The Gathering Storm by Robert Jordan (The Wheel of Time #12) Book Review

I never thought that this book would be so engaging.

The Gathering Storm by Robert Jordan
Series: The Wheel of Time #12
Date Published: October 27, 2009
Publisher: Tor Books
Language: English
Genre: Fantasy, Epic Fantasy
ASIN: B003K15O3E
Format: ebook
Pages: 861

The Wheel of Time turns and Ages come and go, leaving memories that become legend. Legend fades to myth, and even myth is long forgotten when the Age that gave it birth returns again. In the Third Age, an Age of Prophecy, the World and Time themselves hang in the balance. What was, what will be, and what is, may yet fall under the Shadow.

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, and now Stormlight Archive, among others, was chosen by Jordan's editor--his wife, Harriet McDougal--to complete the final volume, later expanded to three books.

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.

Review

I had confusing feelings when starting this book. The new voice feels off. The way Rand's thoughts run just feels wrong. The way Min's voice was described is wrong. The word breeches, which was usually used, was replaced with trousers. There aren't those ridiculous little idiosyncrasies with Aes Sedais anymore, like straightening one's skirt. Aviendha's perception feels off with the little changes she subconsciously embraced while in the company of Elayne and now that she's back with her Aiel people. Furthermore, Aviendha would never openly use the word "honor", she'd just say toh, but not in this book, for Aviendha put emphasis on honor.

Furthermore, Rand has a sudden change of heart regarding Aes Sedai. He now acknowledges that he needs them and must not avoid them and is now accepting to seeing visions of Perrin and Mat whenever they both cross his mind. Then later on in the book, he'd toss that all aside and become vindictive of them. Everything just screams Brandon Sanderson. With the narration, it feels like I'm not reading The Wheel of Time anymore. From the usual 35-37 chapters, the book now runs at 50 chapters. Small wonder each chapter feels short.

And then...

I get it. Rand has such hard resolve now. That night when he lost his left hand on the previous book has changed him forever. And I won't talk about the taint that stayed with him and is the reason why he has become antagonistic with everyone around him.

Eventually, the narration grew on me and find it easier to grasp than Robert Jordan's.

A husband needs to know his wife is jealous, otherwise he won't realize how much she cares for him. You guard that which you find most precious.

At times, I find Rand's dialogue anachronistic. He'd sound like an exec officer when he says, "I only expect result."

My mind was frayed when reading this book. As someone still suffering heartbreak, how I wish I was like Rand who's able to steel his emotions in an instant. Well, only sometimes since he'd lose control of his emotions and he'd go on an rampage... with Balefire.

I can't seem to write paragraphs so just hear out my musings.

Why are there so many Darkfriends everywhere? I trusted many characters. It's so disappointing. Light!

Respond to demands with silence, respond to challenges with questions.

Damn you, lower your pride one bit!

"We shall see" or "Perhaps we can" or "I will consider what to do." Never a firm commitment.

I feel so attacked! Why can't you commit?

There may be a change of hands when writing this book, but at least, Mat's narration is still funny. Brandon Sanderson really got a hold of this book.

Egwene's part is so action-packed. She's so dedicated on being the Amyrlin. She's no longer the soft girl when she now learned to behead members of the Black Ajah.

Egwene has a knack for raising former Mistress of the Novices as Keeper of the Chronicles.

Now that I'm getting the hang of this new kind of narration in the series, I think reading the remaining two of the books in the series would be smooth-sailing.