The Gathering Storm

The Gathering Storm by Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson, Audiobook: 33 hours, Book: 783 pages


 This is the twelfth (out of fourteen) book in the Wheel of Time series. The author passed away before he could finish the series. His widow asked Sanderson to finish it. The author had intended it to be one book but it became clear that it would be way too long so it was divided up into three books. So, this is the first third of the "last" book. Jordan left extensive notes including the ending so Sanderson had to fill in the details and try to stay true to the series.

In the beginning of the book, Rand is in Arad Doman trying to bring peace to the country by making an alliance with the Seanchan. Something happens that further emotionally hardens him so that he is on the point of breaking. He has to figure out how to beat Graendal (one of the Forsaken) but she is smarter than him. His solution works but upsets some of those closest to him. This leads them to help Cadsuane find his father and reunite them but the plan doesn't quite turn out how they would like or does it?

Egwene is still captive of the non-rebel Aes Sedai in the White Tower where she is fomenting dissent against the head of them - The Amyrlin Seat Elaida. Verin comes to her to reveal vital information shortly before the Seanchan attack the White Tower on a raid. These two things set off a chain of events.

The book mainly focuses on those two with Perrin and Mat mainly traveling. Perrin is traveling north with Mat doing the same. Mat is on the way to Caemlyn when it turns out Verin is waiting for him along the way. She offers to transport him and his army to Caemlyn but only on certain conditions. Of course, he accepts, but only after hemming and hawing.

The book ends with Rand having a revelation that will effect the course of his actions and future events.

I found this book to be a fitting first part of the "last" book. Sanderson does a good job of staying true to the series and the characters.