I really thought this was going to be a new favourite book. And although this wasn't a new favourite, it came really close. I definitely think this series has the potential to be a new favourite.

I ended up giving this 4.25 stars. I thought it was such a good introduction to the world and the characters. I loved everything we learned about the world in this book, and the fact that we're given hints that there's so much more to learn about this universe, makes me soo so excited. I can't wait to see how this world grows and expands in the next 14(13?) books.

The Lord of the Rings influences were everything. The Lord of the Rings is definitely my favourite fantasy world and series, and so anything that even remotely resembles Tolkien's work will always be an instant YES from me. I did reach a point where I was questioning whether it was maybe too similar to LOTR? I wanted it to be slightly more original, and thankfully midway through the book, 'The Eye of the World' definitely began to stand on its own two feet, which is why I enjoyed the second half slightly more than the first.

It took me a while to begin caring for the characters, I only really started caring for Rand towards the end. I hate Mat, adored Perrin (the whole plotline with the wolves-- CHEFS KISS. Honestly, wolves in fantasy books hit different). I loved Nynaeve, disliked her towards the beginning but she definitely grew on me. I'd say she's my fav female character in this book? & OF COURSE LAN