LogFAQs > #979944874

CoolCly posted...

the first book feels a bit derivative of LOTR

Maybe that's why I have struggled getting into WoT, I don't much care for Lord of the Rings for some reason. I think because it's the baseline of high fantasy and has all the regular tropes you'd expect. I love it for all the inspiration it's given to so many authors, but nowadays it's just sorta... boring I guess.

And that's how it feels reading the first book for Wheel of Time. I think I'll just have to try and speed read it until it starts grabbing me. Yeah that's what I'll do, it feels shameful to not read such a highly praised and influential series.

However I could still use more easily digestible books. Currently reading the second Xanth book and it's alright, but certain aspects are very dissatisfying which is what drove me to make this topic. Wanted something better.

Just remembered that I did read through the Mage Errant series within the last few years, and it was an enjoyable if sometimes messy ride. What I enjoyed most about it was the creative world building, not as dense as Sando's, but every location and power was imaginative. Played well with established tropes, with neat little spins making them feel fresh.