| Title : The Gathering Storm Author : Robert Jordan Reading Dates : 17 Feb 2012 - 21 Feb 2012 Total Pages :824 |  
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| The Wheel of Time | |
From Amazon : Tarmon Gai’don, the Last Battle, looms. And mankind is not ready. The final volume of the Wheel of Time, A Memory of Light, was partially written by Robert Jordan before his untimely passing in 2007. Brandon Sanderson, New York Times bestselling author of the Mistborn books, was chosen by Jordan’s editor--his wife, Harriet McDougal--to complete the final book. The scope and size of the volume was such that it could not be contained in a single book, and so Tor proudly presents The Gathering Storm as the first of three novels that will cover the outline left by Robert Jordan, chronicling Tarmon Gai'don and Rand al'Thor's final confrontation with the Dark One. This short sequence will complete the struggle against the Shadow, bringing to a close a journey begun almost twenty years ago and marking the conclusion of the Wheel of Time, the preeminent fantasy epic of our era. 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. | |
Book Review of The Gathering Storm.
While The Gathering Storm is the first of the books not completed by Robert Jordan himself, I think I wouldn’t have noticed any difference if I hadn’t just re-read the entire series. As it is, I only noticed issues such as lost items re-appearing back without any explanation or certain phrases belonging to one culture being used by another. This doesn’t impact the tale itself, just unexpected reminders.Anyway, the pace really picks up with The Gathering Storm. Suddenly, so many things are occurring at the same time with the main characters, primarily involving Rand and Egwene’s groups.
I found Egwene’s handling of the Aes Sedai to be both admirable and fitting. Yet, at the same time, I still can’t like most of the female characters in the series. I really cannot understand this believe they have that they must be the one in control for things to turn out right. My sympathies are all with the men on this.
On the other hand, after all the doom and gloom affecting Rand, it is wonderful that he seems to have found his balance again. I’m really eager to see how these changes will affect The Last Battle and his dealings with everyone else. And maybe, pay back those insufferably arrogant Aes Sedai.
My conclusions :
- Would I re-read the book ? Definitely.
- Would I want to read the next book in the series ? Yes.
- Would I want to own my personal copy if I didn’t already own it ? Yes.
- Who would I recommend this too? All fantasy readers.
- For those looking to read the book, would I recommend buying or borrowing the book? Buy it. The series is a keeper.
I love this series!
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