Well, this has to be my favourite series and if I remember correctly, Hiku told me about it first.
So I picked up the first book and the first few chapters are sort of boring, the rest of the first book good but nothing special. I got the second book after that because I had nothing else to read and WHOA! This book blew my mind away. To this day I have read Book One through Eleven and I am desperately waiting on Book Twelve.
Here's a quick synopsis.

The story follows three boys from a region called the Two Rivers. Their little region knows little of the outside world, rarely travel, and even more rarely have travelers pass through. They live in their own little nook in the world. Unfortuately for them, Trollocs come to call one night. Trollocs are not-too-friendly minions of the Dark One. The trollocs are defeated by an unlikely Aes Sedai weilding what is called the One Power and her Warder. She then informs the boys that they need to leave the Two Rivers and off they go to begin their journey.

I shall reveal no more without being asked. I'd rather not spoil more than necessary for you readers looking for a book, though I think this topic should be open for questions, comments, and all around discussion of the series. I'm sure there are many other Dreamers who've read or are reading The Wheel Of Time. So go ahead. Post Here!

Yeah I love this book. I was glued to it for weeks. But I only read up to the third book I think. I stopped because by the time I'd reach the end, I'd have to wait about several years until the last book would come out.
My friend did the same, but he started reading them again recently. I was considering starting to read them again soon as well.

Is there a release date for the last book yet? I know Robert Jordan died recently, but he had written down the most important parts, just in case he wouldn't make it, and left the book to be finished by his family, I believe.

I liked book one the best, actually, and the following five were pretty good (if still unnecessarily descriptive at times). Anything after that and I skimmed. Still looking for the latest one, though I'm not exactly excited for it. Won't buy it, but I'll borrow it from the library.

As for characters, Morraine all the way (or however it's spelled. Been at least three years since I read the books).

Moiraine, I think.
You should definitely pick them up again Athrun. They're great.
His son is finishing the book. Hopefully he'll live up to his father's writing.
The 12th and final book is set to release early 2009.
I'm counting down the months until 2009 just for the book.

Brandon Sanderson will finish the last book.

Plus universal has just purchased the movie rights.



Wheel Of Time Optioned

Universal Pictures has acquired film rights to the late Robert Jordan's best-selling Wheel of Time series of fantasy novels in a seven-figure deal, Variety reported.

Big-screen adaptations of the books will begin with the first book in the cycle, The Eye of the World.

Rick Selvage and Larry Mondragon will produce for Red Eagle Entertainment, which published graphic-novel adaptations of Jordan's books.

The Wheel of Time follows, among its dozens of characters, Rand al'Thor, the latest incarnation of a force for good called "The Dragon." Rand is born to fight an evil character called Shai'tan.

The Wheel of Time books have sold 44 million copies worldwide and have spawned computer, trading-card and role-playing games; a soundtrack; comic books; and numerous fan sites. The four most recent installments have reached number one on the New York Times best-seller list.

Jordan died last year at 58, but the final book in the series is still set for publication in fall 2009, with fellow fantasy scribe Brandon Sanderson writing the novel's conclusion from Jordan's notes and tapes. (Universal is owned by NBC Universal, which also owns SCIFI.COM.)

http://www.scifi.com/scifiwire/index.php?c...=0&id=58590

I've read up to book seven, but that was two years ago and I plan to re-read them at some point in the future so that I can move on to reading the others. My favourite character is Nyneave, followed by Lanfear. Robert Jordan was such a talented writer; and I myself draw a lot of inspiration from his books.

Nyneave's actually my second favorite character, I would admit. She has a lot of potential as an Aes Sedai, but hasn't been able to use it to the fullest yet; especially considering how she reacts with people, I find it quite intriguing. I'm interested in seeing what happens to her in the last book. I don't really like her personality (well, part of it; she's a little too snob-ish sometimes. When I read a book, I like to put myself in the place of one of the characters, and when someone has too many embarrassing moments and whatnot...I decide it's time for me to un-attach myself. =P), but she has had her moments throughout the books.

I've always had a thing for strong willed women though, so I guess that's part of why I like her character - she usually tries to do what she wants, when she wants and isn't afraid to say what she thinks. Siuan Sanche is another favourite of mine. I just wish she'd stayed as the Amyrilin Seat - simply because Egwene as a character annoys me.

Siuan actually bothered me somewhat...Not that much, but slightly...She was good as the Amyrilin Seat (when she was still as that she gave more of that authoritative stature -well, I guess she still does, but it just strikes me as somewhat arrogant now that she's not in such a position). I agree on Egwene though. I've actually grown a disliking for Min and that other girl as well (from that nomadic tribe. I can't even remember what they're called. o.o), and Rand. I used to like Min, but since she joined the Threesome, she's just been an annoyance. I don't like Rand because he seems so distant (which is understandable, considering things) and only seems to be dealing with all the boring (yet unfortunately necessary) stuff and mope about the three women he loves. For the males, I prefer Matt, Perrin, and Lan (mostly Lan, because he's at least normal. xD. Just kidding. I just like him as a character more.).

Hmm. Maybe I'm going to have to read through the books again, haha. My mom's actually going through the series (on book five/six I think), and she likes it so far. But I admit that I'm starting to forget quite a bit of things from the series. >.>. I only ever skimmed through the last...five books...reading up on the people I actually cared about. I think I should go back and read the early ones though. I liked 1-4/5.

Yeah, that's been a real problem for me - the books are so bloody long. It's a double edged sword, on one hand they're great to read, but on the other it's easy to forget important things that happened in earlier books. I'd say it takes me about a month to read through one book, since I rarely find time to sit down and read them.

As for Min, I don't mind her as a character but I've grown to dislike the constant love trianges between the women and Rand. It seems like they're more focused on getting into his pants than helping to stop the destruction of the world. I also liked Moiraine a lot too, she's definitely my favourite Aes Sedai.

How can anyone dislike Rand? He does what he feels he needs to regardless of what happens to himself. He begins to distance himself from everyone but that is a HUGE part of the book. Cadsuane and Sorilea would have little purpose in the later books if he didn't. And reading his thoughts he is far from distanced. He cares about everything though he tries not to and its shown very distinctly if you read what he thinks closely. Perrin is pretty cool but he's definitely not my favourite. Mat on the other hand is great. I love his time in Ebou Dar with Elayne and Nynaeve. The women have such a misconception of Mat's intentions and vice versa. I loved it. Mat's time with Thom and Juilin after Ebou Dar is great too. I can't wait for Thom's developments with Moiraine in the final book. I also look forward to Lan's reaction.

To be perfectly honest, Nynaeve is one of my least favourite characters. She's snobby, ill tempered, and close-minded. Her potential is cool and all but she mostly just sickens me. Her healing capabilities always get me though. I love hearing about her amazing weaves and whatnot. Aviendha is one of my favourite women due to her whole out look on life. The Aiel's outlook, that is. Her, trying to fit in with Elayne and Nynaeve and Min and Egwene, is pretty amusing and I enjoy reading about her outbursts of oddity. Egwene is probably my favourite female character, though I may be saying that and forgetting someone. She's forced to become Aes Sedai material despite her lack of training and her young age and she does it well. Her maneuvering and manipulating within the Rebels is fantastic and awe inspiring. And her plan inside the Tower at the end is just... WOW! It's like she takes nothing, no, less than nothing, and turns it into an amazing ploy.

The Forsaken are another group of characters I'd like to talk about. Semhirage is probably my favourite. What she does to people is genious. I love it. Compulsion has always intriuged me but after reading about Semhirage in the 11th book I said ##### it. What she does is beyond amazing. It just blows me away. Ishmael is also pretty crazy. He's the one who created most of the Shadow's creatures. Trollocs, those Worm things... I've always wondered how a creature can be created by the Power. Unless it was done by the True Power, which would be cool but less amazing. Not much is revealed about the True Power yet so I don't know if that's an amazing feat or not but whatever. The other Forsaken are amazed by his creatures so whether it was the One Power or the True Power, it's cool.

Well, that's my two cents for now. I hope it shall perhaps spark some more discussion in this topic.

I don't dislike Rand as much now, but during the time he distanced himself and became arrogant I grew to dislike him. Despite being the main character, he's never really stood out to me since my interest has always been occupied with other major and minor characters in the series. Another reason why I like the books is that every character has a purpose - even the minor ones that you don't think twice about seem to reappear for some kind of purpose in the future.

As for the Forsaken, they're pretty cool bad guys - especially knowing they were once good Aes Sedai. Aside from Lanfear though, none of the others really appealed to me. I was drawn to her due to her being slightly psychotic and a stalker - loving Rand because he was the Dragon reborn, and not killing him outright even though it was her duty whilst serving the dark one.

As for Perrin and Mat, I never cared much for either of them. Perrin was cool up until the whole wolf thing, and Mat just struck me as a lowlife gambler - chances are if he wasn't caught up in the events around him, he'd just become a lowlife gambler.

Mat is far from a lowlife. His Luck makes him amazing at gambling and as a "lowlife" he would have tons of people trying to stick knives in him at every turn. Also, if he wasn't caught up in events as you say, he would be in the Two Rivers, the best with a quarter staff and the best horse trader after his dad. And Perrin's connection with the wolves is so cool. I'll admit he's not my favourite but I can't see how you thought he was only cool BEFORE the wolves. Him and Elyas are pretty bad ass. Especially when they're together.

Lanfear always creeped me out. I think she's a cool character and everything and I wait to see what goes down with her in the last book. If I was Rand, I'd be terrified of her.

How far have you read Sarc?

Only up to book seven. I've been meaning to read the rest, but something has always come up and prevented me from doing so. Plus I can only read in an absolutely silent and peaceful atmosphere, which is something I rarely come across. >_>

Ah. Well, I would recommend you continue reading. The books get better the more you read. I think you would greatly enjoy it.

Eh...I guess it's sort of like how some people would ask me why I don't like the character of Harry Potter from the books, when they're all revolving around him...>.>. I've always been fond of the bad guys (male or female, but the female ones are good for me, not in the least bit because I am female), so unless the good guys are really fleshed out and not too stereo-typical (though they all are in some sense unique), then I don't take to them much. Now Rand, he isn't really all that stereo-typical, but as the main main character, something about him just makes me lose interest in just about anything in regards to him. >.>. I prefer characters who, while they may seem like brats (I agree about that with Nynaeve), they actually have...character, and they go somewhere with it (be it good or bad) and have more interesting traits.

That's just my personal opinion though.

As for Mat and Perrin, I like Perrin because of the wolf-thing (I like wolves, so...yeah) and it also made him a bit more of an outcast, whereas with Mat, he always was a low-life gambler, but now that weird things are happening with him too (dice in his head, etc.), he's able to use his talents (luck, essentially) for better things. I mean, yeah, he's still a bit of a bum, but I think his character's pretty interesting for what it is.

And yeah, I think I *should* go back and re-read through the books. I totally forgot who the Forsaken even were, haha, among other things, though now I finally remember who Lanfear is. Need to refresh my memory. xD.

I just re-read some of Lanfear's earlier chapters, and just fell in love with her character all over again. Damn, I better not meet a woman like her in real life, or I'd probably end up as her loyal servant. >_>

I'm going to attempt to read a chapter or so a day starting from book 1 - it'll take a hell of a lot of time, but I figured I needed to refresh my memory as to what happened in the earlier books. Since picking up book 7 and startting that after a year made me totally confused.

Yeah, you'll definitely need to re read them before you can start again. After I read all the way up to 11, I re read the Harry Potter series and then started from the beginning of Wheel of Time again. At the moment I've just finished the prologue in book 8 and the first couple chapters. For the past 4 or 5 years I've made it a habit to read before I go to bed every night. At least a few pages but usually more like a chapter or so. I still can't understand your dis interest in Rand, but to each their own.

I also take it quite personally that you call Mat a lowlife. HE IS NOT A LOW LIFE! He just has strong, irrational beliefs regarding one thing or another. He really reminds me of myself to an incredible degree but at the same time he's totally different. I love Mat so much but again, to each their own, I suppose.

He just strikes me as the typical arrogant gambler, but instead of wasting all his cash losing; he actually wins. His arrogance and greed is something that really sticks out - and then there's the part where he gets cursed and puts the others at risk because of it all for the sake of a dagger.

As for Rand, like Dragon Brigade said: being the main character kinda makes me lose interest in him as well. It's pretty much linear for him, but the other characters are more...free. Hard to explain really, but I've just always preferred side characters/secondary main characters to the main character.

My wife actually got me into this series. I think it's great. I'm currently finished book 4 and am onto book 5.

IMO, I think the reason why this series is soooo great is because Robert Jordan really had a way of bringing characters to light in a way that is not boring nor stereotypical. I mean, Matt isn't your typical "gambler" nor Rand your typical "hero". He also has a great way of describing places to where you can really see what he's talking about. Not just your "forest" or "River bend".

Cari and I had a talk with the writer of the last book on Friday. He was signing books at the campus bookstore (he's a professor at my university) and he said that it is shaping up to be awesome. He said that when he talked to Robert Jordan's wife, he asked for two things: The ending, and who killed Asmodeon... whoever that is... (I personally don't know... not that fat yet) So, he also said that he's about 50% done with the first draft. One more tidbit about who killed Asmodeon... Robert Jordan said that it "should be obvious"...

I don't mind that it'll be another year or so... By the time it actually comes out... I might be done with book 8 or 9.

*shrugs* Yeah, it all boils down to opinion in the end. I wouldn't say any of his characters are really stereo-typical, I just don't care for some of them based off of their character (and some of them I personally find somewhat (not entirely though) typical considering their overall character outlook, such as: Mat's a gambler, into women, your town trickster. His character is much different from most when you'd generally think of those classifications together, but it's still a generic grouping. And then you have the main character who has matured more and isn't as into women, and yadda yadda. I mean, it's just those little things that bother me, but, while small details, they always seem to pop up in books.).

Anyway, I just started book one again yesterday; man I'd forgotten a lot already. O.o. The beginning was the scene with Lews Therin Tellamon (sp.?) and the intro to the whole "Dragon Reborn" thing. Right now I'm at the beginning of chapter two, and so far Rand has just met up with Mat and they discussed the man in black they both had seen; Bel Tine's festivities are beginning; Nynaeve was mentioned; Rand's attraction to Egwene was brought up...

Right now the main things I'd forgotten was the beginning prologue with Lews Therin, and how Nynaeve was brought into everything (I'd forgotten she was the Wisdom. Which is...surprising.).

I'll be reading more of it tonight, so hopefully it'll jog the ol' memory a bit more.

Oh yeah (before I forget...), interesting tid-bits, Ferrell. =). I think it's neat that the writer of the next book is a professor at your college.

Yeah. I had started to read them after a friend told me about them. I went to the library straight away and got the second book, as the first was not here. I have read from the second all the way up to the... seventh?... the Lord of Chaos, which I am about a hundred and twenty pages into. I personally like Lan the most and it kind of irritates me that he doesn't have a bigger role. He is just the perfect character to me. Strong and quick. Deadly beyond comparison when it comes to the sword. Kind of expressionless, it is a weakness to portray how you feel with your actions, it makes you kind of predictable in some cases. It really rankles that I don't know who killed Asmodeon. That is the one thing that I would really like to find out. I'm guessing it was probably one of the forsaken. But who knows.

I personally like Rand. He is not my FAVORITE character by all means, not even close. But I do like how he does things and how he makes do with what he has. Mat is probably my second favorite character if not a close tie for first. He seems to know how to react with women (One thing I envy. ) , I love the fact that he has all of those memories crammed into his head and how he uses them to out-general people. lolz. His luck is extraordinary to be bland and it really throws his character into perspective when he uses it.

Nynaeve (No clue how to pronounce it.) is a pretty interesting character. I like how she takes no crap and tells people exactly what she thinks and when she thinks it. I think that it is also interesting how she can only use The Power when she is angry, which she often is. I hope that she can overcome said barrier, because when she does, she will be one wicked Aes Sedai (Spelling?). I just like her personality and how she does things.

The books themselves are really quite long and I love the fact that they are so. There is more to read. So much detail and in depth character thoughts. It really makes the books what they are. I myself have no clue how Robert Jordan did it. I cannot make my writing long no matter what I do lol.

Nynaeve is pronounced 'nigh-neeve' (he actually has a pronunciation guide at the back of each book). I wish Lan would have had (or will have) a bigger role too, but he still plays a pivotal one, so I guess I can't complain. *shrugs*

I'm about half-way through The Eye of the World. Taking a break from it currently, but I'll get back to it later. Starting to refresh my memory a bit, haha...=).

Asmodean's killer is one of the things confirmed to be in the final book. Look forward to it.
Lord of Chaos is the sixth book. It is the longest so far so you can kind of look forward to the next one as it is much shorter. Or dread it, if you like the longer ones. I personally found Lord of Chaos a bit too long. It seemed to drag at some parts but not enough to make me dislike it. The ending is by far my favourite ending to any of the 11 books.

PS. look forward to Lan... he's on his way to greater things.

In (slightly random) referral to 11th book (since we're sort of on the topic of Lan. ...and I *think* this was in book eleven. o.O.).

The one instance of Lan's and Nynaeve's that I can remember the best is when he and Nynaeve were in that boat. I can't remember exactly what it was for, but I remember that Nynaeve ended up using the One Power to save them from the sinking ship. Then I think there was also that dream, where Nynaeve was on a hill or something with their son, who had a sword in his hand.

I don't know why that strikes out the most at me though, but it does. ...and there are a lot more where that came from, too. >.o.

So I guess to make this somewhat relevant...

Do you guys have any particular scenes that really strike out at you from the series? Maybe even with a character you didn't really like, but for some reason you just remember that part of the book the best (or a close tied best to another segment)?

This is the absloute nerd in me, but I think that Rand's whole "I'm sick of this battle" scene in the Heart of Stone where he basically summons up chain lightning and kills all of the trollics is probably the coolest thing ever.

Also, the flaming sword he can make out of nothing is sweet too

Also, Perrin's marriage is a really cool scene.

Ouuu.
I just finished 8 for the second time through.
I'm now taking a break to read Pillars Of The Earth.
I'm excited for 9.
Rand gets serious and changes the unchangeable...