My ma always told me, whenever you want to criticize something or someone, always start with the good things you have to say.
So, being an obedient daughter, here goes the complements: first and foremost, the Gathering Storm really feels like a WoT book, and, in my opinion, that's the highest praise Brandon Sandarson could have wished for. Further more, it feels like one of the old wot books, when events sweeps you in, and you can't wait to turn the page. I mean, stuff happens! Loose ends are tied, time is moving forward so for the first time I could actually sense that the end of the series is upon us. Also, I loved it that the book re-focused on the main characters, mostly Rand and Egwene, but also Mat and Perrin, most of the time telling the story from their point of view, and of the point of view of those around them.
Still, I did expect for at least one more major event to happen, and yes, I am talking about the too-long-awaited Moiraine rescue, but not just. Rand and Egwene had had their fair share of both action and character development, Mat and Perrin – not so much.
Which brings me to the thing that bugged me the most: the behind-our-backs Morgase identity revelation and (I presume, since no body bothered telling us about it!) her reunion with Galad. It is a almost 800 pages book, and you couldn't find a mere 15 pages to describe an event that was bound to happen for so long?? Maybe it's just the part in me that enjoys a little well-written melodrama speaking, but that makes me feel like a child who got robed of a beloved treat. Oh, it feels good to get that of my chest ?
Other than that, there were a few minor things that bothered me, all to be expected in the unfortunate circumstances: Some of the characters, those who don't have a strongly distinctive voice (which mean, not Nynaeve), just don’t sound like themselves, or react the way you'd think they would. I felt this mostly regarding Min. Also, is it just me or has everybody in the book are more outspoken that usual? And is it just a coincidence that every person that had ever encountered with Moiraine suddenly has an urge to reminisce over her?
Having that said I just want to emphasize that I thought the book was very-very good, and that I enjoyed a lot.
So, being an obedient daughter, here goes the complements: first and foremost, the Gathering Storm really feels like a WoT book, and, in my opinion, that's the highest praise Brandon Sandarson could have wished for. Further more, it feels like one of the old wot books, when events sweeps you in, and you can't wait to turn the page. I mean, stuff happens! Loose ends are tied, time is moving forward so for the first time I could actually sense that the end of the series is upon us. Also, I loved it that the book re-focused on the main characters, mostly Rand and Egwene, but also Mat and Perrin, most of the time telling the story from their point of view, and of the point of view of those around them.
Still, I did expect for at least one more major event to happen, and yes, I am talking about the too-long-awaited Moiraine rescue, but not just. Rand and Egwene had had their fair share of both action and character development, Mat and Perrin – not so much.
Which brings me to the thing that bugged me the most: the behind-our-backs Morgase identity revelation and (I presume, since no body bothered telling us about it!) her reunion with Galad. It is a almost 800 pages book, and you couldn't find a mere 15 pages to describe an event that was bound to happen for so long?? Maybe it's just the part in me that enjoys a little well-written melodrama speaking, but that makes me feel like a child who got robed of a beloved treat. Oh, it feels good to get that of my chest ?
Other than that, there were a few minor things that bothered me, all to be expected in the unfortunate circumstances: Some of the characters, those who don't have a strongly distinctive voice (which mean, not Nynaeve), just don’t sound like themselves, or react the way you'd think they would. I felt this mostly regarding Min. Also, is it just me or has everybody in the book are more outspoken that usual? And is it just a coincidence that every person that had ever encountered with Moiraine suddenly has an urge to reminisce over her?
Having that said I just want to emphasize that I thought the book was very-very good, and that I enjoyed a lot.
The Gathering Storm user reviews
18/10/2009 08:39:01 AM
- 6627 Views
Chapter Titles
20/10/2009 01:46:16 PM
- 1874 Views
My speculation on chapter titles
20/10/2009 08:25:02 PM
- 1429 Views
I'm hoping that chapters 4-6 involve shadowspawn on the rampage.
21/10/2009 02:11:24 AM
- 1107 Views
Here are the PoVs, but not matched (still, enter at own risk)
21/10/2009 05:45:51 AM
- 1478 Views
Re: Here are the PoVs, but not matched (still, enter at own risk)
21/10/2009 05:48:48 AM
- 1213 Views
Re: Here are the PoVs, but not matched (still, enter at own risk)
21/10/2009 07:00:38 AM
- 1109 Views
Re: Here are the PoVs, but not matched (still, enter at own risk)
21/10/2009 04:49:45 PM
- 1141 Views
My (spoiler-free) review
21/10/2009 05:20:47 AM
- 1657 Views
Re: My (spoiler-free) review
21/10/2009 10:17:48 AM
- 1491 Views
I would say I have no clue and I disagree 100% with Pat
21/10/2009 07:43:13 PM
- 1309 Views
Pat seems like a hardcore books 1-5 are amazing!!!111one and everything else stinks.
21/10/2009 10:04:40 PM
- 1286 Views
Sparring is not determinitive of who's better, only real combat does.
22/10/2009 03:44:58 AM
- 1261 Views
Re: Sparring is not determinitive of who's better, only real combat does.
22/10/2009 05:32:33 PM
- 1087 Views
Re: Sparring is not determinitive of who's better, only real combat does.
31/10/2009 08:05:51 PM
- 983 Views
Re: Pat seems like a hardcore books 1-5 are amazing!!!111one and everything else stinks.
22/10/2009 07:56:46 AM
- 1123 Views
Re: Pat seems like a hardcore books 1-5 are amazing!!!111one and everything else stinks.
23/10/2009 01:26:09 AM
- 1133 Views
This is not a full review, but a commentary that might give some a hint to what happens(ed) to Rand
22/10/2009 12:14:33 AM
- 1587 Views
Was it well done? *NM*
22/10/2009 03:14:25 AM
- 657 Views
I thought so
22/10/2009 03:22:30 AM
- 1329 Views
Is it a Seanchan prophecy or is it a prophecy quoted by the Seanchan
22/10/2009 03:47:45 AM
- 1269 Views
My full review is now up
27/10/2009 04:07:59 AM
- 1376 Views
Is the url correct? *NM*
27/10/2009 04:23:09 AM
- 601 Views
It is now
27/10/2009 04:28:34 AM
- 1093 Views
feel free to link my reviews whenever you like *NM*
27/10/2009 04:30:56 AM
- 588 Views
All in all, Very good. But... (spoilers!!)
14/11/2009 07:09:13 PM
- 1188 Views