Chapters 1 - 8: The First Day

I may have been a bit ambitious in saying that this would be a 'chapter-by-chapter' blog-fest. I realize now that, firstly, Robert Jordan's early narrative doesn't utilize chapter breaks to change perspective, but more as a breath taken during the telling of a long story; secondly, there are fifty-three chapters in The Eye of the World, and if I'm to avoid retelling the story word for word, it's best that I avoid using the chapters as guideposts. Also, it's proven nearly impossible to put the book down for long enough to write about individual chapters. So, instead of making you suffer through what would be unbearable torture, I will instead try to follow in RJ's footsteps, and instill a kind of life to my posts, choosing where best to take each breath.

Robert Jordan's descriptions of the Two Rivers are such an immersive read. Jordan takes an enormous amount of time introducing it, and for good reason -- the place has instilled in his characters the foundations of their personalities, which will go on to become nuanced and mature individuals. The first chapters are from Rand al'Thor's perspective, and it is such a marvel to remember what the Wheel has in store for him, or, as a new reader, wonder what could possibly become of such humble folk in the coming thousands of pages. This first introduction is indispensible, and I hope that you will keep their wonderment and innocence foremost in your mind as you continue to read.

I'm resolved not to spoil the events of the book for you. That said, I will do my best to steer you, should you need it, to focus on some chapters more than others. For those with an eye on the historical, Chapter 6 (The Westwood) is crucial, and for those with an eye on the future, Chapter 8 (A Place of Safety) may be your last peace for a long time, and holds a few hints as to what is to come. Read on, then. So much is yet to come, as the Wheel turns.