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The Gathering Storm (Wheel of Time) |  | Authors: Robert Jordan, Brandon Sanderson
Publisher: Tor Books
Category: Book
List Price: $29.99
Buy New: $11.74
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Seller: CookingMomBooks
Rating:  209 reviews
Sales Rank: 28
Media: Hardcover
Pages: 784
Number Of Items: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 2.2
Dimensions (in): 9.2 x 6.2 x 2.4
ISBN: 0765302306
Dewey Decimal Number: 813.54
EAN: 9780765302304
ASIN: 0765302306
Publication Date: October 27, 2009 (New: Last 30 Days)
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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Product Description
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 make up A Memory of Light. 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.
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Showing reviews 1-5 of 209
 a most excellent, gratifying conclusion November 23, 2009
C. Hagness
I've been rereading the entire series before each new book release in the WoT series, ever since the release of TGH (book 2), and if there is one thing that Robert Jordan excels at, it's creating a rich, complex weave of plotlines and mysteries. However, uncovering those mysteries is a challenge, even with the help of online resources. With the intention of revealing most of these mysteries near the conclusion of the WoT series, I'm sure that Robert Jordan intended for this book to be a jaw-dropping experience, and it certainly is that.
However, I think that turning over the writing to another author would have been an excellent decision despite (my favorite author of all time) Jordan's sad passing. Not only was this book jaw-dropping, but it was emotionally gratifying on many levels. I felt like mysteries were revealed and issues were resolved without creating more unanswered questions or dragging out the answers to yet another volume. The writing dwelled on the emotions of the characters in a way that Jordan paid less attention to, and I think this book is better for it. But most of all, Sanderson spent time revisiting the past places, actions, and feelings of characters throughout the book. Jordan, in the past books, never spent time reminiscing, but as part of Memory of Light, we do actually get to spend some time in their memories, which is extremely useful after an astounding number of pages of story.
Overall, this is the best book of the series since the first book introduced us to Rand and his companions. It actually FEELS like a conclusion, even if it isn't the final volume. Separating the last book into three volumes was a great idea, as it draws this feeling of reader satisfaction out over years. Let's face it, after spending so many years reading the mid-story, we WANT the end-story to be long and satisfying! Great job everyone!
 Optimistic November 23, 2009
Joshua L. Bain
While I like Mr. Sanderson's work (I have read and enjoyed all of his other materials in print) I must confess to being slightly disappointed by the Gathering Storm. I found the characterizations to be not quite as sharp as those given by Jordan (though that's somewhat to be expected), and some of the Channeling 'mechanics' were a little jarring.
That aside however the plot moves forwards, the prose itself is of high quality, and most of all it's another Wheel of Time book!
Overall I enjoyed it.
Kudos to Mr. Sanderson November 23, 2009
jules (Fort Wayne, Indiana)
I wasn't expecting much, but wow! Congratulations to Brandon Sanderson for tackling an impossible task. How do you pick up a beloved series that had deteriorated over the last part of the series and revitalize it? Mr. Sanderson did so. (Although the last book by Jordan was much better than the previous few.) It was so refreshing to have things actually happen in a book, rather than any action that moved the storyline forward to occur only in the last 50 pages.
I truly enjoyed this book, and cannot wait for the next two. It is extremely sad that Robert Jordan could not finish the series himself, but this is the next best thing.
Fantastic. November 23, 2009
C. Stark (Arizona)
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
After the travesty that the Dune series ended on, I automatically cringed at the thought of another author finishing The Wheel of Time series, regardless of the fact I was already a fan of Brandon Sanderson's previous work. I can attest that Mr. Sanderson went above and beyond as he picked up Robert Jordan's torch. It was like the series never missed a step. All the characters I've grown to love remain true to form, as does the story arch, and the smooth flowing read. I will also say that the phenomenal ending of this book puts it very high on my favorites list for the series. Absolutely superb and I can not wait for the final two installments.
Better than I could have hoped November 23, 2009
James Cole (Chattanooga, TN)
(some spoilers may be revealed here, so this review is not for those who have not read the book.)
Ok, I am fully aware that at 6 ft 4 inches, I am an excellend target for snipers, snarks, trolls and other unsavory sorts, but I must say, kudos to you Brandon. Superb job. I had many reservations many times over, but you pulled it off quite well.
As to those who say that characters suddenly picked up behaviors and traits that where not in prior books, I don't think you ever gave this book a chance. I was absolutely ready to hate it, in fact, I had to read it twice back to back, in order to give it a real chance. The changes in the characters are easily explained. This book is darker than all the other books combined. Rand is literally sucking the light and the hope from the world to fuel his bitterness towards what he sees as his inevitable fate. None of the characters have ever experienced this level of despair, desperation and hopelessnes, and thank the gods, that at the end, Rand finally sees the Light. If the book had ended like that, I do not know what I would have done.
Yes, most of the book was wrapped up in the unification of the Tower, it was something that had to be done though. (If I had to lay my bets now, I would say the next book will be highly dedicated to wrapping up the sitation with Matt, The Empress and Rand. I wonder how Matt will deal with his split loyalties. It will be interesting to see how it develops.) Now that the Tower is whole, Egwene will be able to turn all her intellect and authority towards preparing every female who can wield the One Power for the Last Battle. Think of it this way, every female she has recruited along her journey is fiercely dedicated to her, the Tower has more females now, than it has had in centuries, probably since the Age of Legends actually. Do you think she is gonna go into the Last Battle without preparing every single one of them to do the absolute best they can?
My only issue with this book was the developments that Perrin are going through, but it has nothing to with the writing style of the author. I shudder to think of the direction that Perrin may be going in. If he doesn't find himsself soon, he may be lost to the Shadow, and Rand and Matt will need him for sure at the Last Battle. I believe strongly also, that Perrin must accept all that Fate has planned for him and raise his banner higher and ressurect the ancient Kingdom of his ancestors. His role there may even be more critically important than that of being a Wolf Brother.
This book was a challenge, it has to be read with an open heart and an open mind. The spirit of Jordan infuses every page, and it does justice to his overwhelming legacy. Do not rate this book, based on your prejudices against the fact that Jordan passed away before he could complete his lifes work. You are not doing yourself or anyone else, any favors by doing so.
Showing reviews 1-5 of 209
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