Wheel of Time

[Ishamael]

I love the series, but I have to agree with drothgery. Crossroads could have easily been the prologue to the next book. Or... one paragraph in the prologue of the next book.

Nothing happens...

 

[Ishamael]

Wow, I experienced almost exactly the same thing. Wheel of Time was recommended to me, and I read the first 7 books. Up through book 4 I felt it was pretty good but by the time I got to book 6, I wanted to scream everytime a chapter opened with "Nynaeve woke up feeling grumpy" or something to that effect.

I haven't read any Stephen King novels, but from all accounts, both King and Jordan need an editor to stand up to them and omit about 1/2 to 3/4 of each book . . .

As I understand it, Jordan's last few books didn't go through a proper editing process. Rumor has it that his next book has been delayed six months for editing to get the level of quality back up.

Another rumor said that the reason for this is that 1/3 of the rough draft was stripped out in the initial editing phase.

I think this is exactly what Jordan needs to get back on his feet.

 

[Desdichado]

I think this is exactly what Jordan needs to get back on his feet.

I'd agree. If those rumors are true, quite likely the books will improve and I'll be glad after all that I went back and weathered the rough spots.

 

[Gentlegamer]

As I understand it, Jordan's last few books didn't go through a proper editing process. Rumor has it that his next book has been delayed six months for editing to get the level of quality back up.

Another rumor said that the reason for this is that 1/3 of the rough draft was stripped out in the initial editing phase.

I think this is exactly what Jordan needs to get back on his feet.

Hey, if they go back and re-edit the rest of the books I'd be game for starting over . . .

 

[fett527]

As far as I can remember I liked the early books a lot and the later books not as much, but everything was still enjoyable. I even read New Spring (which is a pretty easy read- like Dark elf novel easy read) and found it enjoyable, mostly to get more insight into Moiraine, Lan and Siuan.

My problem is that it has been so long since I read any of the novels that there is no way I can determine what events happened in what book anymore. I do plan on rereading them, but I will probably wait until there is a definite end in sight or maybe when the next book is published.

 

[Pants]

Hey, if they go back and re-edit the rest of the books I'd be game for starting over . . .

If they go back and re-edit the other books, the series would be down to 6 books

Yeah, I got burned by Jordan. I started about the same time as Joshua, loved the series up until Crown of Swords (book 7). Reread the series, read Path of Daggers, was less than impressed. Reread the series, read Winter's Heart and I f**king hated it. Waited two-three years, read Crossroads of Twilight, hated it even more. Tried to reread, got bored during book 5, read 'A Song of Ice and Fire' again and I was happy.

I hope Jordan can pull himself out of his gigantic hole because I've invested so much time into the series now. I'll read the ending no matter how good or bad it is, just for whatever pitiful closure Jordan manages to crap out.

Hopefully it'll be good. Hopefully.

 

[Desdichado]

whatever pitiful closure Jordan manages to crap out.

I'm reminded of a review of a book that compared it to a brain fart that unexpectedly turned into brain diarrhea.

Although what prompted me to point that out, I have no idea...

 

[scrubkai]

I found the Wheel of Time almost 15 years ago. I think the Dragon Reborn was the "New book" way back then.
As late as 10 years ago, I was recommending this series to everyone I met.
But that was when the books were coming out every year or so.

Then the time got longer and longer between books and I started to get disillusioned and stopped saying anything.
A friend of mine picked up the books about 2 years ago and loved every one of them. Then he waited and was very disappointed in the last book...

It led us to a long discussion on the subject and we came to the conclusion that:
It's a good series IF you can read it straight through. However every time you have to wait for 2-3 years between books you start to get a worse view of the books because there is all this potential that he has set up and you just waited for 2 years to get.... 400 pages of description and 50 pages of action.

 

[fett527]

I'm reminded of a review of a book that compared it to a brain fart that unexpectedly turned into brain diarrhea.

Although what prompted me to point that out, I have no idea...

Who cares what prompted it, it was the highlight of my day so far! (At leaset until I see my son when I get home)

 

[ragboy]

I think he's just written himself into a Gordion knot that he doesn't know how to get off.

I think he's just bored as hell with it. Reminds me of what happened to the Chung Kuo series. Six great books that built up to this massive conflict and resolution. Then yer waiting, waiting and then book 7. A big crapsplosion. The book starts 10 years after the conflict/resolution and it all happened offstage. Bleh. Never finished it.