Jason Denzel has had the chance to do what many Robert Jordan fans have been waiting for years to do. He has read The Gathering Storm, the next and third-to-last release in the Wheel of Time series.
(edit: thanks to commenter Sam for pointing out the three-book ending to the series, rather than the previously mentioned two books. Apologies for the oversight.)
When Robert Jordan passed away, the responsibility for finishing the Wheel of Time series was handed over to Brandon Sanderson, author of the Mistborn trilogy, Elantris, and the upcoming The Way of Kings epic. A lot of things have happened since that hand-off, one of the more notable changes being that the intended last book was split into three books: The Gathering Storm, Shifting Winds (working title), and A Memory of Light (also a working title).
Well, The Gathering Storm is now in the final stages of publication, far enough along that some folks have had a chance to read what is practically the finished product. Jason Denzel is one of those people, and he has been kind enough to provide a full, intensicve review of the experience.
He starts with a disclaimer:
Before you read my review, I need to give you full disclosure. It’s important to remember my point of view. I’m running a large fan site for a book series that is very near and dear to my heart. Over the years I came to know Robert Jordan, and am proud to have had him call me friend. I am close to Harriet, his widow, as well as to other members of his family and staff. I consider Brandon Sanderson to be my friend (as long as he lets me win a few MAGIC: The Gathering games anyway). I am affiliated with Tor Books (Robert Jordan’s U.S. publisher) via personal relationships, small business deals, and as of recently, their website, Tor.com, for which I occasionally blog. That said, I have not ever accepted money or other payment from them to promote, endorse, or write nice things about their Wheel of Time products.
So, with all that in mind, I tell you truthfully: My review below is for you, the reader who wants the truth, and not the hype. I am not here to sell you the book. I am here to tell you, as one fan to another, what you can expect from this new installment in the WoT series. While the facts of my disclosure above will never make me completely neutral, I promise you that my primary responsibility and obligation remains, as always, to give it to you straight. Like you, I am a fan first and foremost.
The best, and least spoilery, summary of the review is this:
The Gathering Storm is, in my opinion, quite easily one of the most intense and exciting books in the entire Wheel of Time series. Yes, you read that right. I avoided writing this review right after I finished reading. Instead, I purposely waited some time to let the initial rush and enjoyment wear off. It certainly has cooled a great deal, but I can still say with grounded and sober confidence that the book is outstanding. I would rank it up there in the top 4 in the series along with The Shadow Rising, The Fires of Heaven, and The Great Hunt. Pacing-wise, I would agree with Brandon Sanderson’s statement that it’s similar to books 4-6 in the series.
He has a lot more to say, including some potential spoilers, so for his full article and links to further info on the whole publication process, go here.
Comments
Its actually the third to last, shifting winds is second, and memory of light is the final book
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