The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan (Unabridged) Audiobook
Narrated by Kate Reading and Michael Kramer
Running Time: 30 hrs and 2 mins
The Eye of the World audiobook is the first book in Robert Jordan’s The Wheel of Time series and is an exciting tale of sacrifice and discovery. This epic series would go on to span fourteen books and create a rich, expansive world to rival that of Tolkien’s Middle Earth. If you are looking for classic fantasy storytelling full of unique characters and perspectives, then The Wheel of Time series is for you.
Synopsis
The Eye of the World follows a group of young people, each with a special talent, from a village called Emond’s Field. When their village is attacked by Trollocs, Shadowspawn creatures of the Dark One, they run away to keep themselves and their loved ones safe. As they try to find the reasons for this attack, they learn that The Eye of the World is in danger. The Eye of the World is a source of magical power that can keep dark magic at bay. The young villagers must sacrifice whatever they can to save this benevolent power.
The Characters
Rand al’Thor: Rand is a young man who has been deemed important from birth. His birth was foretold, and it was prophesied that he would do many great things. After fleeing the village with his companions, Rand realizes that he must make great sacrifices to protect The Eye of the World and save his friends.
Matrim Cauthon: Mat is a childhood friend of Rand, and he accompanies him on his journey to save The Eye of the World. He’s an honorable young man, though he is also adventurous to a fault. Mat has a habit of continually rescuing his friends from danger.
Perrin Aybara: Perrin is Rand and Mat’s other childhood friend. Before their village is attacked, he is training as an apprentice to a blacksmith. Perrin is a fierce and skilled warrior, but he is also kind-hearted and honest. He fights in order to protect his friends.
Egwene al’Vere: Egwene is an apprentice healer in the village before it’s destroyed. Throughout the story, she learns to harness her power to protect her companions. The other members of the travelling party learn to trust Egwene deeply, and she takes that trust very seriously.
Nynaeve al’Meara: Nynaeve is not initially part of the group that flees the village after the attack. However, she follows after them to bring them back to safety. Egwene is Nynaeve’s apprentice, so she lends help in healing and magic when she can. Nynaeve is stubborn and temperamental, but she is the most powerful member of the group.
Setting and Theme
This book takes place in the land of Andor. This vast kingdom has an incredibly diverse landscape, including mountains, forests, deserts, volcanoes, and much more. Throughout the story, the characters get a chance to take the readers on a tour of their beautiful home. The land is more than just beautiful, though. It is also full of magic. Certain characters can wield magic, but they channel their power through the power of the land.
The Eye of the World is similar to a lot of other fantasy novels, in that a group of characters must go on a quest to save the world. However, Robert Jordan adds a richness and depth to that plotline that makes it a completely unique novel. The characters each have their own quirks, and their interactions with each other drive the plot forward in a powerful way. Jordan’s engaging writing compels listeners to relate to the characters as they learn about themselves, get to know each other, and ultimately make a plan to save their homeland and everyone they love, even if it means losing things and people that were once precious to them.
The ultimate themes of The Eye of the World are sacrifice for the greater good and recognizing power that is greater than your own. Each of the characters must compromise throughout the story so that they can meet a common goal, and one character must make the ultimate sacrifice to save The Eye of the World.
Audiobook Narration
Kate Reading and Michael Kramer are the voices behind the The Eye of the World audiobook. The two differing voices add greater complexity to the narration and the characters than would otherwise be possible with only one. Kramer and Reading show enthusiasm in their reading, allowing listeners to more fully immerse themselves into the story.
The Eye of the World is a tale of epic proportions, and the audiobook makes it an even more impressive experience. If you’re looking for a tale of adventure, friendship, and sacrifice, The Wheel of Time series may be just the thing for you.
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