After several years from the first reading, I again returned to one of the favorite series of Epic fantasy to me, and to the most fantastic world of all. It's Wheel of Time. I guess this time I achieved something of a record, because I read all 14 books book in a within two and a half months. I remember first time reading it, it took me over a 6 months to finish it and I enjoyed every second of it, just like this time.
This time, this represents something that is considered a "classic" of this genre. Jordan, as the writer of this saga, invested his entire life, nevertheless he did not lived long enough to finish it with his own hand. However, the latest books of the series were written by Brandon Sanderson, which does not change the quality of the story, since he definitely reached the task at that moment. The series is definitely a lifetime journey, because it has 14 parts, which you have to admit is worth reading, regardless of the literary quality of the work itself, but do not worry, the quality of writing is something that prevails.
It happened to me several times during the reading to stop and imagine. Hm, how much dedication, renunciation, will, and love for a written word must be possessed by a writer that knows all his writing life will be presented through one, though very extensive, work? Robert Jordan was a true companion of the genre and standards set by the father of epic fantasy, Tolkien. His influence on the work on this writer is clearly visible, but the story itself, the characters and the world in which all happenings have very little overlap.
In his adventure, the writer narrates a classic story of prophecy, a young boy predestined to use unthinkable powers. Power that will lead to his death in a very short period of time and maybe the destruction of the world again. At the same time, this guy can be a salvation and a collapse of humanity. He wears the fate of the world on his shoulders, the fate of the future. A lot is expected of him, and few understand the difficult struggle that happens in his heart in his head. The burden of anticipation threatens to destroy an innocent chub that comes from a small and long forgotten village. The story would not be so noticeable or important that it was all, because it was not. Though based on his fate, this adventure has countless characters that are elaborately tangled up and involved in their own destinies to get private novels. By means of a tank, they all connect them to one whole, and so often ahead of the network of events that no trace loses any sight from the sight.
The magic system, for me, is something new, though not spectacular. There is a Power that can be reached only by ones that have natural, inborn ability. Quite logically and nicely integrated into the system of belief and customs. How much effort has been invested can be noticed by how much races, customs, beliefs and behavior are represented. It's as colorful as possible at all.
Although some believe that it has spread too much of the story, that there are too many descriptions of the landscape, behavior and petty indications of the unspoken, I do not think that any of this is too much and too exaggerated. However, what I have to notice is not such an art in describing female characters, who nevertheless play one of the more important roles in this whole saga.
All stories, intrigues, fighting, conquest, use of magic lead to the Last Battle. Definitely one of the most gigantic performances of the good and evil struggle, so skillfully and masterfully done by Brandon Sanderson that for 5 days I was caught up in the course, development, extent of destruction and outcome. I mean, battle is written over 150 pages, so it must be good. The writer shows this battle from different angles, seen and guided by several characters that are crucial or less important. all this comprehensively assists you with the size of the whole idea and you will have a complete picture of the entire battlefield.
Writing this kind of work, took the whole career one of the best in the genre, and it will not be easy for you to ever forget it. The style of writing is definitely accessible to everyone, and this is definitely something, if you are a fan of fantasy, you have to read it.
I know, these are thousands and thousands of pages, lots of free time, but I'm doing it for the second time, and every minute I spend in this world is Fantastic.
I wrote similar post in Serbian, 2 months ago, so I wanted to write in English too, for more audience and fans. I hope you all enjoyed it.
The Wheel of Time turns, and Ages come and pass, leaving memories that become legend. Legend fades to myth, and even myth is long forgotten when the Age that gave it birth comes again.