Should You Read The Wheel Of Time? | (Spoiler Free)

[@tarisedai9573]

I think your praise and criticism is very accurate and is shared by most of the fandom. I love watching people react to this series. You should do the show next haha

[@conorreads]

A lot of people have requested it, I may have to!

[@tarisedai9573]

@conorreads It would be so cool, especially with the books still so fresh in your mind. I really enjoyed the TV show over all. My best advice is to go into it with an open mind. I think they made some very smart choices to explain things in a really concise way to viewers who have never read the books. However many of those changes made a very vocal minority of book fans VERY angry. So if you do, be prepared for them to pop on into the comments section.

[@conorreads]

@@tarisedai9573 yeah the adaptations are always divisive!

[@tarisedai9573]

@conorreads For sure. And everyone's feelings are valid. I sometimes just a little frustrated and overwhelmed at people who come into comment sections just to argue with people who like something they don't. But I'm sure having a KZbin channel you've experienced that already. I don't think I could handle moderating that sort of thing.

[@conorreads]

literally 99% of people have been awesome to be fair, but not huge amounts of people watch what I out up so perhaps I have the luxury of having a smaller community and the supportivenss of that. However, something more divisive like the adaptation may change that if I get round to coveirng it @@tarisedai9573

[@darius_Pk]

Im happy to see you liked it. I never heared about wheel of time sience amazon released the first trailer for the show. I watched the show and I loved it so much and I did something I rarely did before. I bought the first book. Yeah, wheel of time is the series that put me into reading and I love it. I read a book per mounth. Reading became my first hobby. Thank you Robert Jordan.

[@simplysierra9035]

If you are done, you should check out The Mistborn series by Brandon Sanderson.

[@darius_Pk]

@@simplysierra9035 its on the list. Im reading dune (book 4) and Shogun now. I read the way of kings but it didn't entertained me as much as wheel of Time did.

[@carolbriscoe9337]

That was how I also came to be now reading the series. The first season roused my curiosity as to what had to be omitted.

[@darius_Pk]

​@@carolbriscoe9337yes, I think the show does a really good job making people interested enought to read the books. But for a book reader I don't really like the show because of the changes. Its just.. Why?

[@LeahB31]

I’m glad you enjoyed the series and will eventually do a reread. 🥰

[@conorreads]

Oh yeah it’s inevitable

[@douglasadams8201]

Took me like a year and a half. I missed it when it was done.

[@conorreads]

Yeah it’s the background of your whole life for that duration!

[@catalinski]

I was unsure about the series until now! ordered the first book right away! thank you for your video :)

[@mrbamfo5000]

I think some of the repetitive nature has to do with the fact he reacquainted readers because of the time between books.

[@Uhlbelk]

I try to understand peoples criticisms of the series and I think I have come up with analogies as to why you could say that the wheel of time isn't a great fantasy story. I feel it starts with the inspiration of the series which of course is LOTR. I think about why I don't think LOTR is a great fantasy story and why Jordan wanted to do something different with his books. Here is how I think of them. Tolkiens stories are not great because he wasn't trying to write a fantasy story. He was inspired by folk tales and historical belief systems, he was trying to create a whole new set of mythology based in a fantasy world. The problem with mythology stories instead of fantasy stories, is its culturally based, it requires the readers/listeners to be familiar with the beliefs and traditions of the people. Names will be dropped with no explanation because they are already supposed to be known. This leaves the readers being told things with no real understanding and you just have to nod your head and say ok. Jordan wanted to make a story that was realistic, not a mythology, but a history. Something that was so detailed and based on real expectations that the reader would nod along and say, "that makes perfect sense". He wasn't writing the equivalent of the battle of troy in the Iliad, he was writing a documentary on world war II. Unfortunately in order to explain history well in a documentary, you have to include a lot of information that may not be interesting until much later when the importance of something is realized. Sadly history isn't that interesting to everyone and most would rather watch a movie or TV show than they would a documentary. This is why I don't think Tolkien wrote a very good fantasy story, because thats not really what he did. Likewise, Jordan in a lot of ways didn't write a great fantasy story, because thats not the purpose of the books.

[@conorreads]

It’s a good analysis of why the detail and meandering nature of the world building is important, but I’ve not really met anyone who doesn’t think it’s a great fantasy story though!

[@DmGray]

WoT is a series that gives more in rereads than any other books I've come across. I've only done 2 full reads (though repeated the first 7-8 a few times more, as I was getting them and restarting from the beginning) but it's not JUST the depth of the story but ALSO your personal experiences that inform your perspective. I never read them as a teen, but I can imagine them having a FAR different impact on teen me. Even going from late 20s to late 30s gave me a FAR different understanding of various characters. Too much is made of the flaws imo. Sure, the work is imperfect. At times Jordan could have used a more severe editor. But what he accomplished remains amazing.

[@leonguy1164]

It’s been a blast listening to your comments and predictions throughout the series thanks for sharing. You’ve probably been asked before but have you watched / plan to watch the series? Maybe react to it? Also how far are you dragged into the fandom now? Would you attend a convention? (Shout out to malkiericon in Manchester in a couple of weeks time)

[@conorreads]

I actually have watched the first couple of episodes of the series but it didn’t grab me! I may do a watch along at some point though. Yes I probably would attend a convention, but I am in Texas so would need something a lot closer!

[@leonguy1164]

@@conorreads thanks for the reply that’s super kind, spoilt for choice for WoT conventions in the US so I’m sure you would have a great time if you did attend. And about the show that’s fair, if you did it I’m sure it would get views but no point if you aren’t enjoying it anyway. Even those of us that enjoyed the show for what it was are forced to admit it’s a mixed bag, I’ve got high hopes for season 2.

[@conorreads]

@@leonguy1164 I could be fun to watch it with a mind to comment on it / analyze it, but watching just for enjoyment it didnt grab me. I feel like I enjoyed the wheel of time so much more because I knew I needed to pay very close attention to be able to comment on it coherently

[@haplozetetic9519]

@@leonguy1164 From what I've heard, any serious move to be closer to the books won't be seen until season 3. So far it's way too far from the books for me, and I have other serious issues with it, but we can hope.

[@killiansirishbeer]

Reading filler books in between is such a great idea 🤯 I sometimes burn out with long stories and I read there where passages that were really slow. I've been debating reading them, because I like the series although I'm fully aware the «1hour, 8 episodes per season» format will never do fantastic book series justice, and certainly not The Wheel of Tiem... But it's a good introduction to the story. After this review, you've convinced me to at least give it a try and read the first book, so thanks 👍

[@killiansirishbeer]

Should I read the first book first or the prequel 🤔 ?!

[@conorreads]

The first book! I’m glad you are giving it a go, honestly I wasn’t 100% sold until I got into the 2nd and third book. The first has so much going on! But man it’s such an adventure

[@killiansirishbeer]

@@conorreads Thanks to your reply and I'll definitely give it a go 😁

[@Alex_...34565]

The way it's described reminds me of books that are targeted towards 10-12 year olds and i love it, because books for adults usually for some reason don't show things as vividly even if its fantasy

[@mrbamfo5000]

I've read the series twice. Takes me 2, 2 1/2 months to read it. Right now I'm about to finish book 6 listening to the audio version.

[@AeonKnigh432]

You should read Brandon Sanderson's work, if you haven't. I'm sure you here that a lot, but it's true. He's the one who finished the series after Robert Jordan's death, and it's genuinely amazing. It has a lot of the same things that drew me into The Wheel of Time, it's very good.

[@conorreads]

I will undoubtedly move on to Sanderson soon. Wanted to jump into a different author next (Joe Abercrombie) but will be with Sanderson soon.

[@rogerhuggettjr.7675]

I put off reading the Wheel Of Time, because I had just finished 30+ Terry Brooks books from Word/Void, Shanarra and Magic Kingdom. I heard the whole line about the wheel has no beginning and no end and I had the idea that characters were randomly moving on a timeline and I couldn't relate to the concept. What got me was I then read Mistborn and heard Sanderson finished the series so I assumed it had to be good. I've just reached book 12 and it's great. My only break was I read Guards!Guards! and Mort from Discworld to get through the slog.

[@conorreads]

If you look at the series as a whole it’s quite intimidating especially the middle as there is a lot of character development without much changing the world around them. But only crossroads would I say I didn’t not enjoy at all. Book 12 was my favorite but you are in for a treat! Enjoy the ending!

[@evanhayward1502]

Great review. You read the entire series in months. I read it over 22 years. Reading and re-reading the earlier books waiting for the next book to come. The spines of my books have scars. The Slog, which you refer to, was a slog for us because we spent years between books waiting for ... more of the same offshoot storyline. About four years to get that nonsense done. There's only one character-driven fantasy series at the same level, IMO. Wars of Light and Shadow (incomplete. Janny, get writing, please!) Progression and power-creep is steady and explained. Characters remain in character. You know, for example, that Nynaeve will punch before she will channel. Mat will always come to rescue his friends. And you're right about the conclusion. It is complete. Some sub-plots ended unsatisfactorily but they were ended. The main plot conclusion I never saw coming because lives/dies binary. I was most satisfied by the non-ending. Glad you liked the books and via your videos you are now part of the fandom. Welcome. WOT is an awesome journey.

[@conorreads]

Thanks Evan, definitely the most epic and complete journey over ever read! The fandom made it so much more enjoyable to read it also

[@john94949]

Robert Jordan? Pass. Couldn’t get past the very first one. The guy’s an amateur, very unrefined. I respect that he influenced better writers, though

[@andrewolesen8773]

I am going to miss your weekly WoT vids. Are you going to do one on re-reading the prologues from The Eye of the World?

[@rabidskylark2065]

I have not experienced many of these issues that people talk about. The only boring books for me were 2, 3, and maybe part of 4. After that, it was awesome. It is easily my favorite series so far due to the very complete world.

[@conorreads]

Have you finished the series?

[@rabidskylark2065]

@@conorreads Yeah, I was actually on the final book when I wrote this and finished it shortly after.

[@gizmoochi]

Another great review my friend. If you would like another example of the brilliance of Robert Jordan and have everything you have read about the Wheel of Time questioned, please check out the short video I sent you in the comments of your last upload. Your mind will be blown!

[@conorreads]

I'll check it out!

[@sejan8812]

I’m currently at crossroads of twilight and just today there was a see creature mentioned called “bee jelly” and i’m pretty sure that’s a jellyfish and that’s so cute 😭😭

[@carolbriscoe9337]

I know exactly which book you are referring to, having finally reached book 11! But overall, I do agree with you. The series is worth reading. And I have the TV series to thank. Without watching the first season I might never have picked up the first book.

[@conorreads]

Once you through it it’s good fun all the way to the end

[@LeahB31]

The braid tug is iconic. 😂 Look at the character growth later shown simply with the reduction of tugging. 😂

[@conorreads]

It does die down but I assumed that was because Sanderson didn’t want to continuously add it in!

[@vitormazza927]

U forgot tô mention the romance is usually pretty bad (in my opinion), there are only 2 or 3 romances that are not a instalove or some wierd "you're so stupid i wanna kiss you" hahaha. There's one think i want know which series até u goin tô read next?

[@conorreads]

Yeah most of the romances are terrible, but there a few saving graces! Androl and Pevara is by far the best, rand and min is good, Moiraine and Thom are kind of out of nowhere but I like them together. I am ready the first law by Joe Abercrombie rn!

[@jenliz6248]

@@conorreadsOhh I’m sure you’ll like First Law. If you ever feel like trying out audio, the audio is great! The narrator has perfect voices for the different characters.

[@conorreads]

@@jenliz6248 thanks! I’ve enjoyed it so far

[@grahamsmith2753]

Some of the repetition is due to the length of time between the publication of the books. Jordan was updating. I agree with the unsatisfying way in which a certain character ended. I was expecting much more. It seemed very strange to me, even as I read it. I still hope that at some point you'll try Clive Barker's Weaveworld. It's nothing like The Wheel of Time series, but wonderfully written. It's a single-volume, but it's the only story other than The Wheel of Time that's remained with me. I've reread it many times.

[@conorreads]

I’ve got weaveworld on my list bro!

[@kithrynevergreen]

So nice to see you joining the fandom! welcome! Your appreciation for the world and the author is great to see. I couldn't agree more on practically everything you said.

[@conorreads]

Thankyou! Glad you enjoyed!

[@mcina001]

Apt assessment. You’re spot on about the strengths and weaknesses. When do you start a re-read, you may be surprised at how different our main characters were at the start of the story.

[@conorreads]

Unrecognizable mostly I would guess

[@AeonKnigh432]

Well I'm going to do it anyway, but I do want to know if it's a terrible idea first

[@raea29]

Great analysis of the series as a whole that gives people a basic understanding of what to expect. You were a little under with PoVs though 140+ I believe. Having it end is definitely the biggest part for me going in. There are a few exceptions where I trust we won't get stuck without the end of the series but in general a series has to be complete for me to start.

[@conorreads]

Are there any series you are waiting on the end of? I am waiting on Patrick rothfuss, those two books are maybe the two most beautiful books over ever read, but it doesn’t look like he will ever finish. Also waiting on Scott Lynch gentleman bastards but each book has gotten slightly worse in my opinion, the most recent wasn’t good, so not on the edge of my seat for that. Yes I massively undershot the number of perspectives In that case 😂

[@raea29]

@@conorreads Yeah King killer is one I am waiting for and am extremely uncertain and also gentleman bastards. I do read Sanderson as he releases but he is a different breed and there is little question about those being finished. I also read lightbringer 1-4 before 5 was released as well. These days I tend to check if any media I consume is complete before starting it. I'm prone to rereading to prepare for a new release and it eats time I could be reading new content.

[@conorreads]

@@raea29 the joys of reading

[@bulldawg0069]

I have read this series several times. Part of the reason why is, I was already an RJ fan from his many Conan books he had written for TOR, so I started looking for something else of his. When I found The Wheel of Time the first 3 books had already been written and I came across the set packed together so I got them. About the time I had finished book 2, book 4 was released. Long story short, I would go back and reread each book while waiting for the next to come out. So yes, I totally understand there can be some frustrating moments but, on rereads you know where and when you can skip over a few pages. Needless to say I loved this series. It's been really fun and interesting to see and hear the reactions of "new" readers as they go through and finish reading. Welcome to the club. :)

[@conorreads]

The waits must’ve been a gift and a curse, so much time to hypothesize, reread and marinate. Yet having to wait always kills me

[@stankovicmarko99]

Love the reviews!

[@chrissleeping65]

My Wheel of Time Ranking 1. The Shadow Rising 2. A Memory of Light 3. The Gathering Storm 4. Towers of Midnight 5. The Great Hunt 6. The Dragon Reborn 7. Knife of Dreams 8. The Fires of Heaven 9. Lord of Chaos 10. The Eye of the World 11. A Crown of Swords 12. Winter's Heart 13. New Spring 14. The Path of Daggers 15. Crossroads of Twilight

[@conorreads]

I’d have to recap them all before making a list, but the dragon reborn was so much fun. The gathering storm probably had the most impactful crescendo as well. But yeah I’d need to go back through and remember what happened in each of them

[@housemansson]

Whole heartedly agree that some sections become a bit of chore, as you said. Though sometimes I wonder what the effect would be on the better parts. Would the anticipation and build up become lessened or would it get better? Like cheating in games, the part of the game that is a chore is integral to the payoff later, so when you plug-in cheat codes it all becomes rather boring 🤷‍♂️

[@conorreads]

It surely adds to the pay off, now does x amount of chore equal x amount of pay off? No I think it’s probably diminishing returns at some point.

[@housemansson]

@@conorreads that is a good point 😂 One that R.J. surely reached!

[@conorreads]

@@housemansson yeah he pushes the boundaries for sure 😂

[@joeramulders]

Well said! So, i began listening to book 2 again. I guess i can't wait another week for the TV series to drop. And now i remember this person complaining about Daes dae'mar being kind of lame, and me trying to explain that was because sheepherder just wasn't getting it yet. Was that you?

[@conorreads]

It was quite a while ago I read book 2! I’ve not done too much complaining about the series but it may have been!

[@jarkody]

These are all solid reasons to take the Wheel of Time Journey! I would add that the magic system is phenomenal and I love how it’s completely different from the usual spells and hand waving magic. I’m still at the beginning of book 14 so I’ll have to see your final videos once I catch up lol. I knew you were gonna finish the series before I did 😂!

[@conorreads]

Oh I am jealous you are to read it for the first time! It’s a wild ride. Yes I realized thinking back I should have mentioned the magic

[@haplozetetic9519]

@@conorreads I appreciate that the one power and its use seemed like a natural extension of the world, and not something just tacked on.

[@YLLPal]

Are the audiobooks worthwhile? I am such a slow reader of hard copies, I think I would never get through even 2 books

[@conorreads]

I’ve not listened but a lot of people use them, I’d imagine they are top quality! Don’t worry about how long it takes to read anyway, as long as you are enjoying it’s doesn’t really matter. Maybe you get to enjoy it longer….

[@YLLPal]

Fantastic 😁 I'm looking forward to it

[@evanhayward1502]

Character development so sustained.

[@conorreads]

Only frustrating part with characters is we do lose them sometimes for books at a time!

[@aldan7812]

In conclusion, I've followed many many peoples reading journeys of WoT and yours my man has been top shelf material. Congrats on reading it in the spirit it was intended a) and b) enjoy the re-read!! 1st re-read is a thing of beauty, and another experience you will never forget :-) To quote the dude playing Rand in the non-adaptation show - 'there are neither beginnings nor endings to re-reading the wheel of time'. He gets it :-)

[@conorreads]

Aha that’s awesome bro, I appreciate your enthusiastic viewership!

[@aldan7812]

@@conorreads if you ever go vacationing down under, hit me up for a beer mate :-)

[@conorreads]

100%, Where you at in Australia?@@aldan7812

[@aldan7812]

@@conorreads Brisvegas mate, southside of Brisbane.

[@conorreads]

@@aldan7812 brisvegas 😂

[@SexkeksProducts]

Alright, one last question, is it woke?

[@conorreads]

Nope, everyone equally has huge gaps and holes in their morals and abilities. None of them are virtuous without fault and make huge mistakes throughout. Gender is very important but not in a Way that puts one gender over another, they both equally suck at times and prove they aren’t to be given total power constantly

[@SexkeksProducts]

@@conorreads Alright then, I buy the entire saga.