Before Reading - The Wheel Of Time

[@DanielGreeneReviews]

BUY THE FIRST BOOK HERE: amzn.to/2M9Bue7 Corrections: Malazan is longer if you count books in world but not apart of the main story. It is also third person limited. That one was just a brain fart. This video contains only well known, repeated info for the Wheel of Time. It is purely meant for those who know nothing/not much, and want to get a glimpse before starting. Sorry for some of the repetition! But feel free to share this video with anyone who has yet to jump in. :)

[@DanielGreeneReviews]

Sure!

[@fantasyloredeepdives6420]

Would it be worth having an amazon.co.uk affiliate link so we can help support you?

[@aurelio3410]

Mat changed at the taking of Mr. Sanderson but he goes back to the old Mat towards the end . He made out of character comments about women being like goats/mules and the noble boots thing

[@DanielGreeneReviews]

Working on that @Damien

[@babetteleblanc7620]

Ok you convinced me. Been dragging my feet on this one...and I started reading fantasy in 1971. Bridge 4 loves it too. Used your link.

[@teddyharvester]

Swords do not equal medieval. Well said. Dune is tens of thousands of years in the future, and they use swords, because of the way in which technology went, with the lase gun - shield interaction being mutually assured destruction.

[@cheddar2648]

Wheel of Time has enough clues to imply that... it's not long ago. :} _There were some ages where use of the Power itself was lost_

[@marceloescamilla8867]

Man, i love dune's knife fighting. The fact that they got a lot of weird technology but they still kill each other with sharp pieces of metal is awesome.

[@aesir1ases64]

Exactly, people even used light swords a long ass time ago, long before the medieval age!

[@Triumph263]

@@cheddar2648 Ah but it *is* long ago, it just also happens to simultaneously be the future as well.

[@sadfaery]

My grandfather had a sword as part of his service weaponry when he was in the army based in Guam during WWII. That was pretty recent.

[@MissMokate]

"I know some fantasy fans do prefer 1st person, I think you people are monsters-" lmao I couldn't agree more I actually snorted out loud

[@lancejedrickmaniquiz7547]

So what's a third person narration style of this Book?

[@samtrott776]

I did too that was hilarious

[@jordanb7304]

I’ve never actually read a 1st person fantasy book. What would make it so bad? I don’t think a story like TLOTR or TWOT should be told that way but I’m sure there could be less epic fantasy stories that 1st person suits quite well, yeah?

[@samtheactualkenku6205]

I actually enjoy books with a first person perspective, the Dresden Files is a good example of first person in fantasy, but I see where Daniel is coming from

[@muhammadhashir6136]

1st person is great for characters, but doing world building and explaining magic systems and everything is hella difficult. How can u even get others perspectives, not everyone is writing from their perspective. Its like u r reading a diary entry and it gets unrealistic fast. 1st person is way too limited and restricted. U can tell a reader everything using 3rd person and all of a sudden u have so much freedom and u can do anything

[@Hadrian1616]

Legend has it Daniel Greene is still calling WoT 'wordy' in his sleep.

[@xerowon3490]

Stormlight is love. Airsick lowlander

[@nyelbaig]

It's okay, he has just not eaten his stew today

[@juandavidcafferata7569]

Llaneros tarados...

[@thomasdavies6702]

toooooo much air

[@poffzihavenoidea531]

Treekilling wetlander

[@TheExplosiveGuy]

The next book is almost out, I started rereading the series last week so I'll be refreshed on everything by the time it comes out, lots of reading to do until then. Brandon Sanderson never disappoints. His new Skyward series is amazing as well, I'm amazed he's able to put out so much amazing content, that's a lot to handle mentally.

[@HoneyHeartstrings]

I recently started "The Eye of the World". The wordiness has a way of making things feel so much more terrifying than anything you could ever see on television, especially since your imagination is what creates these horrors based on the description that the book gives. I doubt I will ever forget the part of the book that takes place within Shadar Logoth. It still gives me chills thinking about it.

[@christianefiorito3204]

Shadar Logoth is epic.

[@darkemperor95]

The scene where they are in the Ways and they first encounter Machin Shin was so chilling as well

[@Jin11193]

To those starting WoT, there will be a point in the middle of the series when the plot literally doesn't move/move as quickly for a few books, but stick with it! I've started book 11 now and it is so good!

[@Jin11193]

@@jeremywaters4044 yep! If I didn't have people telling me to keep reading, I really would have given up a long time ago

[@THX-bz8bi]

What book does the plot that doesnt move forward?

[@THX-bz8bi]

Thanks for the advice i will start reading the wheel of time soon.

[@PalleRasmussen]

No, if you have to "stick to it" to book 11, in a series of books of 400- 800 pages, there is something wrong with those books. The first four were great, 5 is fine, 6 is ok, 7- 10 suck and should have been max one book; it just staggers on and on in a downward spiral, to then pick up a bit in the last books. With A New Spring being good.

[@PalleRasmussen]

If you have to "stick to it" to book 11, in a series of books of 400- 800 pages, there is something wrong with those books. The first four were great, 5 is fine, 6 is ok, 7- 10 suck and should have been max one book; it just staggers on and on in a downward spiral, to then pick up a bit in the last books. With A New Spring being good. As for his detailed descriptions of personalities, they have pros and cons; it makes you understand the author's perception of XXX, but it does not let me form my own perception. Tolkien is the opposite his descriptions are so loose that you form your own customised picture. What Jordan did do well was describing combat.

[@PetalwingStudio]

My friends and I came up with a clever way to describe Jordan's tendency for wordiness: "If a picture is worth a thousand words, Robert Jordan will use every single one." I'm firmly in "the slog" of book 11, and am feeling it particularly hard. But I can't wait for it to break free and run headlong into the epic and beautiful conclusion I've heard so much about. ❤️

[@Dillon__Morris]

About 250 pages into the first book and I’m in love with the style already. I love the really descriptive style and, really, the words fly by.

[@hick5y]

When would you recommend reading the prequel man?... -_-

[@Devou5]

Hicksy fr why didn’t he mention that??

[@Loomx5]

The prequel serves best when read either after Moiraine falls through the door, or at the end of the series. It's not a good introduction to the series as a whole imo.

[@Hadrian1616]

He clearly said to read it after book 10.

[@gokbay3057]

@@Loomx5 dude spoilers. But yes it's not a good introduction. I think reading the series in publishing order makes more sense.

[@bhatfield1417]

@@Loomx5 spoiler lol

[@ladybocknite5120]

The more I hear about this series the more I want to read it.

[@joncostello8404]

do it. on book 7 now, not a single regret. excellent and would recommend.

[@jacobmerriman9227]

It is a good series. I read it as a kid and have listened to it several times on audible. Only negative I have is the repetitive explanations at the beginning of each book.

[@isaacsmith3998]

You can definitely try them. Honestly, I don't think they have aged very well. The first book is rough generic and incredibly tropey (to be fair, this might be an example of Seinfeld Isn't Funny Syndrome), and while the series does get better (and then way worse and then better again), you, as a reader, *generally* know exactly what is going to happen next because characters and situations tend to follow classic arch-types, almost to T. They're also dated in their view of gender. The books write women very poorly. Most women main characters in the series are motivated purely (or almost purely) by love for a man and seem to satellite male characters instead of having agency. Additionally, the book works around a twentieth century view of gender that portrays women as these "great unknowable mysteries" and focuses quite a bit on classical gender roles, even in situations and cultures where that may not make sense. Finally, these books are incredibly repetitive. Jordan's writing style involves saying the same few phrases chapter by chapter and using the same, almost copy pasted, descriptions for world building and magic systems throughout his series. It *can* be sort of nice when you're jumping back into the series after a break, but most of the time, it is actually irritating and makes me want to tug my braids sharply and blow out my mustaches. TBH, at the crazy length of the series, I'm not sure WoT is worth the read. You'll certainly get some enjoyment out of it but probably not as much as you would from a more modern series like stormlight archives (IMO obviously). The books just don't hold up all that well anymore. **Wanted to just throw some negatives at the series because everyone is raving about it, and I think there are some real flaws. You've seen the people who absolutely loved it and recommend it. This is just my take.

[@joncostello8404]

@@isaacsmith3998 You put that extremely well. I still respect it as one of the many cornerstones of influence for the genre today. Hearing Sanderson talk about how inspired he was by Robert Jordan and how that has led him to create such stunning chronicles is very satisfying for me and it leads me to respect WoT at the same time as accepting that the tropes and themes most certainly wouldn't sell well in 2021. You made some very good points.

[@donaldstewart9873]

@@isaacsmith3998 B.S. Shut your whole and go back to comics until you're ready for the big kid's section

[@dmt3339]

A comment about the wordiness of the series. Jordan writes a lot like mystery writer and there are many clues about what and who hidden among the details. Also, there are several matrix moments in the books, when you read it a second time you find yourself going "Oh, so that's why...." more than once. Great series, Sanderson did a great job finishing the books but I can definitely tell when he starts writing.

[@KalRandom]

I see so many comments on just starting the Wheel of Time. To all, Welcome to a fantastic world. You will enjoy it.

[@jflanagan9696]

I kind of envy them, getting the emotional highs and lows of the first time read through.

[@Khaliljt]

Don’t be so certain I must be one of the few who didn’t enjoy it

[@enaidealukal9203]

@@Khaliljt that's unfortunate, but there's no question you're more the exception than the rule on this- its not such a popular series by accident.

[@cup1966wow]

@@enaidealukal9203 I am book 7 so far and its good but not unbelievable. Start to get really slow with not much happening. I don't think it stands well against Malazan.

[@enaidealukal9203]

@@cup1966wow Malazan isn't a good comparison, since Malazan is terrible. It holds up very well against Malazan, but that isn't saying very much because virtually everything compares favorably to Malazan series.

[@joshdouglas7458]

Thank you for being an absolutely genuine personality on KZbin. I've been watching the platform for over 8 years now and your channel just feels proper. Informed, attentive to the audience and I think we can all tell your doing what you enjoy. Plus your getting people to enjoy reading... Which is just so important imo. Thank you for getting me into WoT as well 😅 my book shelf is looking healthy again and it's only one series! 😳

[@harlandeke]

I read New Spring first..lol..I bought it at a thrift store for 50 cents. I had never heard of the Wheel of Time till then...best 50 cents I have ever spent.

[@turtleanton6539]

😂😂cool

[@craigmcnaughton8619]

I started with New Spring as well, and I've gotta say it gave me a whole different vibe to the story (at book 6 now) , and I feel it would be different if I had read it after book five but knowing me I'd rather read it first. But it had me falling in love with wheel of time just the same.

[@liefbread]

@@craigmcnaughton8619 I've noticed a lot of older folk (and most women I know) enjoyed the series more if they read New Spring first. It kind of "shifts the protagonist."

[@sackthebastard]

Lmao I actually saw New Spring at a Dollar Tree once and was very confused

[@gijsklaassen8851]

I'm finishing the eye of the world for the first time today and I really enjoyed it. He does take his time to explain and repeat lots of things, but it's still entertaining enough to keep reading imo :)

[@WolfStarbuck]

Okay, reading this comment 2 years-ish later... did you manage to finish the series, or did you take a pause around book 6? :)

[@justrandomthings8158]

@@WolfStarbuck (SPOILERS FOR BOOK 6) yo lowkey I stopped and decided to spoil a lot of the end for myself like five freaking chapters before all the good stuff with nynaeve healing the severing and egwene and dumai’s well and stuff. So salty about that but it’s still one of my fave books because of that, I don’t get why people says it slows down? I guess it does but it’s filled with so much stuff

[@SilverMe2004]

I love the way Robert Jordan described things. it was always in context and part of the story. it wasn't like he was just listing thing

[@taylxn]

i just started WoT this week, thank you so much for this video

[@christopherbratton9544]

I think the “wordiness” is an asset, not a drawback. The world is so well realized because of the amount of description. I can understand why some people don’t like it, but that’s just personal preference :)

[@athenassigil5820]

I've been a longtime fan of Robert Jordan, I remember reading the original novel thinking it was a one off and kind of lotr lite. Boy, was I wrong! When the Great Hunt came out, it drew me in and I never looked back. When Jordan announced his health issues, I figured that a great epic series was done, but with no conclusion. The fact that RJ and his wife had copious notes and had picked this young writer named Brandon Sanderson to complete it..I knew it was in good hands. In my mind, Jordan was the deep south's version of a great American epic fantasist in the tradition of Tolkien, but with a southerner knack for a long winded but satisfying epic adventure. RIP Robert Jordan, your contribution to fantasy is as deep as your series was long.

[@WisecrackJax]

I’m glad you did this. I just finished Oathbringer and was considering Wheel of Time despite how daunting it feels. This must be some kind of sign. Guess it’s decided. Thanks, dude!

[@Lightning_Lance]

Oh, huh. I'm glad you showed that graph. I've been feeling intimidated about starting new book series and how much time might go into that, but now I know I've already read the two biggest ones that's actually really helpful ^^

[@Gropemygrizzly]

I want to thank you, this was or I think was my uncle's favorite series I remember seeing all the books he had growing up, he passed away a couple months back but it never occurred to me to pick it up until I stumbled upon your channel looking for a series to read. I wish I had found it sooner so I could talk to him about, but I digress anyway I'm on book 2 and I'm enjoying it alot, thank you and thank the algorithm for leading me to your channel.

[@TacticusPrime]

Quote from Jim Butcher, author of the Dresden Files, in 2012 "Hah, work on an existing IP? I think Sanderson was the next best thing to crazy to take up The Wheel of Time. It doesn’t matter what he writes, there are going to be fanatic readers who are /furious/ at him. That’s just the simple truth. I loved his answer when I asked him why he did it, though: it amounted to “I loved the story and wanted it to be done right, and I knew that I would.” That’s intensely cool, right there. That’s rock star. When the game’s on the line, winners want the ball."

[@Brandon77maniaci]

I started the WOT two months ago on a recommended video of your and now I’m on book 10. Really enjoying it so far. Thanks!

[@VerdureAsh]

The Wheel of Time completely dominated my early childhood when my father picked up Eye of the World from a secondhand bookstore in 1995. Robert Jordan's series enthralled me and led to me immersing myself in it's rich worldbuilding and amazing characters. Even with the criticisms (gender interactions, constant infodumps)I can't help but find myself re-reading the series at least once annually. It's wonderful to find a content creator as in love with Jordan's work as I am.

[@doll_face8431]

the entire series annually!? that's 14,000 pages! you are a being far beyond my species in intelligence

[@miriamuSama]

What does ‘gender interacttions’ man?

[@MetaSynCreta]

It takes me 6 months almost to the day to get through the audiobooks but I do it every year or 2. It just gets better every time. This year was my 10th(ish) read through 😁

[@jakeraught4939]

@@miriamuSamashe thinks it’s problematic to acknowledge that there is a difference between how men interact & how women interact

[@CapturedInWords]

Awesome video, a lot of great information for people just diving into the series! Your Stormlight Archive Lore Deep Dive is now one of my most anticipated videos, can't wait to watch it! You should seriously let people know when to read New Spring though, c'mon.

[@tylerrobbert2871]

Hey Daniel. Thanks again for all the quality content. I officially finished my first full read through of the Wheel of Time last night! Really appreciate all you do, as now I have so many more series on my TBR coming up it's hard to choose where to go next.

[@nibblitman]

I would recommend Eye of The World as a good place to go next.

[@tylerrobbert2871]

@@nibblitman I genuinely do want to do a re-read now to pick up on everything I missed or was ignorant to as a first time reader. I think I'll take a break before jumping right back in, though!

[@jeremywaters4044]

I don't know what's on your TBR, but more Brandon Sanderson is a safe jumping place from WoT. I'd go with Mistborn (starting with The Final Empire) for a fast paced trilogy with a different feel, or even Elantris or Warbreaker if you're wanting a single volume story. The Emperor's Soul is a great short story/novella if you're wanting a very quick, great palette cleanser.

[@tylerrobbert2871]

@@jeremywaters4044 Absolutely. Plenty of Sanderson on my list. I've got my eye on both Mistborn and Stormlight. Also got the likes of Lightbringer, Kingkiller, and Malazan on my shelf too. Once I finish up New Spring I'll probably delve a little further into the Witcher before the adaptation drops, but from there it will likely be Sanderson next.

[@BattleBornCowboy]

I liked the over describing and long winded chapters in the Wheel of Time. It reminds me of my youth and reading the Council of Elrond from the Fellowship of the Ring. Robert Jordan gave imagination a direction with all of his descriptions.

[@MerrilyKristin]

I’m currently reading Eye of the World and loving it! I’m reading it so much slower than my normal reading pace, but I just don’t want to miss anything!

[@anthonynunez8861]

I was introduced to the wheel of time in jail only read the 6th book so far but it was beautifully written.The amout of details is amazing blew my freakin mind

[@Thegreatblazingsun]

I was also introduced while incarcerated...its pretty popular among inmates I guess...probably because it is so long & time consuming ...and fantastic ...I hated The amazon series

[@davidspice3907]

I recently started listening to the audiobook for the wheel of time series and it is soooo good. I had been told it was good before and had heard of it from multiple people but never gave it a try. My dad even told me it was his favorite book series and I think he had the first book when I was younger. But I’m so glad I started listening to it.

[@troytaylor8225]

I joined your followers when you started one piece and you got me interested in WOT. I’m 6 days and half way into the first book. I’m already hooked and I love it big world building is not a problem for me

[@feanaro2712]

I recently started my third attempt at the series, so this was a really well-timed video. I wouldn’t say I dislike wordiness, but I have found myself skimming in the past when it gets too much, which I felt led to me missing important pieces. My solution this time is to listen to the audiobooks, and that has been such a great experience.

[@atinity6749]

I started listening as an audiobook and I've loved it. Sometimes I drift off and realize I have no idea what was just said. I don't find it wordy tho. And I don't mind repeating information, especially at the beginning of the story. So many characters and places to keep track of... I am now mid way through the first book and I started wondering how old Nynaeve is. She acted like a young woman and all this time I had pictured her as an older woman, kinda like septa Mordane from asoiaf or mother Nenneke from the witcher 😅 Maybe because she's the wisdom so I assumed she old. But no, she is indeed young woman. I'm not sure if it's my fault for not listening or did the book even mention their ages... Guess I'll find out when I'm re-reading them 😄

[@Thegreatblazingsun]

@@atinity6749 I don't think it says her age but it does say that she's believed to be way to young and pretty to be a proper wisdom ...which is somthing she gets very angry about

[@deed0h]

just started the series after hearing you talk about it in one piece videos. i cant believe i didnt get into this story earlier but thanks for intro-ing me to this new adventure!

[@katieamarsh]

I’m in my zillionth reread. It’s amazing how much more I love it every time. My husband is on his second reread. It’s such a special bond, it leads to so many inside jokes too. Talking wot with people is the best. I love your channel.

[@johngross688]

I stopped counting at 13 times. Lol

[@stevenseagal9911]

I've read the eye of the world probably 20+ times, and have read the entire series probably 10+ times since I opened the first book back in 2004. I know nobody who shares my passion for it nor have ever even heard of it. 😢

[@johngross688]

@@stevenseagal9911 i started reading way before that 24 years ago. And read whole thing over and over each time a new book comes out. And i game while listening to it on auidable lol. Like on 3th ti e throught that. Lol

[@stevenseagal9911]

@@johngross688 yea same here with rereading the series as it came out. I've never really counted but definitely, I've read the early books again and again. This series is probably the longest lasting commitment I've ever made in my life lol couldnt tell you how many hours I've spent immersed in Jordan's world.

[@agentq2025]

Wife got me reading them. She waited until I was done with the 6th book to start her reread. I'm on the 11th now, and she is on the 9th. I'm not a quick reader, but I am loving the series, and we have our own inside jokes too now. I wish I had seen this video before hand. I was looking up a character on Google and accidentally had three pretty big spoilers. Still loving the series though.

[@isabelladeane4885]

Halfway through book three, but clicked out of curiosity. Brilliant info and tips!! Especially about googling!!! You are doing a great job and thank you for making a daunting reading endeavour feel even more worth it!

[@dischordsedi205]

I cannot wait for your stormlight vids! As always W.o.T. is just perfect too.

[@kaoticgoodkate]

Thank you for your genuine enthusiasm for this series. I’m starting it the day after tomorrow, wish me luck

[@jordananderson2728]

"He wanted to focus on the human elements" Yes, like arm crossing, braid tugging, and loud sighing. Very human.

[@Trassik]

I haul RV's around the US. Can't read a book while driving, so I use my library card and subscribe to audiobooks. I'd read all of Robert Jordan's 'Wheel' books in an earlier age and didn't look forward to reading someone else's attempt at finishing the series. Seems like I stopped for about a decade. I just finished the audiobook version starting from 12. Was superbly read by Kate Reading and Michael Kramer, and wonderfully crafted by Mr. Sanderson and Robert Jordan(through his notes). Hats off to Mr. Sanderson on stretching the story out - not too much, just enough to "tie off all the threads" - using well the work from 'the source' of the series, Robert Jordan.

[@donnaaldrich8865]

I love how wordy and dense this series is! I’m tired of the 200 page books missing all the depths

[@SStoj]

I always saw WoT as set in the late medieval kind of era, and only just starting to crawl out of it into a renaissance level of tech with gunpowder based weaponry being invented about half way through the series (through the involvement of several key characters), but the kind of gunpowder that's still mainly just big cannons, not yet rifles. Kind of just approaching the period where traditional medieval armies became pike and shot with those cumbersome hand cannons you needed to lug around and set up on a forked stick to fire properly.

[@jbrock7394]

Hey Daniel thank you for the introduction to this series. I’m psyched that I was able to get the whole series with the newer cover art as the series symbol. Also - thank you for the tidbit on note taking with this series; I’m looking forward to it. Keep up the great work! -Peace

[@antonioiglesias2031]

Bring on the spoilers, not worried about them at all... that's why I'm on a WOT discussion channel LOL. I became interested in this series from the WOTC role-playing game nearly 20 years ago. I only got through The Great Hunt though, cause you know life happened. I'm so glad to get back to this and appreciate your channel, and others, for sparking my interest in this again. Looking forward to this re-start. Although, I am beginning with New Spring cause I Googled and it has some of my fave characters in it. Again, not worried about spoilers cause it doesn't take away from my enjoyment of a well crafted story. Looking forward to more from you Daniel, thank you!

[@secondaccount1688]

WoT audio books got me through grad school and my 90 min commute.

[@katieamarsh]

The audiobook is so good. I love the readers.

[@serareads9612]

the audios are phenomenal. like EXCEPTIONAL

[@mahamadkader488]

Same. Love to just chill and listen to them on my 70 min commute

[@turtleanton6539]

Cool!

[@turtleanton6539]

@@mahamadkader488 very cool

[@luksc.a.2353]

You have south americans subscribers too! Brazil here! Very very fan of your job, thank you for everything.

[@hooshyarkarimi9524]

"One critique is that WoT keeps repeating things and is wordy", "One critique is that WoT keeps repeating things and is wordy", "One critique is that WoT keeps repeating things and is wordy", ...

[@jiminianmc]

One critique of your critique of the WoT is that your critique of the WoT keeps repeating things and is wordy

[@Jasminedesi16]

@Tom Phelps Yeah I noticed that in ASOIAF too, it becomes really noticeable on multiple readings.

[@joshuastclairmusic]

I love how your previous videos are not ‘old videos’ per say, but that as I progress in my Wheel of Time journey, more and more of your videos become unlocked and I can finally watch them!

[@Extraxi274]

I always thought about it was more post apocalyptic fantasy. Glad to hear ur going full time.

[@DanielGreeneReviews]

Arcadius that is what it technically is. But I get screamed at for spoilers every time I say that so I didn’t say it in this video.

[@skizzit]

Post post apocalyptic is more accurate but that could maybe be considered a spoiler?

[@Extraxi274]

@@skizzit not reall LOTR could be considered the same and nobody would say that a spiller.

[@joshbrucks]

As the world has mostly recovered i dont think post apocolyptic fits much. Its more the eve of another apocolypse and trying to stop it. Also how can something in the prologue of book 1 be a spoiler?

[@THX-bz8bi]

Im having trouble understanding that to as i couldn't tell whether the series had a futuristic past then transitioned to a renaissance-like world.

[@DeepMoon45]

I love it when you do these types of videos so much! I've already started WOT but I'm still only at the very beginning and I'm struggling with it, these videos where you go into depth and explain why it's so beloved really help give me more motivation to continue it as I really want to get into this series. I'm almost halfway into EOTW and there is a lot that just itches me the wrong way but I'm remaining hopeful as I want to see this progress into a truly great Fantasy story for me

[@black1blade74]

Exactly how I felt a couple months ago but my reading rate has grown and grown!!

[@officerluigi3527]

I’m currently reading Lord of Chaos and honestly, Wheel of Time is my favorite book series so far. I’m so glad I found your channel (pun intended). It’s great to know that there are other people who are incredibly enthusiastic about the series. Whenever I talk about WoT with my friends, they usually have no clue what I’m on about and it becomes very disheartening after a while. I’m loving your videos, especially since they are a great guide for pronunciations because I was way off on quite a few things. Thanks again for all your hard work!

[@sullyb23511]

R.I.P., Mr. Jordan. Thank you for the stories.

[@thepocketboy]

My wife just started book 2 :) liking it so far. Suggestion - deep dive into history and structure of the enemy. That could include dark friends, black ajah and the monster creations (like why and how they are created and the implications)

[@SRosenberg203]

That would be a cool video

[@keren4804]

That video is RIGHT ON TIME, I am going to get into WoT really soon so thank you! (You and some friends have convinced me)

[@eduardoo31]

I finally finished book 14 last night after 3 months of nonstop reading. Thank you so much, Daniel, for introducing me to this amazing world. I laughed, I cried (oh so much), and I can honestly say my life has changed for the better. I can't wait for the show to be released!!

[@katieamarsh]

You’ll just die on reread when you find all the little hints and other things that are in the early books that come to fruition later. It will blow your mind and cement your love of the series.

[@victor_734]

Eduardo Oliveira you read all the 14 books in 3 months?!

[@eduardoo31]

@@victor_734 yeah! The only other book I read during this time was Shadow and Bone, though, so I pretty focused.

[@KubuntuYou]

Welcome to the fold.

[@isaacs5731]

Never heard of wheel of time before I started watching your channel almost exactly a year ago when looking for stormlight content. Just started the Eye of the World yesterday

[@hristovapostol]

Ordered the first book few hours ago, been researching about these books, I’m pretty excited!

[@daibhi4860]

Love this video, I've not so much read the WOT as I have listened to it. Yes, I've managed to reread and get through book 5 so far but I started with it years ago with the Audible versions with Kramer and Reading reading. Phenomenal job that they did as well. The reason for listening to it was that I was a delivery driver at the time and I listened between stops. I think that I went through this about four or five times so far. However, I've collected many of the paperback copies and starting to collecting the hardback editions. Thanks for the energy and love you put into your videos about the WOT and its world.

[@ChiIIChief]

“Hello my beautiful wonderful children.” Does that mean we should officially call you “Daddy Daniel” Now?

[@mischa2643]

ARE YOU MY MOTHER?

[@mountainofdew1196]

Double D

[@melaniev9446]

New fan to the channel, but long time WoT fan (about 23 years lol) and while I've had tons of my own opinions over the years watching your channel has inspired me to do something differently. I've also read the series well over 6 times before, however yeah I often skipped parts I felt eh what's the point again? Well you've gotten my hype for the TV show up and inspired me to do a reread the books with a focus on the details trying to imagine how it all can be interpreted for the show. And while I may only be 60% into EotW but holy crap the things I have noticed and realized! Won't go into it, spoilers and such, but let's just say we the fanbase have actually (probably accidentally) done a disservice to the world of WoT through our misconceptions and interpretations. I've come across so many hints already that goes against so much I previously thought, largely because of the fan community and our joint opinions. My mind is constantly blown, which is a truly fun experience right now.

[@jeremywaters4044]

Every time I reread I get blown away by something new. You may have just inspired me.....

[@danielvanrooyen9602]

Sorry did not get that, was it book 6 or 7 for New Spring? But seriously good timing on this video, will start Eye of the World on Monday.

[@gokbay3057]

You are in for a ride my friend.

[@kaladin1792]

Rly good timing. Ordered it yesterday and its arriving tommorw.

[@revan0890]

After five.

[@kevinmcgervey9363]

Just started at the beginning of quarantine, did not realize how many books there are. Am very excited

[@joshhoffman5233]

I’m on book 3 and I love the series so far. And I am no scaredy cat of density but in the first book, in the beginning, after Lewes Therin lightning blasts the place and it’s just Rand and Tam and the villagers preparing for winter night I almost didn’t make it. It was killing me. Now it goes quickly even though it’s still hella wordy. But man talk about slow starting. That was bad.

[@jamiedavie91]

I am so happy I stumbled accross this channel! I have read WoT twice and I've just reached Pt2 of Book 2 of The Stormlight Archive!

[@JZETH_]

I agree with everything here. The wordiness got me at the beginning but once I got through 100 pages of book 1, I was LOCKED IN.

[@Sealwithwificonnection]

@Will M same here. It managed to keep me pretty engaged throughout those first chapters but I was not expecting that Trolloc attack

[@Sealwithwificonnection]

@Will M thanks

[@businesscat2695]

Woop woop! just ordered the eye of the world! I start my journey tomorrow and this is exactly what im looking for:)) great youtuber!

[@JoySongDesigns]

I am on my third reading… one in text and two on audible… again Kate Reading & Michael Kramer are the quintessential voices for ALL the characters. I am blown away by their ability to sound like so many different people!

[@jaredmacintyre6970]

whats a better experience the audiobook or reading. not sure what to approach with

[@JoySongDesigns]

@@jaredmacintyre6970 - I’m a fiber artist, and I do anything having to do with fabric or yarn or whatever so I like the audiobooks… Depending on the narrator, it is more entertaining for me and I can do my work at the same time. Kate and Michael are two of the best, and there are many others who are really, really good. I’ve been a member of Audible since they started and have never once regretted it.

[@suede__]

@@jaredmacintyre6970 Of course, my opinion, but I think Kramer is ok and Reading is incredibly boring (she does Shallan in Stormlight and I always want to skip her). The Rosamund Pike versions are far, far better.

[@JamesWilliamsVII]

Been watching some of your vids concerning the WoT show that's coming out and am stoked to finally start reading the series as soon as I finish re-reading tRotK.

[@skizzit]

Over descriptive? I guess but I grew up reading Michael Crichton. Jordan doesn't have anything on Crichton's sometimes multi-page dives into complex scientific and technical descriptions. As a long time reader, but someone pretty new to Fantasy, a huge thank you! Your channel is pretty much solely responsible for me starting WoT. I am about 2/3rds of the way through book 4 and loving it.

[@phantasmalemperor8887]

Crichton's over description is one of the things I love about jurrasic park.

[@SRosenberg203]

@@phantasmalemperor8887 Same

[@ryanpatrick1875]

Crichton was a very smart man. He wrote like a very smart man who made sure everyone knew how smart he was by his insane detail work. He put in the effort and reader be damned if they didn't think he was going to make sure they knew how much research he did. It's great.

[@erwinfelis4613]

I would much rather prefer someone being a little wordy by describing the scientific details of something than someone being wordy by having characters that are obsessed with gender and bitch about the opposite gender for hundreds of pages with little plot development. That's what you get with Robert Jordan. He would be a brilliant writer if not for doing that.

[@timidalchemist8475]

@@erwinfelis4613 when were the characters obsessed with genders? They acted reasonable to what was going on in their current events. That sorta conflict that WoT had still applies to today with the amount of SJW's and extreme feminist. I saw a twitter post about how men treat women like dolls, but the poster hated that because she sees her gender being more stronger than men. That's the stuff Jordan did way before the whole modern issues. It may not be the best written characters in fiction, but they are certainly the best in fantasy due to how subtle their actions/motives are.

[@Tony_Dellechiaie]

I have put off reading this series for years because I have always been intimidated by it. After discovering your channel I finally decided to take the dive and I am enjoying it so far. I am almost done book 2 right now.

[@JoelAdamson]

Some of the repetition is due to the books coming out 12 to 24 to 36 months apart, and you have to remember they started coming out in 1990, when books were not as easy to get. Often you couldn't get book 1 even at a library: I know people who started reading at Book 3, and only read Book 1 later.

[@dig8634]

I will never understand this mindset. It's one of the most annoying things about anime too. "People can't remember what happened last time or might have missed what happened, so let's add a permanent stain on the quality of this work so people can easily catch up" Really nice for when you actually follow a story as it comes out and it isn't really front and center of your mind while waiting, or for people who jump right in whenever, but sometimes really horrible for the finished product as a whole.

[@chillsahoy2640]

And some of the repetition is equivalent to the "Previously..." in TV shows. Perhaps a bit silly at times, but if you've been reading other books in between it is easy to forget details of how the magic system works, or whether the weight of a mountain should be compared to death or to duty.

[@Bama6774]

Just throwing this out there. As someone who does NOT enjoy the repetition of descriptions, just... skip it. If you find yourself reading something that you already know, then scan through. Do NOT let this keep you from reading one of the absolutely best fantasy series ever created. If you don't want to scan, then don't. Push yourself through. Don't deny yourself this not only gem of a story, but the whole freaking mine that the gem comes from. It's... simply... amazing.

[@badday4885]

Awesome video, but when would you recommend reading a New Spring?

[@Ben-xj2rf]

bad day? Not really many major spoilers but I’d still recommend publication order, so after book 10.

[@loreleyzambrano7856]

I too would like to know when to read New Spring. I can't believe he's never answered this before! :O

[@shivershins3730]

I'M VERY HAPPY THAT YOU'RE HAVING SO MUCH SUCCESS!!! Thanks for the content and congrats on doing youtube full time

[@stuckonstories]

This video was so helpful (including the add-on at the end, I tend to be very bad at avoiding spoilers)! I remember my cousin reading The Wheel of Time when I was younger and he recommended it to me quite often. I've finally decided to start reading it soon because of your videos :).

[@aaroncrilly2005]

I only started the wheel of time a month ago, I love it so far

[@WoWhunter007]

Have fun! Just don't. Google. Anything.

[@filipequintas5299]

@@WoWhunter007 im on the 5th book and its hard not to, believe me

[@KalRandom]

Welcome to the Wheel of Time. I started it in 91 and have re-read it several times, it's a great world to go to.

[@charlestruppi7793]

On book 10 and started in May. Doing about a book a week.

[@2014Altair]

@@charlestruppi7793 damn you have some reading skills

[@Tubajubaduba]

About a third through the first book right now thanks to your recommendation of fantasy books. I needed something to listen to on a long drive, and I listened to the first 6 chapters over a 5 hour drive and was hooked. Thanks!

[@riverrr11]

King killer chronicles seriously so good and yet ... here we all wait

[@nicolasbsmith78]

I'm 43 yrs old and I love this series so far, but if i would have started it in my 20s I would not have had the patience for all the descriptive work. But I appreciate that work now because there's so much info to take in, so give it to me over and over again so I can get it! 😅

[@harrycoleman727]

Please apply this to other series! (LoTR, Stormlight, Kingkiller (😈), Mistborn etc)

[@Simon_CVR]

Why this emoji for Kingkiller

[@harrycoleman727]

@@Simon_CVR Ayyyyyy! The man himself! 😂😂😂 It's because Daniel is kinda famous for not liking Kingkiller and it's become a meme at this point.

[@rayraffiki1856]

Jack Churchill fought in World War 2 with a broadsword and a long bow. His story is really interesting to read.

[@yeahbee8237]

MAD Jack for a reason

[@Avarn388]

Great video Daniel and congratulations on going full time with KZbin. You will do great. I need to finish eye of the world but I’ve been enjoying it a lot. I do appreciate Jordan’s descriptions and how he can set a scene very well. And I do love the characters. Also I do love the audiobooks and I trust that the ending will be good because Brandon Sanderson is a good author.

[@TheRebelGM56]

Awesome video! A great introduction to the Wheel of Time.

[@roolenoir3183]

It’s only because of you Daniel that I finished the whole series. I tried and with your help I got to where they are separated. That’s when I could jump in. Much easier to keep track of all of them if they’re separated.

[@MissMokate]

ahahah I heard that stretched "hello my beautiful-" and I was half-expecting it to end in "-watchers". I've seen too many Dom's videos

[@nothanks1239]

I really want to read the wheel of time series, but I have never been a lover of repetition of descriptions. So, I'm a bit apprehensive. But, I really want to fall in love with a new book series, and this series is so clearly loved.

[@Rika24]

The fact that it’s third person is a big selling point for me, I HATE first person (yet strangely I put Prey as one of my favorite books of all time lol). Got the first book and plan to read soon :)

[@chillsahoy2640]

I like that it combined the best of both worlds. It is third person, but Jordan as the narrator often used subjective elements, expressions, opinions relevant to the character whose point of view we're taking. This is particularly obvious with chapters told from Mat's point of view. There is one chapter in The Great Hunt told from the perspective of a character whose identity we don't know at the time, yet you immediately get a sense of who they are because of the language the narrator uses during that chapter, descriptions which use adjectives and expressions you'd associate with someone arrogant and full of themselves. This style of writing helps you truly understand the characters, and it shows that both Jordan and Sanderson understood the PoV characters so well that they could tell you a lot about them just through idiosyncrasies and their unique ways of expressing themselves.

[@droppedwaffle242]

what... i... do here...... Daniel, you say this line when you talk about your patreon literally every single time, and you say it the exact same way every time as well. it kind of drives me mad , but at the same time i love it so please oh please dont stop! dont ever stop!

[@nufvcosta]

Before reading, the main thing you need to know: keep an eye out for matrim cauthon. Best character.

[@michael305m3]

I’m on the 10th book and he’s been my favorite since the 5th one, after the first few books he seems like the only truly sane one left and he gives a fresh perspective to the story

[@unknown3158]

Moiraine's my favourite, and that is not gonna change any time soon. But, I do like Mat as well, and Perrin too, Rand on the other hand, I actually want Moridin to wipe the floor with him, just to teach him a lesson (I am on book 8 btw).

[@aysseralwan]

Agree Mat, Perrin and Loial are the GOATs

[@anthonyvincent7762]

I would like to say i like these videos you are making. I have started to re-read the wheel of time sense i finished the series years ago. And re-reading it i have already noticed many things i have missed or do not remember. Great Great series and recommend it to anyone and im super stoked that they are making a TV series for the wheel of time. FINALLY!! Lets hope its just as good as the book were!

[@VillaDish]

I cant wait to see how they use different accents in the TV show

[@JoySongDesigns]

I absolutely LOVE all the words!!!! He creates a rich and fulsome world in which I can become lost… sometimes this is a blessing.

[@zadig08]

I just started the third book in the series and just happened to bump into this channel out of nowhere. Thanks a bunch! Guess I know what to do after I read book 5. The only thing I've found off-putting so far is that the three boys have gone through so much, and they are still refusing to accept their new reality.

[@tnbsp]

Awesome video! to add: if you read on kindle, be careful with the kindle xray system. I saw some major spoilers by clicking on names with that; finally now its not happening to me anymore, kindle is awesome for helping me keep track of the many characters but in a few of the books i did have that problem as it was showing me the wiki page via kindle - it might be a settings thing but I never figured it out. On book 9 now

[@bryson2662]

Malazan is quite a bit longer though when you include the non BotF books, even if you only include works by Erikson himself.

[@DanielGreeneReviews]

Bryson Bennett I was under the impression those were a different author and were not apart of the main series at all? Just in the same world. Hense why I would count it separately. It’s a different story. Though that is highly debatable

[@captainwilhelm9657]

@@DanielGreeneReviews I've only read the first two of Esselmont but while the first book is largely standalone the second book continues a plot thread from book of the fallen and a major thing with the Malazan Empire happens at the end of the 2nd Esselmont book and from what I understand the 4th Esselmont book is a direct sequel to the 8th book in BotF.

[@disorientedkiwi7984]

Daniel Greene The best comparison to it is the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Think of the main series as the Avengers with the surrounding series as the rest of MCU. The “main” conflict happens in the Book of the Fallen but background and smaller plot threads will occur in the side books

[@bryson2662]

@@DanielGreeneReviews Ian C Esselmont's (ICE) books have new and old characters and his books often heavily tie into the "main" BotF series. They it course are not necessary to enjoy but that's why I said even only including Erikson's work (BotF + Karkanas books) is longer than WoT. The Karkanas books take place hundreds of thousands of years before BotF but is mostly characters we already know. It's a Shakespearean tragedy about the Tiste people and Mother Dark and it's absolutely beautiful. Also Erikson is almost finished with the first book in a new trilogy that is a sequel to BotF and he's confirmed many characters returning in that too.

[@reetisarkar392]

​@@DanielGreeneReviews Well if it's a comparison between WoT and Malazan, I'd definitely say Kharkanas, Return of Crimson Guard, Witness trilogy etc are all as much a part of Malazan as New Spring is a part of Wheel of Time. Kharkanas in fact is basically a prequel before the Book of the Fallen occurs. And Kharkanas and Witness are by Steven Erikson.

[@TheDevler23]

THANK YOU!! I've been sending this to everyone who has been on the fence about reading this series. It's so difficult to get people to commit to this high fantasy epic. Stuff like this helps!

[@fthoodgijoe]

The strongest argument for how well Jordan wrote cultures is the sheer number of LGBTQ characters woven throughout the narrative. The subtlety and nuance he employed in the exploration of their lived experiences, and how those experiences shaped their interactions with the world around them - not to mention their impact on the plot - truly makes the reader wonder if they’re even really there, at all.

[@nicksuitup7822]

THANK YOU. That 1st person vs. 3rd person comment was SPOT ON!!!!

[@thedarkonestaint6105]

When reading other stories besides WoT, I never feel like I'm getting enough info dumps haha

[@demondrickstern1822]

Wish RJ had left notes for the two prequels and the two sequel trilogies but Robert Jordan was my fav fantasy writer and to be honest I still miss his blogs and updates rip to a wonderful man and legend

[@mitchellwhitaker9627]

In your defense, he lives on so strongly in my heart I still sit waiting for the next installment