Book Review The Eye of the World

Introduction

The epic fantasy genre has always created entire worlds filled with amazing creatures and long journeys. The Lord of the Rings made this kind of story famous, but Robert Jordan’s The Eye of the World showed what it could truly become. His story introduced new ideas, strong writing, and one of the best beginnings in modern fantasy.

This review of The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan shares my honest thoughts. It also contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you. You can also save this post on Pinterest for later if you like.

The story reminds readers of The Lord of the Rings. A young man is pulled into a dangerous journey that takes him far from home. Along with his friends and wise mentors, he faces powerful forces that threaten the world. This first book succeeded because it blended Tolkien’s familiar charm with Jordan’s fresh imagination, creating something that felt big, bold, and new.

Initial Impressions of Eye of the World

“The Wheel of Time turns, the Ages come and go.” This opening line sets the tone for Robert Jordan’s huge fantasy world. The Eye of the World is nearly 800 pages long and the first of 14 books in the series. At first, the size scared me, but it turned out to be worth it. There’s so much to enjoy and explore.

Robert Jordan wrote most of the series, and after his passing, Brandon Sanderson finished it. Many fans call it the biggest fantasy saga after The Lord of the Rings. I’ve always loved long fantasy series because they let me live with the characters for a while and grow with them. Even though my endless reading list once overwhelmed me, I’m now reading what truly inspires me again.

Some readers warned me that the early books move slowly, but things get amazing later on. I don’t love waiting for stories to get better, but if it pays off by book five, I’m willing to see it through.

Characterisation & Worldbuilding 

When I heard the TV show was coming, I finally decided it was time to read The Eye of the World. From the start, the story reminded me of The Fellowship of the Ring. At one point, around 60%, I almost gave up out of boredom, but I pushed through and finished the final act.

Tolkien’s Influence on The Eye of the World

The comparison with Tolkien is fair. Publishers once wanted stories that felt similar to The Lord of the Rings. But Jordan did this on purpose. He began with something familiar, then slowly built his own world and ideas. His book respects the roots of fantasy while creating a new direction. It fits alongside writers like Donaldson, Williams, and later George R. R. Martin, who shaped modern fantasy in their own ways.

Jordan’s Unique Writing Style and Worldbuilding

Still, The Eye of the World mirrors Tolkien’s world in structure and tone. Yet Jordan’s writing adds warmth and personality. Emond’s Field, the starting village, feels alive with real people and small-town charm. Rand’s call to adventure feels exciting but also dangerous. The writing is modern and vivid, though sometimes wordy. Jordan often repeats descriptions or thoughts, which can slow things down.

The constant talk of gender and power can get tiring, but the main characters—Rand, Mat, Moiraine, and Lan—each stand out. Moiraine is calm and wise, Rand is unsure but brave, and the others add variety and humor. The story hints at old legends, prophecies, and Arthurian myths that give it depth. Still, the endless travel scenes and slow pacing sometimes weaken the tension.

Character Growth and Future Potential

Despite that, there’s promise. Rand and his friends begin to grow, Moiraine becomes fascinating, and Loial is a standout. Even Nynaeve shows potential for great development. It’s clear that Jordan is laying groundwork for something much bigger.

Reading The Eye of the World reminded me of Brandon Sanderson’s The Way of Kings. Both stories explore destiny, courage, and leadership through powerful characters and rich worlds. They make you care about every choice the heroes make.

Midway Struggles in Eye of the World

About one-third through, the book started to drag. The world was detailed, but the pace slowed down. Jordan built his setting through dialogue and small moments instead of long info dumps, which helped, but the many descriptions of clothes, inns, and roads sometimes felt too much.

I waited for something big to happen—a clear goal, a turning point—but it came slowly. The group kept traveling, meeting new people, and escaping danger, yet the main story stayed hidden. It began to feel like walking in circles.

Some lines stood out, though. “Death is lighter than a feather, Duty heavier than a mountain.” That one stayed with me. The ending picked up and gave a taste of what’s ahead, but the middle felt uneven. I think the story might make more sense after finishing later books. On a reread, knowing the bigger picture, I might appreciate it more.

Writing Style & Prose in Eye of the World

Jordan’s writing style feels more modern than Tolkien’s. From the dramatic prologue, his tone is clear and theatrical. The people of Emond’s Field argue, joke, and clash in ways that feel human. Almost every conversation shows someone trying to lead, argue, or prove a point. Sometimes it’s too much, but it gives the book a unique rhythm.

His prose flows smoothly but often feels heavy. He describes everything—how people dress, how the sky looks, how rooms feel. These details make the world vivid, but they also slow the pace. Some paragraphs could be shorter, as not every small detail adds to the story. Readers can choose how deeply to sink into it.

For those who like slower, descriptive fantasy, Jordan’s writing is rewarding. But if you prefer faster stories, it can be challenging. In contrast, a cozy fantasy like The Spellshop feels lighter and easier to follow, yet still magical. It shows how fantasy can shine even in quieter moments.

Final Impressions

“As the Wheel of Time turns, the Pattern weaves as it wills.” After finishing The Eye of the World, I realized how much bigger the story might become. The world Jordan built is enormous, and even the smallest scenes hint at something great ahead.

Looking back, I saw that many early chapters quietly prepared for later events. What first felt simple began to make more sense in hindsight. Even the tropes that seemed ordinary—like the chosen one or the mysterious mentor—felt more thoughtful later on.

The rules around magic, where men risk madness and women alone can safely use it, remain fascinating and mysterious. The characters aren’t deeply emotional yet, but they have room to grow. Some moments felt inconsistent, yet the story still pulled me in.

By the end, I was excited for the next book, The Great Hunt. Despite the slow start and uneven pacing, The Eye of the World left me curious, hopeful, and ready to continue the journey.