, I thought I would do my first official review on the previous book, The Gathering Storm
.The Gathering Storm is the first title written by Brandon Sanderson upon Robert Jordan's unfortunate passing in 2007. It is the begining of the end for this massive series, quite literally. Robert Jordan had intended that the 12th book, called a Memory of Light, be the finale to this breathtaking and epic length series. When Sanderson took up the task of completeing the work it was found that it was simply impossible to finish the story properly under 700,000 words which would make the book unbindable. The solution was to divide the final book into a trilogy, The Gathering Storm, Towers of Midnight, and the final installment A Memory of Light. The Gathering Storm was released in 2009 to the nervous excitement of fans. No one was sure how Sanderson would handle the series, if he would be able to capture the characters and the world the way Jordan had. Sanderson himself a fan, took the work very seriously. He did not try to emulate Jordan's style feeling that he would do it injustice. Instead he wrote in his own but with Jordan's vision. The result in my opinion is a fantastic book. The pacing is breathless, the characters behaving exactly as I would expect them too. After the first chapter not only was I hooked, but I had completely forgotten that it wasn't Jordan who had written it. Despite the differences in style, Sanderson is not as 'prosy' as Jordan, it still managed to feel like Jordan. A major accomplishment for Sanderson.
There are some of course who do not share this view, who feel that he didn't capture the characters correctly at all or that it's just too different from what Jordan would have written in terms of style. Everyone of course is entitled to their opinion but in my view this critcism is unjustified. No one could wish more then I that Robert Jordan had lived to complete this series. His loss is devasting, not only to fans but the writing community as a whole. He was a unique talent, a master storyteller. That being said it would be impossible for anyone to mimic his style or to write it exactly as he would have. Sanderson in my opinion did the best job anyone could have done in this respect and I am anxious to get my hands on Towers of Midnight to see what next happens in "Randland", the name fans have affectionately given to the Wheel of Time world.
If you are an old fan of the Wheel of Time I encourage you to pick this one up if you haven't devoured it already. If you are curious and in search of a fantasy series to really get lost in I highly encourage you to try this one with one cavet, these books are long, each averaging about 800 pages. They are a major undertaking and one that must be read in order, but one that is worth it in my opinion. The first book can be found here, The Eye of the World
. So what happens in The Gathering Storm? Well I'm not giving away any spoilers! However I will provide this teasing snippit from inside the dust jacket.
Tarmon Gai’don, the Last Battle, looms. And mankind is not ready.
In this epic novel, Robert Jordan’s international bestselling series begins its dramatic conclusion. Rand al’Thor, the Dragon Reborn, struggles to unite a fractured network of kingdoms and alliances in preparation for the Last Battle. As he attempts to halt the Seanchan encroachment northward---wishing he could form at least a temporary truce with the invaders---his allies watch in terror the shadow that seems to be growing within the heart of the Dragon Reborn himself.
Egwene al’Vere, the Amyrlin Seat of the rebel Aes Sedai, is a captive of the White Tower and subject to the whims of their tyrannical leader. As days tick toward the Seanchan attack she knows is imminent, Egwene works to hold together the disparate factions of Aes Sedai while providing leadership in the face of increasing uncertainty and despair. Her fight will prove the mettle of the Aes Sedai, and her conflict will decide the future of the White Tower---and possibly the world itself.
The Wheel of Time turns, and Ages come and pass. What was, what will be, and what is, may yet fall under the Shadow.
Anyone else have goose bumps?!
I promise you this one is worth the read!
For more information on the Wheel of Time visit the official website http://www.dragonmount.com/
Towers of Midnight, due out November 2nd, is available for preorder thru Amazon.com at a huge discount. Just click the link and you're good to go.
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