The Gathering Storm, book 12 of the Wheel of Time Series, was released last year with much anticipation. In 2007 Robert Jordan died, leaving the completion of his series in doubt. Jordan at the time was working on the final volume, titled A Memory of Light. Jordan’s estate choose Brandon Sanderson to complete the series, leaving many fans questioning if he could finish the series. Many felt it would be close to impossible for anyone to complete such a difficult task, as the Wheel of Time series is one of the most complex series ever to be created.
Having received Jordan’s notes and partly completed work, Sanderson focused on the task of completing the series. A fan himself, he worked hard to complete the book. However, it soon came clear Jordan’s work was much to massive for one single volume. Sanderson decided to split the book into three parts, each roughly 700 pages. As such, The Gathering Storm was born.
I have been a Wheel of Time fan for almost 15 years. I began reading the series as a teenager. What compelled me was the complexity of the series as well as the well developed world. There is something about Jordan’s writing that makes me feel at home in his world. One trend I am seeing in Fantasy writing is the ‘dumbing down’ effect. By including massive swear words, highly descriptive sex scenes, and other vulgarities; many authors appear to be selling out (I am looking at you, George R. R. Martin). I do not need a page describing sex between two characters, or knights who say the F word all the time. I want a story that I do not feel embarrassed to read. In Jordan’s world, there are terrible events, like rape, murder, etc. However, he does not focus on the events, but the aftermath of the events. There is a rape in the series that is never on screen, but you see the impact. Robert Jordan does not spoon fed you; he expects you to think and question.
Many criticize the Wheel of Time series, often due to it’s pace. It is a very long series, with each book around 700-1000 pages. There are hundreds of characters; with many of importance. It is sometimes difficult to keep track. Jordan knows this, and provides a mini dictionary at the end of each book to help. Many do not have the patience to read through the series, which will take months of your time. To me, this is great, as when can you spend months in a fully developed world, with the author providing mysteries time and again? To me, the Wheel of Time makes the Lord of the Rings to be a simple short story.
So, how does Brandon Sanderson fair at completing Robert Jordan’s work? He does a damn fine job. I was shocked at how well he did. For most of the book, I could not tell any difference from the past books in the series. There are some sections where I could tell; but I did not mind. The story is the focus, and the story is the best it has ever been. Without a doubt, this is the best book of the series.
In this book, you can tell the end is near. The world is going to hell. All the events you have waited for are occurring; as a storm on the horizon. The pace is fast; much faster then ever before. The last battle is fast approaching; and it will be a bloody, terrifying ride. I will not go into plot details, as you do not want to be spoiled on what occurs in this book. Do know, once you pick it up, you will not want to put it down.
I cannot find anything at fault in this book. The story, pace, characterization is perfect. I did not think the book would be this good after the death of Robert Jordan. Brandon Sanderson did a great job. With 2 more books to go, he is on his way to finishing one of the must successful fantasy series ever.
If you are a fan of the Wheel of Time series, there is no reason not to read this book. You will not be disappointed. If you have read some of the series; I suggest you begin at the beginning and read through. At times it may seem like a mountain to climb; however the reward is vast. This is one of the best books I have ever read, making me anticipate the release of Towers of Midnight, Book 13 of the Wheel of Time, due out later this year.
Pros:
The story is amazing.
Transition is smooth between Jordan and Sanderson.
Pace is highly increased.
Shocking events (in a very good way).
Cons:
Waiting 4 years to read it!
Rating: 10 out of 10.
Purchase the book Here.
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