Archive for the ‘Book Reviews’ Category

There is something in all of us, that reaches for the “All Powerful”. The Legendary. The Heroic. Hero worship in all it’s various forms has always been a part of our society. For every race. For every age. For every culture.We all have our favorites. And we have all at one time wished of being one our selves. It doesn’t matter where you come from. What language you speak. Or how old you are. From the beginning of story telling in caves, there have been heroes.

Over here at From Heroes To Icons,we only want to have fun. To allow your imaginations to run free. To enjoy hero worship in all it’s glory. Here you can be who you really are. Love all those geeky, nerdy things that you know you love. You’re sitting in front of a computer. No one can bother us about our hobbies now. Sit back. Relax. Do you like super heroes? Cool! Do you like cartoons and anime? Great! Are you addicted to video games? Fantastic. All that and more is here and right at your finger tips. We the crew at FHTI are here to let you know about all that and more. All the things that keep us Old guys young. Super Heroes. Action Heroes. And we can’t forget any guys favorite. Heroines.

We are not building articles at this site to offend anyone. It’s all good clean fun. It’s for EVERYONE. Yes, including me. FHTI is made by the people. For the people. Just us non profit guys having a good old time, hashing it out about thew things we love the most. HEROES. Everything we post is for the knowledge and enjoyment of the different things we blog about. We let you know how it really is. We don’t do this because we’re paid for it. We don’t get paid for it. We do it, because we love it.

All my life I’ve been fascinated with nearly every type of adventuring hero. Old school stuff like, Sinbad, Jason and the Argonauts, Zorro and the Lone Ranger. Super heroes such as Spider-Man, Hulk, Batman and the Justice League. Video game characters; Samus from Metroid, Nathan Hale of Resistance and all the great characters of the Final Fantasy series. As I broaden my scope for entertainment, I discovered the wonder of martial arts films and anime. Following the adventures of Wing Chun and Ip Man. Watching young heroes fight for family and justice. The Elric brothers of Fullmetal Alchemist. Or the kids from Neon Genesis Evangelion. All these larger than life characters that are so human. The women my daughters can look to. Wonder Woman, Lara Croft and Storm. There are so many you can’t name them all.

I love this crazy world of Fantasy and Science Fiction. The world that we live in is crazy enough. We all need a break every so often. And that is why I have decided to create this little blog. Who can say that they didn’t cry when William Wallce screamed freedom as he lay dying? Whose heart didn’t bleed when Obiwan had to cut down Anakin? Who didn’t fell satisfied when Red XIII and his cubs ran to the mountain, after the credits of Final Fantasy VII? This is what FHTI is all about. This is what heroes are all about.

There is one thing binds these individuals together. They do not stand for just themselves. Not just one person. Not just one people. Or one country. Or one time period. But they stand for all of us. For anyone who has felt oppression and sought freedom. For all those who can not stand for themselves. That is what these heroes are about. And that is what we have forgotten. Regardless of Race. Culture. Or Origin. Heroes were meant to inspire. To give hope. And to have us look into ourselves, to find some of that hero in us. The books we read. The films and TV shows we watch. The anime and cartoons we enjoy. The hero is all compassing. He/She can be anyone. Anything.  Heroes are about sacrifice. About the struggle. About redemption. The heroes journey is what we love. The places they go. The friends the meet. The enemies they vanquish. The power of a hero is not in what nationality he/she is. But what they stand for. And what they accomplish. Only when a hero doubts himself. Makes mistakes. Fails. Only then, when they overcome all that has pushed them down. After the Crucible. Only at the precipice, when all is lost does a hero; a man/woman truly become a hero. And when they have done the impossible time and again. That is what makes them an Icon.

I hope that you will continue this journey with us. There are so many stories to be told. And so many to share. Thank you all.

Special Thanks To JPCDezines for doing what no one else could or would do. Put up with me. LOL

They say time flies when you’re having fun. I can attest to that. Out of everyone that knew or helped with my blog, I was the most pessimistic. From day one I had no idea what this would become. Or even if I’d be around for another year. Day after day I tried to make sense of what I’d write or post. You can say that I was pretty lost when it came to internet journalism. but after awhile I became a bit more comfortable. Things to seem to just fall into place. With every little victory came more questions as to how to keep this place cool to the people that visit it. Because lets face it…without you guys I’d be writing and posting to the digital air. My first E3. And I wasn’t even in California to cover it. And man, oh man did I mess up so much. Through all that you the people of the web showed support. For every video, picture and sentence. You were there. All my little mistakes and blunders. You guys came to see what I’d do next. That is what kept me going. knowing that someone was actually looking to hear and see what I posted.  Thank you guys so much for just taking a chance. Spending just a few precious minutes to poke around. It makes it all worth while.

My wife was the best support. Although she didn’t get it at first. She began to see exactly what was going on. And showed alot of interest in what I put up as well as what you guys wrote back. Time really does move too fast. I can still remember blogging so many nights while rocking my baby to sleep. What a struggle that was. But always worth it.

And really who can forget the guy who is responsible for the birth of From Heroes To Icons. Johnathan Paul. My close and dear friend. He said that this is what I should to. He alone designed the logo. And the site itself. All the stuff you see on the side bars. The build of the site and maintenance of the site I owe all to him. Thanks JPCDezines. Your the best.

I’ll review some of the cool things we covered this year. But I want you to look forward to much more. As Jim Lee said when he worked on X-Men with Chris Clarmont. “The Best Is Yet To Come”.

My first video post: It’s crazy. You have no idea how long it took me to actually have thing running correctly. I didn’t have a clue. Thankfully John Paul was there to pull my but out of the fire. Frustrating, but well worth it. Sherlock Holmes was on of the best films in 2009.

Most Anticipated Games of E3 2009: This post was the first to give me more than just the hits from my friends. Here was my first real chance to see how viewers saw me and my sight. I great moment for me and my followers. I got to dig in and they could finally feel me out.

E3 2009: It was the best and worst week of my life. The amount of information coming out of that place is out of control. After the initial shock I was able to stream line the info into post that made sense. I got my feet wet. And it wasn’t a bad experience at all.

My Big Final Fantasy Post: I am one of the BIG fans of Final Fantasy. I wrote the article to just to see how people would react.So many people love the franchise that questioning if it is the greatest RPG is bound to ruffle some feathers. But it is good point. Thoughts on Final Fantasy XIII?!?!?

Dead Fantasy: What can anyone say when a fan takes two of the biggest franchises and makes his own miniseries with them? When it comes to Dead Fantasy’s creator Monty Oum….OMG!!!!!!!!! is all you’ll get to say. The guy is a genius.

PlayStation Slim: Sporting a sleeker look no backward compatibility, a bigger HDD and a cheaper price. It’s just what the doctor ordered for Sony. Buy it Play it. Love it.

GamesCom 2K9: More video games. More of the best stuff shown at E3. Gotta love those game trailers.

PSP Go!!!:Smaller, bigger hard drive and just plain cool.

ExSleepyInk Coming aboard: This guy is a beast. You have love him. He puts forth such zeal into his articles. And most of all he has fun with it.

Sick Pavarotti Coming aboard: My long time friend Nolan. You haven’t heard to much from him. He’s working on the Masters Degree. We won’t penalize him for that. Someone has to be the Master. lol

PlayStation Move: More than just Wii HD.

Welcome Our New Blogger Vicious: Me and this guy go way back. I’m so glad to have another one of the guys that love all this stuff come aboard.

There is just so much to talk about that has transpired. I would love to go into it all but that would be overkill. Truly I have been blessed with some cool people to work with this past year. I got a new computer to work on. And things over here at FHTI is perfect as independent blogging goes. For me this time of the year is great as an anniversary time in blogging. E3 is just around the corner and I can’t wait to see how this new computer is going to treat me. Once again Thank you so much for giving From Heroes To Icons a chance. We will continue to do our best to keep thing interesting around here. Maybe even as interesting as this video.

My Thoughts On A FF VII Remake: The greatest trick the Devil ever did. Was making the world believe he didn’t exist. Is Square Enix doing the same thing. To say that it will never be made. And yet it is in development right now. Well that may be a bit too much. Guess that was the fan boy in me talking. See ya in the funny papers.

The much anticipated 13th book of The Wheel of Time series now has a picture perfect cover. Art by the sensational Darryl K. Sweet. Towers of Midnight will be released on October 26, 2010. The 14th and final book of TWOT, entitled Memory of Light is currently expected to be published in late 2011. If you haven’t read this series and love fantasy you are truly missing something. Treat yourself today. Robert Jordan is THE BEST.

Exciting things are abound, and others right over the horizon at DC.  For those of you that have been reading, you know that Blackest Night gave way to Brightest Day.  In this follow up to the massive title (that spanned the whole DCU, in which the dead rose in the form of Black Lanterns to serve Nekron and bring the universe back to utter darkness)  certain big characters have been brought back to life by the white light.  The big question on everyone’s mind is, why hasn’t everyone been brought back?  And, for that matter, why is Boston Brand (the former Deadman who is now living) seemingly in the center of it all?  Strange things are afoot.  Is the return of our beloved heroes a good thing, or the beginning of a new threat?!

(Sort-of-Spoiler) In a related title, Justice League: Generation Lost, a worldwide manhunt has been launched to capture Maxwell Lord (who was also resurrected at the conclussion of Blackest Night).  The former head of Justice League International, who killed Ted Kord, took control of  Brother Eye and tried to use the OMACs to hunt down and destroy superhumans, was originally killed by Wonder Woman after he used Superman as his pawn.  Now, just as Booster Gold, Captain Atom, Fire and Ice were closing in on Lord, he used his supreme mind control, and a lot of blood transfusions, to make the world forget he has returned–everyone, that is, except the four former JLI members that almost had him cornered.  Exactly what are his plans?  After all, the greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he doesn’t exist.  Even if you don’t follow the Justice League, this is an entertaining read so far.

Another upcoming title that will hopefully tie up loose ends is RED HOOD: LOST DAYS.  Judd Winick returns to fill us in on what happened in the unaccounted time before he resurfaced in Gotham, and what eventually led him down the path of death and destruction.  The Al Ghuls are involved, so here’s to hoping they further make sense of Jason’s rise from beyond the grave.

DC UNIVERSE LEGACIES, starting tomorrow, will be a ten-part  history of the universe spanning five generations of heroes.  It starts during World War II as the masked men and women start to emerge from the shadows, and even sheds light on such oddities as Dr.Fate and The Spectre.  Written by Len Wein, you can expect art from Andy Kubert, Joe Kubert, and J.G. Jones.  Now, if that’s not enough to entice you…. 

The wait is finally over!  As of last week BATMAN: THE RETURN OF BRUCE WAYNE has begun.  With connections to RIP and FINAL CRISIS (which some of us are still going back on to pull the pieces together, as frustrating as it might be)  it started off very interesting.  Bruce finds himself without memory and at the dawn of man.  You will find he still has some Bat-instinct in him yet, when put to the test!  An age old villain makes a cameo (and a stand), and friends from the future mount a search for their comrade who was lost, and thought dead, to Darkseid’s omega sanction.  A must for Bat-fans (especially those who have patiently waited for answers over the last two years)!

Another highly anticipated book you should be on the look-out for is BATMAN: ODYSSEY. Written and drawn by Legendary Batman artist Neal Adams, this exciting new story of  The Dark Knight pits him against seemingly unrelated challenges.  Enemies and friends alike, old and new, push him to untested limits.  After Batman uncovers a mysterious matrix juxtaposing his life, he sets off on a journey to seek out the origins of this dark force.  I was honored to have been shown original boards of the beginnings of his new epic masterpiece, and they looked amazing!  It’s good to have Mr. Adams back in Gotham!!

Last, but certainly not least, I just wanted to remind readers that ZATANNA and THE LEGION OF SUPERHEROES both have a new monthly book surfacing in the next two months.  The new Flash isn’t too shabby in it’s own right, either.  Be sure to pick up the dark and exciting upcoming DC ANIMATION dvd BATMAN: UNDER THE RED HOOD. It should be available in stores July, 27th.

Well, folks, thanks for staying tuned.  If you have any questions just leave me a comment.  Happy reading. –ExSleepyInk

The summer isn’t even here and I am very expectant of the Fall. Brandon Sanderson continues to amaze. He is a growing talent with few equal to him. Book 13 of The Wheel Of Time series which is co written by Sanderson will hit store shelves nearly a year after his first compilation with Robert Jordan The Gathering Storm. Book 13: The Towers Of Midnight will be out on October 26, 2010. Early birthday present for me. lol.

Also we have the description of the book (what appears on the inside jacket of the book.) Compliments of Dragonmount.

This U.S cover is not the final version

The Last Battle has started. The seals on the Dark One’s prison are crumbling. The Pattern itself is unraveling, and the armies of the Shadow have begun to boil out of the Blight.

The sun has begun to set upon the Third Age.

Perrin Aybara is now hunted by specters from his past: Whitecloaks, a slayer of wolves, and the responsibilities of leadership. All the while, an unseen foe is slowly pulling a noose tight around his neck. To prevail, he must seek answers in Tel’aran’rhiod and find a way–at long last–to master the wolf within him or lose himself to it forever.

Meanwhile, Matrim Cauthon prepares for the most difficult challenge of his life. The creatures beyond the stone gateways–the Aelfinn and the Eelfinn–have confused him, taunted him, and left him hanged, his memory stuffed with bits and pieces of other men’s lives. He had hoped that his last confrontation with them would be the end of it, but the Wheel weaves as the Wheel wills. The time is coming when he will again have to dance with the Snakes and the Foxes, playing a game that cannot be won. The Tower of Ghenjei awaits, and its secrets will reveal the fate of a friend long lost.

This penultimate novel of Robert Jordan’s #1 New York Times bestselling series–the second of three based on materials he left behind when he died in 2007–brings dramatic and compelling developments to many threads in the Pattern. The end draws near.

Dovie’andi se tovya sagain. It’s time to toss the dice.

Brandon Sanderson is looking at the home stretch for the second book of Memory of Light. I for one can not wait to get my hands on this. His writing skills are top tier. You can’t even tell what he wrote and what Robert Jordan. A Master at his best. Towers Of Midnight will be released late this year. Long Live Robert Jordan.

Once in a while you’re faced with the rare oppurtunity to meet one of the people who inspire you; whether it be a sports figure, actor, author, or comic book creator.  These moments are what fuel you to want to go on and make something great, to be something bigger, to achieve your long dormant goals.  These are the people who, when given a face, when shaking your hand, make all these dreams that much more real; that much more attainable.  Hearing their struggles, learning of the long road they took to finally be worthy of your admiration, seeing that they have acne too; these are the things that are, hopefully, the proverbial kick in the butt(and if nothing else, at least make us feel that anything is possible because we are all humans).  But, of course, sadly, these moments come few and far in between.  Maybe at the yearly convention (if you can make it), or straggling at a baseball game, or the ever popular chain-bookstore signing, where you get a passing glimpse and a cliche’ adage written on your book jacket.  And albeit  run-of-the-mill for the over-stimulated artist, or the sweaty and exhausted baseball player, and the disillusioned, jetlagged, black-frame wearing, “What city am I in again?”, bestselling author; that one moment can be a milestone for any of us fans. 

Well, some of us get one better; some of us are good friends with those who they admire(those who push them to accomplish dreams they’ve been putting off).  I’ve known Dave Mammina for at least half of my life, and he has changed little.  He has always been not only a force unto himself, but a person of great character.  He is one of the funniest people I have ever met and it seems to come from such a natural and confident place.  Those fortunate enough to know him can attest to this.  Dave, among other things, is also a dedicated writer.  He published his first book in 2005 and it’s sequel the following year; the Angels of Resistance saga.  It’s a story about an evil force that invades the planet, and the group of heroes and heroines  that band together to stop it and uncover the truth behind its arrival.  Being that he started writing his first around the end of his highschool career, between working and a college education, he has since gone back and combined the two into a more concise, trimmed down, and better editted Epic Collection of the two.  I know he would suggest people who wanted to get the most out of it to try that on for size.  In 2008 he published Protector of Children: Assassin’s Dreams.  This story was a bit of a departure from his previous projects.  It centers around a secret society of assassins called C.A.S.T.  that are charged with silencing countless deadly threats before the public even knows they ever existed, and furthermore, a rogue agent who is cursed with a mental illness and isn’t sure whether he is being given orders by God to fulfil a righteous mission, or if he is merely going insane.  This richly thought out thriller takes place a great deal on Long Island, New York.  Within the last month David has released his latest work; Paltronis.  It is his first illustrated novella, and, like C.S.Lewis, celebrates a more fairytale format.  You get a glimpse into the author’s heart and mind when you realize his themes constantly convey the classic battle between good and evil.  Namely, the power of good prevailing.  You can tell how strongly he feels on the matter. It is refreshing to still see that in a world where we aren’t sure who the heroes are anymore; a world of flip-flopping sides; a world where we sometimes find ourselves routing for charasmatic villains more and more; in short, a world that thrives in the grey area.  

Mr. Mammina is a steadfast writer, but, due to modesty, hasn’t always been the best self promoter, so please check out his site http://mamminabooks.com/ for more information about the author, and ways to purchase his books.  His new one will be in both soft and hardcover formats, and they should be wherever books are sold online soon enough. Please support your independent artists and writers, they’ll remember you for it.  Below are descriptions of his work thus far.  

 The Angels of Resistance (The Epic Collection) 2005, 2006,2009
When an unfathomable evil force known as the Demon Plague mysteriously invades the planet, bands of heroes and heroines must unite with each other in order to survive.  A unique fighting force lead by a noble sage apprentice, Michael Miuriell, fights for their lives to repel the demons and uncover the truth behind their arrival.

Dark Fantasy/Drama

Paltronis 2010
In Mammina’s first fairy tale novel, the theories of justice and corruption are tested. This tale is about a ghostly knight named Spirit Warrior who dared to defend his own people against an assortment of villains, including that of an evil corrupt king and a vengeful sorcerer. In a quest to secure justice and peace, Spirit Warrior selflessly challenges all obstacles at once–giving rise to this classic saga.

Dark Fantasy

Fiction thriller/Fantasy

Not often does hype live up to the expectations of those that are cheering from the side lines. And more often than not that we make ourselves believe that something is going to be great when we really have no clue what to expect. Today all that I’d hope for and longed to see fulfilled has come to fruition.

Robert Jordan passed away leaving the greatest fantasy series ever written unfinished. A stand in was chosen to collect all of the notes that Jordan left behind and finish the series. Who on this planet would be capable to take what Robert Jordan created an weave in to the tapestry to end the awesome work that we all thought would remain undone.

A fellow by the name of Brandon Sanderson was selected. By none other the Harriet, Jordan’s wife. Any fan would immediately look at this with pure skepticism. Who is this guy? Where did he come from? What makes him so special? I myself was surprised that such a young writer had been picked. But, hey he was chosen by Jordan’s wife. How bad could he be? Right?! Well I for one needed some proof.  I read the first two books of the Mistborn Trilogy. Which is written by Brandon Sanderson. These books were pure gold. A well crafted world, with compelling characters and a form of magic that I have never seen done, ever. Surly this was the right man for the job. But we remained a bit hesitant. Until we read the prologue. There seems to be none of Sanderson in the pages I’ve read. It was flawless.

Now that I’ve finished the book. I can see that Brandon Sanderson knows the Wheel of Time quite well. I don’t know how he did it. I don’t care. Just let it be known that he did succeed. As the Wheel turns this book did exactly what it was meant to do. Keep that Wheel turning.

The Gathering Storm is the first book of A Memory of Light. Which was intended to be the last book of the Wheel of Time. It happened to be the size of 3 novels. And thus broken down into 3 parts.

Taking all of the main characters and showing quite a bit from all sides of this amazing world. Sanderson was able to give us Mat Cauthon in his hunt to save Moraine. This character I love the best. He reminds me of Gambit from the X-Men. Just so much more cooler. With a Scarf tied around his neck to hide the scare from the hangman’s noose. To his hat and One Power forge spear. Sanderson made us think he sat next to Jordan and wrote as he dictated. Perrin Aybara, the Golden eyed Wolf King is moving to a place that will define him as exactly what he must become to fight in the Last Battle. Ever tormented that he will lose himself to beast that dwells inside him.

Two of the Forsaken are killed. And that was very surprising. Especially how swiftly it was done. Not going to say exactly who bit the dust. But Rand Al’Thor is a wreaking ball. The peace that The Dragon Reborn seeks with Seanchan is shattered. And the battle that comes from that is one to shake the fabric of the series.  Egwene, the captured Amyrlin Seat becomes a legend among the Aes Sedai and reforges the White Tower.No one can do anything to help or stop Rand Al’Thor the Dragon Reborn from falling deeper into darkness. The icy emotionless state he has put himself in will destroy the world he struggles to save.

Sanderson brings Jordan’s book to life with such a wonder and a vast amount of emotion. This book is like a child that you hold in your arms after it’s first born. It’s enough to make you cry. I know Harriet is happy. Nothing can really explain what Brandon Sanderson has done for this series. Love and Hope stood out among everything. All the despair and anger all the characters feel. These two great and powerful emotion were able break through it all. Chapter 50 made me cry. You can feel what the characters are going through. You know the inevitable is at hand. We just don’t know how dark it will get before the end. But Light shown in a dark place. Truly, at one point I could see nothing but a downward slope the Dragon Reborn. A savior that really didn’t want to care. Duty was all that mattered. And Brandon Sanderson surprised me. That taste and feeling of Hope is too big to really put into words. Now I know why this is called a Memory of Light. Everything doesn’t have to remain in Darkness. This was a very engaging and wonderful read.

10/10: *****

I can’t wait for the next two books. And now matter how dark the story gets. Because at many points it will. I know a Light will shine in a Dark place. Towers of Midnight, book 2 of  Memory of Light will be out in 2010. No exact release date has been given.

In Memory Of James Rigney Jr./Robert Jordan.

In all my reading I have never come across a writer that has the sheer power of Brent Weeks. To me he will become something akin to the next Robert Jordan. The Night Angel Trilogy was the greatest surprise that I have had in some time. Ath0ugh this book is not connected to that series I know it will be qiute the read. Stay tuned for more. Oh. and this book will be in hard cover.

The Wheel of Time turns, and Ages come and pass leaving memories that become legend. Legend fades to myth, and even myths is long forgotten when the Age that gave it birth comes again. In one Age, called the third Age by some, an Age yet to come, an Age long past, a wind rose in the Mountains of Mist. The wind was not the beginning. There are neither beginnings nor endings to the turning of the Wheel of Time. But it was a Beginning.

In my life I have read many books by many authors. Books that have made me laugh and cry. Some of these books have even made me think about life in so many different ways. But Nothing has ever affected me as Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time series. A fantasy series that is unlike any other that has come before it. Dare I say It will be better than anything that comes after it.

And it came to pass in those days, as it had before and would again, the the Dark lay heavy on the land and weighed down the hearts of men, and green things failed, and hope died. And men cried out to the Creator, saying, O Light of the Heavens, Light of the World, let the Promised One be born of the mountain, according to the prophecies, as he was in ages past and will be in ages to come. Let the Prince of the Morning sing to that green things should grow and the valleys give forth lambs. Let the arm of the rd of the Dawn shelter us from the Dark, and the great sword of justice defend us. Let the Dragon ride again on the winds of time.

The world that Robert Jordan created is so vast and rich, that you will come to love his characters as you never have any other. This series dwarfs Tolkien in every way. No writer that I have read has brought to life anything near in scope as The Wheel of Time. The various bonds of love and friendship. The depth of hate the Forsaken and Padin Fain have for Lews Therin. The magnified sense of duty his heroes posses. The world itself. And the many eras we visit, recounting the ages that have come before. There is a strong feeling of doom at the inevitable fate of Rand Al’Thor. But also hope is ever present. Mysteries that pull you in and make you thirst with anticipation. Nothing can compare with this series.

And it shall come to pass that what men made shall be shattered, and the Shadow shall lie across the Pattern of the Age, and the Dark One shall once more lay his hand upon the world of man. Women shall weep and men quail as the nations of the earth are rent like rotting cloth. Neither shall anything stand nor abide…

Yet one shall be born to face the Shadow, born once as he was born before and shall be born again, time without end. The Dragon shall be Reborn, and there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth at his rebirth. In sackcloth and ashes shall he clothe the people, and he shall break the world again at his coming, tearing apart all ties that bind. Like the unfettered dawn shall he blind us, and burn us, yet shall the Dragon Reborn confront the Shadow at the Last Battle, and his blood shall give us the Light. Let tears flow, O ye people of the world. Weep for your salvation.

Many a author weave stories of prophecy. But never have I witnessed an author really write the prophecy for his entire world. Not just the main protagonist. Jordan crafted lives that were intertwined. Characters that thrived from the agony that they went through. He really brought meaning to the term “What doesn’t kill me makes me stronger”. And more often than not, the characters really had to die first.

And his path shall be many, and who shall know his name, for he shall be born among us many times, in many guises, as he has been and ever will be, time without end. His coming shall be like the sharp edge of the plow, turning our lives in furrows from out of the places where we lie in our silence. The breaker of bonds; the forger of chains. The maker of futures; the unshaper of destiny.

There is no mistake that there seems to be a very strong religious undertone to the series. Right away some people would get offended and just drill into me for even implying such a thing. But, I can only speak what I know. And I know the Bible. As you read these Prophecies you’ll also see many parallels to content in the Bible. Much more than you usually find in fantasy novels. Many writers us the Christ figure for their heroes. Although I have never seen it to this extent. Needless to say you don’t have to know ANYTHING about religion to enjoy the series. it is not about that at all. The story just relates particular similarities, that’s all. I love anyway though.

The Shadow shall rise across the world, and darken every land, even to the smallest corner, and there shall be neither Light nor safety. And he who shall be born of the Dawn, born of the Maidens, according to Prophecy, he shall stretch forth his hands to catch the Shadow, and the world shall scream in the pain of salvation. All Glory be to the Creator, and to the Light, and to he who shall be born again. May the Light save us from him.

And when the blood was sprinkled on the ground where nothing could grow, thw Children of the Dragon did spring up, the People of the Dragon, armed to dance with death. And he did call them forth from the wasted lands, and they did shake the world with battle.

Join me as the end of this great series starts on it’s way to the end. Robert Jordan was not able to finish this great work. He passed away before that final job was complete. But he always said he knew the ending. “The last paragraph of the last page”. Yes that’s what he said. He knew it. At a book signing Jordan began to quote. Just out of the blue. It shames me that I can’t remember what he said. But I have a feeling that when I read it, I’ll remember. Because I believe he may have been quoting the ending of The Wheel of Time. Brandon Sanderson has been blessed with finishing Robert Jordan’s Legacy. He is a great writer. Don’t believe me? Check out the Mistborn Trilogy. Fantastic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Join us on October 27 as we star down the path that will lead to Tarmon Gaidon, “The Last Battle”. Book 1 of Memory of Light. The Gathering Storm.

With his coming are the dread fires born again. The hills burn, and the land turns sere. The tides of men run out, and the hours dwindle. The wall is pierced, and the veil of parting raised. Storms rumble beyond the horizon and the fires of heaven purge the earth. There is no salvation without destruction, no hope this side of death.

The lions sing and the hills take flight. The moon by day, and the sun by night. Blind woman, deaf man, jasckdaw fool. Let the Lord of Chaos rule.

The unstained tower breaks and bend knee to the forgotten sign. The seas rage, and stormclouds gather unseen. Beyond the horizon, hidden fires swell, and serpents nestle in the bosom. What was exalted is cast down; what was cast down is raised up. Order burns to clear his path.

There can be no health in us, nor any good thing grow, for the land is one with the Dragon Reborn, and he one with the land. Soul of fire, heart of stone, in pride he conquers, forcing the proud to yield. He calls upon the mountains to knell, and the seas to give way, and the very skies to bow. Pray that the heart of stone remembers tears, and the soul if fire, love.

Master of lightnings, rider of storms, wearer of a crown of swords, spinner-out of fate. Who thinks he turns the Wheel if Time, may learn the truth too late.

Who would sup with the mighty must climb the path of daggers.

On the heights, all paths are paved with daggers.

The seals that hold back night shall weaken, and in the heart of winter shall winter’s heart be born amid the wailing of lamentations and the gnashing of teeth, for winter’s heart shall ride a black horse and the name of it is Death

And it shall come to pass in the days when the Dark Hunt rides. when the right hand falters and the left hand strays, that mankind shall come to the Crossroads of Twilight and all that is, all that was, and all that will be shall balance on the point of a sword, while the winds of the Shadow grow.

And he rode the winds of the rising storm, We ran to the sounds of the thunder, We danced among the lightning bolts, and tore the world asunder.

The sweetness of victory and the bitterness of defeat are alike a knife of dreams.

What man can truly take the place of another man? Who would find themselves worthy to finish a great mans legacy? Every man is a nation unto himself. Having his own dreams. His own desires. His own beliefs. What man can lay aside himself to abide in the dreams of another? Ask yourself these things. But don’t answer. All we can do is follow Mat Cauthon and take a chance.

“Dovie’ andi se tovya sagain”, “It’s time to toss the dice.”

Good luck Brandon Sanderson