The Gathering Storm - anyone reading this?

[Banshee16]

Has anyone started reading the new "Jordan" novel, "The Gathering Storm"?

I'm curious if the feel is similar to with Jordan's novels, even though this one is written by Brandon Sanderson.

I'm reading "The Name of the Wind" right now, and enjoying it so far.

Banshee

[Ebon Shar]

I started it last night. I have to say, I'm no fan of Brandon Sanderson. I couldn't get through Mistborn because of his very poor characters. Aside from his main protagonist, all his characters were pretty much the same. While I've only gotten through most of chapter one, my first instict is, "I really miss Robert Jordan."

[Darth Shoju]

Originally Posted by Ebon Shar

I have to say, I'm no fan of Brandon Sanderson. I couldn't get through Mistborn because of his very poor characters. Aside from his main protagonist, all his characters were pretty much the same. While I've only gotten through most of chapter one, my first instict is, "I really miss Robert Jordan."

Um, huh? I'm reading Mistborn right now and this criticism seems really far off. It's especially ironic considering how you lament the absence of Jordan's writing, when he was guilty of having a number of characters who were nearly indistinguisable from one another.

I gave up on WoT after book six. The fact that Brandon Sanderson is writing the concluding trilogy is the only thing making me consider reading them.

[Ebon Shar]

Well, Darth, to each his own. While Jordan may not have had great characterization, he wrote with a sophistication that is sorely lacking in Sanderson's work. Mistborn just seemed very amateurish to me, while Jordan wrote with the confidence of a master.

Jordan may have been guilty of prose-bloat and overwrought characters, but he was just more fun to read than Sanderson, who I think needs much more polish.

This is just my opinion, but I doubt Sanderson was the first choice to complete Jordan's work. There are far more writers out there with much more skill who probably turned it down. I asked Joe Abercrombie if he would have considered doing it and he laughed and said something along the lines of, "God, No!" (of course, I asked him via e-mail, I don't personally know the man).

The point is, there are just some things about Sanderson that I dislike. I've heard from others who love his work. To each his own.

[drothgery]

Yeah. Read the whole thing in one sitting from about 7pm-3am Tuesday.

TGS is Egwene's Book of Awesome.

[Banshee16]

Originally Posted by drothgery

Yeah. Read the whole thing in one sitting from about 7pm-3am Tuesday.

TGS is Egwene's Book of Awesome.

Does Rand make an appearance, finally? IIRC, in the last book, Rand was pretty much out of it....most of it was focused on Matt, wasn't it? Rand was still unconscious or recovering from the effects of some battle two books ago, I think?

The cover of the book talks about the growing darkness within Rand. I didn't think he was supposed to be continuing to grow insane, since the Source was cleansed a few books back. Or am I wrong?

Banshee

[drothgery]

Originally Posted by Banshee16

Does Rand make an appearance, finally? IIRC, in the last book, Rand was pretty much out of it....most of it was focused on Matt, wasn't it? Rand was still unconscious or recovering from the effects of some battle two books ago, I think?

There's actually more Rand than anything else, but you'll probably be hoping the next chapter is an Egwene chapter every time by the time you're a few hundred pages in, because Egwene's plot thread is great and Rand is scary (Rand's thread and the little we see of Perrin are okay to good, Tuon's great but not seen much, Elayne is Lady Not Appearing in this Book, Mat's a little off, but Egwene's thread in TGS is up there with Perrin's in book 4 as one of the best in the series).

Originally Posted by Banshee16

The cover of the book talks about the growing darkness within Rand. I didn't think he was supposed to be continuing to grow insane, since the Source was cleansed a few books back. Or am I wrong?

Rand's mental problems have very little to do with the effects of taint on saidin (though the cleansing just means those won't get worse, it doesn't fix them), IMO.

[Darth Shoju]

Originally Posted by Ebon Shar

Well, Darth, to each his own. While Jordan may not have had great characterization, he wrote with a sophistication that is sorely lacking in Sanderson's work. Mistborn just seemed very amateurish to me, while Jordan wrote with the confidence of a master.

Jordan may have been guilty of prose-bloat and overwrought characters, but he was just more fun to read than Sanderson, who I think needs much more polish.

This is just my opinion, but I doubt Sanderson was the first choice to complete Jordan's work. There are far more writers out there with much more skill who probably turned it down. I asked Joe Abercrombie if he would have considered doing it and he laughed and said something along the lines of, "God, No!" (of course, I asked him via e-mail, I don't personally know the man).

The point is, there are just some things about Sanderson that I dislike. I've heard from others who love his work. To each his own.

You're making a lot of definitive statements for someone claiming "to each their own". Jordan was a talented writer, but at no time did I feel I was reading the work of a "master" (though I'll grant that WoT is sophisticated). While I'm not suggesting that Sanderson is a "master" of fantasy either, to call his work amateurish is frankly just inaccurate. His prose is solid, and his characters, imagery, and plot reinforce the layered and provocative themes of the story. I certainly don't expect everyone to like it, but to deny its quality seems disingenuous to me.

And I suspect Sanderson was pretty high on the list of choices to finish the series, Joe Abercrombie's feelings on the matter aside.

[Ebon Shar]

Originally Posted by Darth Shoju

You're making a lot of definitive statements for someone claiming "to each their own". Jordan was a talented writer, but at no time did I feel I was reading the work of a "master" (though I'll grant that WoT is sophisticated). While I'm not suggesting that Sanderson is a "master" of fantasy either, to call his work amateurish is frankly just inaccurate. His prose is solid, and his characters, imagery, and plot reinforce the layered and provocative themes of the story. I certainly don't expect everyone to like it, but to deny its quality seems disingenuous to me.

And I suspect Sanderson was pretty high on the list of choices to finish the series, Joe Abercrombie's feelings on the matter aside.

I'm not sure if this is an argument worth having, but I was clearly stating my opinion. If my opinions appear definitive, that's your opinion (did you see what I did there?). I believe that Jordan was a superior writer. That's my opinion. I did not enjoy Mistborn as much as I had hoped I would. I'm glad you enjoyed it and I hope you enjoy his take on Jordan's world. I'll continue to read it because Dave Rothgery thinks it is great, and I trust his opinion when it comes to Wheel of Time. If I can overcome my disdain for Sanderson's prose, I'm sure I'll enjoy it as well.

On a side note: Why does everyone on ENWorld have to be so confrontational?

[satori01]

Originally Posted by Ebon Shar

I asked Joe Abercrombie if he would have considered doing it and he laughed and said something along the lines of, "God, No!" (of course, I asked him via e-mail, I don't personally know the man).

Which I find ironic, because having just finished "Best Served Cold", I think Abercrombie like David Eddings is a writer that likes a certain style of humor in his books, and thus no matter what characters are involved will find a certain pattern of snarkiness developing despite whom might be in the scene.

Abercrombie stylistically would never be a good fit for Jordan, and I am glad that Joe probably realizes this. Now for Glen Cook, he could take over w/o missing a beat.

I would be interested in hearing more plot details though for the book if anyone would care to share........

[Darth Shoju]

Originally Posted by Ebon Shar

I'm not sure if this is an argument worth having, but I was clearly stating my opinion. If my opinions appear definitive, that's your opinion (did you see what I did there?). I believe that Jordan was a superior writer. That's my opinion. I did not enjoy Mistborn as much as I had hoped I would. I'm glad you enjoyed it and I hope you enjoy his take on Jordan's world. I'll continue to read it because Dave Rothgery thinks it is great, and I trust his opinion when it comes to Wheel of Time. If I can overcome my disdain for Sanderson's prose, I'm sure I'll enjoy it as well.

On a side note: Why does everyone on ENWorld have to be so confrontational?

Alright. I'm certainly guilty of a threadjack here, so I agree it's best I let it drop. I thought some of your assertions were worth debating, but I guess I was wrong.

I'm sorry I questioned your opinion. It won't happen again.

[Ebon Shar]

Originally Posted by Darth Shoju

Alright. I'm certainly guilty of a threadjack here, so I agree it's best I let it drop. I thought some of your assertions were worth debating, but I guess I was wrong.

I'm sorry I questioned your opinion. It won't happen again.

Oh, don't be like that, Darth. I certainly didn't mean we couldn't debate the issue. I guess I tend to get a little over-sensitive on this board. I've already been warned by the moderators for reacting to criticism too sharply. I apologize if I came across as strident.

Your points are certainly valid and I value your opinion. I guess, for me, Sanderson's prose is just too "casual". He doesn't have the poetic prose that I enjoy from such writers as Guy Gavriel Kaye and George Martin. This may seem overly critical, but I'd put him in a category with guys like Michael Stackpole and Dennis McKiernan, maybe even Raymond Feist's later work.

As for Abercrombie, I agree that dark humor clouds his work and I don't think he could write without it, even if he were trying. That being said, I love that kind of humor and I've devoured every one of his books (though, as I said in another thread, Best Served Cold was not nearly as good as his original trilogy). I eagerly look forward to his next book, Heroes, I think it's called. Check out his blog for more details (and enjoy more of that trademarked humor).

I've gotten a bit farther in AGS, and I'm beginning to enjoy it more. As it has been so long since I've read a WOT novel, it is taking some time for me to get back into the feel of it, moreso since a new writer is at the helm.

Anyway, thanks for this discussion, Darth, it has gotten me thinking more critcally about the book and about Sanderson's work.

[Darth Shoju]

Originally Posted by Ebon Shar

Oh, don't be like that, Darth. I certainly didn't mean we couldn't debate the issue. I guess I tend to get a little over-sensitive on this board. I've already been warned by the moderators for reacting to criticism too sharply. I apologize if I came across as strident.

Nah, you were correct: I was being rather confrontational. I think I've been spending too much time in some of the less congenial parts of the internet.

Originally Posted by Ebon Shar

Your points are certainly valid and I value your opinion. I guess, for me, Sanderson's prose is just too "casual". He doesn't have the poetic prose that I enjoy from such writers as Guy Gavriel Kaye and George Martin. This may seem overly critical, but I'd put him in a category with guys like Michael Stackpole and Dennis McKiernan, maybe even Raymond Feist's later work.

Now that's something I can understand. Sanderson's prose is fairly utilitarian, and not of the same quality as Jordan's or Kaye's (good example there: I really enjoy his style). I'm actually in a strange position on WoT. I've only actually read bits and pieces of it, and the rest I've listened to on the unabridged audiobooks. Though I thought I was getting a good feel for the strength of Jordan's prose that way (the world he created was certainly vivid and engaging), perhaps I'm missing out after all. I might just have to sit down and actually read them one of these days.

Originally Posted by Ebon Shar

As for Abercrombie, I agree that dark humor clouds his work and I don't think he could write without it, even if he were trying. That being said, I love that kind of humor and I've devoured every one of his books (though, as I said in another thread, Best Served Cold was not nearly as good as his original trilogy). I eagerly look forward to his next book, Heroes, I think it's called. Check out his blog for more details (and enjoy more of that trademarked humor).

I've been following his blog lately, but I haven't gotten around to reading his books. I'm thinking I'll have to do so.

Originally Posted by Ebon Shar

Anyway, thanks for this discussion, Darth, it has gotten me thinking more critcally about the book and about Sanderson's work.

No problem. Thanks for the reminder that I was being less than civil --I needed it. I think part of my problem is that I've experienced a bit of frustration with WoT. I really, really enjoyed it for the first 4 books, but once I started feeling like it was meandering too much I lost patience with it. I've only got so much time for reading (or in this case, listening) and it struck a nerve when a great series started spinning its wheels. But one of these days I'm sure I'll get over myself and enjoy the books on their own merits.

Cheers.

[Orius]

Huh, it's already out? I was getting ready to check up on the release date.

Well, time to see if the local library's got it in stock if there's a waiting list, etc.

[Ebon Shar]

Originally Posted by Orius

Huh, it's already out? I was getting ready to check up on the release date.

Well, time to see if the local library's got it in stock if there's a waiting list, etc.

The release did kind of sneak up on us. I think it's been so long that everyone just kind of put it out of their minds. Now if only GRRM's next book would "sneak up on us"!

[cignus_pfaccari]

There's definitely a difference in writing, and I do miss RJ.

It is, though Egwene's book. She's awesome.

Rand gets some good, if freaking scary scenes, too.

Other bits feel...odd. Like one of Mat's scenes where they're heading east, where they find The Town.

On the whole, though, the plot advances significantly, which is very nice.

Brad

[Blastin]

Just finished it. Overall very good. Was absolutely egwene's book, but there was also a lot of movement in Rand's story. Freaking scary for sure.
Definitely difference in writing styles, as would be expected. Sanderson is not as good with the, I don't know...emotions? RJ was great at those emotional moments that would just stop you in your tracks every so often. But I think Sanderson does the women better. I never once wanted to reach into the book and strangle one of the women (even Cadsuane, who I really don't like) like I did when RJ wrote them.
Overall I really liked it and look forward to the next two books.

[Orius]

The book did release a little earlier than I thought it would, the date was listed for this month.

The local library apparently has the book on order. I have a reseration on it for whenever they get it, which I hope won't be too long.

[garyh]

Just finished it last night. Really enjoyed it. As has been said, Egwene really shines and Rand really gets scary.

I went out and read the Mistborn trilogy when I heard Sanderson was taking over, and really liked it. I'm happy to have him finishing WoT. He's got a skill at setting uo plot points and then resolving them in a timely manner that hasn't been anywhere near WoT since... ever?

[Eosin the Red]

I got it. I read it.

TGS is in the top 3 of the series for me. I wasn't a fan of Egwene before the series but has been stated this is her moment of awesome. I'll concur with the prior statements on Rand ~ his scenes were terrible in a tragic sorta way. They weren't off or wrong or anything just something that you don't want to see the hero endure.

I wondered about the strange town scene with Mat but concluded that it had to be a Jordan thing since it seemed so out of place that if he didn't include it the scene would never have passed the stress test.

This book -- for the first time in a long spell -- demanded to be read in one sitting. It had a pace and sense of urgency. You can literally feel the ending rushing head long at the major players. There are also a few moments where you choke a little and reach for a drink lest you find yourself in the uncomfortable position of explaining to your wife what the waterworks mean.

There are really two parallel stories running through the book that both.... hold on to your seats.... conclude! Yes, you heard it here. The stories actually wrap up along with two or three other minor subplot.

Sandarson said - We are fulfilling prophecy at a breakneck speed and by goodness he wasn't kidding. None of the minor plot resolutions felt rushed (well maybe one did but I was glad to see that particular one dead and buried).

Very good read. I've already dived back in to re-read specific chapters.