If there is anything trending on Amazon Prime these days, then it is The Wheel of Time. This show is filled with everything you can expect from fantasy. From supernatural elements to magic and exotic worlds, this show will not disappoint you with its plot.
The audience really has been fighting over the adaptation of the book into a series. While many book nerds have a problem with the series not following the exact storyline, others are loving it.
Rafe Judkins, the developer of the series addressed the questions of the audience regarding the books. The people who haven’t read the books asked if the series is following a pattern of one series for one book. But he denied it and rather said that he is using his auteurship to bring the story to the audience.
The series does not need to be exactly similar to the books rather a director and developer can have their creative independence. The inspiration came from the books but their intention was never to copy it exactly.
How Many Books Are There in the Series?
There are a total of 14 books in the series authored by Robert Jordan. He started publishing the books from 1990 onwards till 2007. Due to his untimely death in 2007, Brandon Sanderson, a fellow fantasy writer was asked to complete the final book.
Jordan had written some extensive notes for the book. When Sanderson started writing following those notes, he found the plot to be too big for one book. Hence, the three books, The Gathering Storm (2009), Towers of Midnight (2010), and A Memory of Light (2013) were published.
How Is the Book Different From the Series?
If you are someone who loves the books and want the series to be exactly the same, then you will be disappointed. There are a lot of changes in the series particularly in relation to the main leads. The book does not mention a woman who is a “ta’everen” rather there are only 3 boys.
This changes the entire plot of the story. Additionally, it also showcases violence through the death of Perrin’s wife through his hands. The whole idea of marriage and the killing of a wife was alien to the book readers since they could not settle it according to the book.
Moreover, the film plays really well by showcasing the diversity and people of color through the main characters. It also briefly mentions homosexuality which finds no part in the books.
The inclusivity and diversity is a rather inviting point according to the 21st century which the majority of the audience is supporting.
In addition to this, the time and setting of the series are quite clearly shown. Whereas in the novel, the lines blur and you tend to miss out on the details. The film shows the setting in a post-apocalyptic world with ruins and shattered cities.
Moreover, the ages of the characters are also a bit older. Rafe Judkins did not want the show to be about young adults and teens rather he wanted some mature characters to handle the plot. That’s why one of the characters is also married.
The casting of the show is fantastic with Rosamund Pike as the main lead. There are only a few stars such as hers who can really bring out a character. Madeleine Madden, Barney Harris, Josha Stradowski among others play amazing roles in the series.
Final Thoughts
Although The Wheel of Time show is amazing and it does justice to the books, however, people are comparing it to Game of Thrones due to their similar genre of fantasy. But this series is worth watching and you can see it on Amazon Prime.
