: I do admit that I was a bit harsh. It was the assertion that Jordan surpasses Tolkien that got my dander up, as they say. But I do think that Jordan does lack somewhat in creativity and depth. He lacks creativity in that he has constructed a plot (or should I say some 40 odd subplots) that is devoid of originality, in my opinion. He shamelessly copies Tolkien, albeit weakly, and utilizes the common mechanisms, stereotypes and other tropes of the fantasy genre. I do not find a whole lot of creativity in his work, which to me is exemplary of the pulp fantasy fiction market of the 90's. As for depth, I think that his many subplots, often seeming to be a rehashing of each other, display a certain amount of breadth, but little depth. Given that he has written 8 books in the series, and in my opinion has not engendered any real passion or power, nor has he sculpted any truly engaging characters, or managed to conclude anything, I am forced to assert that he has not achieved depth. The fact that Tolkien was able to succeed at all of these in three books (one really) and Jordan has yet to do so in eight, indicates the depth of the two works. As for maturity, I think that his rambling, undisciplined style of storytelling, along with the ideas I have presented above, indicate his lack of maturity as a wrtier. It also suggests to my mind a certain arrogance and narcicism (but this is my own take on the matter). I did enjoy Book One (relatively speaking), and Book Two was not bad, but he failed to take me anywhere, or introduce me to anything, and by the third and fourth books I was disappointed, greatly.

: It is true that his works are better than a lot of the other stuff out there. Whether that is an accolade or not I will let you all decide. I am not typically one to stamp something with a simple word like "sux." In fact, that type of boorish labelling is something I dislike. I did it because I thought it would be a funny way of launching into this discussion (given what I said in my message proper). Whether Jordan is a poor/fair/good writer is up for debate. I do NOT think that he is better, nor even as good as Tolkien in any way. And, though I do not mean this as an attack at all, I think that those who feel that he is should reexamine both Jordan and Tolkien, and the ways in which they judge literature.

Currently, Jordan has scheduled to complete the series in 13 books, which does suggest that he has a definate conclusion in mind. However, as far as story-telling goes, Shakespeare (whether in an attempt to defend his own shameless theft) said that there is nothing new under the sun. Newton even said that "If I have seen farther then others it is because I have stood on the shoulders of giants." It's tough to compare the two (Tolkein to Jordan) without a completed series and a few years following. However, since The Lord of the Rings has set the stage as the first major heroic fantasy book (and the subsequent books that followed documenting the world, the language, the calanders etc.), it will be difficult for anything to rise to the challenge of dethroning Tolkein. Still, with the established literature that Tolkein (and his son) have accumulated, Tolkein currently has the advantage. I for one will reserve judgement to see how Jordan pulls off his final act. For me, the prose is excellent, the story-line (and the subplots) add a depth of reality that is believeable and previously havn't been undertaken by any author (L. Ron Hubbard's sad works asside). I'm not certain about the narcisism or the stereotyping. His characters (at least the major ones) have become very developed in action and in word. Often times I find myself reading dialogue and wondering who said what, since the characters haven't been fully developed, anyone could have said the line. Finally, only history will tell if Jordan can join the ranks of Tolkein. Certainly, because Tolkein was historically first he has the advantage of perceived originality. But the true mark of an author is his/her success throughout history. Tolkein has withstood for the last fourty years, and only history will tell if Jordan will rate as well.

-RobRoy