The Wheel of Time: A Journey Through Time, Magic, and Destiny

The Wheel of Time is a highly acclaimed epic fantasy series written by Robert Jordan and later completed by Brandon Sanderson. It consists of 14 books, with the first book published in 1990 and the final book published in 2013, posthumously by Sanderson. The series is set in a sprawling, intricate world where magic, mythical creatures, and powerful beings exist alongside humans.

ABOUT AUTHOR:

Robert Jordan was an American author, born James Oliver Rigney Jr. on October 17, 1948. He is best known for his Wheel of Time series, which he began writing in 1984 and continued until his death in 2007. Jordan was a highly regarded author of epic fantasy, known for his world-building, complex characters, and intricate plots.

After Jordan's death, Brandon Sanderson, another highly acclaimed epic fantasy author, was selected by Jordan's widow and editor to complete the series based on extensive notes and outlines left by Jordan. Sanderson is known for his own epic fantasy series, including Mistborn and The Stormlight Archive. He completed the final three books of The Wheel of Time series, with the twelfth, thirteenth, and fourteenth books being published posthumously under both Jordan's and Sanderson's names.

SUMMARY:

Book 1: "The Eye of the World"

 "The Eye of the World" introduces readers to the main characters, Rand al'Thor, Mat Cauthon, and Perrin Aybara, who live in a small village in a world that is slowly being overrun by evil creatures. The three friends are forced to flee their village after an attack by the forces of the Dark One, and find themselves on a perilous journey to a distant city, accompanied by Moiraine Damodred, an Aes Sedai, and her Warder, Lan Mandragoran. Along the way, they encounter many dangers and make new allies as they try to fulfill their destiny and save the world from the Dark One.

Book 2: "The Great Hunt"

"The Great Hunt" follows Rand and his friends as they continue their quest to defeat the Dark One. They must retrieve the Horn of Valere, a magical artifact that can raise an army of heroes from the dead, before it falls into the hands of the Dark One's followers. Meanwhile, they are pursued by the Seanchan, a powerful empire from across the ocean that seeks to conquer their world.

Book 3: "The Dragon Reborn"

"The Dragon Reborn" focuses on Rand al'Thor as he learns about his destiny as the Dragon Reborn, the prophesied savior of the world. He must learn to wield his immense power and lead the fight against the Dark One, but he is constantly pursued by the Forsaken, powerful servants of the Dark One who seek to kill him.

Book 4: "The Shadow Rising"

"The Shadow Rising" follows Rand and his allies as they travel to the Aiel Waste, a harsh desert inhabited by a fierce warrior people known as the Aiel. Rand learns more about his heritage and discovers that he has a significant role to play in Aiel prophecies. Meanwhile, the Forsaken continue to plot against him, and his friends face their own challenges as they try to unravel the mysteries of the world.

Book 5: "The Fires of Heaven"

"The Fires of Heaven" sees Rand and his allies continue their struggle against the forces of darkness. Rand seeks to unite the nations of the world under his banner and prepare them for the final battle against the Dark One. Meanwhile, the Forsaken are still on his trail, and he must also contend with the Seanchan, who have invaded his homeland.

Book 6: "Lord of Chaos"

"Lord of Chaos" sees the world on the brink of war as Rand's quest to unite the nations under his banner becomes increasingly difficult. He must contend with both external and internal enemies, including the Forsaken and the White Tower, the home of the Aes Sedai. Meanwhile, his friends face their own challenges as they try to support him and navigate the dangerous political landscape.

Book 7: "A Crown of Swords"

"A Crown of Swords" sees Rand facing a difficult decision as he tries to gain the loyalty of the Aes Sedai. He must decide whether to ally himself with them or break them and take their power for himself. Meanwhile, his friends face their own struggles, and the Forsaken continue to plot against him.

Book 8: "The Path of Daggers"

"The Path of Daggers" sees Rand facing new challenges as he tries to gain control ofthe world and prepare for the final battle against the Dark One. His enemies are closing in, and he must make difficult decisions to protect his friends and his people. Meanwhile, his friends continue to face their own challenges, including dealing with the aftermath of war and the shifting alliances of the various factions in the world.

Book 9: "Winter's Heart"

"Winter's Heart" sees Rand struggling to maintain control over his power and his allies as the world becomes increasingly chaotic. The Forsaken continue to plot against him, and a new threat emerges in the form of the mysterious Black Tower, an organization of men who can channel the One Power. Meanwhile, his friends are forced to confront their own pasts and make difficult choices in order to protect the people they love.

Book 10: "Crossroads of Twilight"

"Crossroads of Twilight" is perhaps the most controversial book in the series, as it focuses on the political machinations and personal struggles of the various characters rather than advancing the main plot. Many readers found the book slow and frustrating, but it does provide important insights into the motivations of the various factions and characters in the world.

Book 11: "Knife of Dreams"

"Knife of Dreams" sees the action ramping up once again, as Rand prepares for the final battle against the Dark One. He must face the Forsaken and their minions, as well as deal with the fallout from the events of the previous book. Meanwhile, his friends are forced to make difficult choices and confront their own past mistakes in order to prepare for the coming conflict.

Book 12: "The Gathering Storm"

"The Gathering Storm" is the first book in the series to be completed by Brandon Sanderson after Robert Jordan's death. Sanderson does an admirable job of continuing Jordan's epic tale, and the book is packed with action and intrigue as Rand prepares for the final battle against the Dark One. Meanwhile, his friends continue to face their own challenges, including dealing with the aftermath of the Black Tower's rebellion.

Book 13: "Towers of Midnight"

"Towers of Midnight" continues the story from "The Gathering Storm" and focuses on the various characters as they prepare for the final battle. The book is action-packed and filled with tension as the various factions jockey for position and prepare for the coming conflict. Sanderson's writing is impressive, and he does a great job of capturing the tone and style of Jordan's work.

Book 14: "A Memory of Light"

"A Memory of Light" is the epic conclusion to the "Wheel of Time" series, and it does not disappoint. Sanderson delivers a gripping and emotional finale that will leave readers on the edge of their seats. The final battle is epic in scale and filled with twists and turns, and the various characters all have their own moments to shine. The book is a fitting end to one of the greatest epic fantasy series of all time.

EVALUATION:

One of the strengths of The Wheel of Time is its world-building, which is vast and intricate, with numerous cultures, religions, and magical systems. The world is richly detailed and immersive, allowing readers to become fully absorbed in the story and its characters. The magic system, in particular, is highly original and well-developed, with different types of magic having their own rules and limitations.

The characters in The Wheel of Time are also a highlight of the series, with a vast cast of complex and compelling individuals. The main character, Rand al'Thor, is a particularly strong protagonist, with a compelling arc that sees him grow and change throughout the series. The supporting characters are also well-developed, with their own distinct personalities and motivations, and they contribute to the story in meaningful ways.

The plot of The Wheel of Time is intricate and multi-layered, with numerous subplots and storylines that interconnect and build towards the series' ultimate conclusion. The pacing of the series can be uneven at times, with some books feeling slower or more meandering than others, but the overall narrative is engaging and satisfying, building towards a thrilling and satisfying conclusion.

Overall, The Wheel of Time is a masterful work of epic fantasy, with a richly detailed world, complex characters, and an intricate plot that will keep readers engaged and enthralled throughout the entire series. While it can be a challenging read at times due to its length and complexity, the payoff is well worth the investment, and the series is highly recommended for fans of the genre.

DOWNLOAD ALL FOURTEEN BOOKS TOGETHER:

• New Spring
• The Eye of the World
• The Great Hunt
• The Dragon Reborn
• The Shadow Rising
• The Fires of Heaven
• Lord of Chaos
• A Crown of Swords
• The Path of Daggers
• Crossroads of Twilight
• Knife of Dreams
• The Gathering Storm
• Towers of Midnight
• A Memory of Light