The Wheel of Time Books

The World of Wheel of Time is the most complex one I have ever read in a fantasy series.Jordan analyzes it's culture of his world,making it to come alive in our eyes as we turn the pages.His work is perhaps the best ever written in fantasy.

In terms of plot complexity, this series is astounding. Thousands of plots combine to form the pattern of the age which in turn forms the age lace: the pattern of ages. A thousand pages pass without a single significant event. Of course, many would consider this a flaw, though personally I see it as the novels' best characteristic. I hope Robert Jordan never finishes the series. The only flaw is that it lacks a true ethos to present to the reader; I wholly disaprove of the simple good v. evil aspect of the work. Nonetheless, Jordan does understand that are not inherently good or evil, demonstrating this with the humanity of many of the forsaken (I suppose I should call them the Chosen). Twisted humanity in many, but humanity nonetheless. The best aspect of the novels is the complexity and personality description of the characters, especially women. Jordan vividly portrays the characters' thoughts, often angering the reader with their ignorance, while creating a true sense of reality in a fantasy world. In short, there are few flaws and many strong points, well worthy of a five star rating. Anyone know who Tel Janin is :)

All I have to say is incredible. The races are excellent. I used to run many a campaign in D&D when I was a kid.. and I tell you what.. I have only to wish to have developed such a fantasy world. I became engulfed and whisked away to the world of Amerylin ..Prophecy and a Dragon reborn..

I can only tell you that if you do not beware Aiel.. you are certain to meet death ...

And that the color of a robe means nothing as to if their loyal to the side of good... and then how do you determine good?

Should the Dragon Reborn be stilled..?

SO much so many ..

Robert Jordan's Wheel Of Time series is a compelling selection of stories to read. Never before in fantasy have I found myself beginning to think, talk, and act like the characters in the stories, and now I find myself melding reality with WOT. There are many round characters, all changing, making new discoveries, and being very human. Anyone who doesn't read this amazing series is missing out on a lot.

I was involved in a motor cycle accident that put me in a bed for 2 months, and all I had to do was read. I have never been a fan of fantasy, because the stories were all simple and were not REAL enough. A friend of mine gave me the first book and at first I hesitated, but it would have been the worst mistake in my life if I had not read it. Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time series astonished me. I never thought I could find any book so captivating, and I have read a lot of books. He has brought the fantasy world a book that to my belief will never be surpassed. In the book several characters are pulled from their everyday live and thrown into the worst possible senario, in which they find out who they really are while trying to stay alive and seal the prison of the dark one. This story has so many twists and turns that it is almost impossible to believe. I found myself thinking that I was Rand and when that book was over wondering were his world ended and reality began. I feel as though I have been through all the hardships with them and they are all my friends. I do not want this story to end. After book 9 and 10 I hope that atleast he takes on another series, with the same characters so I don't have to loose all that I already have with Rand, Perrin, Matt, Egwenn, ect. Words cannot even begin to describe this wonderful story that you must read.

The Wheel of Time series has lasted to 11 books so far. The reason being Robert Jordan is an excellent writer, and has made a great read with many complex plots twinning together. If you like fantasy books, you'll love this series. Have fun reading these.

I picked up the first three books in a set at a Books a Million, and after I started reading in December I haven't been able to stop. I'm about 1/2 way done with book 7 after about 2 months of reading in the series. It's a very engaging series and has merits for readers across multiple ages and preferences. I recommend this series to everyone except people who don't have at least 2 to 4 hours a day set aside to read, because you won't be able to stop yourself.

See my review on boxed set #3 for my brief series thoughts. Jordan is a good author, and has me hooked on a few of his characters. Perrin and his developement, in particular, has become my favorite. Features of the series nonwithstanding, I always like boxed sets for the ease of storage and organization, as well as the slight discount. On top of that I order two new boxed sets at once, and with the free shipping from amazon on orders over $25, it almost always turns out to be less expensive than buying used and paying shipping. This makes it an excellent value in my opinion, especially for print junkies like myself.

I have had all of these books before and lost them. It was well worth it to me to re-purchase them after approximately 6 years. I am re-reading the books for the 4th time and I still like them. The complexity of the story allows me to find new insights every time. I will admit though that it might be difficult to follow all of the different threads of the story when reading it for the first time around.

I enjoyed all his books, I have read all published books to date (Books 1-11) I say keep reading, even though sometimes Jordan rambles on, and such, even what some say is a Average/Poor book from his. It still is head and shoulders about all written Series save a hand full on equal par. HOWEVER, I DO HAVE VERY BAD NEWS, BUT ALSO GREAT NEW FOR WHEEL OF TIME READERS, AT LEAST WITH REGARDS TO HIS FINAL BOOK #12. Please read the following passage all readers need to know both bits of information.

Robert Jordan (this is his publishing name, not his real)....his real name is JAMES OLIVER RIGNEY, JR. Here is a link so you can read it all([...]). James Rigney (aka Robert Jordan) passed away in September of 2007 (last fall)....however there is still good news for all the readers. The whole staff and editors have the notes and spoken ideas Jordan left while in the hospital the last few days before he passed on. The Book will be named A Memory of Light! The family and editors have hired a Fantasy writer to finish the Series and last book. This Writer (Brandon Sanderson) was a personal friend, and was mentored by Jordan too over the years. He will also have Robert Jordan's wife... Harriet.. helping (she edited and helped on all the books with him). They say on their web-site that they are shooting for Late Fall or Early winter (Sept-Nov) in 2009 to have the last book in the Wheel of Time Series on the shelf. This will be called as I said Memory of Light and will be book 12 and will finish the Wheel of Time. This is what they our saying at least, and they know the book might be BIG, and very hard to get all plots and everything in place...... so the Last Battle can be fought....but they will do it, so they say. I really enjoyed all the books, and I know with all the help from his wife (who knows a man better then his wife) this will be worthy of Robert Jordan's Memory and Life.

Ross Hill (who is just a simple man that RJ helped change with getting me to read a lot and that helped me Graduate with a Bachelors of Science in Management)

If I had to name a favourite author, it would have to be Susan Howatch; her novels never fail to delight me and nourish my need for stories that do more than entertain. And if I had to choose a favourite Susan Howatch novel, it would have to be the Wheel of Fortune. This sumptuous novel drew me in from the very first page and soon I was lost in richness, following the drama of the Godwin family and living their lives with them in their fabulous Welsh estate, Oxmoon.
As in all of the Howatch family sagas which precede it, The Wheel of Fortune is written through a multiple third-person perspective, a structure which Howatch has mastered to perfection. Thus she leads us through the story by allowing us to identify first with one character and then with another, each time forcing us to rectify the opinions we have already formed on each indivual in turn. It's as if we move around each character, seeing him or her from a multitude of aspects, from the inside and the outside, and thus gain insight into the whole personality.

While reading Howatch I often felt that this is perhaps her way of showing her readers the necessity for compassion and understanding in our lives, for she whips away our prejudices and preconceptions about her characters simply by switching perspectives. For me this happened in the Wheel of Fortune with the character of Kester, who first appears as a thoroughly unlikeable, spoiled child, a misfit who never failed to exasperate those around him - and of course the reader. The moment Kester himself was allowed to speak, however, and I saw the situation through his viewpoint, he became my favourite character and I could identify with him completely, and appreciate him as the creative genius he is.

Then there is Robert Godwin, the personification of male chauvinism, an uptight London barrister who takes leave of all his senses when he falls for his cousin Ginevra. Ginevra herself is at first rather silly and self-absorbed, but as she grows in depth and self-esteem she develops into a warm, strong, well-rounded personality and a driving force in the novel. John Godwin is the epitome of good upbringing: his motto is "Here I have my standards, and here I draw the line!"; but then he meets Bronwen, a lower class Welshwoman who embodies the passion and mysticism that is simmering just beneath the surface of John's own consciousness, and John throws caution to the wind. Finally there is Harry, Kester's nemesis and greatest rival, the perfect public school boy . It's the rivalry between Kester and Harry, both of whom seem to mirror each other, each one having what the other most desires, rising and sinking on opposite sides of the Wheel of Fortune, which provides the foundation for this wonderful story.

Last but not least there is Oxmoon itself, their home; fabulous, haunting, living, Oxmoon: the orchestra playing the Blue Danube in its grand hall while the dancers dance beneath the glittering chandeliers. The magical atmosphere which pervades this wonderful story and draws us into the wonderful world teeming with rounded, living, breathing, characters we feel we have known all our lives.

I've just finished Wheel of Fortune by Susan Howatch. (1171 pages in 5 days it was so good!) What a fascinating book. The book starts with one person's point of view and then the story picks up at the end of that section with someone else's point of view. When they reflect back on something you already know about it gives you another perspective. I don't think I've ever read a book written like this one. What is so interesting about it is that it shows that what is seen by others is not the reality in the mind of the person being looked at. What we perceive to be an ideal situation is really not so ideal at all if we knew the truth of the matter. Behavior that seems dreadful from the outside makes perfect sense when we can look inside and see why someone behaved the way they did. If we knew what others really think of us we would probably be shocked at how far off the mark they are from what we think of ourselves. It's remarkable how things from past generations that we may not even know about effect us in ways that we are not even aware of.

Another interesting thing is the idea of time. That time is not a straight line leading forward and behind us. But instead it is a circle and we can hear echos of the past and the future across the circle of time. I like books that make me sit back and say, "Hmmm" after I have read them and this one had that effect on me. The whole time I was reading the book I thought it a work of fiction. I was somewhat surprised to get to the end and read the author's note that it is a re-creation in a modern dimension of a true story involving King Richard II, King Henry IV, and King Henry V. Amazing. Wish I had read the author's note first. Oh well, I think my mind will be chewing on some of the concepts of this book for at least a few days. How well do we really ever know someone else that we think we know? Fascinating question.

I have just finished reading "Wheel of Fortune" and frankly I am exhausted. I literally couldn't put it down and by the time I was finished I felt emotionally drained. The best book I've read in many a moon.

Anyway, I read Wheel of Fortune in hardcover, two volumes. On the last inside page, S. H. says in Author's notes "The Wheel of Fortune is a re-creation in a modern dimension in which the following people play leading parts:

Edward of Woodstock, 1330-1376, The Black Prince
His wife and cousin, Joan of Kent
John of Gaunt, his brother
His younger son, later King Richard 11
John of Gaunt's legitimate son Henry of Bolingbroke, later King Henry 1V who restored England to her former military glory and completed the full circle of the Plantagenet family's wheel of fortune.

I didn't know all this when I was reading--- I just read it as a family saga that kept me engrossed from start to finish.

Susan Howatch is probably the closest approximation we have to a modern day Anthony Trollope in her character driven style of writing, and plot development. Howatch, like Trollope, is fascinated by the moral choices people make, and the reasons for making them (eg. religious belief, guilt, envy, etc.). However, where Trollope tends to use more wry sarcasm, Howatch relies on (often deceptively) romantic scenes, and generational bonds.

"Wheel of Fortune," 1171 pages long, revolves around the idea that people are tied to the mis-deeds committed by past generations, and, unless great effort is applied to break the destructive cycle, are usually condemned to repeat history. Most of the story takes place at an historic mansion known as Oxmoon in early twentieth century Wales on the Gower Peninsula. The main characters are frequently obsessed with "doing the done thing," "drawing the line," and generally keeping up appearances, often with tragic results.

The book is divided up into six parts, each of which is told from the perspective of a different character, and which, in total, spans over 60 years. Robert Godwin, the narrator of Part One, is the oldest son and heir to Oxmoon. Outwardly, he's a hard man, completely rational and highly intelligent. His obsession is his slightly older cousin Genevra, and the greatest moment of his life was waltzing with her, as a teenager, under the Oxmoon crystal chandeliers to the "Blue Danube," though Ginervra loves another. Howatch repeats this romantic scene over and over again, usually as a metaphor that things aren't as grand as they appear to be (anyone who reads "Wheel of Fortune" as a romantic novel needs to read it again). Through Ginevra's section (Part Two), we learn how vulnerable Robert really is, in more ways than one.

Parts One and Two of "Wheel of Fortune" are mere preludes to the heart of the book. In Part Three, Robert's younger brother John, who becomes the head of the family, narrates. John excels at drawing everyone's "line" except his own. The love of his life, Bronwen, is several stations below John, but John finds he can love no one else. John acts as sort of the family referee, especially between the greatest rivals of the story, Harry and Kester.

Parts Four and Five (repectively Robert's son, Kester [who in adulthood, bears some unsettling resemblance to Michael Jackson], and John's son, Harry) turn the book into a page turner, and make "Wheel of Fortune," into a terrific read. The relationship between Kester and Harry (and their rivalry with respect to Oxmoon) is always intriguing, and takes some unexpected twists and turns, to say the least. Their destinies intertwine, usually in a destructive manner, and both ultimately pay for their hatred of the other.

Howatch could have ended the book with a final struggle between Kester and Harry, but chose to look into the future with Hal, Harry's son, (but emotionally closer to his uncle, Kester) in a spell-binding part Six, where Hal attempts to unravel the last great family mystery. There is always hope and redemption, the author seems to say, and we are not necessarily condemned to repeat the past.

All-in-all, I found "Wheel of Fortune" to be engrossing and memorable. I didn't give it 5 stars, because I think Howatch can be heavy-handed and repetitious with romantic metaphor and pithy speeches. How many times do we need to hear about that waltz under the chandeliers to the "Blue Danube?" Do the characters necessarily have to say that they are "drawing the line" or "doing the done thing" on every other page?

Another quibble has to do with the character Bronwen (John's true love). Although many of the Welsh names and towns sound like they come from "Lord of the Rings" (perhaps the British Tolkien was influenced by this), does Bronwen really have to talk like the immortal queen of the Elves, or Yoda from Star Wars? Every time Bronwen would open her mouth and spout some celtic mysticism, I would almost groan out loud.

I also cannot accept how young children get over the death of a parent so quickly, and visa versa. I think I understand the stiff-upper-lip attitude of this culture, but the death of a mother to a young child surely would affect him more than, for example, a rivalry with a cousin over a piece of property.

Even so, I highly enjoyed "Wheel of Fortune," and recommend it, even given its length. If you like Susan Howatch, may I also recommend Gail Godwin, and Stuart O'Nan's "Wish You Were Here." And, of course, the master himself, Anthony Trollope.

This is the BEST book I have ever read. I know that many people place Gone With The Wind at the top of the list (and rightly so) but I consider this book the "English Version" of Gone with the Wind.

Instead of Scarlett and the Tara Plantation, you get to meet the Goodwins and their magical home Oxmoon. This book is divided into six chapters with each chapter being told by a different character. By doing this, the author gives the readers a chance to see other characters from different points of view. She also ends each chapter with a bang and the next character picks it up where the last character left off.

If you are looking for a book filled with love, hate, envy, greed, murder and so forth, you don't need to look any further. The book is over a 1000 pages long but it moves right along. I found myself wishing that it had been 2000 pages long. I did not want the book to end. Lucky for me, this author has other great novels.

PLEASE GET THIS BOOK AND READ THE FIRST CHAPTER, YOU WILL BE HOOKED!!!!!

I would go on but I don't want to bore any readers and anyways I am starting on another Susan Howatch book.

If anyone has read this book and knows of another great author such as Susan Howatch (I doubt it), please email me at mitzibilly@yahoo.com.

Leann Marshall has crafted a fascinating story of life, death, and time travel with her novel, "The Starfish People." Follow Sera as she travels back in time to find the reason for the horrific dreams that continually haunt her. Marshall's conversational writing style effortlessly brings her characters to life, allowing the reader to experience the world - past and future - through the eyes of these characters. You won't want to put this science fiction thriller down!

Leann Marshall is an excellent writer, able to blend fantasy and fact into a believable story. I especially liked her characters Willie, and Goblin, his dog. She wrapped up the story well. I hope she continues to write in this genre. A good story!

David S. Rains
Charlotte, NC

A very good read. I will buy any other novels by this author. I cared about the people and the author ties everything up so beautifully at the end. I believe it would make a good movie because of all the visuals it contains.

I found this time travel fantasy story to be refreshingly creative and an especially engaging read. Set in the future, the young main character, Sera suffers from constant and horrible nightmares of drowning. Her therapist tells her that she is reliving a real death experience in a past life. Wanting her to confront this time and hopefully end the nightmares the therapist convinces Sera to travel back into time to witness the actual death of the entity she used to be.

The future as described in the book and the character development are what I found to be most clever and entralling. I became engrossed in the characters and their stories as they related to Sera in her time travel-they seemed so real as did the whole story! I found that I cared for and had emotions for these characters! I read the book in one sitting and was captured from the first chapter to the last line. The author, Leann Marshall, is a master at taking the reader from his/her time and space to hers!

I thought the book was very well written and a favorable portrait of the Ford Family

This book really helps the reader to understand who Henry Ford was and how is life took place. Very nice illustrations to help intepret the book even easier

This book is very well written and would be of interest to kids from 4 to 14! I love the design - large photographs, and the little interesting details of Henry's life. For any child who prefers machines to marbles...

We all seek to be loved and appreciated. "Rural Wisdom" is a heart warming compilation of short stories and essays using the title concept of rural wisdom that he gained with each to explain time, forgiveness, and the crush of change, and how it would apply to everyday life for the rest of us. Author and farmer Larry Ernster spins you a tale of history on a clothesline, appreciation in a car ride, and wild turkeys living in doghouses with German Shepherd. An enthralling memoir indeed, highly recommended for biography and memoir shelves, and for any reader who wants a taste of "Rural Wisdom."

Caledonia, Minn. - It is often difficult for "country folks" to make sense of the fast-paced city world of today. This new collection of stories and essays titled Rural Wisdom: The Times When Life Has Really Spun Our Wheels, applies country wisdom to the city world in an attempt to bridge the gap.
Raised on a small Minnesota dairy farm, I was initially intimidated by city life. This collection developed as I tried to understand today's events from the perspective of country wisdom.
My stories run the emotional gamut from inspirational to poignant to humorous. Using what I call "country wisdom," I explore family values, death, forgiveness, change, time and dreams.
These stories don't preach or pontificate; they appreciate. They are light-hearted and humorous and have brought smiles and tears to my family who has encouraged me to share them with others. These stories hope to bring you a deeper appreciation for family while capturing an instant in time we each deserved to have lived.
The stories contained in this collection explore common themes with unique twists. Here, there is history on a clothesline, wisdom in a thunderstorm and appreciation in a car ride. My humor includes a wild turkey that lived in a doghouse with an old German shepherd, escaped wild pigs and the etiquette of trapping city mice. I explore the reverence of a beekeeper, the absolute quiet of the farm between dark and dawn and compare today's body piercings to the nose jewelry used on the farm.

This book is a wishlist. This book is all about the secret dreams we have. This book is anathema to books like "nickel and dimed". This is a book where you can screw over your desperate lower middle class bosses, who cream to browbeat you.

The Dragon Reborn -- the leader long prophesied who will save the world, but in the saving destroy it; the savior who will run mad and kill all those dearest to him -- is on the run from his destiny.

Able to touch the One Power, but unable to control it, and with no one to teach him how -- for no man has done it in three thousand years -- Rand al-Thor knows only that he must face the Dark One. But how?

Winter has stopped the war -- almost -- yet men are dying, calling out for the Dragon. But where is he?

Perrin Aybara is in pursuit with Moiraine Sedai, her Warder Lan, and Loial the Ogier. Bedeviled by dreams, Perrin is grappling with another deadly problem -- how is he to escape the loss of his own humanity?

Egwene, Elayne and Nynaeve are approaching Tar Valon, where Mat will be Healed -- if he lives until they arrive. But who will tell the Amyrlin their news -- that the Black Ajah, long thought only a hideous rumor, is all too real? They cannot know that in Tar Valon far worse awaits...

Ahead, for all of them, in the Heart of the Stone, lies the next great test of the Dragon Reborn....

This book is an excellent look at how the brief therapy paradigm can be used in an existential setting. The wheel of existence is an interesting idea, and provides a useful counterpoint against say, Emmy van Deurezen's ideas, based on Binswangers 4 modes of being. Very interesting.

What a great book! It's even great reading while "on the road"!

There aren't many books around on the subject of living aboard your RV, so this one, despite its age, is a classic and collectible jewel, with some kind of information or ideas that will be of value to most all RV'ers.

Some of the great chapters include: Case Histories of Full-Timers, The RV Cook, Handling Money on the Road, Mail on the Trail, The Mysteries of Mobile Medicine, Laundry and the RV Life, Pets - Is Roving for Rover?, Minihobbies in Your Minihome, The Cost of RV Living, Maintenance - Your RV's Utility Systems, Maintenance - Your RV's Engine and Drive Train, Safety and Security, Where the Welcome Waits for the Full-Timers ....

Wish we had more books like this one!