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.