: 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

ARRRRGGGGGHHHHH!!!! It's T O L K I E N.

Incidentally, Newton's "Shoulders of giants quote" was actually a barbed riposte at one of his contemporaries who accused him of plagiarism and was extremely short.