Should You Read The Wheel of Time? | Pt 1 | My Experience 

Congratulations on finishing The Wheel of Time! What a journey. Two more things: - absolutely LOVE your new library! - your hair color is just stunning

I really admire your dedication, Brittany. I followed all your reading vlogs and individual reviews for WoT and witnessed your struggles haha. If I had had your experience, I would’ve given up on the series much earlier and definitely never finished it so I commend you! The Wheel of Time is my favorite series. I started it when I was 13 (and I’m 30 now), so I think part of it is nostalgia and also the fact that I read it when I was going through a very abusive relationship (which I feel like you can understand) and it was my main source of escapism during that time, so I am extremely biased. I can realize that it’s definitely not for everyone and there’s a huge pressure in the fantasy community to read and adore and worship it. But, like all works of fiction, it’s not going to appeal to everyone. I always love hearing your thoughts on this series!

I just picked up a box with the first 3 books. I don't see myself reading the whole series, but I just want to know what the fuss is about and I'll just keep reading for as long as I keep enjoying them.

I remember when I first started reading this series and being able to speed through the first several books, but then the wait...oh my word...drove me insane. I think a 4th read through will be necessary in the future. Haha 😄 I need to finish collecting the (crazy expensive) hardcovers.

Your reaction to "A Gathering Storm" was pretty much mine as well. Like, omg we're making PROGRESS! The plot is MOVING! Also, The Last Battle chapter in "A Memory of Light" may be the finest 200 pages in the entire series and was totally worth waiting for.

☯️ I started reading the series. Just finished The Eye of the World. I really enjoyed , and appreciated your take of the series. Here's to the journey! 🥂😁☯️

I can't wait to start this series. I'm not holding myself to read the whole series, but I want to at least dip my toes into it. Especially for the adaptation, to get an idea before watching.

I’ve been meaning to read this series for years and I finally got the first book. I’m excited to read this.

I love how your entire WoT series perfectly fits on that same shelf! Was that intentional or a miracle?! I need to watch your DIY bookshelves video now.

As someone who hasn't read these I appreciate your honesty when it comes to this series as most other videos I have seen are all out praise. I feel like I know what I am getting myself in for when I do start and I think i'll enjoy the journey overall.

Glad you finished it! Totally agree that nostalgia and the personal experiences of the fandom have skewed their opinions, but you could say that about any series! What you are going through at the time of reading will always have an effect on the reading experience, and if you can find a book or series that can get you through some tough times, that is a great thing! We all need a little escape sometimes and that is why we immerse ourselves in these worlds! Be well, stay safe! The library is looking awesome!

I just don't understand people who look at reading as a chore. I always get worried when a series is too short and generally hate it when the story ends (unless it's just gawdawful)

I’m halfway through Eye of the World and loving it. So far I’m enjoying all of the detailed descriptions. Side note: you’re built-in bookcases look fantastic! 😊☯️

I binge read WoT, and loved it. I started last year and I finished in about 8 months. It got me through a lot of down time during the pandemic. After finishing I still wasn’t satisfied so I almost immediately went on to reading Sanderson’s Cosmere novels. I’m currently half way through Oathbringer and after finishing Rhythm of War, I may take a break from fantasy for a while. ☯️

The ending of WoT is one of the best endings of all times for me. I am talking about that very end Epilogue. The event and twist that happens there, I always imagine it in a very cinematic way with an uplifting, playful melody starting to play, like from Pirates of the Caribbean, then shifting to more lyrical theme when camera moves away from the scene. Jeez, I hope when show gets to that scene they do it right.

The new shelves in the library!! YES! Beautiful! 😍🎉 Also thank you for this video. I'm really interested in starting the series but am also a bit afraid of the middle of the series that is talked to be bad.

Ok it’s so satisfying that the WoT books all fit on that shelf so perfectly

I really enjoyed the series through Crown of Swords. Everything after that just goes on and on and on....

Half way through book 5, I never knew it was going to do this to me, I’m definitely going to finish it

I always say you can skip Crossroads. Three strong plot points go through the book and we don't get a payoff on any of them. Jordan was really trying to go for "the calm before the storm", but it just did not work. Second time a read the series, it didn't bother me as much, and there is a lot of character development in the book, but I still feel like without any real payoff, the book is a huge miss.

I'm starting this Behemoth of a series next month. I'm SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO nervous hahahahaha. It is a commitment

Jordan was a master of giving us bits of historical verisimilitude that leave the reader wanting more more more because it feels like it's impossible that the history doesn't exist. Those nuggets speaking of previous ages imply so much more exists that most likely didn't exist even in RJ's vast imagination and notes. His passing is a massive loss to the genre and to writing as a whole. Editing to add re: super fans. I'm 49 and I started this series in '92. I think the wait and theorycrafting that happened made each book extra special. We were hungry for anything so the idea that there was a "bad" book is hard to process. Even in rereads...nostalgia sums it up well.

I'm like you, I tend to check out mentally during long battle scenes in books. (Unless they are written in a Joe Abercrombiesque style). I couldn't imagine getting through a 200 page battle scene chapter! I have not started on the WoT series yet, but what initially drove me to buy the first 3 books is the potential for great world building and room for character development. It is good to hear that confirmed. I still think that I will wait with this series for now. ☯️

I took a hiatus around the beginning of book 6. But seeing the trailer for the show brought the hype back, and now I’m lording that chaos right up again.

The author had the final scene already in mind before he began to write the books. He knew just where he wanted to go, just not all the details. I saw the first book of the Wheel of Time around 1995, read it, and I was hooked. About 18 years later, I finished the last book and found it to be more than worth the wait. The great size and complexity of the last book was a bonus to me. The battle in that book made every other "war" in other books seem small. The books can be read at face value and enjoyed, but the story really shines on re-reads because there are a lot of hints and foreshadowing right from the beginning. Re-reads allow a person to spot quite a number of these things, but there were a substantial number that were so subtle and never explained that some didn't catch them, even after reading the books dozens of times. ======== POTENTIAL SPOILER BELOW!!! ======== For a somewhat vague example of the above, when were the first hints of the direction Moiraiane's and Thom's relationship would go? Moiraine's chuckle when Thom flourished a knife as they were waiting for the ferry was very out of character for her, although that wouldn't be clear to anyone new to the books. Only on re-reading can a person catch it.

200 pages of battle... Good grief, that's so much. I'm tempted to read them but it's a LOT!

Really liked the first "official" video in the new library! From what I can see, it looks really good. Think it's great you were able to fit the entirety of WoT on one shelf. AND Malazan with room to spare for the Expanse? Nice. As for the series itself, I don't have much to say, other than I have a number of the books, and I may try it out at some point in the future, but it seems intimidating AF, and it looks like you'd need to dedicate a good amount of time for it. But who knows. Never say never.

I agree that Sanderson saved the day. And I also agree that that isn't a knock on RJ. The thing I look to in that comparison is just remembering that Robert Jordan was very ill and slowly dying for about half of those books that he wrote. It's not at all surprising to me that a writer in his shoes would have difficulty with his pacing and ability to complete his story. And Brandon learned a great deal from growing up reading WoT, and was able to build further upon the best aspects of it.

I made it through a good chunk of the beginning, maybe up to book 6 or 7, and had mixed feelings but this video is making me want to go back and revisit the series

I made it to book 3 and i cant go further. Its just so... man SPOILER I really dont get it. So Rand already beat the "super powerfull dark lord" three times now. I am really not invested anymore. Rand, Mad and Perrin are basically just "good guys" and nothing more. Yes they have different stories they look different and have different skills but their character is the same. The relationsships between them is so unbelivable and it is never shown that they are actually best friends. Egwene and Rand are apparently a couple ? but it was arranged by their parents? and it is just okay? It seems like they care about each other but nothing more. I have so many questions and i just cant keep reading this. I hate every character exept moiraine and i hate every story exept the story around Tar valon.

My fear with the WoT is that I don't like fantasy where the characters are too powerful or abilities are easily acquired, if that makes any sense. With these classic/famous series people are always talking about the world building, complex magic systems, but never what the powers really are so I gravitate towards newer series I know what to expect. I'm really excited for the TV show because if I like it I know I won't have to wait, I can just pick up the books. ☯

I'm one of the longtime mega fans that grew up reading it. It's probably my second favorite series after LotR. I started it when I was 14, when just the first seven books were out, so I really did grow up with it. I admit nostalgia's part of it, but for me the in-depth worldbuilding and characters were a great way to escape. I've been fortunate that "the slog" wasn't really an issue for me; I think that tends to be the case for folks who are in it to spend time with the characters in the world, more than to find out what happens in the main storyline. That said, I do definitely get the criticisms others have of the series. There are times I wondered if Nynaeve had a personality disorder; she doesn't get along with ANYONE sometimes! And while the gender politics are interesting, I think it's fair to say that the series was progressive for being written in the 90s by a white guy born in the 40s from the South.

SCARLETT LOST IN THE FIVE LANDS by Rajendra Sarilla is the most under rated fantasy novel. If anyone has DNFed wheel of time because of the slow pacing, you should pick Scarlett which is extremely fast paced with a lot of action and powerful female characters.

You should try the Chronicles of Amber. It won't take long to read, and it has more of a sci-fi feel than fantasy, with a healthy dose of Noir.

There is a 9 hour chapter!?!?!?!!???!!!!! I just finished Eye of the World for the first time. I did not love it, but I liked it a lot. I will continue on, but I do wonder if I can make it through.

Hi! I'm sure that your library is still a work in progress, but you should think of something to improve the acoustic of the room if you intend to do your videos here. Even a thick carpet would help a bit with the echo.

Boy oh boy. I started The Eye of the World,but find it a bit overwhelming with all those characters coming every chapter. Hope to clear the things out by the end of the first book.

I am almost done with the shadow rising and I am loving this series so far. So glad to hear your honest thoughts about it. Yes, it isn't perfect but I am so attached to the characters that I don't want to stop now. I am sorry you didn't like the audiobook. I love the narration and it brings the books alive for me. I just love the experience of reading the books. It's like a one big adrenaline rush, especially the great hunt. Loved the video☺

I saw the first two books of Wheel of Time secondhand at a local bookshop, I'm considering whether to get them, after seeing this video, I think I might go for Brandon Sanderson instead. Committing to a 14 book series is a big commitment.

That’s so satisfying that they all fit on one shelf perfectly

A very good overview for those looking into reading this series, very well done. I read all the books, started when book 8 was out, and waited for 9 on.

No, i clicked on it coz it's Britt, and I need the 'Helllllllllo' in my life lol.

I have enjoyed following your journey. The Wheel of Time has been the only fantasy series that I've truly read and now re-read (especially 1-3). With how much you enjoy fantasy with a popular blog etc, it seems your WoT reading experience would be very different. In my job, I read a ton of different material but all in the same category (science articles) so when I read a great article that is dense, as much as I would like, I can't dive into them like the short and sweet ones. I almost think WoT works well for non-fantasy fans - but I may be biased! I do agree fully with New Spring should be read after the series! It is such a palate cleanser!

"Hmm this video sounds different..." *switches back to tab* "THE BOOKS ARE IN THE LIBRARY!!" 😍😍😍

I've read through the series once a few years ago and listened on it on audio last year. I loved it both times. It has much to love, the characters, the world, the plot, the magic etc. But I agree that the series has its problems, such as the catchup in the first chapters, some of the sloggier plotlines etc. But great to hear that you liked the series. Let's hope the show will be awesome

I think if you are a fantasy fan, you do need to read it. Best world building ever. Obviously the sheer size of the series helps with that. I have read other Brandon Sanderson books, and I don't think he can write anything to touch The Wheel of Time. Robert Jordan is a much superior writer in my mind. However, Sanderson did do a good job with the last three books. He seemed to lean into the things Jordan did that was pleasing and leaned away from the things Jordan did that were annoying.

Thanks so much Brittany. I like long baths while sipping goat's milk, and my favorite name for an army is Shaido. I actually do really like the series in spite of a few details. I do think some other series are written a little better, but I love the characters in this series so much.

I agree. Burned through first 8 in about a month while in high school. Then bought Winter’s Heart and each subsequent book at release. Dragged until Sanderson took over. Last book emotional, but too much crosscut plotting over hundreds of pages.

Versus ongoing Malazan read? Couldn’t even get past the cast/map front end dump. It’s obviously a matter of taste. So yes it’s worth it if it’s your taste. With Malazan, I wouldn’t know how to recommend it if I sent know what it’s about and what it’s big picture is other than that it’s “a big deal” in booktube community. I really like Jordan’s prose and storytelling style.

thank you very much I was having doubts about reading this series but your video has clarified some doubts I had

Thank you for this! The easiest to watch series review out there this was very useful! Also nice hair

I listen to audiobooks at 1.3 speed because thats how fast I read. I feel all fantasy audiobooks read extremely slow from my experience.

Hmmm that library 🤩👏 I love how honest you are. You're not trying to convince anyone, you're stating facts! But after your reaction to a Memory of Light... of course I'm picking it up 😂🧡 Looking forward to hear what didn't work for you!! ☯️

im halfway in book 5 do u recommend skipping books 7 through 9 ive heard they are a real fucking drag

great to hear your thoughts on this, its one of those i'd love to read at some point but no idea when, such a big commitment! :-D (and congrats on 15k!) ☯️

A series I'm glad I read. A series I will never re-read. Your take is pretty close to my experience. Great summary. I listened to the CDs for a bit more than a year and a half back and forth from work (no 2x speed). Unlike you, I far prefer fantasy but I still wouldn't highly recommend this. There are too many other great series to read. I consider it a life experience. P.S. I really need to try Malazan. :)

I think around book 8, if you read a new name, dont worry about it, if it's important you"ll read it again. It's vivid, but sometimes hard, that Jordan gave almost all characters names.. even the ones with only 0.5 pagetime 😂

It's like your shelves were made to fit them. All 14 + prequel fit!!

I buy 10 books already currently reading book one

A friend loaned me the whole series piecemeal, as it's one of his favorites, and...I enjoyed it. I think it's a similar experience he has to when I loan him my favorite Star Wars Expanded Universe books or comics, where he can enjoy them, but the nostalgic passion is missing. Wheel of Time saw him through his more turbulent, formative years, as the Star Wars EU did for me. And I honestly think it's wonderful that we all have book series that are our "first loves," as it were. Something we can always go back to and feel at home within. That's *our* world. Where a piece of us will always live. Anyway, WoT for me was, "Hey, this is pretty good! -- Love it! -- But where is it going? -- Huh, I'm skimming a lot. -- Uh oh. -- Well...okay. -- All right, bring it around. -- Aaand, stuck the landing, mostly. I think." Glad to have read it, but I don't think I'll ever feel the need to revisit. ☯️

Yeeees, been waiting for this! Excited to sit down with my morning coffee and listen to your thoughts on this 💖

I'll keep coming back to this video until I convince myself to start this series. Thanks, Britt! 😍🤓🥰

☯ That "should you read other things at the same time" would be an interesting series of videos. Kind of like pairing certain foods together but in the case of books and book genres.

I am sooooo with you about sanderson rakeover. It's heresy to many jordan fans, i'm one of them, but i just never drank the kool-aid

I am glad you said that Brandon Sanderson saved the series at the end. I really enjoyed those last three books.

Loving the sneak peak at the new shelves! I also appreciate your honesty about the books. I don’t think I would like Jordan’s writing style but I still may go for the books 🤷‍♂️ who knows

picked up the series on audible about a month ago, now on book 4 and can't get enough of it, really can't wait until the new TV series comes out

Finished WOT on NYE last year after starting EOTW in like 2014 with some books having a year between or even a year to finish b/c of my previous eratic reading habits. In 2018 my reading really picked up and I was so happy to finally finish the series and very proud to check that box. I also have some complaints/nit picks around a few of the main character arcs but overall just a very satisfied feeling for my first read through. Not sure when I will get around to a reread but I think that will be via audiobook (read the first time through with physical books) which should help me finish each book faster and likely remember or pick up on so many more details :D

I’m hopefully going to start wheel of time soon. Great video, Brittany! ☯️🥰

I have read the series half a dozen times, if you enjoy epic fantasy it is a must read in my mind. I thought books 8-11 were a bit slow paced, but otherwise one of my fave series of all time.

I am not even halfway through the series and I already know that I will be starting the books over again after I finish. Loving the story and the characters but I know I'm going to really enjoy the series on a reread having a better grasp on the world and the characters and who is who and what information I should remember and keep ahold of

you were lucky. I started reading the Wheel of Time series when only the first 4 or 5 books had been written. I had to wait and wait and wait between books.

Wow luv ur bookshelf and new background!!! Happy reading to you!! 🎉🍁😊📖🎬📚

These books annoyed me like no other at times. Other times were genius. When rand tried to kill graendel was shocking because robert jordan made me understand the world so well. When nynaeve healed talmanes it made me laugh because i knew her so well. It seems like everyone who reads the books feels like they are leaving behind friends and loved ones when it is over.

I started reading WoT in Middle School closer to their release dates. I enjoyed the first 1/3 of the series but after some time waiting a year for the books to be released and having to go back through and reread the previous books again to remember what happened became such a chore. After about 4 times through I stopped that because it was getting old. After Path of Daggers, I just said "Screw it, I'll see you when you're finally done." I was frustrated with the delays and the writing seemed more Soap Opera than getting anything done anymore. Didn't touch the series for about 20 years. Then remember Audio Books were a thing so checked them out 1 by 1 from the Library and powered through the whole series (so many CDs in the older audiobook format they had it in). It was nice. It was good to finish. It's a good series. I like Matt's arc (the early Matt so annoying). I'm probably never going to revisit it. Sanderson's parts felt hurried but welcomed after the lackadaisical progress of the previous books. The ending was good to finish but wasn't impressed by it. Nothing memorable for me. Probably a much better series for someone who never had to wait years for books to come out and so so many rereads. I think I got poisoned by the experience of the 90s. Very much looking forward to the Amazon series. Never want to reread all that again, but will certainly watch it. ☯️

I think this was a really great video about your experience and accomplishes exactly what you wanted! I start the slog this fall, wish me luck haha *ying yang emoji*

I think if I would have spent the time reading the series than watching booktube videos about the series I would be done by now lol. I've watched quite a few of these "Why you should read" videos and this one was really good. I thought it gave far more information than others about what you can get out of the series vs. this is what happens without spoilers. I think eventually I will get around to it as I am also planning to do it on audiobook, but there are SO many series that I really want to read and this one seems like such an investment for a good story, but nothing super special other than being able to see the influence of WoT on the writers and genres of today. Thanks for the video. This was super helpful.

How many people know the sons of Feanor or all the kings of Gondor and Arnor.

Did you measure how long 15 books of Wheel of Time take to make your shelves of exactly that length? :-)

This has nothing to do with the video but I would greatly appreciate it if you told me the isbn of the copy of Memories of Ice by Steven Erikson you have behind you because I have been trying to get the paperback edition of that book for months but I keep getting the mass market version and it is driving me insane.

Really loved hearing your thoughts on this series (also the new shelves look stunning ❤❤❤). I've had Eye of the World sitting on my bookshelf since I finished The Lord of the Rings in middle school because I had a massive book hangover from that series and my parents got me a stack of epic fantasy books to get me reading again 😂 I'm thinking of using the show as an incentive to finally read at least the beginning of Wheel of Time if I can around college, but first I have to read Dune!

Years ago I read through book nine or ten. I always support an author writing whatever they want, but sometimes I wished Jordan would have trusted the reader a little more and trimmed some of the detail and repetition.

Multiple time reader of the books. After hearing about the things you like and dislike in books, I am surprised you liked it as well as you did. The battle and war scenes in these books are some of the best ever written in fantasy. In my personal opinion, this series is for someone that will read them all at once until completion. You need to want to get lost in the world as well as the stories and relationships of the characters. It shouldn't feel forced or like you are trying to get to the end. I think this is what leads to people experiencing the "slog". I never experienced it, luckily. Good, honest opinion, glad you finished.

I think the first 5 books were really good. My favorite is Perrin's story in Two Rivers, The sixth book and after that it started to be difficult to keeping track of the many plots and threads in the book especially the amount of characters being introduced. I sort of lost interest after the 11th book and just read cliff notes to get the gist of the story.

This is probably a hot take but i think theres a great 8 to 10 book series in WoT. I DNFd the series back when Winters Heart came out and I realized i just didnt have it me to get through the series. I am attempting a second time but its going slowly.

☯️ I have so far read up through Crown of Swords. I have been having fun with the series but it’s definitely one where the repetitive nature makes me slower to grab the next book in the series, which is different for me because I tend to be a binge reader (like a couple years ago I reread the entirety of the Anita Blake Vampire Hunter Series which at the time was up to Book 25 or 26) in less than a year. I have now hit an inertia barrier to starting Path of Daggers but your video makes me want to push through to get to the epic ending. Thanks for always being honest and straightforward even when you have “unpopular” opinions.

I do feel like there is this indirect pressure to read The Wheel of Time. Like how can you be in the fantasy Community if you've never read it. But watching you go through it and seeing that our taste it's pretty similar, I think I will push The Wheel of Time to the back of my list. I'll finish the Dark Tower in about a month maybe I'll go to Joe Abercrombie. Can't find the emoji 😢

I've only recently picked up The Eye of the World and have been enjoying what little I've actually read so far. I think, for me at least, what has been stopping me from just reading it is how intimidatingly long the series actually is. ☯️

Those shelves are fire!!!! Just here to hear your experience!!!

Went through the series 3 times via audiobook. Not may favorite series but after the first listened I stopped listening to the Perin and Faile POVs until the The Gathering Storm and enjoyed it more. Definitely listened to them at 2-2.5 speed. Glad BS finished the series.

I have honestly been waiting for this video and I found it super helpful, so thank you so much for making this! And once again, congrats on finishing this beast of a series!! ☯️☺ I read the first two books last December, but then life got busy (and I already experienced some of the negatives you mentioned), so I just never continued. However, now that the show is coming out I have actually been wanting to jump back into it, but I wasn't sure if it'd be worth all the time and effort. I really value your opinion (and we have quite similar reading tastes), so it is great to hear that you actually 'enjoyed' the ending to this series! Oh and I am really looking forward to that video with your negatives, let's get a little salty 😝🖤

🎲🐺🗡️ sorry couldn't find a yin yang so mats dice , Perrin's wolf and rand's sword

Great review. I finished the series recently and had very mixed feelings about it. When it's good, it's great, but when it's bad, it's honestly embarrassing to read.

So glad you enjoyed the ride overall! It’s a great series but definitely has its issues. I completed this in 4 months last year, ( I was pregnant at the time and almost changed my daughters name from Lorelai to Nynaeve but decided not to be mean). 5 & 6 are my favorite of the exclusively Jordan books for sure. Personally this is very high on my favorite of all time now. But I would love to see a video on the criticisms! As a first time read through I had A LOT myself. Love your channel! Thank you for your time and videos.

I bought the first book because of some RU-vid channels. Not sure when I’ll pick it up though. Same with the first Malazan book. There so many books I want to devour!

I temporarily DNF'D it largely because I'm reading too many Fantasy series and will definitely resume once I've whittled my reading down to a more manageable number of series. Have no idea when since I'm also reading Malazan BotF, Dark Tower, Dresden Files and Realm of the Elderlings.

I read this whole series in 2013 in 2 months. I didn't watch booktube back then or know anyone who could discuss them with me. I liked the series but I wouldn't say it was my favorite. I started a reread on audio books last month and I meant to just read the first 2 in preparation for the show. And then I couldn't put them down and I'm now on the 5th one.

This video was so helpful! I have no interest in this series. Watching you and others struggle through it definitely influenced that, but I also haven’t heard a single compelling case for why I would love it-at least for me personally. The nostalgia factor is huge for so many fans. They do look beautiful on your shelf! 😍☯️

I read it a while ago now you need new spring and the world of Robert Jordan's the wheel of time also known as the big white book lol if you want that is

I gave up around some circus/tivoli thing that would never stop... And it was very, very boring! So how would the rest of the series be good enough to care about?