I honestly found Chris Paloini's series to be very paint by the numbers, especially when the Uncle was giving a man to man talk on life. "Your going to die aren't you? *next chapter* Yep he died." I'm sorry but that got old and stale quickly, I found Brandon to be really refreshing.
I am curious as I have never seen WoT compared to RA's work, what parts did you feel mirrored between the two authors?
Yeah Paolini's books were more of a fun throwaway. I equate it with the "I'll watch this because nothing else is on TV right now" type of deal. He's got talent, but 15 was too young to tackle something like that.
I'm a huge Salvatore fan. I've read all of the Drizzt book and I find them just as exciting as the Mistborn trilogy. That's saying a LOT. I can't remember every similarity, just that there were a lot of times reading WOT books that I thought "Hmmm......Salvatore had that too." The descriptions of fight scenes are similar, although R.A. goes through every move, duck, pivot, slash, block, etc. LOL The Aes Sedai structure of female superiority is similar to the Matron Mothers of Drizzt's homeland Menzoberanzan. Again, I'm not saying RJ stole anything. I just figured I'd give another example of similarities in books, as you've been discussing. Like I said, I don't mind it as long as it isn't too in your face.
I'll say one piece of evidence that people tend to dismiss. RJ writes that the words "hung in the air". The only other times RJ uses this phrase is when something is Balefired (Bel'al, Darkhounds, etc). It has to be someone who can channel, and it has to be someone who knows how to use Balefire. RJ's "intuitively obvious" statement included the mention that all the clues were available by the end of Fires of Heaven. Now, he has later admitted that he was mistaken to believe it so obvious.
Interesting. I didn't pick that up. Although, I imagine Rand, Aviendha, or the Wise Ones may have sensed it. No I don't think it was obvious about who it was. I was left scratching my head, only to come here and discover that it is one of the biggest debates in the WOT fandom! I do think balefire is possible, because in LOC Rand mentions that Asmodean has disappeared. No body, plus somebody would have a hard time taking off with a body while Rand and his army was there. Who knows.......
You guys are also forgetting that we don't meet Shadar Haran until Book 6, so let's try not to spoil JoeC ok?
I'm about 120 pages into Lord of Chaos, so yes I have met him. I appreciate your awareness though! LOL
I might make an update for you guys on Thursday. I haven't now because not much has happened. The prologue was 63 pages long!!! Although, I was excited to get a glimpse inside Shayol Ghul. Demandred goes there and speaks directly with the Dark One. VERY good way to start this book off. Shaidar Haran interests me too. I thought he was pretty cool and I can't wait to see him in action. Few things:
-The Dark One wants to make Demandred his second in command. Does that mean Ishamael/Ba'alzamon used to be second in command? I'm still not sure how he made fire in his eyes or mouth but no other Forsaken has done that yet.
-Osan'gar and Aran'gar: Two Forsaken have been ressurected? Very interesting.
-Mazrim Taim working for Rand. I actually like him even though Rand doesn't. Just now, when I was reviewing the prologue I noticed similarities between him and Demandred. It might be forshadowing, it might not. I'm keeping my eyes open.
-Perrin back in the story, thank God!
-Nyneave and Elayne learning from "Marigan" LOL. I still am not 100% sure how they are getting away with all that but apparently they are and are earning praise from the Aes Sedai. Elayne even MADE a terengrael!! I'm interested to see where that's going.
Whoops, I wound up doing an update didn't I? lol Oh well, I've got more reading to do. Thanks for contributing to the thread you guys!! Talk to you later!
-Joe