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Thursdays with Tynaal: Literature by Robert Jordan


Tynaal Consen

So, seeing as doomsday is ticking closer day by day, I thought it would be fun to have a look at the other books written by Robert Jordan.

 

There are quite a few other works out there. Personally, I always thought that all he ever created was The Wheel of Time since it seemed more than enough of a legacy, but there is more. In addition to the main sequence of Wheel of Time books, there are a few additional ones. I would say the most well known is New Spring, in which we follow Moiraine's journey as Accepted during the time of the Aiel War and birth of the Dragon. I would have to say that it is definitely a book you should read. Moiraine and Lan meeting is priceless. One also gets more of a glimpse into the life of Lan and comes a little closer to understanding him. The other book that gets mentioned a lot is The World of Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time, also known as the Big White Book. This is essentially a reference book with all you need to know about the world that our characters inhabit. Also included in this book is a short story by Robert Jordan called "The Strike at Shayol Ghul". Both the Big White Book and New Spring are books that are a definite must have for your Wheel of Time collection.

 

Have you ever wanted to let your younger children read The Wheel of Time? Apparently, it is possible, at least for the first two books. Both The Eye of the World and The Great Hunt were repackaged into four books suitable for a younger market. There are also the three graphic novels that have been published so far, which are definitely worth a look.

 

The other series by Robert Jordan I was surprised to discover are Fallon (which was written under the pen name Reagan O'Neal), Conan the Barbarian, and a last novel called The Cheyenne Raiders (under the pseudonym Jackson O'Reilly). Fallon is a historical romance series set in the American Revolutionary War era that revolves around a central character Michael Fallon who becomes an indentured servant, begins his fight against poverty, and falls in love with a woman who will never be his. Conan the Barbarian returns Robert Jordan to the world of fantasy, where he essentially revives the classic legendary sword and sorcery of Conan. The last book, The Cheyenne Raiders, is kind of a western story. It's about a normal, urban man who gets involved with the mysteries of the Indian tribes and gets dragged into their world.

 

While I will definitely read the Wheel of Time based novels and those about Conan, I'm not really into romance or westerns, so I'll give them a pass. Nevertheless, one thing that this expedition has taught me is that Robert Jordan was definitely a man of very many talents.

 

Happy reading, folks!




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Actually, the first of the Fallon books is pretty good. I discovered it a few years ago in a used book store and gleefully brought it home. It's in a slightly different style than Wheel of Time, but if anyone out there is a fan of historicals I'd recommend giving it a look. I haven't stumbled across the sequels yet so I don't know what they're like, but I'm glad I read the first one.

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I'm glad this article was posted, since I guess there are still alot of people who only know the legend for the Wheel of Time series. After I stumbled upon the series, I was still drooling while waiting for more so I researched, found more titles under his aliases, and truly discovered what a well-rounded author the man was.

 

But yes, as Amberfly mentioned, Fallon is actually a trilogy....one that I've read a few times and I highly recommend it since it's a fantastic reflection of R.J. and Harriet's family roots I think in a way. Fiction yes, but the historical context is brilliant. The books are The Fallon Blood, The Fallon Pride, and The Fallon legacy. Be prepared to clap with excitement at times and get teary eyed at others.

 

I also highly urge WOT fans to check out his stand alone novel entitled Cheyenne Raiders, another historical work set against a Native American backdrop and showcasing the highs and lows of intermingling cultures. Once again, the man knew how to get his readers to love and hate his plotting. Even after multiple reads, this book is awesome.

 

Finally, he contributed to several Conan adventures as well....and for anyone wanting short, exciting action/adventure reads, don't hesitate with these. Fun reads. They've been published under two volumes now, entitled The Conan Chronicles and The Further Chronicles of Conan.

 

Hope that helps with anyone interested in digging deeper about the man......he's a hero. R.I.P. CANNOT WAIT FOR AMOL!!!

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The Fallen series is very good indeed... how I miss my Jordan surprises.

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"There are also the three graphic novels that have been published so far, which are definitely worth a look."

 

I can't seem to find anything else than "New spring-graphic novel"..

 

Yes Idd, I agree with Theshadowrises, I'm glad this article was posted aswell ^^

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Robert Jordan also wrote the novelization to the Arnold Schwarzenegger starring Conan movie "Conan the Destroyer". I've heard Virginia of the 4th Age Podcast and others remark that the concept of "Zombie Trollocs" must be a purely Brandon invention. However, Robert Jordan had a Necromancer as the big bad guy in almost every one of his seven Conan books. :myrddraal:

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Oh, well then if you guys all recommend it so highly, I will definitely have to have a look at the Fallon series. Read it before I judge it on reviews ;)

 

Arez, Eye of the world has also been published as a graphic novel in a set of 2 volumes.

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The Fallon Trilogy is great because of just how well researched it is. It's interesting seeing all these characters and then finding out that they're all real people moving as they did in history. Unfotunately, my biggest complaint about the trilogy was the way it so abruptly ended. The series goes from about 1750-1838 and then just stops mid-story. Almost nothing is wrapped up, and characters are actually moving to converge at the end, but never will because there wasn't a fourth book.

 

I know Jordan always said that he was thinking of maybe writing another one, but was more focused on WoT, but between the way this trilogy ended and the way the Conan series ends without wrapping up it's overall plot, makes me wonder just how OPEN WoT will end.

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Kadere......I can totally understand where you're coming from regarding the Fallon's storylines, and wouldn't have all minded having it a possible 4-6 book series, but IMO having it as a trilogy avoided alot of potential repetition and possible burnout. I'm not saying that I've EVER tired of R.J.'s writing, in fact I could never get enough, but keeping it as a trilogy with each volume focusing on one generation seemed appropriate. Just me...

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