I used to be an avid reader but with young kids and life complications I haven't read anything for a few years (except kids books to the little ones) but I had been meaning to get back to reading, so I was in a book shop in July last year and saw The Eye of the World, I have read the Lord of the Rings and one terrible fantasy book as a teenager (David Eddings I think) but no other fantasy, but I thought I'd give a try, mainly as it was a series and it would get me back the habit of reading again.
But I was not prepared, not at all. I loved it, I think the characters are so well observed. I mean I don't like many of them, but they are so clearly products of their past and environment. I enjoyed how people's hypocrisy is shown but not in a ham-fisted obvious way, there isn't plot karma for foolish or stupid decisions and those decisions make sense given their motivations and information. Nynaeve is infuriating though.
There are some scenes that will live with me for a long time, Pevara saying "I think not" (I enjoyed her arc especially, along with the misdirect when she was introduced). Egwene using the war powers to take control of the Hall. Perrin watching Rand cleanse himself on dragon mount. Verin's reveal that she is Black, but not really. So many more.
Now I'm finished, I feel slightly heartbroken that it is over, I have ordered New Spring but I get the feeling that won't quite be the same.
Now I have written this all out, I am not sure what I am trying to say, I just needed to tell someone I guess. Great books, well done Robert Jordan (and Brandon).