Some time in the late 90's I ran across The Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan. It was everything I like in my science fantasy, good characters, good story, something to believe in and magic.
I quickly "gobbbled" up as many books in the series as I could find and then began waiting each year or so for a new one to come out. They're huge books ranging in length from 674 pages (The Dragon Reborn) to the Shadow Rising at more than a 1,000 pages.
I was 11 books into the series when in 2007 the author, Robert Jordan, died from cardiac amyloidosis. It was so sad, I had enjoyed reading him so much, his books and his blog. I felt like a friend had died. I didn't even think about the fact the series would not be finished.
But Harriet, his wife, along with Tor Books, his publisher, selected Brandon Sanderson to complete the series. Harriet had always edited Robert's books and she continued this practice for Brandon.
Robert Jordan had worked to nearly the end, leaving copious notes and having lengthy conversations with his wife about how the story should end.
In 2008 Sanderson began work on the finale, but it turned out that one book was not enough and it was divided into 3: The Gathering Storm, The Towers of Midnight and A Memory of Light.
The last one was to be published on January 8, 2013. It had been so long since I had read the beginning of this series that I made the decision last fall to reread the whole thing.
Last week I finally finished books 1-13 and so I started the last one. Even reading a hundred pages at a setting it took about a week. Was is good? Yes. Was it perfect no. I knew this story and these characters so well, they were friends of mine. I knew what I wanted to happen, but that's not how stories go. Was it satisfying, mostly. Do I find myself unable to go onto another book because this one is still filling my head, absolutely.
Will I reread this whole series again one day, probably.
How fantastic it is to find a book (or even better, an entire series) that you enjoy so much.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it sad when a good writer dies? At least they leave their words behind.
ReplyDeleteI do love hearing about a good new book.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read these books but my DIL Hannah is a devoted fan and like you has decided to re-read the whole series before reading the final book.
ReplyDeleteI don't think I've ever heard of it before. Don't really feel like getting into a long series like that right now, but I added the first book to my Amazon 'wishlist' ... as I've taken to do with books I hear about but not sure if I want to buy, or when.
ReplyDeleteJust found out that the series exists in Swedish translation and is also available as talking books via the library... I might give the first one a try that way and see what I think of it. When published here it seems the first eleven books were each divided into two and the titles are different.
ReplyDeleteOnce you like to read a book, you want to read it again and again. It is actually a nice and helpful piece of information. I’m satisfied that you shared your opinion about this series with us. Please stay us informed like this.
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