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Dwarven Sapper
Joined:
10/17/2008
Total Posts:
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Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time Series
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Posted:
11/3/2008 10:31:01 AM
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Did I like it? Not enough to continue very far into the series
How far did I get? somehow through the first book, eye of the world, and made partial forays into several others in the series
Chief complaint: too much detail where detail wasn't needed.
Plot: O.K. but nothing special
Sad Note: Jordan's passing not long ago
What do you think of these books?
Pierce
I've returned from a long, long journey - a changed man. Serenity Now!
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I.T.S.A.A.D.C.O.T.F.O.I.K - International Twelve-star Admiral And Deputy Custodian Of The Fountain Of Inexhaustible Knowledge.
Joined:
1/23/2003
Total Posts:
11,200
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RE: Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time Series
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Posted:
11/3/2008 11:15:45 PM
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I loved the first four books, liked the fifth, didn't dislike the sixth, then got bored pretty quickly, bored enough not to have picked it up again, even though I've heard of dramatic improvements in the later books. It had the potential to be truly great, but I feel that Jordan fell in love perhaps too much with his own creation and got bogged down in details. Nynaeve's braid-tugging, endless description of dresses, and talk talk talk about politics without seeing it happen got too much, too fast, after half a thousand pages of the same stuff. But, as I said, I really think the first few books were wonderful, in every aspect, and Jordan could write a good fantasy with the best of them, when he was at his peak.
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Militant Conservative Bad@ss
Joined:
7/20/2005
Total Posts:
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RE: Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time Series
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Posted:
11/4/2008 1:14:29 AM
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I feel somewhat like Grub above. However, I fell so much in love with the series in the first 6 books that I wasn't close to walking away from the series after books 7,8,9, and 10 which I feel could have been condensed into 2 books.
I love the plot of the story which is perhaps what keeps this high on my list. The passing of Jordan is indeed sad, but the chosen successor is a great up and comer.
It would have been nice if the main sequence of WOT could have been a little more trim, b/c I think the WOT universe could have spit out a few successful quality side stories. With its popularity it could be a small version of the SW Universe for the fantasy world.
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Uncommonly Stubborn
Joined:
9/26/2007
Total Posts:
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RE: Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time Series
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Posted:
11/4/2008 1:31:58 AM
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I really like the series but some books are a pain for me. I am interested in certain characters and not interested in others. So my enthusiasm drops dramatically when he wanders away from the things i like.
I agree with apbadd. i think if Jordan went at it like Eriksen. Say to stick to the main plot. and create a great world. Then he could fill in the side stories or allow others to add to his world.
Champagne for my real friends and real pain for my sham friends.
Here's to swimmin' with bow-legged women!
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Black Staff Admin
Joined:
1/20/2003
Total Posts:
13,966
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RE: Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time Series
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Posted:
11/4/2008 3:09:21 AM
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Seeing Brandon Sanderson today, coming to my home with David Farland. Should be fun. 
"I'm not for hire, and I don't get to choose my path." -- Sider Ament
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Joined:
4/15/2008
Total Posts:
294
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RE: Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time Series
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Posted:
11/4/2008 4:00:52 AM
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Seeing Brandon Sanderson today, coming to my home with David Farland
Brandon is a one of best authors out there and he strikes me aa a nice guy. I doubt they could have found anyone better to finish the wheel.
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Dwarven Sapper
Joined:
10/17/2008
Total Posts:
48
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RE: Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time Series
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Posted:
11/4/2008 8:39:19 AM
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Well, perhaps I didn't give Jordan enough of a go to really fully judge the wheel of time series. Sometimes, I'll go back to a book or series a few years later and like it better - I guess I change over that time and the books mean different things to me over time...Thanks for your angles on these enormous books and series.
Pierce
I've returned from a long, long journey - a changed man. Serenity Now!
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Joined:
1/31/2006
Total Posts:
234
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RE: Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time Series
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Posted:
11/5/2008 12:15:29 AM
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I've read them all, but am not a fan anymore. I hated books 8-11. Sure, I'll check book 12 out of the library...but this series could have been a masterpiece.
Honestly, I think some good editors and cutting 75% of the bloat(8 books worth of material) and clocking this epic in at four volumes would have rocked. That was actually what I thought it would be in the early 90s when I started reading it.
It's funny how many of these authors make huge blunders and then you can just despise their writings from there after.
Wheel of Time is one good example of why I am really getting fed up with fantasy. This includes Martin, Dune, Shannara, and the list goes on and on. I want self-contained stories now.
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Black Staff Admin
Joined:
1/20/2003
Total Posts:
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RE: Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time Series
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Posted:
11/5/2008 1:59:31 AM
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Shannara IS self-contained stories. Sets of them. Terry could stop writing right now and it would not effect the stories at all.
"I'm not for hire, and I don't get to choose my path." -- Sider Ament
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Joined:
9/23/2008
Total Posts:
663
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RE: Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time Series
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Posted:
11/6/2008 2:41:29 PM
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I love WoT, but it did get to the point where there were sooo many plotlines and characters that I thought my brain would explode!
I still enjoy reading it though (if I feel like giving my brain a good workout), and I will definitely be buying the last book when it is released next year. Jordan will be sorely missed. 
~~~~~~~~~
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A Very Rare Person
Joined:
6/6/2007
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RE: Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time Series
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Posted:
11/7/2008 4:58:24 AM
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I enjoyed the series and look forward to seeing how Brandon does with the final book.
You Learn Something New Every Day!
http://www.worldbuildersguild.net/ Let's tell a story!
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Pyschohistorian
Joined:
1/27/2003
Total Posts:
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RE: Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time Series
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Posted:
11/18/2008 2:23:33 PM
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I enjoyed the series as well and I'm ANXIOUSLY awaiting the day I can read the last book in the series.
Tyria Daylinia
"And then she understood the devilish cunning of the enemies' plan. By mixing a little truth with it they had made their lie far stronger."
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Joined:
8/29/2008
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RE: Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time Series
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Posted:
11/19/2008 12:58:39 PM
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I really enjoyed the series and am very much looking forward to the final instalment next year but I do think the later books started to drag on a bit but that said the last couple of books out picked up the pace again, all in all though a story I love and can't wait to see how it ends up.
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Old Pond
Joined:
1/31/2003
Total Posts:
1,074
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RE: Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time Series
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Posted:
11/21/2008 12:15:59 PM
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I have read all WOT and I totally agree with the International Twelve-star Admiral And Deputy Custodian Of The Fountain Of Inexhaustible Knowledge. Mr.Grub, all that braid pulling and lovey dovey talk gets too much. I think he has created a monster, way to many story lines going on but I will read the final book if it is the last, to see how it all ends.
Jordan does ( did ) know how to really drag out a book the detail and description of the tiniest thing can take pages and pages to move the story on. One review on Amazon of Crossroads of Twilight, really does sum it all up lol
Check out review HERE
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The Cinematic Auteur
Joined:
1/14/2009
Total Posts:
16
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RE: Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time Series
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Posted:
1/14/2009 5:57:16 PM
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Like a wheel, it goes on and on and on and on with no end in sight...
myspace.com/cinematicauteur
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Joined:
9/13/2008
Total Posts:
135
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RE: Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time Series
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Posted:
1/14/2009 6:28:02 PM
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The opening books were great, but after that...
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The Cinematic Auteur
Joined:
1/14/2009
Total Posts:
16
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RE: Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time Series
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Posted:
1/14/2009 6:57:26 PM
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Disagreed. I suffered through the first thousand page book, and on page ten I was saying, "Oh, so this kid is the dragon reborn." A thousand pages later, the big twist -- he's the Dragon reborn...! Longest most boringest series ever. U-
myspace.com/cinematicauteur
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What does that do? Does that blow your mind?
Joined:
8/16/2007
Total Posts:
4,680
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RE: Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time Series
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Posted:
1/15/2009 9:14:23 AM
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Enjoyed the first few books, bored through the next few. Gave up half way through Path of Daggers. Like Grub said Nynaeve's braid-tugging, endless description of dresses, and talk talk talk about politics without seeing it happen got too much, too fast, after half a thousand pages of the same stuff.
I'm the best there is, plain and simple. I mean, I wake up in the morning and I piss excellence. You know, nobody can hang with my stuff. I'm just a...just a big, hairy, American winning machine.
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It is true: Man IS the microcosm: I am my world.
Joined:
1/31/2003
Total Posts:
1,708
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RE: Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time Series
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Posted:
1/15/2009 12:32:12 PM
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In hindsight, I think Jordan may have been my favourite fantasy author.
I never even realised it until recently 
"************ set itself the goal of fulfilling man’s unattainable desires, but for that very reason ignored his attainable desires. By promising man eternal life, it deprived him of temporal life, by teaching him to trust in God’s help it took away his trust in his own powers; by giving him faith in a better life in heaven, it destroyed his faith in a better life on earth and his striving to attain such a life. ************ gave man what his imagination desires, but for that very reason failed to give him what he really and truly desires."
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Militant Conservative Bad@ss
Joined:
7/20/2005
Total Posts:
2,898
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RE: Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time Series
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Posted:
1/16/2009 1:12:57 AM
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I am on my 4th re-read of The Dragon Reborn right now, and I am loving the series more than ever. Each time I read it I pick up little things. This time that darn Fade who smiles stuck out at me then I read on a site that Jordan confirmed he is the Fade that becomes Shaidar Haran. It is just lots of little stuff that makes me enjoy it more. Plus not too mention that most of the prophecy makes sense. And I find it insane that there is foreshadowing in book 2 about a major event that happens in book 11 and foreshadowing in book 3 about a super huge event in book 9. This universe is a bit like Star Wars. You have to be a nerd to get really into it, but once you do it is nearly endless.
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Joined:
12/20/2007
Total Posts:
3,246
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RE: Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time Series
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Posted:
1/16/2009 5:59:28 AM
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So true apbadd. I takes a few readings to real get all the little things. I reread the all the books again last year. Ive rearead the whole series again everytime another book came out so im pretty familiar with the older books. I guess when the last book gets locked into stone ill reread a few months out again.
The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not.
Thomas jefferson
To be born free is an accident. To live free is a privilege. To die free is a responsibility.
— Brig. General James Sehorn
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Joined:
9/8/2006
Total Posts:
311
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RE: Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time Series
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Posted:
1/16/2009 8:34:05 AM
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Finally!
I knew that you at least, Apbadd, were a die-hard fan, but it's great to see one or two more coming out into the open!
Sure, some of the interminable dialogue and narrative regarding sweat tents et al can get a little frustrating (to say the least!), but, against that, I would hold up moments such as when Rand fights Aginor, and Rahvin, the battle for Falme, and even (call me a youngster), most of EotW. I find it a great "scene setting" book all on it's own!
For me, Jordan was, in his own way, as great a story teller as Terry. I admit, I cannot choose between the two. I know The Four Lands like the back of my hand, but, if I'm honest, I'd rather be Rand al Thor than Wil or Jair Ohmsford any day (even with Lews Therin laughing in my head!).
"Release the book of Ildatch,Brin Ohmsford! the deep voice admonished. Let it fall!"
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Uncommonly Stubborn
Joined:
9/26/2007
Total Posts:
1,124
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RE: Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time Series
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Posted:
1/17/2009 4:17:56 PM
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I like the series and will read the last book. I hope it ends in a way that will keep most people happy, although that is highly unlikely.
Champagne for my real friends and real pain for my sham friends.
Here's to swimmin' with bow-legged women!
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Black Staff Admin
Joined:
1/20/2003
Total Posts:
13,966
5
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RE: Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time Series
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Posted:
1/18/2009 5:58:07 AM
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Freak, I doubt that will happen too. People build so much up when it comes to the end of a series that they are rarely happy. When this happens, no doubt, Brandon will be screamed at despite the ending being Jordan's own. haha Should be fun to watch.
"I'm not for hire, and I don't get to choose my path." -- Sider Ament
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Restless
Joined:
12/15/2004
Total Posts:
3,506
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RE: Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time Series
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Posted:
1/20/2009 12:09:08 PM
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I read 4 or 5 of them and then I took a short break and went to read 6. I just couldn't do it. I read about half a page and realized I didn't want to read the rest of the series, which I usually don't do after getting into the middle of a series. I think looking at the 80 page prologue and 80 page chapters threw me off. But mostly it was that there were too many books to go and I was starting to get bored.
"Then there was rain. The sky wore a veil of gold and gray. At night it was the bright of the moon with me. Time just floating."
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