What hooked you on the Wheel of Time?

[Shams]

I've always wanted to pick this series up, as I've read a lot of other similar literature since I as a child. But, when I tried to read it as a teenager, I didn't think the setting was original enough and opted for other works that drew less heavily from Tolkien.

Given that it's so large, and, if i get hooked, it'll devour hundreds of hours of my life, I wanted to ask the opinion of some fans before I picked it up after so many years.

What got you hooked on it? And also, what have you gained form reading the series? Just entertainment, or something more?

 

[willwallace]

For me the world that Jordan created was just amazing in how well the various elements came together over a long story arc. Many times I have finished a series and wanted to read more about the world that was created, you won't have that problem with Wheel. A fair amount of people don't like the later volumes, but I read every one and enjoyed them, although the first ones are best, I'll agree. Nothing more than entertainment for me came out of reading them.

 

[Shams]

For me the world that Jordan created was just amazing in how well the various elements came together over a long story arc. Many times I have finished a series and wanted to read more about the world that was created, you won't have that problem with Wheel. A fair amount of people don't like the later volumes, but I read every one and enjoyed them, although the first ones are best, I'll agree. Nothing more than entertainment for me came out of reading them.

Thanks - That is a main draw- the fact that the story was carried through such a long arc.

 

[millymollymo]

For me, (although I didn't realise it at the time, we're talking a lot of years ago!) it was the 'diversity' of the group. In other words it had girls on board for the adventure too. I think , however, if I had borrowed the first book rather than the second to read originally I may not have been so hooked.

It is a long arc and one day, I might well read from the beginning, as I am sure so much more will connect without a year's (+) wait between installments. I still haven't read the last book.

 

[Shams]

Thanks, Milly and Will. A diverse cast is also a big draw. There is a lot to like about it. But, with all of the other, contemporary pieces sitting unread on my shelves, is it worth the time? I think that I need to read the first book. It's such a big staple of this genre that I love, I can't afford not to.