The Gathering Storm

Executive Summary: By comparison to the previous books, this book moves at breakneck speed. It remains one of my favorite of the series, but isn't quite as good as I remember it being. I do think that Brandon Sanderson does an excellent job and picking up where Mr. Jordan left off however. Audiobook: Another fantastic performance by both Michael Kramer and Kate Reading. They really bring these characters to life, and I can't see myself ever picking up my paperback copies again when I could listen to the audio instead. Full ReviewWhen I finally got into the Wheel of Time, this book had just come out. By the time I caught up, it was out in paperback but [b:Towers of Midnight 8253920 Towers of Midnight (Wheel of Time, #13) Robert Jordan https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1358109459s/8253920.jpg 7338128] hadn't been released yet. So this is where I had to join the fans in waiting for an end. Hardly a comparison to fans who have been reading this series since the beginning.This is the book that turned me into a rabid Brandon Sanderson fan, and I proceeded to consume nearly every book he had written to this point. I feel that Mr. Jordan had finally returned to form with [b:Knife of Dreams 13888 Knife of Dreams (Wheel of Time, #11) Robert Jordan https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1397856387s/13888.jpg 987750], so it's not much of a surprise that this book moves at a much faster pace than some of the previous ones.For me the clear star of the book is Egwene. At first glance it might be easy to give Mr. Sanderson credit for making her into an awesome character, but in my opinion this book is simply the fulfillment of path Mr. Jordan setup in the last few novels of the series. Her chapters were always by far the most interesting parts, even over my those of my favorite character Mat's chapters.I remember reading a lot of criticism from fans that Mr. Sanderson didn't do a good job with Mat, and that he changed a lot from the way Mr. Jordan wrote him. During my first reading of the series I didn't agree. After a second reading however, I am inclined to agree somewhat. Mat did feel a bit off. I almost want to say a bit “goofy” compared to the previous few books. However, I still enjoyed his parts quite a lot, and I'm definitely looking forward to what I know is yet to come for him in the final two books.I don't remember being so annoyed at Rand this late in the series as I was during this reread. I think that's part of why I didn't enjoy this book quite as much as I remember. I don't put that on Mr. Sanderson however. Much like Perrin (who annoyed me even more even though his part is quite small), Rand is at a point in his story to be very unlikable. Mr. Sanderson must write the characters forward to their conclusion in a way that follows with everything that's going on.Both are dealing with a lot of baggage. I think I just have less tolerance for it than I did during my first read. Especially after how great Egwene (and to a lesser degree Nynaeve's parts) are. Overall things are finally moving towards a resolution, and even though I know what's coming I can't wait to read it all again.