Title: The Gathering Storm
Author: Robert Jordan, Brandon Sanderson
Series: The Wheel of Time #12
Narrator: Michael Kramer and Kate Reading
Genre: Fantasy
Length: 32 hours 58 minutes
Published: 2009, MacMillan Audio (originally published 2009)
My Grade: 3.5 out of 5
Review Summary: Brandon Sanderson seamlessly takes over the series with faster pacing and incredible character developments especially for Egwene.

GOODREADS’ DESCRIPTION

In this epic novel, Robert Jordan’s international bestselling series begins its dramatic conclusion. Rand al’Thor, the Dragon Reborn, struggles to unite a fractured network of kingdoms and alliances in preparation for the Last Battle. As he attempts to halt the Seanchan encroachment northward–wishing he could form at least a temporary truce with the invaders–his allies watch in terror the shadow that seems to be growing within the heart of the Dragon Reborn himself.

Egwene al’Vere, the Amyrlin Seat of the rebel Aes Sedai, is a captive of the White Tower and subject to the whims of their tyrannical leader. As days tick toward the Seanchan attack she knows is imminent, Egwene works to hold together the disparate factions of Aes Sedai while providing leadership in the face of increasing uncertainty and despair. Her fight will prove the mettle of the Aes Sedai, and her conflict will decide the future of the White Tower–and possibly the world itself.

MY REVIEW

I was so excited heading into this book because Brandon Sanderson is my absolute favorite author, and I was really curious to see how he would handle taking over after Robert Jordan’s passing. Even with high expectations, I was pleasantly surprised by how smooth the transition was. If I hadn’t known, I genuinely wouldn’t have been able to tell that a new author took over. It still feels like the same world and characters, but the narrative speed definitely picks up, which made it feel much faster to read than normal.

Egwene was by far my favorite part of this book. Watching her grow and handle her storyline was so exciting, and her arc really stole the show for me. The big revelation with Verin was absolute perfection, and seeing how things played out with Elaida made this installment so satisfying.

Everyone is in a dark place which is growing darker and darker. But I feel like this book instilled some hope in us all, both in Rand’s arc and most definitely in Egwene’s.

Overall, it feels like the story is finally moving quickly toward the final stretch. A solid 3.5 out of 5! I have a feeling it will pick up now towards the end. WHich it probably would have done no matter who had finished it: Robert himself or Brandon.