The frozen Wheel of Time, time, time, time ...

Much to tell right away "VNUcopathes" it may well be that here their egos feel slightly attacked by some of my comments, thinking that only a pig spirit can dare criticize the sanctity of their heart; no doubt that the sight of 3 stars with the most assiduous enough to release the dogs.
But remember the prophetic proverb witch Tar'Valon "even a blind pig can find acorns."

Where to start? Already, by the fact that after 200 pages, I strongly urge to give a few pedal strokes to turn the wheel that never ceases to stagnate.
Crénom it takes time to start! And also ... slow repetitions excessive and endless descriptions acted on my mind as clubbed. This is a stylistic through the author that one suffers as a lead weight throughout reading, breaking the rhythm of the narrative. The slightest crack on the wall takes a phenomenal amount and extends over entire pages.
The repetition of certain attributes of the characters (physical or psychological) gives them a character that borders on pathology. Thus some simple and natural feelings are exacerbated through repetition and - optionally make a protagonist at the pathetic to the point, stupid or totally neurotic.
In just exaggerating, you will not forget for example that if Perrin is strong, it's because he was an apprentice blacksmith. It tells you about a hundred times every two chapters.
This is really the point that will have annoyed me most throughout my reading. The worst being that it's the same with the following two volumes. So much happens to me too often want to skip some paragraphs overcharged on moods or so painful detail due to their redundancy.
However, all is not good to throw. For it is not really the bottom but rather the form that fishing in my opinion. As and when we understand that there is an intention behind these repetitions: that of putting in place the most effective way a whole universe.

Jordan's universe is really solid. Although initially we are somewhat taken aback by a colossal amount of information about the characters, manners and cultures, mythologies, all these elements are worked with precision and allow efficient installation history. This is initially rather plain, but turns over the complex reading, allowing the Wheel of Time to break away from its counterparts of the genre. It is understood that some redundancies mentioned above are not so harmless. Indeed, details may change later 500 pages and become important elements for the coherence of the story: "ta'veren"; you will understand by reading this book the meaning of this word and all that it implies. The problem is that you basically discover from the second volume. It's so important that many of the elements that appeared painful initially make sense thereafter. But still! Banging 800 pages to get there ... Certainly, it is the cat pee in terms of total volumes.

If the universe of The Wheel of Time is really fun to discover many aspects, it regrets that the main characters have a Manichean psychology. For example, women in this epic fresco are in the spotlight. It's good and it changes the usual clichés of fantasy. Yet we must recognize that they are particularly pinball. And not just because of their gifts ... Indeed, these are an irritable hair. As well tell you, it is not good to be a man in this world. Only if women are put forward, one comes to doubt the legitimacy of their actions honorary or status for different reasons: the first being that men are particularly idiots. Their actions and reactions show some congenital weakness at times. Suddenly, the female triumph appears somewhat less glorious. In addition, childish relations and trenches between the sexes can not be ignored. Mind you, this is very Anglo-Saxon theme. But I do not hide that find "Men come from Mars, women from Venus" in a kind of literature that I love fills me a tad.
Anyway, I think this feeling also comes from these abusive repetitions mentioned above. I do not even count the number of times a man blushed under the gaze of a woman for example.
It is a pity that the childishness feelings (at least, their description) totally clashes with environmental wealth, cultural and mythological that is phasing Jordan. Besides these mythologies openly inspired by our myths and legends, including the Arthurian cycle through the names Morgase / Morgana; Artur / Arthur; Paendrag / Pendragon; Tar Valon / Avalon, Lan / Lancelot to name those I've noticed yet.

Good. After suffering repeated attacks of some illuminated around me that I start reading this saga, I - after all this time and with this new edition, resigned to set foot there. Because yes, I admit that I had some prejudices, if only because the format of the previous French editions repugnant to me (the division of the books and the pace of publication).
It was with great difficulty that I got into reading The Wheel of Time. However there is an undeniable charm to this epic universe. But to really consider it so, it seems to me that reading the second volume greatly contributes. It's simple, this first volume appeared to me as an introduction to a neat universe, dense and fascinating.
However I regret certain narrative burden and complexity of some characters worthy of Club Des Five. Especially that besides we have a really complex and searched universe. I am currently in the 3rd volume and acknowledge that the characters evolve quite pleasantly. At the same time, they left little or not much; we must recognize that they are gaining strength, maturity and psychology. But still ...
However, I still regret these stylistic repetitions that increase the narrative.
Short. I like and I will still continue my reading. But I'm not nearly as excited as the fans of this saga yet. I make it clear "for now" because I am fully aware that this is a "beginning." Besides my views on The Time changes Wheel substantially from one volume to another.
For those new to this edition, I recommend they read this. Nevertheless, engage directly on the second volume will greatly help to better digest not only the first volume (if you have moderately appreciated), but above all to enter fully into this world full of qualities.