The Gathering Storm by Robert Jordan & Brandon Sanderson (Wheel of Time, #12)

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The Gathering Storm is the first book to be published after Robert Jordan passing in September of 2007. The series was completed by Brandon Sanderson, a well known fantasy writer in his own right. Originally, Jordan had said this would be the last book of the series, and would be titled A Memory of Light. He stated it would be the last book even if it contained 2000 pages. However, during the writing process, Sanderson and Jordan’s widow, thought that it would be best to publish it in three volumes instead. The outline that Jordan left was far to big to be contained in one book. With that being said, there is actually two titles to this book. The other title being, the first volume of A Memory of Light.

The Gathering Storm is the twelfth book of the series. In this book, Sanderson used notes, outlines, and recordings of Jordan’s to help finish the book. Some of the scenes were written by Jordan before his death, (most famously, the ending scene in the last book of the series), and others scenes were written by Sanderson to fill the gaps. One thing that you notice in this book compared to the others, is that there is a finality to some of the long running storylines in the series. And if some are yet to be closed…it is evident that they’re quickly moving towards their fruition. It certainly lights a fresh spark in the series.

Tarmon Gai’don ( or the Last Battle) is quickly coming, and all the world knows it. There is death, destruction, poverty, famines on the Earth. Rand must fight to unite the nations, and prepare for the show down with the Dark One. At the same time he struggles with his sanity. It is evident that the madness, and hardness of heart is beginning to take him over. Will he be able to remember laughter and tears again? Or will he break under the madness?

Egwene fights to secure the White Tower under her leadership. She is still a prisoner of the White Tower, and works to undermine the false Amrylin’s authority, and gains respect of many in the tower. During an attack by a foreign power that strikes the White Tower directly. She is placed in a leadership position. Will she be able to sustain under the pressure? Will she be able to lead?

The book mentions and follows other loved characters of the series. But the two main threads of the book focus on Rand, and Egwene.

Hold your horses! Because the Last Battle is coming!

prophecies of the book:

1. Ravens and crows. Rats. Mists and clouds. Insects and corruption. Strange events and odd occurrences. The ordinary twisted and strange. Wonders!

The dead are beginning to walk, and some see them. Others do not, but more and more, we all fear the night.

These have been our days. They rain upon us beneath a dead sky, crushing us with their fury, until as one we beg: “Let it begin!”

-Journal of the Unknown Scholar,

entry for The Feast of Freia, 1000 NE