
Something you missed that I feel Jordan does well (and is a major element in his series) is prophecy, foreshadowing and metaphor. This is mostly through his dream scenes and prophecies of the dragon.
Julian D oh man this is so true. The foreshadowing in the wot books is amazing.
He is the king of foreshadowing. Things you read in the first book that you think are pointless end up morphing into massive and irrevocable events and character arcs 11 books later. It's definitely a series where you can reread every book 5 times and still discover something new.
Agreed and the variety of prophecy systems from the Dark prophecy, foretelling, dreaming, Min's visions etc. Loved it loved it loved it!
I’m currently doing my first re-read of the entire WoT Series. It’s amazing how much you can retain from each book individually & collectively when you read them back to back VS waiting 2+ years for the next book to come out. I’ve got 15 pages left to go on Book 6 LORD OF CHAOS and I have fallen in love with the Battle at Dumai’s Wells all over again. I can’t wait to see how this Battle on the upcoming TV Series.
Whoa s tv series, who's making that? I can't wait!
@@geoffharmer1366 appereantly agent of shields,wesrworld and game of throne writers with costume designer of harry potter movies (mostly deathly hollows).
Me: He’s never gonna convince me to read this series.
Him: *first argument* BRANDON SANDERSON LOVES THIS SERIES
Me: .... well dang it.
My reason to read it too lol
Not only did he live it he finished it
The assumption of transitivity of preferences is questionable. Time and time again I found that people whose stuff I like (including Brandon Sanderson) liking something tells me nothing about whether I'd like that something or not.
Are you enjoying it? I like the cosmere, but I didn't like LotR, and the first book feels way too much like an LotR rehash.
@@SenatorNyxen I fizzled out after book six. A couple of the books were excellent, but others failed to keep me invested and interested.
I felt this video was a little bit of a personal attack. My friend literally was on me this morning about the fact I haven't started this yet, an hour later I see this video. Long story short, Eye of the World is sitting on my desk now.
Him and I planned it out.
We’ve been planning it for months.
DO IT! Before the end of the second book, The Great Hunt, you won't be able to find enough time in a day to read. Nothing is what you think it is or will be, no one turns out how you imagine, the world is vastly larger than you can conceive and the characters become personal friends with almost no exceptions. If you decide to do it my only recommendation is that you NOT WATCH VIDEOS ABOUT IT! Spoilers will absolutely destroy the series! Enjoy!
it's a great book guys i finished it last week awesome read.
not gonna lie....this is legit the best series ive ever read....but that first book was one hell of a slog to get through....i understand why it was....and after reading them all i totally get it.....but gawd damn that first book guys.........ffs....it was a gawd damn job
I'm on book 7, thanks to you. And I'm so happy to pick it up. It's spectacular and I enjoy it tremendously.
Warning, series gets a bit slow from now until the last three books! But its worth it
@@finlaystewart6894 im about to start book 7 and am dreading the slowness everyone has been telling me about
I hated book 7 and 8 and gave up. Hopefully your experience will differ.
@@finlaystewart6894 I lost patience with it. 14 books is too damn long.
We come....
Cool, I will pick it up while I wait for Winds of Winter 😂
You'll have read it 48 times before GRRM just dies instead of finishing his series.
When the sun rises in the west and sets in the east. When the seas go dry and mountains blow in the wind like leaves. Then The Winds Of Winter will come out, and not before.
@@Lucas-qq3rz and there still will be a dream of spring to wait for
@@Lucas-qq3rz *whispers*
Never... never.... never.
Thats why ive also decided to read this series haha
I recently came across a chart that listed the length of various fantasy series. I was so shocked to see how much longer the Wheel of Time is compared to Discworld. Like, Discworld seemed incredibly long when I got into it, and now that I’m past a fourth of it, seeing the length of Wheel of Time was still jarring. I do fully intend to read it, I just don’t know where the hell I will find the time to. It might take me finishing high school and uni before I can even start it xD
Yeah, but the length is attributable to excessive verbage given to certain extraneous scene details and individuals' feelings and shit. I skipped pages and pages and pages of such, as I read the series and I think the whole series could have easily been half the number of books.
Audiobooks bro
Audiobooks.
Is there a fan edit of the book that cuts down on the excess descriptions and other not strictly necessary parts ? , I am not a fan of those as I lack the imagination to visualize it anyway and it slows down my reading pace
I very much enjoyed this honest analysis and, although I have not previously read any of Robert Jordan's books, I might now. Recently I have been thinking a great deal about the use of detailed descriptive passages in my own work. I generally use minimal description of objects/places/physical appearance, preferring to allow the reader's own imagination to do the work for me. My feeling is that, if allowed to visualize for themselves, readers will develop mental images that are more real/tangible. This also provides more room for me to focuss on plot, world-building and character development. I realise this makes me something of an outlier (in the fantasy genre at least).
This came to me just after getting The Eye of the World on audiobook and now I’m hyped yet overwhelmed
the audiobooks are very well done! that's how I'm listening to them. have you read them before?
Both Kate and Michael do a phenomenal job on the audiobooks. Their performances and the quality of the recordings only get better as the series progresses. I hope you enjoy the experience! I just finished up AMOL and the series for the second time and if anything it was an even more magical journey than the first.
Noooo! there's better ways to pronounce proper nouns!!! 😵
@@twig8523 I have no complaints outside of the "moh-geh-deen" vs. "moh-gideon" mix up. That confused the crap out me and made me doubt my memory during my first listening lol.
@@joelsephjoelstar for me it's: moh-"ghchhuuhhh"-dine like a yiddish/shushing blend. (Exaggeration for demonstrative purposes)
I do something similar but more "French"ish with Egwene.... Ugh. So gross to drop a hard "egg" on her name. VERY UN-feminine 🐔🐣
Great video Daniel! Couldn't have said it better myself. Obviously, I feel the same way about the series. People don't know what they are missing out on by not reading these books. I think one of the nuanced things that you pick up even more after a couple re-reads is how well Robert Jordan does the "unreliable narrator" A bit of Holden Caulfield in each of the POVs we get from our characters. It can sometimes be infuriating for the reader because we have more information than the characters do, but they really don't see the same event the same way and he does such an excellent job of fleshing out the way these different perceptions would actually play out in the way the characters act on what they see. Another great video. Keep up the good work man and I'll see you at JordanCon!
I never thought i wld ever meet someone who loves Wot as much as i do lol.
I recommend JordanCon a lot. Been there twice and it's an amazing experience to be surrounded by WoT fans for a full 3 days.
You Daniel Greene inspired me to read this series and as I have just finished A memory of light 5 minutes ago came to say, Thankyou. Thankyou for sending me on this exquisite journey.
Ok I’m sold. I’ll add this to my 2020 TBR.
How far along have you gotten in these 8 months?
I got it as an audio book which did not work for me so I started The Stormlight Archive. I haven’t completely given up on it. Thanks for asking! Any advice?
@@gothamoracle I haven't started it myself! Haha. I am reading the Malazan Book of the Fallen right now. I was just curious how a new reader felt about Wheel of Time!
Anthony Lynch maybe I’ll start it early next year. I’ve dedicated 2020 to everything Cosemer and my physical TBR is out of control. I’m reading Kings of the Wyld right now.
Glad you're bringing awareness to this series. I read the first 3 books almost 2 decades ago and it's amazing. It doesn't get enough love.
Just finished reading it FOR THE EIGHTH TIME.
You are a beast
Cringe, you need a gf
14 books 8 times over?! My god!
Holy shit, where do you find the time!?! Another age would pass and come again before I read this masterpiece 8 times lol
@@wooshbait36 Bro your picture of profile!!!! I thought It was an hair hahahaha I was destroying my display.
You are so amazing, the way you talk about the wheel of time🙌🏽🙌🏽 man I just had to get into it, I got it on Audible and I’m in love❤️ I had to stop by and give a big thank you as i am very new to this magical world🤗🤗🤗
I started reading the wheel of time, in part, because of your channel. Thank you for the videos you make, you have enriched my life. I hope you have a spiffing day :)
This video here is why I decided to click the subscribe video. Love your energy. I just finished Winters Heart going through my first ever read of wheel of time and I love it!!
Way ahead of ya, m’guy. Started book 1 on Monday. *puts on sunglasses*
welcome to the fandom
"Way" ahead? 😕 ...
😆 😝
Joke's on you, I've already read WoT!
It's TWoT, twat!
Boom!
BlueXRaven Actually, no.
@@jameshightower8875 What is it then?
I don't think he meant "read the book" as a joke :P.. I've read the series too but I think I have to read it again.
(I normally never re-read books, Lord of the rings is the only fantasy book series I have read more than once. Just because I dont really see the point of reading trough a story that I already know how its going to end etc.. *shrug*)
Ok so this has been on my to read list and I started The Eye of the World last night. Got to chapter 3 and I am really enjoying it. One of the criticisms I hear is Roberts descriptions can be too much and It may be too early to tell for me yet but so far his way of writing paints such a vivid picture in my mind, I love it. I haven't stopped thinking about the snowy town all day today and can't wait to get back to it. Only thing I can nip pick at is only chapter 3 and there has been like 50 character names thrown at me haha.
Agreed. This series is a monolith in terms of the fantasy world. I admire so much about these books, but for my fellows who got burnt out after the first three, I do understand.
I thought books 1-3 were awesome, and I felt like the resolution at the end of book three, with the addition of an epilogue, could have made for an amazing trilogy. I made it halfway through book six before getting burnt out. I was honestly so sad when I did, because I respect so much in this work, even through I couldn’t get through those books. It is clear that Robert Jordan loved his world, which I can really get behind myself. I am sure that the series continues to shine, with its world and character’s complexity and amazing flavor. For me, I’m pretty sure I know why I burnt out. I read these books in the seventh grade. At that time, I was reading YA and 70s/80s short fantasy novels, where the plot moves at a breakneck pace, and there is always action. I wasn’t used to the slower paced, detailed epic.
Fast forward many years later, here I am, a wishful aspiring writer building my own worlds. I love being detailed and methodical with the history and and culture, and running my characters through them. I have a feeling that reading them again now would give me a very different experience than in the seventh grade. I think that if I tried it again, I could make it through to the end.
Creator, you tongue flap like an Ogier. Blood and bloody ashes, read them!!!
OK, you confinced me. I'll give it a try, and with the slow speed that I read at, it looks like I have the next year or more of reading material laid out for me.
I began reading the WOT series in middle school and fell in love. I didn't make it through Lord of the Rings but I read the first 9 books of the series straight through and it took me a couple years... then I had to wait for a really long time for 10 to come out. I didn't know Jordan was ailing at the time. I tried reading some other fantasy but couldn't get into it.
TLDR I legit cried when I finally got my hands on the 10th book because I had "forgotten most of my friends". Once I heard that Mr. Jordan had passed I full on morned for days. When a book series can have that kind of impact it's unparalleled perfection.
you convinced me! I have the first book at home so getting started sooon
I found this series about six months ago after finishing the 3rd Stormlight book. I used to be an avid reader when I was a teenager and into my early twenties. After that I had 5 kids and didn't have the time. I have since tried to start reading again. I just started book 4 of the Wheel of Time and I am hooked. I actually have been listening to this series on Audible, and Michael Kramer is a master narrator. I got my Father interested in the series and he is already on book 12. Granted, he is retired and has more leisure time than I do. Can't wait to see how the series plays out.
I’m currently rereading A Song of Ice and Fire, in hopes that GRRM releases the Winds of Winter soon (probably not but I can dream). But once I’m done, Wheel of Time is next! The Eye of the World is sitting on my shelf just waiting to be opened. I’m pretty excited, it seems like it’s going to be an awesome series
WELL???
3 years later, and GRRM just revealed that he is only 500 pages done with TWOW. It's still long way off. Sorry friend 😢
Daniel, because of your glowing recommended, I start my literary journey through the Wheel of Time today. Looking forward to it. At 53, I have not read a fantasy novel in over thirty years. Partially because of my high standards and somewhat because I don't think any can match the old classics. Keep up the great work!
Has it matched "the old classics" so far?
Well done. You have convinced me to read WoT ! Great vid
Love this video, such a masterpiece! I was trying to think of anything to add and really struggled, you summed it up so nicely. Maybe the whole playing with gender roles thing? That’s definitely one of my favorite aspects of the series.
I just started the stormlight archives and I am having a lot of trouble putting it down to do boring things like eat and work.... LOL I cant wait to start the wheel of time now, after watching your video. Also I might have fallen a little in love with you after this.
I finally decided to start reading the series after this video, just ordered it and I simply can't wait to get my hands on it. Amazing video! Greetings from Brazil :)
I just got back into reading again and you've convinced me to read The Wheel of Time.
I literally just started WOT a few days ago because of your videos
keep going after......the first book is a chore....but omg it gets so much better....idk why no one talks about this
I love the first one it is an amazing read but then it just gets better and better! I started with the prologue book which was hard to understand but when I read the 1st book I understood so much more.
@@andrebenoit404 the prequel wasn't really meant to be read before tEotW, I think it was best to be read either after aMoL or tSR.
Brandon Sanderson was my #1 incentive to finish the Wheel of Time series. I had stopped at #8 long ago. Last year, I decided to start over again so that I could get to the Brandon Sanderson finale. And I don't regret it one bit!
Nice! Thank god for Sanderson, brought the books back to its early greatness
@@robert7737 I have to disagree with that. That feels like such a slap on Jordan 😣 I loved all the books. But the greatest were definitely his alone.
I hope you’re right about character development! I just started it and I know it’s still early but I couldn’t care less about them which is not very good. I’m very excited about the world building and the history though so I’m definitely giving it more time. I guess after reading Robin Hobb the stakes are high in terms of characters’ psychology.
Never thought of it but my first intro in fantasy was Patricia McKillip's RiddleMaster of Hed Trilogy. She had a young price of fisherman, who liked playing harps and had a knack for solving riddles. He gets plucked from home by an elder harpist to solve possible world ending riddles. Since it's a trilogy and not a very long one instead of different cultures, Patricia placed emphasis on the Land. The various regions of the realm shaped its rulers and peoples. Of course there is magic, but again it comes from the land: he must learn from the land and draw its power into himself. The big battle is the payoff: our fisherman is the Chosen One, the heir to the entire realm. It was a great intro and still one of my favorite rereads. But now I understand where that storyline originated. Don't think I'd have 'connected the dots' without this video. So, many thanks.
i love this video and your passion for the wheel of time! i agree with you! i have only ever listened to the first 2 books as audiobooks when i was training for my marathon, but i fell in love with this story and it and its characters have stayed in my heart! im starting again with the series and listening to the eye of the world as i exercise now and am keen to finish the whole story!
I guess you've convinced me. I'm going in, wish me luck guys
Good luck
I love it when intelligent people discuss things I find interesting; thank you for your videos. I would love to hear your thoughts on David Endings’ books; specifically influences or any possible relationships between Eddings’ work and the Wheel of Time.
Matt in the dreamworld, tossing the dice, is my favorite part of the magic systems you mentioned. It was pure fun in moments of intense action.
I just ordered the 1st book. I have always been curious about this series but also very intimidated. This video pushed me over the edge to finally pick up the first book.
I love Brandon and read him years ago, however, I was so crushed by Jordans death that I still haven't been able to bring myself to finish the series. I even bought expensive WOT Hardcovers so I could read them as soon as they were published.
I’m currently on book 3 & it’s been a challenge simply because it’s so slow paced. That being said, I’m so curious about SO many things that I’m committed. Even if I’m just committed because of Perrin & Moiraine, I’m still committed. I’m in a reading slump due to some personal stuff, but this video makes me want to dive back in, which means the rest of my day = WoT :) Thanks!
If you think the first 3 books are slow paced, you are in for a nasty shock.
Welp, time to check out The Wheel of Time from my local library! I cannot wait to read it!!! :)
I finished book 10 and I'm staring 11 soon. I recommended this series to my partner years ago and he ended up reading it before I did. This is a great series! I love it!
I will never tire of hearing you praise WOT. It’s delightful. 😀
This video and the trailer for the new show combined have sold me. I'm starting the series tonight and extremely excited!
I thought that after reading all 15 book of WoT, It would be more easier to part with the characters, but it wasn't. The characters became just like best friends for me. And yes for me it shall always be the story that captured me.
Same, after finishing the series I found myself liking wheel of time images on Pinterest. I started listening to the Audio books. I can't wait for the TV series.I need to start a new book series.
Started reading the Wheel of Time back in the 90's (which was middle/high school time for me). The books were still being written and the story continued to build and grow. It was such a large part of my life and I had a few friends who were also reading it - which made it that much better. As a freshman in college I even commissioned a blacksmith to create a pole-arm for me loosely based off of the Ashandarei. Eventually, though, the story grew to such a widespread political level that I struggled to keep all of the people, places, events and stories straight. Then it happened - the next book came out, and I didn't pick it up. Or the next. Having seen the top 10 video, and this one, I am really feeling drawn to starting back at Eye of the World and giving it a second go with adult eyes. But blood and bloody ashes, will it be an undertaking...
Finally, I have been waiting / hoping for this! You got me convinced, I just have to decide which cover i will buy..
Buy the one with Nicholas Cage on the cover. Every WoT fan needs Nickolas Cage in their collection.
Darrell's covers are just ... Too. Sweeeeeeet! Haha
Thanks for throwing this out there. The few books I have read I enjoyed, however when it got to the point I felt like I needed to take notes, I struggled. It is not a college course, although it could be, but got so deep and entwined I just lost my place with things.
Being 40{cough cough} years old, I have ALWAYS seen this book on the shelf at every book store I went to. I tried multiple times to start it, yet always got bored with it pretty much from the first few chapters. I recently gave it another shot. I slogged through the first few chapters, then by the end of EotW I WAS HOOKED. I have switched over to the audio book due to lack of time to read ( I can listen to the book and work at the same time now). Why was I waiting? Why didn't I give it an honest try from the beginning? Such a great series. Your videos have made me appreciate even more; particularly your character reviews. Keep it up.
I take all your comments and raise you a Sir Terry Pratchett.
An excellent writer but a very different experience. I don't think they are directly a good comparison. Pratchett is writing his own sub genre of fantasy not a single epic.
Sir Terry was good but overrated tbh, his best novel is half written by Neil Gaiman
@@reluctantsocialist2670 Neil Gaiman worked on small gods? Learn something new every day.
No.... no.
Reid Wallace Nice
I've had the first books for a few years sitting on my bookshelf. After reading the last book of GoT I will be embarking on this book journey.
Nathan Anderson i guess you will never start it then 😂
don't bother.they are horrendous
So another 30 or 40 years then...
I'm reading the third book in the Wheel of Time right now, and it's so great! I felt maybe Jordan was also influenced by Indian mythology. I'm from India and our ideology does say the energies of the world are split into male and female halves. The God Shiva represents the masculine energy and his wife Parvati, the feminine energy. It reminded me of Saidin and Saidar, which I thought was fascinating! I'm really loving this series and can't wait to finish it!
Middle Eastern and South East Asian cultures play a huge role in WoT
Fantasic point. One of the things I love about WOT was seeing the interesting influences and ideas that ring true to our own understanding and experience but portrayed in such a wondrous and fantastical setting. These cultural and real to life gems are things that set Jordan apart.
Awesome video. Just started reading the first book and absolutely love it. This channel got me back into reading
You hit the nail on the head. I started reading this series in 1992 and spent the next 2 decades always waiting for the next book. I would re-read the series right before the newest book would come out and I would find something new each time. 2 years ago I re-read the whole series while on a 2 week holiday for the first time since the release of the last book and I still think it is the best series I have ever read. Thanks for this video and I look forward to more information about the upcoming Amazon series. I know they will change many things but I hope it feels like the Wheel of Time.
Started reading the wheel of time because of you now I'm on book 4
Currently reading the lord of chaos. I don’t know what I will do of my life when I finish the books. Luckily there are still many books ahead Haha
Well I was already searching for copies on bookdepository so... this video just proved I had to buy these books. As a lover of high fantasy in particular and fanatsy in general... I kind of HAVE to dive into this because I will be so happy
Try thriftbooks. The books are used but cheap.
@@MiMi-jm3wk thank you! 😊
Just finished last night! Thanks for the amazing recommendation! Now it’s time to binge all of your and Nae’Blis’ spoiler content!
Feels silly to say this after watching the video- but I’m a big fantasy fan and have been on the fence about this series for a while.
You sir - have finally pushed me over the edge. Next year - you got it! Gonna start!
Ive never even heard of it until i watched one of your vids but its on my wishlist now :)
Read it
I have always been a big lover of the fantasy and high fantasy genre, a couple of years back i was in a Tesco grabbing a sandwich, on my way out of the store i saw a book shelf, all books pre-owned for £1 with the proceeds going to charity, i picked up one battered book, 'The Eye of the World' and did not stop reading until i had finished the series, to this day I consider the moment I thought "fuck it, why not take a peek" as one of the best decisions i ever made xD
That thought has gotten me into so much trouble and also brought me so much amazing things 😂 "fuck it, why not"
While I think WoT is great, my problem with it is the sheer number of unlikeable main(ish) characters. I often find myself more entertained by reading chapters of characters that might have 1 pov in a book and then drag through several hundred pages of characters I just don't care about or straight up dislike. It makes it difficult to be in their heads.
I have the same problem with it. It always seemed to me as a series with huge potential, but that falls short because of its main characters. Specially Mat and Perrin never captivated me. I’m currently at The Shadow Rising, but it’s been a struggle reading it. I always felt like a lot of characters are kinda shallow as far as their motivations, desires and fears go.
I just picked up the wheel of time it got here today and it's bcuz of you that I'm reading it dude rock on love your channel!
The images of and mention of the insanity aspect of the magic system......that finally kicked me over the edge. I'm sold. Adding to my TBR. DAMN YOU DANIEL.
Okay, I have to be honest, Daniel:
Even as a major fantasy fan, I was still a bit skeptical about the Wheel of Time.
After this, I am DEFINITELY going to check out Wheel of Time when I get the chance! So, you accomplished your overall goal here with me, at least.
I really do want to start The Wheel of Time. I love fantasy and I’m always looking for great fantasy stories, whether they’re books, anime, comics or games. However, I won’t lie, Wheel of Time is very intimidating mainly because of how long it is.
And I’m not just talking about the series itself, each individual book is long!
I am going on your recommendation. I just ordered the series.
Great commentary. I’ve only read up to book 9 so far, and I agree that it’s spectacular. Honestly it’s been 15 years probably since I read that last book, but your video makes me want to start over and finish them. They are really good.