My first semester of Grad school is finally over so I have some time to myself. This means I can go back to reading books that I want to read instead of text books.
I figured this was as good a time as any to start my re-reading of the Wheel of Time Series. I began reading this series in 1998 and quickly purchased all that were available at the time. It wasn't until years later that I learned there was no end in sight for the series. By 2003, I was only purchasing the books as they became available in paperback and promising to read them when they were finished. Then Tragedy struck! Robert Jordan died, with the series unfinished! The torch was passed to Brandon Sanderson and the final book is to be released
In that vein, I read the prequel novel last night. New Spring was written about half way through the series, though it takes place 20 years before the first Novel. It is also considerably shorter then any of the other novels. (In Mass Market Paperback it is only 334 pages. The next closest is The Path of Daggers which has 672 pages). While, it is not necessary to start with this novel, it provides certain insights to major characters in the series. Readers meet the young Accepted Moiraine and Siuan and learn how their quest began. The reasoning behind their actions, as well as Lan's actions becomes clear. The story is fun. Since I have knowledge of these characters already it was nice to see their beginnings, but it wasn't necessary. Personally, I will always start my re-read here, but I am not sure those who have never read the books would benefit from beginning here.
Of the writing style, well, it is Robert Jordan. It is definitely an epic fantasy novel. The description is amazing, and sometimes overwhelming. All those years ago, I learned to skim reading these novels. Last night, I found myself reverting to that old reading style once again. Jordan's description can get repetitive, but he makes sure the images he is creating are complete in your mind.
