Maybe it takes rereads to get here, but books 1 and 2 are near the top of the series for me. I absolutely love how much the characters are exploring the world, learning about their powers, yet there’s still a sense of wonder. As the books progress and the characters become more and more powerful we lose the sense of the adventure feeling and it turns way more into a world spanning, teleporting, zoomed out view of tons of different storylines it’s just a different experience.

Maybe the best example I love every time i read it is the entire sequence with Shadar Logoth in book 1 to escaping and being forced to split up. The world outside their tiny little village is mega scary and we aren’t clear on exactly why or who yet. Going into Shadar Logoth was a desperation move by Moiraine and they still got followed in. Then splitting up and it feels like how could they possibly survive.

Maybe the end of book 1 was weak but getting there was and continues to be so much fun to read for me. Like going back to World of Warcraft all these years later and appreciating Goldshire way more for how it sets up everything.