This book, first in a long and well-loved fantasy saga, actually (mostly) lives up to the hype. The world Jordan creates feels vivid, historically rooted, and unique, with elements of other fantasy works clearly providing inspiration but transformed into something quite distinct. Jordan is a talented writer who excels at both characterization and dramatic action, making this rather brick like book readable despite its length. My only complaints are mild and may well evaporate with the series’ continuation; they boil down to some odd pacing choices (chapters and chapters of minutely described travel and a few short action packed chapters towards the end), the story being told too much (though not quite exclusively) through the main character’s eyes. Overall it was a great first installment and after reading I am committed to seeing the series through.