Wheel of Time 12 - The Gathering Storm

Brandon Sanderson was given the task of completing the Wheel of Time series after Robert Jordan died in 2007. The Gathering Storm is the first of three novels that will make up A Memory of Light, the trilogy to conclude the series. Jordan left behind the outline and most of the text of the final book(s). Brandon has done an excellent job of continuing Jordan's vision. . The Gathering Storm shares the same strengths and weaknesses as the rest of the series. I haven't read any Sanderson Novels, but I plan on reading his Mistborn trilogy in the next few weeks

Don't get me wrong, I've enjoyed the series. Jordan's take on the circular nature of time, the nature of good and evil, and his perspective on political and cultural systems among the different groups are original and fascinating. His characters are well-fleshed and have grown in interesting ways. However I found that sometimes descriptions of clothing and furnishings were unnecessarily lengthy. This series may also win some award for most spankings in a high fantasy series. Nonetheless it would have been a great tragedy if the series were never finished.

In this installment Rand al'Thor, the Dragon Reborn, works to control the kingdoms he has conquered while trying to turn the Seanchan into allies instead of enemies. Egwene struggles to unite the White Tower under a single Amrylin. Rand's friends try to stay close to him and remind him of his humanity while he struggle to control his emotions and become the killing machine he expect he will have to be when he confronts the Shadow. The pieces start falling into place for the final reckoning. Will the Wheel continue to turn?

If you haven't read any of the Wheel of Time this book certainly isn't the place to start. If you stopped after reading the first few books I recommend taking up where you left off to fully enjoy what should be a spectacular conclusion.

If you are looking for another series while waiting for the next installment I strongly suggest the Malazan Book of the Fallen series by Steven Erikson. It is a nuanced and layered high fantasy that has superior action and a good sense of humour.