Hey Wheelies! Just a reminder that I love the Wheel of Time and I 100% recommend that any and all read the series. Also, yes. Houston is a swamp. And that’s a sweet little mosquito kiss on my head. Thanks for asking!

Your idea of the Forsaken slipping on a banana peel is still one of the most hilarious things I’ve ever heard 😂

It’s funny when you mention how there are characters everyone from teen to senior would love. I read this as an older teen when the EoTW first came out and have read them all as they got released. I am on a full reread now and it is hilarious how I have changed which character is my fav. As a teen I liked Rand and thought Tam was bossy but now I am like “boy that Tam really is a good guy and what a punk Rand was.”

The tropes are not bad, this is the quintessential dark lord and chosen one book. QUINTESSENTIAL!

"These books aren't hard to understand. This isn't Malazan." Might have stepped on some toes there haha

For anyone considering starting WoT, I recently finished the books. No spoilers. I was lost for a bit, didn’t know what to do with no more books in the series. Eventually I realised that this series is so magnificent the only solution is to begin again. Why start a new series when I can explore further what is potentially the greatest depth of world building outside of our own world? You won’t regret it if you do start, is my point, it is worth every second and by the end you’ll only wonder why you hadn’t read it sooner

when you said "i doubt ill be able to finish everything before i move on to the next life" .. i felt sad for us all with such a small life for soo many good books

Took my trip through the WoT last year, and had a great time. I share many of Mike’s complaints, regardless of what Uhlbeck says.

WOT was my first pandemic binge series (wow, it's been a long year...) and I fully agree with this. The only thing I would add is another "Good" you may not know because of reading physically: the audiobooks are great. Solid way to get through the "slog" (which I agree, just needed a firmer edit and possible merge, definitely not unreadable).

Late to finding this video, but just gotta agree with it. I will say flat out that the Wheel of Time is my alltime favorite series ever written, thanks to how much depth and detail and how expansive the world is. But good lord its got some issues, too.

Aaaaaaaannnnnndd, this is why I follow Mike. Definitely one of your best videos. You hit the mark on describing everything good or bad in this wonderful epic tale. I loved the series as well and yet have been told that I do not if I describe some of the things you touched upon. And I think it's a shame you had to provide so many legal disclaimers. People, it's his opinion. How many times does he have to say it? You know what big people can do? Newsflash, come close because I have to say it softly: they can either agree or disagree with it. Shocking, I know. I don't agree with everything Mike says, and that's ok. We do agree a lot, though, I'll say that. I'm a Wheelie, too and I will always love it. Obviously, my name implies there is another series I adore more but it doesn't mean the Wheel isn't one of my favorite series, nor diminish my love for it, or that I cannot acknowledge the brilliant job Mike has done here.

8:40 It's interesting that both Tolkien and Jordan were war veterans. Tolkien served in WWI and Jordan in the Vietnam war.

I think an important part of WoT for people, is when in their reading lives they start this series. I read this earlier in my Fantasy readings, and it blew me away. I think if you have been in this genre a long time and have experienced a lot of authors this may not be as much of a home run as some people say. While it is still great, I think finding this world before doing a deep dive into the fantasy genre can be a big factor in how much it resonates with the reader. Just my opinion though.

The "they would slip on a banana peel" description of the villains made me laugh out loud. It's funny 'cuz it's true.

For me, the "slog" is comprised of exactly one book. Crossroads of Twilight

this week marks 1 year since i started Wheel of Time, and dragged my sister along for the ride. it was so great to have your videos to look forward to, before and after each book. thanks for all the great content Mike!

Thanks for this. I recently put the series in my TBR and was considering starting it but after this video I've decided to put the series on hold indefinitely. There's just so many fantasy series I wanna read and the bad you talked about was to much for me. I may get to it eventually but not for a while.

Ta'veren exists as commentary on the fantasy genre, as does the series as a whole. It works to both explain and establish the tropes of the fantasy genre. The wheel turns and ages come and pass, etc. It essentially makes every mainline fantasy story canonical to each-other. The main characters that manage to just have things go their way? It's because they're Ta'veren, they're favored by the Weave. The wise magical mentor? It's just Gandalf in a different turning of the wheel. And so-on. It's really quite genius to explain the overwhelming tropes of a genre by "well it's because they're all in the same universe, just another turning of the wheel, where many things repeat out of necessity, where important souls continue to come back to fulfill their duty"

Excellent assessment, Mike! I especially appreciate your thoughts on the gender aspects of the series, both positive and negative. While I love WoT too, I also agree that it would have been better if it had been edited down to ten or fewer books. It’s an awesome achievement, and I’m glad I can say I’ve read and enjoyed it.

It's really funny how much the Forsaken ended up helping Rand more than hindering him.

I appreciate your take on the series. Like every series, there are high points and low points, but overall the Wheel of Time is definitely worth your time as a reader. It's a world you can get lost in and keep coming back to, always picking up something new that you missed the first time through.

I think the explanation for The Slog is Robert Jordan fell out of love with his main characters. Tor wanted a consistent release schedule. And rather than giving them the #1 sign and finding anything to do but write (like Martin), Jordan wrote plotlines that interested him, but went essentially nowhere in progressing the Main Story.

Love your book reviews. Running through all of them. Very in depth and a lot of detail without giving too much away. Keep up the good work.

The wheel of time series is my all time favorite! Having said this series synopsis is spot on!

Thank you for summarizing my biggest issues with this series. I started it in the early 90s and by the end it was a pure hate read (Not saying it was a bad series just that I read the final books out of spite to say I finished it). There is a lot I loved about the series but by and large there was even more I could do with out. I like you felt a pared down and tighter 7-9 book like it was originally intended would have been fantastic. I may give it a re-read in the future, but maybe need another year before I do that (plus those hard covers are heavy to lug around)

Love some WoT talk. This channel helped me get into it last year🙌 Read all 15 books and have reread the first 3 this year (on top of all the other books on my list lol). Glad I got my love for reading back and dove into it all

One female protagonist that grated your nerves in the first few books, I really like her. I'm only thru 1-5 so far, but I'm guessing you're talking about Nynaeve. She is almost a carbon copy of my best friend's sister, lol! Attitude and all, but with a motherly persona. I enjoy her chapters

His descriptions make the re-reads very much worth it. Some characters you will recognize as a certain character or from a certain culture just by the description, even though the POV character has no idea about it, you can know if someone is a Kandori, Saldean or Tyrean culture. And to be fair, in regards to the dislikable females, there were equally dislikable men, every one of the ta'veren had their annoying periods, for one it never really ended. Two out of three of the worst come out of one storyline (aram and perrin) and threequarters of their stories could be "scalped"

I think all your thoughts make sense! I finally started my first "reread" last year, but I listened to all the books on faster speed. I stopped after book 10 because I want to actually read books 11-14, but it hasn't happened yet..😅 So many other books to read! Actually, I'm doing my first reread of Lord of the Rings right now, and enjoying it SO much more than I did reading each book for the first time right after watching each movie.

I was just reading the great hunt, perfect timing

As someone reading the series for the first time thanks for all of the wheel of time content for me to go to as I finish the books. (Especially your reviews) Currently starting The Shadow Rising and I’m excited to see how it goes.

About to start A Crown of Swords. I'm kinda glad I know the slog is coming, but it's worth getting past, because I feel some would abandon the series. But I understand how that could scare some people away, like "oh it's 14 books long but these 3-4 can almost be skipped? Not worth it."

I discovered your channel a few months ago and you convinced me to read WOT. I don’t regret it at all! Sure it has parts I don’t really care for but what story doesn’t.

Great video Mike! I’m currently doing a reread of the series. I’m about 1/2 way through The Great Hunt and yes RJ totally flips the script when it comes to traditional fantasy. I’m picking up on so many things that I missed the first time around. Books 1-6 really are like 2 separate trilogies, they are that good. I’m excited to get to books 7-14 mainly because I blew through all of those books on audible and I don’t remember much of what happens. So I’m definitely going to take my time with those.

Your videos were great to watch after I finished each book. They even inspired me to make my first booktube video.

I really loved your honest and constructive criticism. I’m one who started the series in the 90’s and for me there was never any mud to drudge through. I can remember wanting some books to be longer while acknowledging some parts were terribly slow, necessary info dumps that were boring and dialogue that went on forever. It was like taking this ride that I knew would pay off huge at the end. I wasn’t disappointed. I forgave Jordan much, like I had to forgive Tolkien and my parents. Criticism after all is only effective if the person is still alive and can enact change. We all change. Jordan went to war. He must have thought it was horrible. I can see it influenced his life. Maybe the thought of some incredibly strong women in his life, kept him alive during the war. I heard stuff like that happens. I love your reviews man. Your insight is worth hearing every time.

I look so much forward to begin reading this serie!

Great video, Mike. I'm fairly new to fantasy so trying to bash out a few of the smaller series (bar Malazan) but this definitely encourages me to get to WoT at some point. Appreciate the spoiler free content.

Thanks for the videos! I'm almost finished book 5. Loving The Wheel of Time so far! A little worried about the slog. Can't wait for the series!

I made it half way through. Then I started again and stopped in the middle of book 3. I legit want to read them but I REEEEEEALLY need to be in the right mindset and space them out.

great video, i already started WoT for the first time (finished Eye of the World last week) and so far i am enjoying it.

I think the thing I like most about you is your willingness to show some conviction when sharing your viewpoints, without then turning around and feeling as though you need to explain away the point as if it was somehow unjustified. I have a hard time with some booktubers who think all opinions need to be filtered through some lens in order for it to be acceptable or valid. #LFLR

I just started the series... Usually I am a science fiction reader... but this is amazing.

Mike you are an incredible book reviewer. Cheers mate.

I'm starting the third book tomorrow!! So excited

Ok you convinced me....I just need to pick up the book. 😆

Hey Mike, I've been one of your wheelies from the beginning and I can't believe it's been 2 years! You and I have had a few interactions in the comments, I feel we are very like minded with many things and our passion for dune runs strong (nice shirt). Congrats on your success you are by far my favorite youtuber for this type of presentation about books you are reading, your positivity and honesty is refreshing. Now I just need you to read berserk and the circle will be complete haha. Much love my man here's to 2 more years and beyond 🍻

Great idea for a video. Would love to see you tackle some other series in this style.

Excellent video! I'm halfway through MOL and think your thoughts were pretty much spot on. Very much agree! I have two additional issues that I need to get of my chest. Wheelies have been pretty kind to me so far, and hopefully they won't spank me for what I'm about to say. Also please note. I don't hate the books. It's not an all time favorite, but I still enjoyed the ride (even thought the slog wasn't as sloggy as I'd expected). BTW, my favorite character hands down, from book 1 and throughout the series, without a doubt: Nynaeve. That said: SPOILERS BELOW!!! Once again just to make sure: SPOILERS TO COME! 1) Rands madness is like Indiana Jones in the Raiders of the Lost Ark. Remove this element and it has no impact on the plot. Also, his madness has no consequences for him personally. For example, when he kills off a bunch of his own troops with Callandor, wouldn't have been more interesting if the subsequent assassination attempt were due to his own men not being ok with Rand killing a bunch of their comrades? Instead it's just another darkfriend. Or wouldn't it have been more interesting for the narrative if he had attacked Min in a fit of madness rather than being controlled by the a'dam? If he'd acted mad and made some of his friends turn their back on him? Or if he, due to madness, insisted on some really stupid strategic decision which made some of his allies start a mutiny? Now it's like, he hear voices but is still able to play and constantly win in a 3D chess game involving all the plots and intrigues. 2) Characters. Not all. But quite a few are somewhat lacking. Can someone give me 3-5 adjectives that describes Egwene before she becomes Amyrlin? Can anyone give me examples of personality traits that separates Egwene from e.g. Min? Sorry, these things have been bugging me for 6 months now. Needed to get that off my chest.

Always love your WoT stuff! Slip a quick reread in sometime.

"A character I couldn't stand; by the end of the series, one of my favorites." I get the strong impression (with context around this statement), this is about Nyneave. If so, I was exactly the same way. But I started reading these books in 2000, so there were LONG gaps of time between releases, so I hated her for a long time, lol.

Other than the truly hardcore wheelies I think it's easy to admit the series' flaws. How much you like the series is partly based on how much those things bother you and how much the great moments outweigh them.

I think WoT is amazing with so much good going on and even most its flaws becomes dear to us after a while. One thing I love is the characters, so many good main & side character. One thing I struggle with is the recap in the begining of each book. So much of the first chapters are catch ups from last books and explanations about how the world works. It was probably great when the books were being published, but now they feel a bit unnecessay when picking up the next one shortly after finishing the previous one Nevertheless, great books, good to get a WoT video from you again Mike

I’m ready for a re-read, I haven’t read through the end of this series and haven’t read them since the late 90s early 2000s. I’m starting to purchase them now to start it. I guess this series for some reason that I was a huge fan of in my 20s and loved was forgotten. My ex husband had gotten me into them and the books went with him when we split up. I never replaced them. I really regret that, now that they are making a show I really want to finally finish this series. I just created my account in here, and have watched a couple of your videos. I’m really enjoying them, I find that I agree a lot with your opinions. Love your library, thought I had a big one. Yours puts mine to shame.

Great video!

Great review and i agree with most of your points

Awesome stuff! I’d love to see a video about you going from an avid reader to booktube watcher to booktube creator and what caused you to take those steps

I needed this video. I may start WoT this summer.

I didn't think much about the ta'veren explanations while reading, so to me they were obviously within the range of acceptable. The bubbles of evil however, I found to be 100% forced plot devices to build up tension without explanation and I utterly hated it every time they appeared. No matter if living playing cards, sandstorms or Hinderstap; I would gladly enjoy it if the tv show would, if not remove all of them, then in the least provide more explanations for the happenings. Read through WOT "together with you" through the first half of 2020 and was looking forward to your reviews after every book. Absolutely love that you are as critical as you are when analyzing them, and am looking forward to further videos. Keep it up!

Awesome video! I can’t agree with everything, but I must admit that I do indeed agree with most of your point on both good and bad.

Yay another wheel of time video

Hey Mike. Great video. I agree on many things. You had a lot of good points. For myself, the biggest flaw in the series is chasing Seanchans from one book to another. Rand should have destroyed them by the end of the 9th book at the latest. There would have been one big and useless plot pattern left out.

Great video thanks

Read the books over the last 3 months and I loved your reviews after I finished each book. I agree with you completely would have been great if it was 7/8 but it's just too long. Keep up the good work mate!

I'll be picking up Wheel of Time after I complete John Gwynne's initial 'Faithful and Fallen' series. I cannot wait to read this, Jordan seemed like a truly innovative writer.

Really good video, and thanks for non-spoilers as only on Book 3! For me, it’s only natural that a book series this long will have highs and lows. It’s just a shame that people jump on things they don’t agree with it and feel compelled to explain why you are wrong.

These books are great, they are full of wonder, fun, adventure, awesome magic systems, plus has some characters that actually grow and change either for the better or for the worst.

I'm on my first reread (there will be many) and have been waiting for "The Slog". I'm about half way through Crossroads of Twilight (book 10) and didn't even realise I was there. I noticed it the first time reading, the pace definitely slows a bit, but there is such great character building and development in that stretch that the reread makes it a pleasure. The action sequences are great and I totally agree about just wanting MORE STORY but I am grateful for these slower books as it allows Jordan to shine.

I listened to the whole series on audiobook during my commutes and road trips for work. I think I love it more for the two readers, Kate Reading and Michael Kramer, than for the books themselves.

Great video Mike, I really like your Dune t-shirt 😍

Back when I first started reading this series in the early aughts, I was kind of enjoying it. I didn't really care for the first couple of books too much but it seemed that the fantasy pickings at my local bookstore were slimmer back then. So, I was reading them and they were alright. Then I got to the Battle of Dumai Wells. And Holy COW. I was then hooked. That scene and the lead up to it is still one of the best sequences I have ever read in a fantasy novel. I think I actually had to stand up and cheer.

I just ordered the entire series. All 15 books. I'm beyond excited. The Amazon show, as well as being a Brandon Sanderson fan, got me really interested in checking it out. Awesome video. Subbed!🔥🔥🔥

Great video, definitely want to read wheel of time now! Been putting it off for so long 😁

I noticed some slow parts during the books, and it is less on the re-reads, however, I never knew of the slog until I got into the online community, after 4-5 readings of the books. The same with the hatred of certain characters. Many of which I disgreed with. Point being - Read them yourselves and make up your own minds. We all have our own opinions, and that's why there are booktube videos that we love! Mike, absolutely great video. I agree, and disagree and love your WoT videos.

Thanks for video

Great video. I agree with most, if not all. Especially the anti-Elayne sentiment.

My new favourite verb "cobra commandered"!!

The upcoming release of the show made me want to start this series, but I needed this video to actually pick up the book and start reading, I'm only 4 chapters into the Eye of the World and very interested so far!

I also want to reread the series but i also want to read new stuff just like you said. I might listen to the first two or three books before the tv show premieres.

Hay Mike one of your Wheelies here, just noticed in this video about RJ's influences, I noticed that Aes Sidhe are irish words to describe the Fairy Folk of Ireland who are akin to Tolkiens elves. So when I read WOT I assumed some influences came from the old Fairy myths....We all see different pieces of the mosaic 🤠

Thanks Mike, I’ll jump back in and start book 6 again. The female characters complaining on every page is actually my biggest issue I think. That’s so hard to read, I can handle torturing characters and misery but complaining about everyone and every thing is definitely the biggest detractor. I think Mike just sold book 7 and on in a way no one else has been able to do for me. If Jordan can turn these female characters around to become some of my favourites that’s it, I’m gonna dive back in. Thanks Mike

Tbh I was grateful to know about the slog beforehand because I was prepared and it didn't bother me that much because of this preparedness. Also agree with most points, I have a hard time with a lot of the female characters (Egwene and Siuane get better and the actions and attitudes of some still important but not main female charcters were at least understandable). Oh yeah I also agree with the villains being mostly jokes. I really don't like the trope of the evil ones all being absolute terrified of the higher ups, backstabbing their equals and using the people under them like toys. I mean this is the most toxic way to run an organization and make sure that no one joins you. I mean you get promised eternal life but you have to survive until then and everyone is out there to get you (even your "allies" because they want to rule a big chunk of land when the Dark One wins). The Forsaken are supposedly those terrible and strong bad sorcerers but they only play their games and want to be the Dark One's favorite lap dog and come off as rather pathetic, petty or just dumb because they can't trust each other and kinda fight each other as much or even more so than our farmboy heroes. And do I have to mention Elaida? She's so incompetent and ignorant about things she doesn't want to know about she's Nynaeve but worse and without the somewhat redeeming quality to want to help and heal people (which is up to now the only good thing I can say about Nynaeve because ahe is so infuriating and insufferable Idk why Lan is doing this to himself)

Love the shirt haha

This series was my intro to the fantasy genre back in the late 90s, so it's near and dear to me. That being said, I think you have valid points. I don't have the same feelings for all of them, but we are good. I respect that.

Just bought the first 3 books. Will start them in May 🤗

I only read the first 3 but it did kind of spoil future reads because I didn't feel like I could see the characters or the environment in such rich detail like Jordan was able to paint.

Maybe they could turn the Mat-Tylin relationship consensual, or even omit completely. But I think it might be better if they include it while hammering in "THIS IS NOT OK" all the way through.

Nice T-shirt.🤎Dune

I loved WoT. I agree with most of your criticisms--particularly disliking certain female characters at times, but I very much think the journey is worth it. I'm pretty sure that WoT produced the biggest "book hangover" I've had. I really missed those characters and felt it in the pit of my stomach. Great epic journey.

I'm on The Shadow Rising and I'll admit that the premise of being Ta'veren is kind of bugging me a little. It feels like it somewhat drains their agency in their choices. I do like how they don't want their destiny but are ending up fulfilling it anyway but it bugs me that they're compelled to fulfill it, honestly. "Things happen because the in-universe plot wills it" kind of always has bothered me. He's pulling it off but it kind of doesn't completely sit right.

Great point about "the slog" it's honestly the only reason I haven't read WoT yet

The WOT Compendium app really helps just to keep all the characters straight.

This might be my favorite intro yet... "Uh oh"

I'm in the first half of the sixth book and the criticism I agree with the most is about the villains. I can't tell most of the forsaken from each other and fades have gone from the really scary black riders to basically on the same level as trollocs but with twice the hit points. At the end of the day those things don't really bother me because I haven't read many series with great villains and the story and the characters are really good and interresting so I'm approaching the slog with an optimistic attitude.

19:35 Thank you. I couldn't believe the characters reactions to it. I can't believe Jordan wrote that in. Totally with you I can't get on board with that part. 23:23 Agreed. The villains were kind of sub par at times compared to everything else. Personally the Dark One did not seem like a huge looming threat to me. Yes there were bubbles of evil and such but I didn't feel like he had much presence in most of the books. As well as the first three books endings did not inspire fear about the Dark One. Not to mention prophecy that the good guys win. Nice review Mike!

I am on my first reading of WoT, because of Mike’s Book Reviews in fact, and about halfway though Eye of The World. Am well entertained, but agree with the “very tropy” comment. Also Brandon Sanderson’s writing advice about feeling free to borrow structure from other texts you like comes to mind as, structurally, book one so far feels almost like a blow for blow rehash of Fellowship of The Ring’s run to Rivendell, (if you have to copy, might as well copy the best of the bunch😄) and I’m still waiting for it to deviate. Did anyone else feel this way?

The r8pe scene sounds like Jordan was putting a real life situation in the books. For a long time many didn't believe (or sociatal belief) it could happen to men. Its only the last decade or so that it's become a "yes it happens to everyone" thought process.

Iwish I had a house big enough to have book shelves like that one!!

I’ve always wanted to read it, man. Plus, I’m a Charlestonian and his stuff sectioned off in every used book shop haha

Waiting to finish alot of ongoing series I started before starting this. I'll never finish it if I have so many huge fantasy series to read. Eye of the world has been sitting on my shelf for 6 months untouched. Hopefully later this year. Gotta at least finish the rest of the cosmere and first law first.