A literature professor claimed the difference between “plot” novels and “real literature” is that plot novels cease to be enjoyable once the reader knows how the story goes, while real literature retains and even deepens in its significance and impact upon successive readings, after the reader knows “how it ends.”
A Memory of Light Review
After so many books spent preparing for the Last Battle and Rand’s climactic struggle against the Dark One, we finally witness it. We witness it for almost a thousand pages, since A Memory of Light is basically a very, very long final battle scene.
Rhythm of War Reread Reflections
They are good stories, but between my changing tastes, and the increasing salience of Cosmere trivia, I do not enjoy them as much as I once did, and that’s a sad fact to recognize.
Towers of Midnight Review
If you ask me my favorite Wheel of Time book, though, my answer is immediate and certain: book thirteen, Towers of Midnight.
My Niche?
These are stories that aren’t historical fiction, are not set on Earth, but are set in a world very analogous to Earth, with strong inspirations from real history, and with “fantastic” elements which are…I want to say subtle, but that’s not quite right. Tightly integrated might suffice.
Terror of Age Release Post and Author’s Note
There's some regicide, a stolen magic sword, and some flashy sympathy magic, but mostly this is a story about an immortal witch and the way she traps herself in her own mind with the terrors and regrets of centuries of living in the world.
Real Fiction
If reflecting reality were the ultimate goal of art, I should sell all my mirrors at an art auction, make a few hundred million dollars off about fifty dollars in glass and metal foil, and retire as a world-famous artist.
The Gathering Storm Review
As I’ve mentioned a few times before, Brandon Sanderson was tapped to finish Wheel of Time after Jordan passed away before he could finish it. I can think of few tasks more difficult or daunting than stepping in to finish another author’s masterpiece.
Against the Warlock Release Post and Author’s Note
The best wielders of this kind of magic are those who can compellingly spin words into a believable tale, and the more skilled, the wilder a tale you can suggest successfully.
Knife of Dreams Review
It's a fitting last outing for Jordan, highlighting his distinguishing skills: ability to manage a large cast, embrace multiple perspectives, advance intertwining plot threads, bring secondary and tertiary characters to life, provide a sense of foreboding balanced with a glimmer of hope.
