I’ve known one of my closest friends for 9 years now. He’s been an avid reader all his life, and for almost as long as I’ve known him, he has told me about his favorite series of all time, one in which he has reread on more than one occasion which it’s been exceptionally rare for him to reread any book, and a series in which he constantly bugged me about needing to read: The Wheel of Time.

I’m nowhere near as much of a reader myself, but I can enjoy a good book if I can get started on it, and even more so if there is already a movie/show about it. Seeing how thick the books were, it was a hard sell. But sell it, he tried and tried again, always saying how much it was worth doing. The break finally came when a show was announced, and better yet, after seeing the trailer. We made an agreement that we would watch the episodes together as they came out, then he would tell me which books I could read with as little spoilers for following seasons.

Sometime after Harry Potter, I came to enjoy stories more when I would watch before reading. For one, I can get more details from a book that a movie/show is constrained to leave out, as well as I’m not left disappointed when it happens. I can enjoy the stories in a separate but joined way. And for another, I can picture the characters much more easily when I read, just as I have been doing for The Wheel of Time.

When I read them, I picture Josha. Rosamund, Daniel, Madeleine, Zoe, Marcus, Donal (Barney for The Eye of the World), even Ceara, Hammed, Sophie, Kate, Shoreh, and so, so many others I wish I could name individually. I have read through The Dragon Reborn, each book at least once so far, and am currently going back through the audiobooks (voiced by Rosamund) before cracking open The Shadow Rising to catch up on the story now that Season 3 is over.

What’s unfortunate to me is that I can’t count the number of times I’ve watched episodes in the series. But I know without a doubt, the show has me hooked. I literally just watched The Road to the Spear again before writing this. It was that last scene of Rand carrying Moiraine that pushed me to write this; picturing us followers doing what we can to carry the show forward. From episode 1, I have eagerly waited for each following episode to air so I could continue the journey that had immediately and immensely pulled me in.

It’s truly been amazing and inspiring, and I am huge on getting drawn in by characters. I say with full certainty, every single cast member has not only delivered their character, but they have gone far above and beyond any expectations I could ever have. When it is difficult to separate actor from character, you know they’ve done exceptionally well.

To all the cast, thank you for being my heroes. My villains. My town folk. The people I love, the people I love to hate, and the people I cheer for every blood and ashes episode.

To the crew, thank you for giving me the world I love to immerse myself in. Every practical and special effect makes me feel like I am there. The costumes of things like the shadowspawn that make me believe things could creep in the shadows. The sounds/music that engulf my senses.

And by the light (pun intended), special shoutout to the lighting of season 3. My god, it was beautiful. As is the whole series. All of this to say, I have been taken in by The Wheel of Time, full send, thanks to everyone who has poured themselves into it.

Thank you, Rafe, and all cast and crew members, for bringing to life something I wasn’t aware I was missing in mine- a damn good story that gives me something to look forward to, that helps me get through each day. I wish more than words can say that the show will continue, with all of you. No matter what, The Wheel keeps turning in my heart.

With all my love and respect. Light be with you, all.