The Great Hunt: Spoiler-free & Spoiler Review | 2 To Ramble #76

[@chief8625]

The #1 reason I watch is because I have nobody else in my life who reads epic fantasy and want to see someone else discuss books I've read and add to my ever growing TBR list.

[@2ToRamble]

Great reason we’ll take it! And we joke, we’re honored you’re watching 🤝

[@rjmoore44]

Same!!!!

[@Volactic]

Same

[@codywynn6534]

Why do I watch? I love seeing how wrong Austin is about everything and also how right Richard is about everything. Lmao love the pod btw

[@2ToRamble]

Cody I would be angry at you but Richard needed this win. Ill let it slide 😂. Appreciate you watching, cheers dude

[@greysnake2903]

Richard could do no wrong. He is always right.

[@danehardy1898]

"The characters are frustrating, but that's part of the fun".....best way to say it. You don't have to like or agree with characters for them to be good characters.

[@ewitsdonovan]

I finished the series about a month ago and I have to say my favorite part about the series is how Jordan develops a bigger picture through various very unreliable perspectives. The flaws and biases of each character is so firmly ingrained into the world and culture they grew up in, and the aspects of the character that makes you hate them are integral to their arc later on.

[@RikusonOne]

Austin : i can't wait to see him be the Dragon reborn in the next book called that Richard : 😶

[@Dragonsworn864]

we all made that mistake

[@MikeyHansen]

Me after book one: Ehhhh it’s aight. Me after book two: Yeah I’m hooked. Damn, what an absolute banger! I was scared that it wouldn’t happen but I’m completely and utterly hooked from this point onwards.

[@piefearion3663]

I had a similar opinion to Austin (be better) about books 1 and 2--maybe around a point higher--when I read book 3 it easily became my favorite book in the series. I cannot describe to you how much this series really steps up after that. I even found "the slog" to be so much better than the first two.

[@2ToRamble]

This makes me SUPER hopeful. Just the comment I needed thank you, Im encouraged things might turnaround as I suspected. Thankya!

[@jaycarr5906]

Richard's comment about the frustration being the fun part is probably why I'm on book 8 and I started reading them at the end of March. lol. What you as the reader knows is so vastly different than what each pov character knows that it makes the series sometimes very frustrating to read but also a heck of a lot of fun to read too. I was like Austin with Rand in the beginning, but in books 4 and 5 he really started to grow on me. Rand''s "Aw crap, I guess it is me" moment at the end of book 3 made me laugh out loud.

[@CvpArt]

Finally! I started the series alongside you guys and I’m now just about done reading book 3. So far this one has been my favorite. Book 2 was such a big improvement from the first imo. Austin’s score makes so little sense to me haha. I think this one was so much fun and made me care a lot more about Rand and made me way more interested in the rest of the story. So as a first time reader I think this one is really good. Looking forward to your episode on book 3!

[@2ToRamble]

Oo glad we got you to start it and that you’re liking it! I’ll have to catch up to you and keep pace - hoping to like book 3 a lot more, Im looking forward to the direction it takes at the very least

[@CvpArt]

@@2ToRamble yeah I’ve been enjoying it quite a bit so far. I don’t know if I’ll keep up with one book a month since I’m a slow reader but it’s a kinda fun challenge. So worth a try I think. Im definitely leaning more towards what Richard feels about the series but obviously not as much yet. I do think it’s been fun so far and I’m liking the characters and world, so definitely feeling more positive about than you Austin. 😄 Finishing book 3 today and hopefully starting book 4 today or tomorrow.

[@bubsyoutube]

You dudes are awesome. Love the enthusiasm and passion. Keep it up!

[@2ToRamble]

Cheers! Thank you!!

[@michaelconnor3128]

Ive never read a fantasy book in my life but now find myself seeking your videos out. Love your enthusiasm. Might even start with the wheel of time as my first dip in to fantasy

[@2ToRamble]

What a comment - amazing that you might give it a shot, thank you thank you!

[@renimaruuu9220]

I usually dont watch podcasts but yall are so entertaining. Keep up the good work

[@2ToRamble]

Appreciate that!!

[@excellent.side.characters]

6:33 I felt very called out and went on to start a workout while listening to your discussion 😅

[@2ToRamble]

😂😂

[@DarkestHourETF]

ITS ABOUT TIME AUSTIN we been waiting on this one🗣🗣🗣🔥🔥🔥

[@2ToRamble]

WE MADE IT (at a snails pace) but WE MADE IT

[@Africanorphan123]

Just found this channel, and I already love the energy, you guys are awesome 😂😂

[@ddg4762]

Love y’all channel man. Started wheel of time last year and now it’s cool that I can see y’all review it as I go along.just finished book 3

[@tylerdmace]

As someone who has never cared about spoilers, the reasoning is simple: I care about the ideas and concepts explored by a work and the characters being used to do that exploration. For me, the enjoyment isn't about being surprised by events (twists) or being happy that I correctly guessed the events prior -- it's about observing events and how characters react to them. I find people more interesting than the events themselves or the order in which they occur.

[@pl9462]

I don‘t get the Rand having no character arc arguement. In book one it was accepting leaving Edmond‘s Field behind and in book to it‘s accepting being the Dragon Reborn.

[@josephadcock7449]

Austin clearly didnt go into these books with the right mindset

[@josephadcock7449]

I get it with book 1 but book the characters were immediately more interesting as well as the plot

[@mordaeu1411]

Granted, I haven't completely finished The Great Hunt. It's been a slow burn for me as well, but it's expected with the first books in a long series. I must say, I absolutely adore Loial. I feel like I connect with those types of characters. Same with Sazed from the Mistborn Trilogy. My favorite characters and can't wait to see their character developments and adventures.

[@krthompson7519]

Loial is a high point for me too

[@ChrisCEdwards07]

I have re-read the series countless times. I am STILL finding new connections spanning from beggining to end and throught the series that i had not caught the previous read throughs. RJ was the master of setting things up for the long haul. So i get when Austin feels it doesnt pay off as in comploete arcs each book, but DAYUM it pays off in the end (and throughout for some things) and even moreso on rereads!

[@ChrisCEdwards07]

I also realize this was a year ago and yall are probably wrapping up the series so i cant wait to see how yall feel by now once i get there!

[@cjrulem]

I am with Austin on this and honestly don't think he will finish the series. In my experience reading them, the best was book 3 or 4, but not much better than 1-2. Then the series somehow got much worse. I was pulling my hair out reading 6-11(ish) and only stuck with it because I wanted to have the series done before the show aired. The ending is better but the entire series was still a 3/10 for me.

[@clark8587]

What kept you going exactly? I can’t imagine reading a 14 book series out of spite.

[@CScott-wh5yk]

Did you like the show?

[@IzzyZil20]

I finished The Great Hunt today and came straight here to say, it’s a very good book. I gave it 5 stars on good reads and rate it at a 9.2/10, I genuinely don’t know what Austin’s issue is because it’s very good fantasy. Better than some of the stuff he’s praised ;)

[@christopherrodriguez3646]

I love the banter you guys have, it reminds me of the back and forth shit talking I have with my best friend and it’s all good because neither of us takes it seriously

[@DMB00085]

Finally!!! Been waiting for this.

[@kylemccoymusic4202]

I finished the WoT last month, and looking back on it... The Great Hunt was one of my least fav pre-slog books. Which seems to be a hot take. I found Selene's character annoying, in the sense that its obvious what her motivations are while everyone else is oblivious. That was my main gripe, with other minor ones popping up here and there. But i did overall enjoy The Great Hunt. Though i am interested in how a re-read will affect my scoring. Bc as Richard has said, the foreshadowing in this entry seems fantastic! I'd be particularly interested in seeing Egwene's perspectives this early on, as she does undergo some turbelent character development that seemes to ripple throughout her character arc.

[@2ToRamble]

Fair points - Im guessing that you’ll like it more on the reread just like Richard especially if you still overall enjoyed it on first read even with it being your least favorite. If you ever get to it, curious what ya think!

[@kylemccoymusic4202]

​@@2ToRambleProbably won't happen for a while, but I will let you know! After the WoT I've been taking break from fantasy to cleanse my palette. But hearing your thoughts has a been a fun way of vicariously reliving the series. I hope you become invested by book 4 Austin! It's one of my favs!

[@2ToRamble]

@@kylemccoymusic4202 Same here! Cheers dude

[@Godsmack477x]

If Austin says he won’t reread the first two…man he’s gonna have a tough time in the series. The first 6 books are the best. You can say 3-6 are better than 1-2 but not that much really. If there are problems now I think books 7-10 will kill it for Austin easily.

[@2ToRamble]

Damn, what would you say your least and most favorite books were in the series?

[@krishbohra5536]

I just finished reading book 3 about a month back. And I'm thoroughly enjoying this series. I don't think I can start rereading books this heavy on a whim though. This series atleast for me perfectly encapsulates the idea of a "take your time" book. Just not meant to be blasted through. Takes me 2-3 months to get through each of these but I'm always enjoying and enthusiastic to continue

[@Godsmack477x]

@@2ToRambleI’m not done with it yet 😅. I thought book 2 was significantly better than 1 and books 3,4 and 6 were my favorite. I’m starting 10 now but books 7-9 have been so slow so far I just want to get out of the slog. Path of daggers was the worst and winters heart over path of daggers.

[@acurlyboi2944]

@@Godsmack477xif it makes you feel any better, 11-14 completely take off, and 12 is my favourite in thebseries

[@Godsmack477x]

@@acurlyboi2944 I know that’s why I’m sticking through

[@The.dog.and_books]

I am so invested to see the WOT reviews! I'm 100% on Austin's side and have never felt so validated. I want to love WOT so much, but I've never made it past book 4. If Austin changes his opinions on the upcoming books, I may give it another shot though!

[@2ToRamble]

Reading book 3 as we speak 😁 - glad youre validated but sucks we don’t love it. Curious to see how this all plays out!

[@The.dog.and_books]

@2ToRamble it really does! It such an epic fantasy, it should be everything I love in a book. Always been stumped why I wasn't obsessed like friends 😅 Very curious to see if the series takes a turn for the better for you!

[@brittanyherron9034]

I will watch spoilers sometimes and sometimes I don't. I do it because of crazy anxiety... I realize that I am missing a reveal if I know what happens but I will enjoy reading exactly how it plays out anyway, where sometimes I get very anxious and not so great feeling with plot build up. I do the same thing with movies I always read Wikipedia while the movie is on, lol. That being said I've read all of WOT and love it

[@dark_xcaliber_7183]

Edit- “Austin be better” “Are you not entertained?!?!” Is the vibe Austin is giving😂 recently came around to your channel and love it! As a writer that has a debut book releasing soon, I hope to one day have a spoiler free/spoiler review ramble😂

[@2ToRamble]

Holy crap congrats on the upcoming novel!! Always feel free to email us at 2toramble@gmail about it and we can give it a look, cheers!

[@danielbroome5690]

Almost every cliché that can be pointed out in wheel of tiny is because it originated many of them

[@henryyt1]

Reading through WoT as well. I actually really enjoyed EotW and Great Hunt, though I think it's because I started reading fantasy less than a year ago and I've never read LotR. To me, this story felt weirdly fresh even though I was aware how derivative EotW is. Also since I started my fantasy journey with ASOIAF I didn't find the writing style to be sluggish. I read Final Empire for the first time in between Great Hunt and Dragon Reborn though, and trying to go back to WoT after being acclimated to a much faster pace of storytelling was VERY hard; it was super difficult for me to get through the first 2/3rds of Dragon Reborn (though the climax was awesome, as is customary for this series I'm coming to learn). I got through the first 100 pages of Shadow Rising and the same thing was happening. But then, for the first time ever, I decided to try using an audio book, and it's genuinely helped so much. I hear you, Austin. I have been struggling too. It feels like I'm missing something. I want to love this series so bad, and I felt like I was starting to after finishing Great Hunt. But for now, I just like it. I so badly wish I had a better attention span. I'm fully prepared to audio-book my way through this series until I get to the Sanderson novels; it's not my ideal way to read books but I'd rather do it that way than not at all.

[@2ToRamble]

This was a much needed comment - definitely feel like Im missing something too and wish I liked it more. We’re on the same page, but it looks like you got more out of the first few books than I did. Hope the audiobooking continues to work, I’ve been listening on purely audio so far 👊

[@jorgeaguilar5851]

Austin is right at 25:00 Rand doesn't know he's the dragon reborn by the end of book 1, only the reader knows. Whay Rand finds out at the end of the 1st is that he can channel, but not that he's the dragon. He finds out until book 2 when he meets with Siuan, Moraine and Verin and the beginning before the hunt begins

[@matthewmichaelcrown3643]

Am rereading Book 1 for the 4th time. Gets better each time.

[@zbuddha420]

I love wheel of time and I felt the same way my first time through. Rand didn't become a favorite of mine until way later. Around book 6. Which is the best book. I think book 3 is where it really becomes it's own thing though.

[@CorMan426]

I’m currently on Book 10 and the way character arcs unfold does make the world feel more real rather than having each character have a specific arc per book. Rand imo was not that interesting until Books 3/4 (both of which are my favorites) and this is really where the series hits a great balance between plot and character work moving forward (I’m alternating btwn WoT & Stormlight and while I like Stormlights characterization and plot detail more I’d say I like WoT’s character and overall plot more, which i hadn’t thought about until this video!)

[@2ToRamble]

Interesting! I (austin) am anticipating book 4 for sure, heard this is where the series starts to stand out

[@TheDustyWheel]

Enjoyed the conversation. Apathy towards Rand would certainly make this early part of the story difficult to connect with. The Great Hunt is one of my favorites in the series, and it’s certainly due to new characters in relation to an expanding world, plots, and universe building. I’m decades detached from my first read…so it’s tough to remember my initial reaction, but I know I enjoyed it much more than TEoTW, and it sold me on the series. I’m looking forward to your TDR discussion.

[@2ToRamble]

Thanks for your insight. I do hope Austin will find something to love in the third book. Btw I love your channel. I would love to come sometime and gush over WOT

[@borasertgil5808]

Finally man been waiting for this for a while hopefully Austin like this one

[@g2024_]

Grey Ajah is diplomacy Blue ajah have causes (finding & helping/guiding the dragon reborn is both Moiraine & Siuan’s cause)

[@akshaybanker8552]

Also, PLEASE do "The Name of the Wind" - probably my favorite book

[@2ToRamble]

Definitely will 🥂

[@jakespacer]

Richard, finally able to express his love for this series, talking about how everything is great and will pay off in the future. ... Austin: RED RISING!!!....

[@alananimus9145]

The first time I read books 1 and 2 I didn't like them but I didn't hate them. Now it's amazing to see how the series developed. I have read the series over 100 times and see something new every time I read it. Honestly the series doesn't take off until book 3.

[@2ToRamble]

Thats awesome - reading book 3 as we speak!

[@hunter_black]

I'm currently on my second attempt at reading the Wheel of Time and seriously agree with both of you. On my first attempt, I was very similar to Austin because I found so much difficulty in connecting with the characters and especially the villains. Once I decided I would re-read from the beginning, I took a very similar stance to Richard because everything fell so much deeper into place for me. the characters were no longer unbearable because I understood their perspectives, the world made so much more sense, and I could pick out the subtle foreshadows for future books which was wonderful. I would hope Austin really gets hooked on book 3 so that he can enjoy the masterpiece that is book 4.

[@2ToRamble]

Really well put 👊. Ive heard book 4 is one of the greatest in the series 👀

[@aldan7812]

Austin is asking all the right questions, he's gonna love book 4.

[@2ToRamble]

Ok I’m glad!! Maybe that’s where this series will start to thrn around for me

[@CurieBohr]

I’m an introvert and love wheel of time. It’s obvious which of the two I agree with.

[@whyyguy8116]

YESSSSSS!!! I'm so excited to watch the video!!

[@2ToRamble]

Lets GOOO

[@fine_nib_witch]

Once again I agree with Austin all the way through 🙈 I just started book 6 on my first read-through, and I have to admit it's starting to drag for me... so it's a bit disheartening to hear that if you didn't love book 4 it's not likely to get better. I want to see what the fuss is about with this series, but it's just not landing with me like it seems to land for everyone else. But I'm stubborn, so I will get through it!

[@2ToRamble]

Im determined to see what the hype is about as well lol - hoping it picks up but that sucks it hasnt yet for you. I guess we’ll hoth see where this series goes 🫡

[@SonOfSeth]

Yeah, the only reason I finished WoT is because I audiobooked it and there wasn’t anything else I was interested in at the time. If I had to actually read, no way. But, I understand Richard better now.

[@krthompson7519]

Alright: a comment now having read the book, and another comment later if I have specific things to say in reply to your own thoughts once I listen to the full video! For now… this book was okay? It felt like it was structurally much better than the first book; the characters had specific personal goals, made decisions of their own, and things happened because of those decisions. But it was also somehow less entertaining than the first book; scene to scene, I just wasn’t having as much fun, even though the book as a whole felt much more purposeful. The first book felt like less than the sum of its parts (even though it had been built of fun parts). This book felt like *just* the sum of its parts, and those parts were okay but with one or two exceptions they also just weren’t super engaging for me, hah. (Main exceptions being: The plot with escaping the collars and figuring out what’s going on with that invasion (return?), the return of the Gleeman as a character, and learning more about Loial.)

[@whyyguy8116]

This is my first reread as well I'm on the great hunt! It is so much better on the reread

[@nolanschmidt1065]

Randy’s constant denial of being the chosen one was sooooo annoying like numerous times it was so clear even he should have accepted it lol

[@2ToRamble]

Didnt hit for me either but onward we go!

[@nathanhargenrader645]

Yeah I’m sure most people would just immediately accept that they were going to destroy the earth and be this horrible thing that he has grown up his entire life fearing. Would be totally normal for him to immediately accept lmao

[@josephadcock7449]

44:15 it’s not valuable when a criticism of a media is I just don’t care and the person that does care doesn’t dig deeper

[@IsaacH97]

The time has come! Bravo Austin

[@2ToRamble]

😁

[@amy_harboredinpages]

I am about to begin Book 11... I can't say "Austen, be better." With full conviction because I am having similar thoughts... even now, Rand still annoys me. Perrin is still my favorite, and everyone else has grown on me. Matt is one who is getting to equal level of Perrin, almost... back in June my cousin advised me to keep reading past book 8, and pause after Winter's Heart... but now things are picking up...obviously I didn't pause. I began WoT because it's one of my youngest sister's favorite series, and my cousin loaned me the books... about 10 yrs ago. It's been a journey... and I think it's been worth it. 📖🥰📚

[@2ToRamble]

I need to be like you and take 10 years to read the series just to piss of Richard 🤓. It’s definitely a slow slow pace for me but I’ll try to pick it up - sad to hear Rand is still the same for you damn!

[@amy_harboredinpages]

@@2ToRamble 😅😂🤣🤣😅😅

[@CodyTaylor115]

Oh no why have I done this lol now I have to wait for you to talk about book 3 it's gunna kill me to wait 😭

[@2ToRamble]

We wont make it too long 😭😂

[@JamesI88]

To me, Rand has the best character arc I've ever read, not only in just fantasy. Fitz is solidly in second place, with maybe Edmond Dantes in third.

[@Jan-gh7qi]

44:28 Why do I watch this, even if there is no "value" generated? The same reason, why my dad watches the analysis of the soccer-game after the soccer game. I just read this whole thing and need some opinions to agree and disagree to.

[@natevelez2]

I read all of WoT during 2022 and felt much like Austin during it. It was fairly underwhelming throughout and the slog was rough. I also read it after Stormlight so maybe that could be the reason. I find that people who read WoT first they enjoy it more.

[@2ToRamble]

That could be the case - I also read Stormlight first and that may be affecting this read good point

[@IzzyZil20]

Idk I read the Stormlight archive series and I enjoy but eye of the world and the great hunt and enjoyed them more than Stormlight

[@Dragonsworn864]

Rand is my favorite character from book 1 to 14, i think its because my personality is very similar to rands

[@brightwatcher3757]

Congrats Austin! You did it!🥓 This episode makes me want to reread WoT because everything mentioned I recognize… but have no recollection of.🤣

[@2ToRamble]

Thanks for the bacon lmao, let us know if you reread and if it changes your thoughts on the series 😁👍

[@happykilljoyproductions]

Richard walks in the light, Austin has confirmed he is a Darkfriend, this book was insane, finally finished it for the first time and I was giddy lmao, 8/10

[@2ToRamble]

Join the dark side 😈

[@carlosandino5524]

Always good guys! Austin be better than the best that you are.

[@joedoakes909]

I avoid spoilers actively. Great episode, guys.

[@2ToRamble]

Thank you!

[@UsesElevators]

You wanna see our review on book one, it’ll be in the description. It’s never in the description

[@2ToRamble]

Oops 😂 adding this now

[@UsesElevators]

Thanks! :) @@2ToRamble

[@UsesElevators]

Btw I love you guys @@2ToRamble

[@2ToRamble]

Ahhh, cheers - appreciate it a bunch!@@UsesElevators

[@thedarianjade]

Me pausing at 17:49 No, I have not read this series. And yes, I am going to continue to watch the spoilers(as I did for book 1). I feel I have a similar taste in books to Austin, so I am not at all convinced that jumping into this monster of a series is something I want to commit to. Therefore, I shall watch Austin’s journey, slow though it may be, and see if your opinion changes and/or if Richard’s enthusiasm is able to win me over 😂

[@2ToRamble]

😁

[@mamoooamn8608]

Finished The great hunt yesterday. Question about what you said at 1:04:32 where there is a set amount of souls. Did I miss that in the first book or something because I do not remember that being said or was it implied with the stone portal scene? Or did you spoil me (if you did gaslight me if u reply). >:( SPOILERS BELOW I really started to hate Rand in the middle of this book. His worst qualities started to shine when Selene came around in the mirror world. And also I felt like the pacing in terms of events happening could have been much quicker like I read 400 pages but the progress that we got out of it felt like it could've been cut down to 200-300, or even less if I am being brutally honest. BUT once I got to the portal scene where he touches the stone and the 4 months pass I was having a fantastic time right to the end of the book. The egwene stuff was so sad the mental torture, I was constantly turning the page to see Rand show up and save her. The twist the Suldam I think they are called are actually channelers was great and very satisfying revenge. (Although I wish Nynaeve killed them) Nynaeve maybe my favourite of this book, but Perrin is still my favourite over all for right now I think. Happy to go on to the next book. 7/10

[@jasonm8051]

Austin. Be. Better. Now I gotta sit and wait another damm 2 months for book 3. Grr. Enjoying this thoroughly as a huge wot fan. Thanks guys

[@2ToRamble]

Thanks for watching, we’ll try to make it less of a wait this time 🥂

[@JoeyMannino]

We need the Iron Gold podcast!!!

[@2ToRamble]

It shall come!

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

Just finished book 2 today.

[@2ToRamble]

🤝🤝

[@osoian98]

Recently read this book I didn’t like rand for a while too but what won me over was when they were arguing about going into the city to find the horn and egwene was there and Rands stubbornness pushed everyone to go and all of a sudden this bad quality turned into Smth I was behind him on supporting him

[@osoian98]

I also rlly liked when moraine shows how the whole book rand was leaving behind signs of hun being the dragon and shaking up the world even by doing nothing

[@monkut]

Honestly, if you don't like the first two books, I don't think you'll like the series. That said, I have trouble understanding rating Way of Kings so high compared to these.

[@hexeldev]

Do you "friends" talk to each other when reading the book or keep ALL your reactions for the podcast?

[@2ToRamble]

If we know the book review is coming up we try to save it for the podcast

[@nathanhargenrader645]

Man its painful to listen to them talk about how the characters don’t have arcs. Rand has a complete arc in this book as do the girls

[@Degrad21]

yeah but the arcs are slow (which is ok, because that will still be a lot of change an growth at the end of the series)

[@Degrad21]

also it is more realistic if they change slowly. but you can only do that in a really long series. in normal books you need to have faster arcs

[@samuelleask1132]

I fricking love you guys haha

[@2ToRamble]

❤️

[@meris8486]

I gotta disagree with Austin, it's understandable to not like the characters! but they have arcs for sure, they're not as complete as Sanderson does in Stormlight Archive, like those books are more of an exception compared to a lot of fantasy. Wheel Of Time gives characters a journey across 14 books and they're great journeys, whereas Way Of Kings was giving Kaladin a complete journey while leaving room for growth in later books. But even Stormlight runs into issues where Shallan gets stuck with wheelspin for 2 books (another discussion) Rand sees his destiny and runs from it only to run right into it. He wants to go back home but he has to help save Mat, he pushes away his best friends because he doesn't want them to be hurt which just makes things worse cause they're still his friends. There's a chance to pursue 'selene' but he refuses, he sees all those other lives, many ways things could have gone horribly and we're only a small way into the story. It clarifies his position in the world and how vital it is he be the dragon leading to him taking down Baalzy while leaving himself open to a devastating injury. Mat gets stuck corrupted by the dagger so doesn't have much of a journey. I don't think Jordan was happy with this either. Egwene goes through hell and comes out traumatized with a deep loathing for the Seanchan and wants to never lose power again. I can continue but this is overlong already.

[@MrFlipFloppery]

The wait is finally over! Three hurrahs for Austin! Woooooooo

[@2ToRamble]

😁

[@Spock800]

Austin be better - Richard. I’m about to read The Dragon Reborn for the first time. Interesting to see if Austin’s opinions will change.

[@battlestarkoala]

I feel like I am Austin in relation to this series. I am still floundering on book 3 and I just feel kind of meh about it. It's not like Jade City which I hated with a passion ... I feel kind of indifferent towards this series and perplexed at the love. I am hoping that once I finish book 3 .. I will feel more positive about the series. Also, I actually feel genuine pain / sorrow at how pained poor Richard must be at having shade cast on his beloved series. I am still determined to keep reading! :D

[@2ToRamble]

Looks like we’re on a simolar page, we’ll see if it picks up fornus and Rich and I can be friends again 🙌

[@spb1830]

Come on, Austin. We need more of what you think. Make it a Two-Hour video. I understand how you can be uninterested in the characters right now. I had the same feeling too when I first read this. "Why are these female characters fawning over Rand? or Why do things happen so easily for Rand?" To this, Robert Jordan is so good at incorporating plot armor into his world. Ta'veren, for example. You might feel like that because things have been so easy. In the next book, you'll see the full effects of ta'veren. Contrary to what Rich said, Book 3 will be bold but not different structure from Book 2. But there are so many things that are exciting in Book 3, apart from the structure. I hope you'll like my boy, Mat. And if you say a word about Nyaneve, I'm throwing hands.🤣🤣Keep your expectations about Rand a bit low. Book 4 is where this series breathes life. I'll be looking forward to that. I agree with Rich, here, if you don't like books 4 or 5, I'm ok if don't continue with the series.

[@2ToRamble]

Okay! I will definitely read up to book 4 and reflect from there. It seems to be the book that compels msot people to finish the series!

[@devildriverrule111]

Spoilers don't matter to me because for the most part a good story and good writing stands on its own even when spoiled. If it relies on big "spoilers" it is usually badly written or it is the one exception to my rule... a Crime Mystery novel like Agatha Christie's stuff.

[@2ToRamble]

Ahh, fair enough - spoilers bother me (austin) way more but thats probably bc im a simpleton

[@devildriverrule111]

@@2ToRamble Naaah you're fine, everyone consumes media differently. Each to their own.

[@VeronicaWebb-r1z]

To me it seems u like dynamic straight forward characters who you can more sympathise and connect or understand their motives and as long as u can champion or respect their motives or morality as well as liking the books more the more they feed into this? Please let me know if ive hit apon something or not as i am only speculating and genuinely would like to know what you would say to these assumptions. I am writing this to the gentleman who gave this book a 5. As well as rating red rising the highest in the series so far. Just would like to know a bit more about your reasoning behind these decisions. Thank you i really appreciate both of your opinions as well as the way u challenge each other in a non toxic way

[@2ToRamble]

Appreciate the comment!! I (austin) would say thats partly true - definitely can get behind a champion character, but I can also become deeply interested in villains/antiheros/insignificant side characters/etc - to me it comes down not to just have good morals, but for me to deeply understand how the character thinks, hence making the character feel “real” - the more difficult situations and harder the journey a character goes through can help do this, or maybe it’s the decisions that the villain makes bc they have the power and is shows me who they are - whatever it is, I have this need to understand a character so that I feel connected to their growth and/or demise- the payoff to a characters journey isn’t very much worth it to me if there wasn’t an understandable journey to begin with. Thankya again, hope I explained myeelf in the limited text here!

[@VeronicaWebb-r1z]

@@2ToRamble you did and masterfully so thank you Austin

[@VeronicaWebb-r1z]

You ever read any joe abocrombie some of the best character work i have read

[@2ToRamble]

@@VeronicaWebb-r1z That's definitely on the list and I've heard such good things. Going to get to that hopefully after we finish up Red Rising series on the channel!

[@aldan7812]

Nynaeve is the best Magic She-Hulk in history.

[@jonsadenwasser4246]

I also just thought about a question. Has there been a book that you had world building as an 8 or 9 but characters and other categories were below a 5?

[@2ToRamble]

Yes actually! I dont want to spoil which one bc we will be reviewing it soon enough 🥸

[@SimplementInefable]

I came here to listen to The Wheel of time and left feeling the need to read Red Rising

[@2ToRamble]

THIS IS THE WAY!

[@FPChris]

I liked the first 3 Red Rising. I got half way through #4 and quit.

[@2ToRamble]

Iron Gold (#4) was our least favorite of the bunch too - we promise it gets better after that!

[@abbliee5439]

Richard is not handling this well shame😂, you can see how much it scratched on him when he heard Austin's rating.

[@TaiSharTanner]

It’s so comedic that in every episode Richard has the correct opinions on literally every topic Austin is always wrong about everything 😂

[@Riverwand1]

Austin tries not to gush about Red Rising and Pierce Brown Challenge: impossible

[@2ToRamble]

😂

[@krthompson7519]

The Great Hunt Ingtar - You didn’t see his betrayal coming the first time? I thought it was being telegraphed super, super heavily that he either had ulterior motives or was being influenced somehow, One Ring or WoT dagger style. It actually got slightly annoying by the end; I liked the payoff when it came but had been waiting for it a bit longer than was enjoyable, hah. I agree that the denying invitations sequence was fun, hah. Though the worldbuilding of the way people approach politics in that city (the game of it) was… weird. I wonder if Jordan took any inspo from The Left Hand of Darkness? It felt almost like a parody of a concept from that novel, hah; the same concept taken to extreme until both Rand and the reader are sitting there going “wtf is wrong with you people.” 😂 (Which would be more effective if one of the main characters in The Left Hand of Darkness weren’t *already* frustrated with the whole thing, even despite the more subtle implementation in that book…) The Name of the Wind’s major saving grace is indeed the prose. xD I’ll probably read the next book or two, but if it hasn’t grabbed me by then I’ll be done. It’s hard to prioritize this series when I could be digging more into Tchaikovsky’s or Le Guin’s work, or continuing The Expanse, or reading LoTR for the first time (I skimmed it in middle school but that doesn’t count slskdjfhf), or finishing the Discworld books I haven’t yet read. 😅

[@derekleon24]

New subscriber and was pleasantly surprised to see you guys are making your way through the Wheel of time. I would say that you guys should discus what happens in the book more. Right now it just seems that it’s one guy who loves the books(justify so) and one guy that is just comparing the books to storm light and red rising going back and forth trying to justify the rating. So much cool stuff happens with Lore and emotional trauma and none of that is being discussed. Also why is the wheel of time a rip off of lord of the rings but red rising not an adults hunger games? Coming from someone who loves both series.

[@2ToRamble]

You make some great points. I (Richard) will be sure to talk more about plot and lore in the dragon reborn video.

[@derekleon24]

@@2ToRamble hopefully it didn’t come off in a wrong way. I recently just subbed because I really liked the banter and chemistry. Long form discussion are where it’s at now and you guys have a really good channel. But I just thought it be a good idea to hear more about what happens in the book.

[@ReadingOffGrid1]

Hard for me to comment “Austin be better” when I completely agree with everything Austin is saying lol looking forward to the next one 🎉

[@alexmurphy5041]

Great Podcast. The Great Hunt is where i realized that i don't like Wheel of Time either!

[@aaronwatts72]

"Austin B Better" - Richard!❤

[@Rumham729]

I only read the first book so far. So I’ll wait to read until Austin gives a good rating for one of these. 😂

[@2ToRamble]

Oh no. Putting your faith in my rating is a BIG risk 😂😂

[@LuminousArc92]

blues aren't the politicians, those are the greys. Mediators. Blues deal in missions/quests for the sake of the world

[@S1leNtRIP]

Richard, stay perfect!

[@punditzobnec]

Finally!!! I have a bad feeling about this one 😂

[@punditzobnec]

Brutal..

[@2ToRamble]

😂😂😂

[@theangryjeff]

I’m 100% with Richard on the wheel of time. Austin has never made me cringe as much 😂 I’m in my first read through and loving it so I don’t get his frustration. Austin be better!

[@2ToRamble]

Ill work on being better 😭😂

[@theangryjeff]

@@2ToRamble I’m usually on YOUR team! 🤣

[@S1leNtRIP]

Also get to DARK AGE already!

[@2ToRamble]

Read Dark Age 😈 reviews to come

[@DiggerDan]

“Austin be better” -Richard

[@alananimus9145]

Part of what allows me to forgive book 1 is that you literally couldn't get published at the time if it wasn't a Lord of the Rings knock off.

[@VeronicaWebb-r1z]

I think maybe you might need to learn to love the art of the skim and you should be a master by the end of this series. Second was my favorite read through of this story. truthfully there are a few parts in most of the later books that i have never read because by then i fully refused to follow certain narratives. ive read most of these books for the most part 😅 multiple times 😂