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Originally Posted by Unknown Soldier
What I highlighted is exactly what I found in the first novel and leaves the reader to think that the whole thing could be over. The saga seems to really start in the second book with the hunt for the horn etc. I find the series mirrors so much from Tolkien, but does have enough to keep a certain amount of originality. What I find tedious, is how the story can meander for chapters without anything much happening and just concentrating as you say on details and interactions between the characters, I don't find the main characters that interesting at all. I also find the dream sequences a bit boring as well. Saying all that, I constantly look forward to reading it and especially like the idea of Darkfriends.
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It's definitely a different spin on common themes in all major works of fantasy that I've read. I see that action can be far between chapters, but I think Jordan's caught between providing necessary characters and information for the future, and writing that information into the plot.
I can see how it would be difficult to introduce so much information in a subtle and relevant way so as to first set up future plots without them coming about abruptly and second contain it logically within the book's story arc. When I think of some of the slower moments in the first and second books, I can see how they are necessary to plot lines in the third and fourth books, and I imagine their importance only growing.
The first complaint I might have would be about how each book's climax occurs so abruptly that I feel confused by the events. Often I have to read entire sections of the last chapter repeatedly in order to understand how the new events have unfolded, and many conclusions reached seem to occur without a thorough set up. I would presume this is done to maintain elements of surprise and action, but it makes me feel as though I've missed half the chapter.
The other issue is that there seem to be only two types of characters: 1) Aggressive women and 2) Reluctant heroes. Their development in each role is very slow, but I imagine it's due to the length of the series. That said, I don't
dislike any of the characters, and I'm willing to forgive both of these flaws while I'm so early in the series.
As for the dream sequences, they become a vital part of the plot, which I suppose could go either way for you, boring you more, or making them more interesting. I'm fond of all of the characters, though not adoring of them. I feel like many of them are expendable, but this is probably because they're very similar. As the series progresses and the characters become more dynamic, I could imagine becoming more personally attached to each of them.
It's been a long time since I've been able to pick up a book and shut out the whole world for two days while I pound through it, and finish feeling empty that the story is over.