A review by maxsebastian
The Gathering Storm by Brandon Sanderson, Robert Jordan
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Ok wow. I've got a new favorite Wheel of Time book. With 11 (plus a prequel) books of buildup, The Gathering Storm does really feel like the beginning of the final act of this series. By resolving a few key plot lines that had been stagnant (namely, that of the reunification of the White Tower) , providing answers to mysteries that extend to the earliest entries in the series (Verin is indeed black Ajah but not in the way you think) , and focusing on characterization of its leads, The Gathering Storm is the first Wheel of Time book I've read that has kept me up late reading and made me need to start the next book right away.
While the book feels like a Robert Jordan story (Brandon Sanderson even includes some traits I wish he wouldn't, like the repeated use of the braid tugging and arm crossing), Brandon Sanderson makes a few small changes in The Gathering Storm that really improved my reading experience. In addition to concluding certain plot lines and opening up new exciting mysteries, Sanderson does a wonderful job balancing point of view chapters (mostly alternating, occasionally holding to the same POV for multiple chapters at moments of high tension), which make the book flow far better. Sanderson also does an incredible job with Jordan's characters. Egwene and Rand particularly shine in The Gathering Storm.
It is finally hit me that I only have two books left in this adventure. While it's exciting to realize how far I have traveled with these characters, it is a little hard to imagine this series ending.
While the book feels like a Robert Jordan story (Brandon Sanderson even includes some traits I wish he wouldn't, like the repeated use of the braid tugging and arm crossing), Brandon Sanderson makes a few small changes in The Gathering Storm that really improved my reading experience. In addition to concluding certain plot lines and opening up new exciting mysteries, Sanderson does a wonderful job balancing point of view chapters (mostly alternating, occasionally holding to the same POV for multiple chapters at moments of high tension), which make the book flow far better. Sanderson also does an incredible job with Jordan's characters. Egwene and Rand particularly shine in The Gathering Storm.
It is finally hit me that I only have two books left in this adventure. While it's exciting to realize how far I have traveled with these characters, it is a little hard to imagine this series ending.