Eye of the World

Robert Jordan

First I would like to make a note. I've read the Dutch translation of this book and am under the impression that a lot of the names of places/countries in this book have been translated as well. So I try to avoid naming those translated names. I hope (and think) the names of the characters are not translated.

This is the first book of The Wheel of Time series (now 10) by Robert Jordan. I borrowed this book from my neighbor (passionate fantasy readers) when I lent them A Game of Thrones. After I told him my enthusiasm about that book he thought I would like this one as well. And I must say I did. It doesn't reach the level of Martin's books and is probably not original in the fantasy genre, but is very enjoyable and fun to read.

The book tells us about 3 young man Rhand, Mart and Perijn (translated?) they lead a peaceful life as farmers and blacksmith pupil in their home village. One day the village, out of the blue, is attacked by Trollocks (half man/half beast) and Mydrals (halfman) creatures from Sha'Tein the evil force. Apparently this evil force is after the three for a very special reason, the exact reason is not yet revealed in this book but has to do with the Wheel of Time and the patterns it weaves and the role the 3 characters especially play in it.

The 3 need to flee from their village because of this evil power. They are escorted by an Ais Sedain a woman with special powers not to be trusted completely and her swordsman Lan. Thom a bard and Egwene a village girl tag along as well out of curiosity and for adventure.

They need to go to Tar Valon the hometown of the Ais Sedain where they probably will be safe.

Along the way they have all sorts of adventures and problems with Trollocks and other forces from the evil. They meet a lot of good and bad characters and each one of them plays it's own role in the pattern of The Wheel of Time.

They will not reach Tar Valon though because the Dark one is planning to blind the Eye of the World and when that happens all time will end and it will be the end of the world. Rhand, Mart, Perijn, Moraine (the Ais Sedai), Lan, Egwene and Nyneave (the Wisdom of their home village who also plays a part in the pattern) are destined to stop him doing so. They have to travel to different places through different ways to reach their destination and serve their purpose in the pattern of the Wheel of Time. It all seems very determined but people can change the course and pattern of the Wheel.

The story is really that of good against evil. It's a lot simpler than Martin's books but again very readable and with good characters. The main characters are teenagers and I think this book will appeal to that group of readers very much, you could say it is not an adult book but I find it entertaining enough to pick up the 2nd book. I'm rating this one a 4-.