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4.5
Jordan's The Eye of the World is an engaging start to a fantasy series that immerses readers in quite a vast and intriguing world. The story follows Rand al'Thor and several of his friends as they flee their home after creatures of myth attack his village. They are shepherded by Moiraine and Lan, an Aes Sedai and her Warder who happen to be searching for the same thing the Trollocs were- the Dragon Reborn.Pulled apart and drawn together and pulled apart again, Rand and company set out on an epic quest that takes them across rugged terrain and through forbidding landscapes. The characters are all well-drawn and memorable, with fascinating backstories, and the prose is absolutely lovely, painting vivid pictures of the settings and the people that inhabit them.One of the most impressive aspects of the book is its sense of scale and scope. The world-building is extensive and intricate, with a rich history and mythology, and a complex web of political intrigue and interpersonal dynamics. And speaking of sense of scale and scope, this book (and all others in the Wheel of Time series) is a massive chonker. However, be warned!, the pacing of the story can feel slow at times. Additionally, some of the secondary characters feel underdeveloped.Despite its drawbacks, The Eye of the World is a strong and engaging start to Jordan's Wheel of Time series. Highly recommended for fans of epic fantasy, and authors like Brandon Sanderson, RA Salvatore, and Brent Weeks.
