The Eye of the World (1990) by Robert Jordan is the first installment of The Wheel of Time series, a sprawling epic fantasy that redefined the genre for a generation. The novel introduces Rand al’Thor, a humble farm boy from the Two Rivers, whose life is upended when a mysterious warrior, Moiraine Damodred, reveals he and his friends may be the key to defeating the Dark One, an ancient evil threatening to break free from his prison. As they flee monstrous Trollocs and sinister Fades, their journey expands into a world of prophecies, forgotten legends, and the cyclical nature of time (symbolized by the titular “Wheel”).
Jordan’s richly detailed worldbuilding—inspired by diverse mythologies, from Arthurian legend to Eastern philosophy—and intricate magic system (saidar and saidin) set a new standard for fantasy depth. Though comparisons to The Lord of the Rings are inevitable (a reluctant hero, a dark pursuer), Jordan’s focus on character psychology and political nuance distinguishes his work.
A cornerstone of modern fantasy, The Eye of the World lays the groundwork for a 14-book saga of destiny, power, and the cost of heroism.
