Brian Beam's Blog, page 11
April 6, 2013
The Dragon Gem 2nd Ed. Cover Art Reveal
So, even though the 2nd ed. of the Dragon Gem is a few months off(I'm hoping June/July-ish), here's the new cover that will accompany the re-edited book. Again, when I do release the 2nd ed. this summer, it will be as an update as opposed to a re-release so that anyone who has purchased the ebook will be able to download the updated version for free(after Amazon decides to make the update available at least . . . )
Oh, and another shout out to the wonderfully talented Janette Ramos for the beautiful covers for both this and for The Forgotten King! Give her webpage and DeviantArt profile and check out some of her great artwork!
So, what does everyone think?
Have a great weekend, everyone!
Brian Beam
Oh, and another shout out to the wonderfully talented Janette Ramos for the beautiful covers for both this and for The Forgotten King! Give her webpage and DeviantArt profile and check out some of her great artwork!
So, what does everyone think?
Have a great weekend, everyone!
Brian Beam
Friday Preview: Chapter 3 of The Forgotten King
Well, here I am late with this again. This may need to change to Saturday Preview . . . anyways, here's Chapter 3 of The Forgotten King: Book Two of Korin's Journal. This chapter, along with a couple others in the first third of the book is written from a different P.O.V.
http://www.scribd.com/doc/134396328/TFK-Chap-3
TFK Chap 3
http://www.scribd.com/doc/134396328/TFK-Chap-3
TFK Chap 3
March 30, 2013
Sunday Reviews: The Cascade Annihilator
Sunday Reviews Week 8
The Cascade Annihilator
Chris James has once again created an exciting sci-fi adventure in his follow-up to The Dimension Researcher. The story picks up shortly after the Dimension Researcher ends with Lucas Hunter back in action with The Second Internet Cafe, travelling to alternate realities and researching how the world could have been if certain events from the past had played out differently. The only problem is that his old "pal" Dietrich is starting appear once again. This time, however, Dietrich claims to have a device that threatens Lucas's home reality/universe.
In the meantime, the threat that Dietrich poses has the rest of the world wanting the Second Internet Cafe shut down for good.
Part of the story focuses on Lucas as he tries to save the world from Dietrich's threat. We are also treated to a set of new characters who are struggling to keep the Second Internet Cafe. This is all going on with the looming threat of a military strike on Europe for their activities with dimension research.
Chris James further proves his talent for writing a complex yet entertaining story with great characters and unique ideas. I love the alternate realities James creates, and his strong grasp on history helps make those realities come to life realistically. One of my favorite new characters is Paula, a woman with an amazing ability(I don't want to give it away here.)
The Cascade Annihilator starts with a bang(almost literally) and doesn't let up until the last page and still leaves you wanting more. If you haven't read The Dimension Researcher, you may want to start there, but both are incredible books with unique concepts and thought-provoking plots. Well done, Mr. James!
5/5The Cascade Annihilator is available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Smashwords.
Find out more about Chris James at:
Webpage
Goodreads
March 29, 2013
Friday Preview: Chapter 3 of The Dragon Gem 2nd ed
Here's Chapter 3 of The Dragon Gem 2nd ed. This, along with the 2nd ed. Chapter 2 used to be one chapter. I'm wanting to split up/pare down some of the longer chapters to keep things flowing a bit more smoothly. Enjoy!
http://www.scribd.com/doc/133037948/TDG-Chap-3
http://www.scribd.com/doc/133037948/TDG-Chap-3
March 23, 2013
Sunday Reviews: Twisted Souls
Sunday Reviews Week 7
Twisted Souls
Twisted Souls is an amazing supernatural/suspense/mystery by N. Lee Parish that reeled me in from the beginning and didn't want to let go.
The story starts with a man named Adam on his way to meet his brother and sister to settle up on how to take care of their recently deceased mother's estate. However, on the way to meet them, Adam finds himself in unfamiliar surroundings on a road he's been down many times before. Thinking himself lost, Adam pulls down a road leading to a town called Appelton. Appelton, as the book's blurb states, is "A town that Adam would soon discover he couldn't leave. Ever."
Now, I don't want to give away any of the brilliantly crafted plot, so I'm going to have to just leave it at that and just say that the trip into Appelton is definitely worth your time. The atmosphere of Twisted Souls draws you in and traps you in much the same way that Appelton does to Adam. The town is full of intriguing characters, each a little spooky in their own right. The town itself is its own character, full of mystery, charm, and good old fashioned creepiness.
Honestly, at first I thought I knew exactly where Twisted Souls was going, only to have the rug pulled from under me a half dozen times or so. The mystery builds, layer upon layer, leaving you wondering what is real and what isn't. Are the townsfolk of Appelton benevolent or sinister? Why was Adam drawn to Appelton? Will he ever escape, or is his fate tied in with the mysterious town?
N. Lee Parish has really created a unique story with Twisted Souls, one full of interesting characters and unexpected plot twists. This is a fairly short novel, and given you won't want to put it down, you'll find yourself at the end before you know it, wishing you could have spent a little more time in Appelton.
5/5
Twisted Souls can be purchased at Amazon.
Find out more about N. Lee Parish at:WebpageFacebookTwitter
Twisted Souls
Twisted Souls is an amazing supernatural/suspense/mystery by N. Lee Parish that reeled me in from the beginning and didn't want to let go.
The story starts with a man named Adam on his way to meet his brother and sister to settle up on how to take care of their recently deceased mother's estate. However, on the way to meet them, Adam finds himself in unfamiliar surroundings on a road he's been down many times before. Thinking himself lost, Adam pulls down a road leading to a town called Appelton. Appelton, as the book's blurb states, is "A town that Adam would soon discover he couldn't leave. Ever."
Now, I don't want to give away any of the brilliantly crafted plot, so I'm going to have to just leave it at that and just say that the trip into Appelton is definitely worth your time. The atmosphere of Twisted Souls draws you in and traps you in much the same way that Appelton does to Adam. The town is full of intriguing characters, each a little spooky in their own right. The town itself is its own character, full of mystery, charm, and good old fashioned creepiness.
Honestly, at first I thought I knew exactly where Twisted Souls was going, only to have the rug pulled from under me a half dozen times or so. The mystery builds, layer upon layer, leaving you wondering what is real and what isn't. Are the townsfolk of Appelton benevolent or sinister? Why was Adam drawn to Appelton? Will he ever escape, or is his fate tied in with the mysterious town?
N. Lee Parish has really created a unique story with Twisted Souls, one full of interesting characters and unexpected plot twists. This is a fairly short novel, and given you won't want to put it down, you'll find yourself at the end before you know it, wishing you could have spent a little more time in Appelton.
5/5
Twisted Souls can be purchased at Amazon.
Find out more about N. Lee Parish at:WebpageFacebookTwitter
Friday Preview: Chapter 2 of The Forgotten King
Okay, so this has turned into a Saturday preview. Stupid stomach bug kept me from doing anything last night. Anyways, here's Chapter 2 of The Forgotten King: Book Two of Korin's Journal!
http://www.scribd.com/doc/131954726/TFK-Chap-2
TFK Chap 2
http://www.scribd.com/doc/131954726/TFK-Chap-2
TFK Chap 2
March 16, 2013
Sunday Reviews: Double Review (Storm of Arranon Books One and Two)
Sunday Reviews Week 6
Dual Review:Storm of ArranonandFire and Ice
Storm of Arranon follows Erynn, a military student on the planet of Korin and the daughter of one of Korin's most famous generals. Her entire life, she has been forced to hide a major secret about her past as well as her mysterious powers that she herself does not even understand. When treachery rears its head in the political powers on Korin, she suddenly finds herself swept into a war in which Korin, and its sister planet of Arranon, are threatened by annihilation. Revelations about Erynn's life comes to light and she soon learns that she has a mysterious connection to Arranon. She finds she may be the key to saving both planets, finding love along the way.
When reading this, I found it hard to believe that it was R.E. Sheahan's debut novel in that her writing style screams of seasoned pro. The balance between detail, story, and characterization is impeccably executed. Nearly all of the characters are deep and complex and grow throughout the story. Though the main villain in the novel does not really share the same level of characterization as the other key players(I'm leaving out the name in case of spoilers), you gain an understanding of him based on the overall story of his people.
When reading Storm of Arranon, the world was brought vividly to life in my mind by the author's wonderfully realized sense of the world(s) they have created. You can tell that an extreme amount of care went into developing Arranon and Korin, whether from the description of species native to the planets, the unique environments, or from the inhabited towns/cities. R.E.Sheahan has invested a level of world building that in no way feels forced or unnatural.
Storm of Arranon is a wonderful sci-fi adventure full of fun, action, and even a little romance. I could see this book making a wonderful movie! Though I hated to see the book end, I was happy to see it left open for further volumes in the series while still wrapping up in a satisfying way. I look forward to the continuation of Erynn's story.
Also, I obviously have to like this one for there being a planet named Korin . . . for obvious reasons :).
5/5
Fire and Ice is the action-packed sequel to R.E. Sheahan's Storm of Arranon. The story picks up right where the first book left off. Right off the bat, Fire and Ice introduces us to an evil presence, Dhoran, who once threatened the planet of Arranon. By inhabiting an unwilling host, Dhoran has returned to once again build up an army and conquer Arranon, an action that could disrupt the balance between Arranon and its sister planet, Korin, threatening all existence on both worlds.
Erynn Yager is back in Fire and Ice, now an Interceptor pilot on the planet of Arranon. She finds herself drawn to eliminating the threat of the return of Dhoran, the once defeated sovereign of Arranon's underworld. Erynn is much stronger from her experiences from Storm of Arranon, coming across as braver and more self-confident than when we first met her. Of course, her history of self-doubt still creeps up, adding a sense of realism to her character.
Jaer, leader of the Anbas and Erynn's love interest, also returns, his past coming back to haunt him in ways that threaten to tear him and Erynn apart.
There are a host of new characters and creatures introduced in Fire and Ice, from the timid Nev(a doctor, or byan as they are called on Arranon), to my personal favorite, Cace, a boy suffering from illness who has dreams of one day flying an Interceptor like Erynn. During the book's first half, you constantly question who Dhoran has possessed, and how he plans to achieve his goal, lending a strong sense of suspense to the story.
After setting up the wonderfully detailed and inventive planet of Arranon in the first book, Sheahan is given free rein to jump into the action. From the first chapter, there is rarely a dull moment or any stagnation in the plot flow. The characters continue to be mostly well-developed and the cold world of Arranon is vividly painted for the reader.
As with Storm of Arranon, Fire and Ice continues to hint at grander things to come. I have to admit that the ending felt a little anti-climactic to me given the build-up throughout the book, but it was still very satisfying and apt for the story. Again, it seems to be paving the way for something more epic later in the series.
Fire and Ice can be enjoyed whether you have read Storm of Arranon or not, but I recommend starting at the beginning to truly appreciate the story. And now to wait for the next entry in the Storm of Arranon series!
5/5
Both Storm of Arranon and Fire and Ice can be purchased at Amazon and Barnes and Noble
Find out more about R.E. Sheahan at her:WebsiteFacebookGoodreadsAmazon Author Central
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Dual Review:Storm of ArranonandFire and Ice
Storm of Arranon follows Erynn, a military student on the planet of Korin and the daughter of one of Korin's most famous generals. Her entire life, she has been forced to hide a major secret about her past as well as her mysterious powers that she herself does not even understand. When treachery rears its head in the political powers on Korin, she suddenly finds herself swept into a war in which Korin, and its sister planet of Arranon, are threatened by annihilation. Revelations about Erynn's life comes to light and she soon learns that she has a mysterious connection to Arranon. She finds she may be the key to saving both planets, finding love along the way.
When reading this, I found it hard to believe that it was R.E. Sheahan's debut novel in that her writing style screams of seasoned pro. The balance between detail, story, and characterization is impeccably executed. Nearly all of the characters are deep and complex and grow throughout the story. Though the main villain in the novel does not really share the same level of characterization as the other key players(I'm leaving out the name in case of spoilers), you gain an understanding of him based on the overall story of his people.
When reading Storm of Arranon, the world was brought vividly to life in my mind by the author's wonderfully realized sense of the world(s) they have created. You can tell that an extreme amount of care went into developing Arranon and Korin, whether from the description of species native to the planets, the unique environments, or from the inhabited towns/cities. R.E.Sheahan has invested a level of world building that in no way feels forced or unnatural.
Storm of Arranon is a wonderful sci-fi adventure full of fun, action, and even a little romance. I could see this book making a wonderful movie! Though I hated to see the book end, I was happy to see it left open for further volumes in the series while still wrapping up in a satisfying way. I look forward to the continuation of Erynn's story.
Also, I obviously have to like this one for there being a planet named Korin . . . for obvious reasons :).
5/5Fire and Ice is the action-packed sequel to R.E. Sheahan's Storm of Arranon. The story picks up right where the first book left off. Right off the bat, Fire and Ice introduces us to an evil presence, Dhoran, who once threatened the planet of Arranon. By inhabiting an unwilling host, Dhoran has returned to once again build up an army and conquer Arranon, an action that could disrupt the balance between Arranon and its sister planet, Korin, threatening all existence on both worlds.
Erynn Yager is back in Fire and Ice, now an Interceptor pilot on the planet of Arranon. She finds herself drawn to eliminating the threat of the return of Dhoran, the once defeated sovereign of Arranon's underworld. Erynn is much stronger from her experiences from Storm of Arranon, coming across as braver and more self-confident than when we first met her. Of course, her history of self-doubt still creeps up, adding a sense of realism to her character.
Jaer, leader of the Anbas and Erynn's love interest, also returns, his past coming back to haunt him in ways that threaten to tear him and Erynn apart.
There are a host of new characters and creatures introduced in Fire and Ice, from the timid Nev(a doctor, or byan as they are called on Arranon), to my personal favorite, Cace, a boy suffering from illness who has dreams of one day flying an Interceptor like Erynn. During the book's first half, you constantly question who Dhoran has possessed, and how he plans to achieve his goal, lending a strong sense of suspense to the story.
After setting up the wonderfully detailed and inventive planet of Arranon in the first book, Sheahan is given free rein to jump into the action. From the first chapter, there is rarely a dull moment or any stagnation in the plot flow. The characters continue to be mostly well-developed and the cold world of Arranon is vividly painted for the reader.
As with Storm of Arranon, Fire and Ice continues to hint at grander things to come. I have to admit that the ending felt a little anti-climactic to me given the build-up throughout the book, but it was still very satisfying and apt for the story. Again, it seems to be paving the way for something more epic later in the series.
Fire and Ice can be enjoyed whether you have read Storm of Arranon or not, but I recommend starting at the beginning to truly appreciate the story. And now to wait for the next entry in the Storm of Arranon series!
5/5
Both Storm of Arranon and Fire and Ice can be purchased at Amazon and Barnes and Noble
Find out more about R.E. Sheahan at her:WebsiteFacebookGoodreadsAmazon Author Central
March 15, 2013
Friday Preview: Chapter Two of The Dragon Gem 2nd ed.
Here's the 2nd chapter of the upcoming 2nd edition of The Dragon Gem: Book One of Korin's Journal. It's looking like a late June/early July release as of right now.
http://www.scribd.com/doc/130656429/TDG-Chap-2
TDG Chap 2
http://www.scribd.com/doc/130656429/TDG-Chap-2
TDG Chap 2
March 10, 2013
Sunday Reviews: A Memory of Light
Sunday Reviews Week 5
A Memory of Light
After over 20 years, 14 books, the death of Robert Jordan who began the series, thousands of pages, and millions of words, Brandon Sanderson has brought us the conclusion to the Wheel of Time in A Memory of Light. And it is an amazing ending, though one that is hard to really review.
After Robert Jordan's untimely death, the future of the series had been left uncertain. Shortly before his death, Jordan made clear that he wished his story to be finished. His wife and editor, Harriet McDougal, fulfilled this wish by bringing on Brandon Sanderson to finish the series after reading a touching eulogy Sanderson had written for the late Jordan and his first published novel, Elantris. Sanderson took the helm of the series for the final three volumes under the direction of sections written by Jordan, Jordan's notes, and the guidance of Harriet. It helped that Sanderson was also a massive fan of the Wheel of Time. He has made it clear in many interviews that The Wheel of Time was one of the biggest influences in his becoming a writer and that his becoming published by TOR books was due to wanting to be published by the same publisher that released Jordan's books.
Okay, enough background. There is little detail I can go into in this review without giving away spoilers, so I'll keep things as general as possible. First of all, I have to say that this final volume does not let up on the action. I mean, this is the Last Battle, Tarmon Gai'don. This has been built up over literally millions(like 4.5 million or so)of words. There is a chapter actually titled "The Last Battle" which is over 200 pages long. Yes, a 200 page chapter. That even puts some of Jordan's early, sprawling prologues to shame. And it works.
One criticism of Jordan's work was that he mostly played it safe with his major characters. Nearly all the major "good guys" have lived throughout this epic. Don't get too comfortable when reading this book, though. All bets are off in the Last Battle.
Sanderson has done a brilliant job of tying up most of the major loose ends in the series, though you shouldn't expect the dozens of smaller threads to be addressed. The climactic Last Battle brings the series into a very satisfying conclusion, one that is not overly complex or comprising of some major plot twist. All of the major characters readers have come to know and love are each given a little snapshot of where they stand after all is said and done. One thing I love about Sanderson's writing in A Memory of Light, is that you never go long between the viewpoints of the major characters. I say this because Jordan was notorious for making you read hundreds of pages to find out what happened to a particular character after leaving you with a nerve-wracking cliffhanger.
I find it hard to come up with any complaints about this book. It serves the exact purpose it was supposed to. There is not a lot of character growth or development, but there isn't supposed to be. This is supposed to serve as the culmination of the thirteen preceding volumes.
Finishing A Memory of Light was bittersweet for me. It was wonderful to reach the conclusion, but its also hard to accept that this world and the characters that inhabit it, ones that I have grown to know over the past 15 years of my life, are finally at an end.
For any fans of fantasy who have never tried this series, you should 100% pick up The Eye of The World(the first in the series) right now. The Wheel of Time has been one of the most pivotal fantasy series of this generation, and will likely always stand as one of the greatest fantasy series of all time. It's true that there were a few meandering books towards the middle of the series, but you'd be hard pressed to find a more finely crafted world or a more brilliantly written fantasy work.
5/5
Find out more about Brandon Sanderson here
A Memory of Light
After over 20 years, 14 books, the death of Robert Jordan who began the series, thousands of pages, and millions of words, Brandon Sanderson has brought us the conclusion to the Wheel of Time in A Memory of Light. And it is an amazing ending, though one that is hard to really review.
After Robert Jordan's untimely death, the future of the series had been left uncertain. Shortly before his death, Jordan made clear that he wished his story to be finished. His wife and editor, Harriet McDougal, fulfilled this wish by bringing on Brandon Sanderson to finish the series after reading a touching eulogy Sanderson had written for the late Jordan and his first published novel, Elantris. Sanderson took the helm of the series for the final three volumes under the direction of sections written by Jordan, Jordan's notes, and the guidance of Harriet. It helped that Sanderson was also a massive fan of the Wheel of Time. He has made it clear in many interviews that The Wheel of Time was one of the biggest influences in his becoming a writer and that his becoming published by TOR books was due to wanting to be published by the same publisher that released Jordan's books.
Okay, enough background. There is little detail I can go into in this review without giving away spoilers, so I'll keep things as general as possible. First of all, I have to say that this final volume does not let up on the action. I mean, this is the Last Battle, Tarmon Gai'don. This has been built up over literally millions(like 4.5 million or so)of words. There is a chapter actually titled "The Last Battle" which is over 200 pages long. Yes, a 200 page chapter. That even puts some of Jordan's early, sprawling prologues to shame. And it works.
One criticism of Jordan's work was that he mostly played it safe with his major characters. Nearly all the major "good guys" have lived throughout this epic. Don't get too comfortable when reading this book, though. All bets are off in the Last Battle.
Sanderson has done a brilliant job of tying up most of the major loose ends in the series, though you shouldn't expect the dozens of smaller threads to be addressed. The climactic Last Battle brings the series into a very satisfying conclusion, one that is not overly complex or comprising of some major plot twist. All of the major characters readers have come to know and love are each given a little snapshot of where they stand after all is said and done. One thing I love about Sanderson's writing in A Memory of Light, is that you never go long between the viewpoints of the major characters. I say this because Jordan was notorious for making you read hundreds of pages to find out what happened to a particular character after leaving you with a nerve-wracking cliffhanger.
I find it hard to come up with any complaints about this book. It serves the exact purpose it was supposed to. There is not a lot of character growth or development, but there isn't supposed to be. This is supposed to serve as the culmination of the thirteen preceding volumes.
Finishing A Memory of Light was bittersweet for me. It was wonderful to reach the conclusion, but its also hard to accept that this world and the characters that inhabit it, ones that I have grown to know over the past 15 years of my life, are finally at an end.
For any fans of fantasy who have never tried this series, you should 100% pick up The Eye of The World(the first in the series) right now. The Wheel of Time has been one of the most pivotal fantasy series of this generation, and will likely always stand as one of the greatest fantasy series of all time. It's true that there were a few meandering books towards the middle of the series, but you'd be hard pressed to find a more finely crafted world or a more brilliantly written fantasy work.
5/5
Find out more about Brandon Sanderson here
Sunday Reviews Week 5A Memory of LightAfter over 20 years...
Sunday Reviews Week 5
A Memory of Light
After over 20 years, 14 books, the death of Robert Jordan who began the series, thousands of pages, and millions of words, Brandon Sanderson has brought us the conclusion to the Wheel of Time in A Memory of Light. And it is an amazing ending, though one that is hard to really review.
After Robert Jordan's untimely death, the future of the series had been left uncertain. Shortly before his death, Jordan made clear that he wished his story to be finished. His wife and editor, Harriet McDougal, fulfilled this wish by bringing on Brandon Sanderson to finish the series after reading a touching eulogy Sanderson had written for the late Jordan and his first published novel, Elantris. Sanderson took the helm of the series for the final three volumes under the direction of sections written by Jordan, Jordan's notes, and the guidance of Harriet. It helped that Sanderson was also a massive fan of the Wheel of Time. He has made it clear in many interviews that The Wheel of Time was one of the biggest influences in his becoming a writer and that his becoming published by TOR books was due to wanting to be published by the same publisher that released Jordan's books.
Okay, enough background. There is little detail I can go into in this review without giving away spoilers, so I'll keep things as general as possible. First of all, I have to say that this final volume does not let up on the action. I mean, this is the Last Battle, Tarmon Gai'don. This has been built up over literally millions(like 4.5 million or so)of words. There is a chapter actually titled "The Last Battle" which is over 200 pages long. Yes, a 200 page chapter. That even puts some of Jordan's early, sprawling prologues to shame. And it works.
One criticism of Jordan's work was that he mostly played it safe with his major characters. Nearly all the major "good guys" have lived throughout this epic. Don't get too comfortable when reading this book, though. All bets are off in the Last Battle.
Sanderson has done a brilliant job of tying up most of the major loose ends in the series, though you shouldn't expect the dozens of smaller threads to be addressed. The climactic Last Battle brings the series into a very satisfying conclusion, one that is not overly complex or comprising of some major plot twist. All of the major characters readers have come to know and love are each given a little snapshot of where they stand after all is said and done. One thing I love about Sanderson's writing in A Memory of Light, is that you never go long between the viewpoints of the major characters. I say this because Jordan was notorious for making you read hundreds of pages to find out what happened to a particular character after leaving you with a nerve-wracking cliffhanger.
I find it hard to come up with any complaints about this book. It serves the exact purpose it was supposed to. There is not a lot of character growth or development, but there isn't supposed to be. This is supposed to serve as the culmination of the thirteen preceding volumes.
Finishing A Memory of Light was bittersweet for me. It was wonderful to reach the conclusion, but its also hard to accept that this world and the characters that inhabit it, ones that I have grown to know over the past 15 years of my life, are finally at an end.
For any fans of fantasy who have never tried this series, you should 100% pick up The Eye of The World(the first in the series) right now. The Wheel of Time has been one of the most pivotal fantasy series of this generation, and will likely always stand as one of the greatest fantasy series of all time. It's true that there were a few meandering books towards the middle of the series, but you'd be hard pressed to find a more finely crafted world or a more brilliantly written fantasy work.
5/5
Find out more about Brandon Sanderson here
A Memory of Light
After over 20 years, 14 books, the death of Robert Jordan who began the series, thousands of pages, and millions of words, Brandon Sanderson has brought us the conclusion to the Wheel of Time in A Memory of Light. And it is an amazing ending, though one that is hard to really review.
After Robert Jordan's untimely death, the future of the series had been left uncertain. Shortly before his death, Jordan made clear that he wished his story to be finished. His wife and editor, Harriet McDougal, fulfilled this wish by bringing on Brandon Sanderson to finish the series after reading a touching eulogy Sanderson had written for the late Jordan and his first published novel, Elantris. Sanderson took the helm of the series for the final three volumes under the direction of sections written by Jordan, Jordan's notes, and the guidance of Harriet. It helped that Sanderson was also a massive fan of the Wheel of Time. He has made it clear in many interviews that The Wheel of Time was one of the biggest influences in his becoming a writer and that his becoming published by TOR books was due to wanting to be published by the same publisher that released Jordan's books.
Okay, enough background. There is little detail I can go into in this review without giving away spoilers, so I'll keep things as general as possible. First of all, I have to say that this final volume does not let up on the action. I mean, this is the Last Battle, Tarmon Gai'don. This has been built up over literally millions(like 4.5 million or so)of words. There is a chapter actually titled "The Last Battle" which is over 200 pages long. Yes, a 200 page chapter. That even puts some of Jordan's early, sprawling prologues to shame. And it works.
One criticism of Jordan's work was that he mostly played it safe with his major characters. Nearly all the major "good guys" have lived throughout this epic. Don't get too comfortable when reading this book, though. All bets are off in the Last Battle.
Sanderson has done a brilliant job of tying up most of the major loose ends in the series, though you shouldn't expect the dozens of smaller threads to be addressed. The climactic Last Battle brings the series into a very satisfying conclusion, one that is not overly complex or comprising of some major plot twist. All of the major characters readers have come to know and love are each given a little snapshot of where they stand after all is said and done. One thing I love about Sanderson's writing in A Memory of Light, is that you never go long between the viewpoints of the major characters. I say this because Jordan was notorious for making you read hundreds of pages to find out what happened to a particular character after leaving you with a nerve-wracking cliffhanger.
I find it hard to come up with any complaints about this book. It serves the exact purpose it was supposed to. There is not a lot of character growth or development, but there isn't supposed to be. This is supposed to serve as the culmination of the thirteen preceding volumes.
Finishing A Memory of Light was bittersweet for me. It was wonderful to reach the conclusion, but its also hard to accept that this world and the characters that inhabit it, ones that I have grown to know over the past 15 years of my life, are finally at an end.
For any fans of fantasy who have never tried this series, you should 100% pick up The Eye of The World(the first in the series) right now. The Wheel of Time has been one of the most pivotal fantasy series of this generation, and will likely always stand as one of the greatest fantasy series of all time. It's true that there were a few meandering books towards the middle of the series, but you'd be hard pressed to find a more finely crafted world or a more brilliantly written fantasy work.
5/5
Find out more about Brandon Sanderson here
