I agree with that assessment of why the series will not endure.
Tom Send a noteboard - 30/09/2011 06:18:30 AM
The first book was a bit uneven, but after that Jordan found a very compelling and entertaining story that was moving quickly and structured to move to a tumultuous climax at the end of each book. The story had tremendous potential, and after each book from 2-6, I closed the book saying, "Wow, I can't wait for the next one". (For clarity's sake, I should point out that I didn't have to wait to move to 3 and 4 from 2)
Book 7 was uneven again, and then 8-11 (and especially 10, as you noted) completely collapsed under the weight of a series of side stories that crippled the plot and hobbled the pacing. Defenders of Jordan start at this point to talk about story arcs and serialization and a whole lot of other things that reek of blind apologetics.
The simple truth is that even before he died, Jordan managed to ruin his series. His death simply made it impossible that the glory of Books 2-6 could be recovered. Sanderson has written some great books on his own, but he's constrained by notes and ideas that Jordan left and has to somehow vomit it all out on paper so that the fans get an ending.
Once that ending is out for everyone to read, Wheel of Time is likely to be used mostly for instructional purposes - a long list of "don'ts" for aspiring writers.
Book 7 was uneven again, and then 8-11 (and especially 10, as you noted) completely collapsed under the weight of a series of side stories that crippled the plot and hobbled the pacing. Defenders of Jordan start at this point to talk about story arcs and serialization and a whole lot of other things that reek of blind apologetics.
The simple truth is that even before he died, Jordan managed to ruin his series. His death simply made it impossible that the glory of Books 2-6 could be recovered. Sanderson has written some great books on his own, but he's constrained by notes and ideas that Jordan left and has to somehow vomit it all out on paper so that the fans get an ending.
Once that ending is out for everyone to read, Wheel of Time is likely to be used mostly for instructional purposes - a long list of "don'ts" for aspiring writers.
Political correctness is the pettiest form of casuistry.
ἡ δὲ κἀκ τριῶν τρυπημάτων ἐργαζομένη ἐνεκάλει τῇ φύσει, δυσφορουμένη, ὅτι δὴ μὴ καὶ τοὺς τιτθοὺς αὐτῇ εὐρύτερον ἢ νῦν εἰσι τρυπώη, ὅπως καὶ ἄλλην ἐνταῦθα μίξιν ἐπιτεχνᾶσθαι δυνατὴ εἴη. – Procopius
Ummaka qinnassa nīk!
*MySmiley*
ἡ δὲ κἀκ τριῶν τρυπημάτων ἐργαζομένη ἐνεκάλει τῇ φύσει, δυσφορουμένη, ὅτι δὴ μὴ καὶ τοὺς τιτθοὺς αὐτῇ εὐρύτερον ἢ νῦν εἰσι τρυπώη, ὅπως καὶ ἄλλην ἐνταῦθα μίξιν ἐπιτεχνᾶσθαι δυνατὴ εἴη. – Procopius
Ummaka qinnassa nīk!
*MySmiley*
This message last edited by Tom on 30/09/2011 at 06:19:30 AM
Now that the end of WOT is finally in sight.....a few logistical questions -
29/09/2011 04:02:23 PM
- 1796 Views
Re: Now that the end of WOT is finally in sight.....a few logistical questions - *NM*
29/09/2011 08:49:49 PM
- 603 Views
Re: Now that the end of WOT is finally in sight.....a few logistical questions -
29/09/2011 09:46:36 PM
- 1490 Views
I'll answer this survey...
30/09/2011 04:02:51 AM
- 1023 Views
Interesting comment about WoT not having any "enduring value".....
30/09/2011 05:42:43 AM
- 907 Views
I agree with that assessment of why the series will not endure.
30/09/2011 06:18:30 AM
- 944 Views
Re: Now that the end of WOT is finally in sight.....a few logistical questions -
30/09/2011 04:24:34 PM
- 931 Views
Re: Now that the end of WOT is finally in sight.....a few logistical questions -
01/10/2011 12:29:18 AM
- 814 Views
Re: Now that the end of WOT is finally in sight.....a few logistical questions -
01/10/2011 02:37:53 AM
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Re: Now that the end of WOT is finally in sight.....a few logistical questions -
01/10/2011 02:49:06 AM
- 1218 Views
Re: Now that the end of WOT is finally in sight.....a few logistical questions -
01/10/2011 07:42:30 PM
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Re: Now that the end of WOT is finally in sight.....a few logistical questions -
03/10/2011 10:43:25 PM
- 852 Views
Yes, I would love to see RJ's notes published with no/minimal editing! *NM*
04/10/2011 02:34:12 AM
- 476 Views
Re: Now that the end of WOT is finally in sight.....a few logistical questions -
04/10/2011 03:33:59 AM
- 946 Views
My answers
05/10/2011 06:46:03 PM
- 831 Views
Taking off from work? That's a pretty cool idea! End the series in style! *NM*
06/10/2011 04:00:42 AM
- 534 Views
Re: Now that the end of WOT is finally in sight.....a few logistical questions -
05/10/2011 07:20:42 PM
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Re: Now that the end of WOT is finally in sight.....a few logistical questions -
07/10/2011 02:46:06 AM
- 962 Views
Sure.
07/10/2011 06:13:40 PM
- 1134 Views
Definitely argee.....8-11 were really bad and sucked the fun/passion out of the series for me.
08/10/2011 10:51:24 PM
- 938 Views