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The Gathering Storm
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Post by
ArgentSun
If you couldn't tell what I am going to talk about from the title alone, then you have some... I think over 9,000 pages to read from now to... October 27. I think that's a good estimate.
Now, if you do know what I am talking about... Jordan & Sanderson's book is coming in out in mere hours, folks!
Tears from Steel
, the first part of
The Gathering Storm
, the ending of the epic series The Wheel of Time will be out shortly. And Brandon Sanderson and Harriet McDougal (Mr. Jordan's widow) will be going around the States, talking to mortals, and generally making fantasy and science fiction people happy.
Normally I would put up a decently long post - or even blog - about this, but I think I am too giddy to make the effort.
Oh, and in case you are a fantasy fan, but have no idea what I am talking about (shame on you!), I have two (or three, depending on how picky you are) words for you - "Wheel of Time". Get it, read it, love it. And buy the new one!
Post by
165617
This post was from a user who has deleted their account.
Post by
ArgentSun
I really should be writing my psychology paper right now... but everybody knows that WoT > everything else.
*takes a deep breath*
The
Wheel of Time
started many years ago (close to 2 decades, I believe) with
The Eye of the World
. It was a book about three young men from the small and remote village of Two Rivers. Rand, a shepherd's son, Perrin, a smith's apprentice, and Mat, a gambler and trouble-maker, along with a few other characters (at this point of time) became the main characters of an
EPIC
adventure. Without spoiling anything from any of the soon-to-be 12 books, each one of the three friends ended up becoming a lot more than a simple villager. Now, when the world seems to be close to an end, it is up to them and their allies to see that it survives. And even if they manage to save it, it is far from certain that anything resembling civilization will remain.
And a few words about the Robert Jordan himself, and his style of writing. This man is one of the few who is capable of writing over 10 large fantasy books, and still keep them interesting. I can think of at least two dozens point-of-view characters, and twice as many major plots, not even counting the dozens upon dozens secondary characters and smaller plots - each and every one of which, developed to the smallest of details. I have re-read the entire series 5-6 times, and every time I read it, I focus on a different set of plots - and I still discover new elements! It is baffling how Jordan - and now Sanderson too I think - is able to juggle so many story-lines, so many characters, so many plots, so many plot twists, and still not contradict himself (well, except maybe once or twice, but that might be simply because we, as readers, don't know enough).
And let's not even mention the real-world allusions in the series. A careful reader will be able to find elements from almost every area they can think of - history, geography, religion, politics, culture, science...
Now, don't let my flamboyant speech make you think I am exaggerating. I am not. The series is that epic and well-written, and also undoubtedly the main inspiration for many young authors. I have read it as both casual reader, content editor, and an amateur writer - and it's exceptional every time.
And, wow, that became a long reply... You guys shouldn't let me talk about fantasy novels :(
Post by
BuryYourDead
Tell me moar...I want to pick up a series but I have so much classwork recently. Sell it to me.
LOL! U SHOULD LIEK, READ DA TWILIGHT BOOKS!
Post by
165617
This post was from a user who has deleted their account.
Post by
ArgentSun
Ah, so now that I have Internet, let's actually respond to this...
I think the way Jordan did it, and probably the way Sanderson is doing it now (although I figure we won't have many new characters, since those 3 upcoming books need to tie everything up), is by introducing new characters gradually, often in groups of 1-3, where each group of new characters is pretty distinct - both from all the other characters we've seen, and within itself. And since every single character we, as readers, meet is really well-thought, authentic and unique, their very distinct personality makes sure we remember them well. So later on when we read about a certain action, we can almost immediately figure out who might have done it - because it would sound like a thing a character we know well would do. It's kind of like having three friends - a scholar, a work-o-holic, and a gambler. When you hear that one of your friends got drunk to the boot last night, you kind of figure that would be the last one.
Let me close with this. I have never mistaken one character for another. When I read a name, I have a pretty good idea who that person is, and I don't mistake them with somebody else (unless it's an unimportant character I have not paid attention to).
Post by
Queggy
I'm picking up my saved copy ant B&N tomorrow before school.
:)
And to prepare, I re-read through the previous 11 books to refresh my memory.
Mat > Perrin > Rand.
Asmodean was killed by _____ !
Post by
129077
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Post by
431809
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Post by
165617
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Post by
ArgentSun
Funny you mention Asmodean :)
I was watching a short interview with Brandon & Harriet, and Brandon said more or less this about the time he first entered Jordan's house: "Harriet asked me I would have a dinner, and I said '
No, I would have the ending!
'. And so I went to Mr. Jordan's room, we talked, and soon after I locked myself in a room and read the entire ending to find out what happens and who killed Asmodean." Now, this doesn't help us... except that we
almost certainly
know that we will learn who killed him!
Post by
Queggy
I'm picking up my saved copy ant B&N tomorrow before school.
:)
And to prepare, I re-read through the previous 11 books to refresh my memory.
Mat > Perrin > Rand.
Asmodean was killed by _____ !
B&N is a horrible, terrible place to buy books- you should support your local small business. Small bookstores are not only nicer inside but the people that work there are helpful, kind and know exactly what kind of books you are looking for.
Support your local struggling businesses today!
I agree with you 100%. Local, used bookstores/coffee shops are some of the most amazing places on earth. My problem? I don't have one near me. What I do have near me is a B&N which, compared to other chain bookstores such as BAM, is a million times better.
Also, I checked my email this morning, and what did I find, but a 30% coupon off the GS! Wewt!
/cackle madly
Funny you mention Asmodean :)
I was watching a short interview with Brandon & Harriet, and Brandon said more or less this about the time he first entered Jordan's house: "Harriet asked me I would have a dinner, and I said 'No, I would have the ending!'. And so I went to Mr. Jordan's room, we talked, and soon after I locked myself in a room and read the entire ending to find out what happens and who killed Asmodean." Now, this doesn't help us... except that we almost certainly know that we will learn who killed him!
Yes, I had seen that. I have my own guess, but I would like to know for certain.
My Guess:
Slayer/Luc? He has the ability to enter Tel'aran'rhiod at will and is talked about having powerfully poisoned weapons and such. And as a mercenary of the Shadow, Asmodean would have recognized him and it's likely that someone might have sent him to kill Asmodean because they all thought that he had joined Rand. (Which he semi-had, just not of his own free will . . .
:P
)
Post by
Queggy
So anyways, what do you guys think of it?
My Thoughts:
I think it was excellent and that Sanderson did and
amazing
job. It was noticeably a faster pace, but it was still awesome. Usually, I don't like the chapters of Egwene and Rand, but I didn't mind reading 'em this time! Sanderson even got me to like Rand (Mat FTW!)! And I must say, the ending was epic! I hope Mr. Sanderson hurries up and finishes
Towers of Midnigh
t! He's already 70% done according to his website! This was definitely one of my favorite of the series!
Post by
ArgentSun
I still have ~200 pages left. I'll read your comment and respond probably tomorrow, if I have time.
Post by
393249
This post was from a user who has deleted their account.
Post by
393249
This post was from a user who has deleted their account.
Post by
Skyfire
Skyfire is determined to keep me from flagging a post for Spoilers, so I guess I will just refrain from discussing the events of the book. *sigh*
I have no problem with flagging a post with spoilers. The issue is with creating a new thread.
This thread is about the book. People should be expecting spoilers.
Post by
393249
This post was from a user who has deleted their account.
Post by
ArgentSun
As soon as I finish the book (I am down to ~130 pages left from earlier today, so by tomorrow), I will make a new thread with proper huge red flags to mark that the thread will contain spoilers. In fact, it will be full of spoilers. Because we'll be discussing the contents of the book, not its future release, as was the case in this topic.
Bear with me for a little longer, college's a little rough on me these days :)
Post by
393249
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