Prologue: Umbral Men

So, The Great Hunt has started! I chose to point out the prologue because it is the first instance of a secondary character's voice rising to the narrator's spotlight (I know, I know, what about Domon? Well, to be fair, he does appear later in the series, if I recall correctly). While this may not seem like much, it is also the first time we (as readers) come to appreciate that the story won't be confined to the characters we were introduced to in The Eye of the World. Jordan's ability to tell the story not only from a chorus of familiar perspectives, but also from the minds of apparent strangers, means that perhaps the gang of bewildered children we've met won't be the only ones defending the world from the Shadow. Or helping it hobble into the shade of everlasting darkness.

Without picking apart the whole prologue, or revealing too much about later novels, the stranger's prologue (as good a name as any) will appear in most (possibly all) of the novels in the series. Yes, yes, what about Lews Therin in the first book, you might say. Well, it was the beginning of the first book -- at that point everyone is a stranger! Powerful foes are arrayed against the heroes, and it bodes well (and ill, for the faint-hearted reader).

Lastly, I think I'm losing my mind. I seem to have misplaced my copy of the next book in the series. I've had that copy of The Dragon Reborn for nearly fifteen years. If anybody sees it, let me know -- for all I know, it could be on walk-about!

Chapters 42 - End: Namesakes and Keepsakes

It's just about the end of the book, and Robert Jordan has thrown everything into high gear, or High Ogier, if you will. (I'm so sorry, I couldn't help myself!) Once back together, everyone sets off towards the namesake of the book, and things really start happening! Remember what I said about the Blacksmith, the Swordsman, and the Trickster? It is so satisfying to know that that's not all they are!

The Eye of the World really is a fantastic read. To be completely honest, I've been worrying the whole time that this series wouldn't be the same, now that I'm older and (arguably) a more mature reader, but I'm happily surprised that it's better than I remember. I'm also connecting with different characters than I did when I was younger -- the teenage boys, when I was one myself, but now I'm fascinated by some of the older characters (Thom, even though he's not a main character per se, and Moiraine). I am also invariably drawn to Lan and Nynaeve, as individuals. They really are very complex and well-developed characters, and it is such a joy to see them take on depth as the boys (our primary window into RJ's world) grow up and mature into full-fledged characters themselves.

For those of you are all about the ending, read Chapter 51: Against the Shadow. Everybody else, read Chapter 52, because There is Neither Beginning Nor End (see what I did there?).

Now, onto The Great Hunt! As a summary, you really should read the entirety of the Eye of the World, it is fantastic, without a single misplaced word.

Just in case you couldn't wait...

So, Dragonmount (that amazing place with all the cool people who know basically all there is to know about The Wheel of Time) has the prologue and an excerpt from the first chapter of A Memory of Light (that's the link there).

I don't think I need to tell you how awesome this is. And I can say with some confidence that there aren't any overt spoilers in either. Feel free to read them without worrying overmuch about spoiling any surprises.

Chapters 34 - 41: Paths Crossed

...And everyone's back together again! Unsurprisingly, the first separation is one of the shortest, lasting only ~20 chapters (I'm not spoiling anything, really -- you should have seen it coming). Also, a new character! I really do love the breadth and depth of all of Jordan's characters, and at this point I think it's fair to say that he will continue to add characters. If I recall correctly, some are more pivotal for filling in the blank spaces around the main characters, but I wouldn't be surprised if (much later) one or two 'filler' characters could be skipped. Not now, though! Everything is great! Read like words are water and your mind is a desert.

At this point, Chapter 36: Web of the Pattern introduces a lovable new character, and Chapter 37: The Long Chase, is a daring rescue!

Chapters 20 - 33: From Shadows into the Waiting Dark

Well, it had to happen eventually. The party is split (that doesn't really telly you much) for the first time (rest assured, not the last). Here is where everyone picks up something specific to their characters. I'm not going to tell you, you'll have to read it for yourself! Before this, though, the Two Rivers boys were physically different, and preferred different weapons (none of which they could use well, with the exception of the bow), but now they are becoming (and forgive me for spoiling it) what they are: the Blacksmith, the Swordsman, and the Trickster. Robert Jordan plays the long game, and it's no surprise that his characters are slow growers, but this is a momentous section of the Eye of the World.

Anyone interested in paying a lot of attention to Perrin (you should know by now) should read Chapter 30: Children of Shadow (an interesting juxtaposition, as the chapter is about the Children of the Light), and Chapter 27: Whitebridge, for a suspenseful time!

No rest for the weary or the wicked! Read on!

Chapters 9 - 19: The Road to Where the Shadow Waits

At this point in the novel, things have taken a turn away from normalcy for the main characters.  Without revealing too much, I think that these chapters really begin to develop the characters in circumstances other than familiar ones, which, with a bit of foreknowledge, one can imagine all of them being in fairly consistently. So, like the previous 8 chapters, these are pretty important -- don't skip them!

I have to say, Robert Jordan doesn't let up -- so far, he's kept the rhythm and pressure up on his characters. It's better than I remember, and it certainly keeps you glued to it.

For those who want a little more of the One Power, and perhaps a bit of history, I'd suggest paying particular attention to Chapter 18: The Caemlyn Road, and for those who are interested in secrets that shouldn't be kept, there's always Chapter 15: Strangers and Friends.

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.