In my inbox this morning, from the publicity dept. at Tor Books:
New York, NY: Monday, March 30, 2009
Tor Books is proud to announce the November 3rd, 2009 on-sale date for The Gathering Storm, Book Twelve of The Wheel of Time and the first of three volumes that will make up A Memory of Light, the stunning conclusion to Robert Jordan’s beloved and bestselling fantasy series. A Memory of Light, partially written by Jordan and completed by Brandon Sanderson, will be released over a two-year period.
Robert Jordan, one of the greatest storytellers of the 20th and early 21st centuries, passed away in 2007 after a courageous battle with the rare blood disease amyloidosis. Brandon Sanderson, the New York Times bestselling author of the Mistborn books, was chosen by Jordan’s editor—his wife, Harriet McDougal—to complete the final book.
The Wheel of Time series has sold over 14 million copies in North America and over 30 million copies worldwide with translations into 28 languages. The last four books in the series were all #1 New York Times bestsellers, and for over a decade readers have been eagerly awaiting the conclusion to the epic story.
Harriet McDougal said on the process behind A Memory of Light: “The scope and size of the novel was such that it could not be contained in a single volume. It was a piece of marvellous good fortune that Brandon Sanderson undertook the work. He is a great pleasure to work with, as well as a wonderful writer.”
President and Publisher of Tor Books, Tom Doherty, also expressed his happiness with A Memory of Light, saying: “It is a magnificent closure to a great American epic fantasy whose journey began almost twenty years ago. There is no way Robert Jordan would have squeezed it to a single volume, and somehow it seems fitting that what began as a trilogy will also end as one.”
The first ever JordanCon will take place this April 17th – 19th, 2009 in Alpharetta, GA. Harriet McDougal, Tom Doherty, Brandon Sanderson, and other members of “Team Jordan” will attend as featured guests and speak personally on The Wheel of Time and The Gathering Storm and the stories behind the rich literary legacy of Robert Jordan. JordanCon will also include a special preview of The Gathering Storm.
This year will also see major publications of Robert Jordan’s The Wheel of Time comic books and graphic novels with the launch of The Eye of the World comics in May and the New Spring graphic novel with bonus material in November. The Dabel Brothers will be releasing the comic book series, which will then be collected and published as graphic novels by Tor Books.
Universal Pictures acquired the movie rights to The Wheel of Time in August 2008, and currently plan to adapt The Eye of the World as the first movie.
In addition to this release, Dragonmount.com has a good interview with Harriet McDougal here, which expands a bit upon why the book has been split, and how the writing process has been handled.
EDIT: Here’s Brandon Sanderson addressing the book-split issue. Well worth a read!
Monday March 30, 2009 10:35am EDT
Monday March 30, 2009 10:37am EDT
Monday March 30, 2009 10:39am EDT
UGHHHHHH
on a related note- don't screw us on release do it every 6 months...no 1 year apart to make more $$$ from soft-hard cover release dates
Monday March 30, 2009 10:40am EDT
VIEW ALL BY · Monday March 30, 2009 10:40am EDT
Monday March 30, 2009 10:41am EDT
--yeah, that's what they plan on doing.
VIEW ALL BY · Monday March 30, 2009 10:42am EDT
And since I also prefer my books to be properly line-edited, copy-edited, proofread, and so forth--all of which takes TIME--three volumes over two years is also just fine too.
Monday March 30, 2009 10:46am EDT
Don't be naive...Like was said earlier, this is about money. I understand that editing is not a short practice, but it won't take THAT long.
VIEW ALL BY · Monday March 30, 2009 10:52am EDT
B) And your experience with publishing is what, exactly, that you can speak with such authority?
(Mine: I know copyeditors and editors socially, and my husband is having a nonfiction pop-science book published by Scribner--which has taken over a year in substantive edits, the final draft was recently turned in and put into the production pipeline, and its release date is December 2009.)
Monday March 30, 2009 10:56am EDT
He wrote some great stories. They were enjoyable. If they want to put them out in 3 books, and people will buy them then more power to them. You go Harriet and Team Jordan, get all the money you can. Everyone whining here would do the same thing if in the same position.
If the story is satisfying and your glad you read it when it's done, then it was worth the money. If you are not satisfied, then if you must, come back and whine after.
Monday March 30, 2009 10:58am EDT
Monday March 30, 2009 11:00am EDT
Ok, what email address should I be sending my protest over this completely unnecessary delay to?
Brandon has been very open about exactly how fast his progress on writing has been going, and it seems like he should be done in plenty of time to shave at least a full year off of this schedule, probably a year and a half, and possibly (though I don't really expect it) in time to publish all three at once in 2009. I, personally, will buy all three in hardcover immediately on release regardless of what time of year that is or how close together they are, and I expect most of the purchasing fan base will do so as well. Spreading out the releases like this seems to me like it will do nothing but anger the fans without bringing in much more money.
VIEW ALL BY · Monday March 30, 2009 11:01am EDT
(Still remembering this one book in a popular series - not WOT - that had obviously been zoomed through the edit process, and as a result was so riddled with typos, grammatical mistakes and continuity errors I almost threw the book across the room. In fact, I probably should have. That's just unacceptable and sad in a professionally released novel from a respectable publisher.)
If it's a choice between getting mediocre now or getting good later, I'll go with good later.
VIEW ALL BY · Monday March 30, 2009 11:01am EDT
Here's a link back to that blog post about people complaining about when books are coming out..
http://www.tor.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=blog&id=15840
Monday March 30, 2009 11:04am EDT
@matt7863 This series has taken close on 20 years to complete, what is another two? Are you telling me you're going to pass on the 3 volume release, hold onto your cash, and wait for a single volume print which might never come? Of course TOR is running a business and making a profit, as is the writer, editor, etc. As customers we get to decide if what we are getting is worth what they are asking. No complaints here.
Monday March 30, 2009 11:04am EDT
I've been watching Brandon Sanderson's blog, and the guy has been trucking away at this writing (in the midst of working on one or two books of his own). To get as far as he already has is amazing (as I writer myself, I understand how difficult it is to produce day in and day out). As far as I understand, he already has over 400,000 words done, which is more than half of the book and already longer than any of the other WOT books. They are trying to get the book out to us as soon as possible, thus, instead of making us wait longer, they are releasing it as they get it. If they waited until Brandon was finished with the whole document, we might not get it until November 2010. At least now we'll be able to read the first part by this november.
That's my two cents. I trust the people who are working on writing/editing this book.
VIEW ALL BY · Monday March 30, 2009 11:06am EDT
How long have we waited between each book?? Years. And now that they've said that we are going to get 3 books at light speed, relatively speaking :), we should be thankful.
This type of publishing rarely happening for reasons already brought up( hardback, paperback and other money stuff)
I for one, am pumped. Because,
1) They are not cramming it into one book
2) Theres a higher probability that they are not going to leave anything undone, mess anything up, or do anything that would hurt the already magnifisent series
3) This garuntees that it will be done right and will satisfy the great series started by a great and gifted human being.
Honestly whats two more years after we've waited almost 20 years since the beginning.
-UCK-
Monday March 30, 2009 11:09am EDT
Am I thrilled about a 2 year wait for 3 volumes... no. But I AM thrilled that I will get them.
VIEW ALL BY · Monday March 30, 2009 11:12am EDT
VIEW ALL BY · Monday March 30, 2009 11:13am EDT
Monday March 30, 2009 11:17am EDT
If I understand it correctly, the total wait is going to be: 2 years + 7 months = 2,5 years, with a book each november. Im ok with the splitting, but not this wait, not when the whole of "A Memory of Light" is going to be finnished by this year.
A 6 month interval would have been better. For example: November 2009, Juni 2010, November 2010. This would also leave more then neccacary time for the editing.
Instead we propably are getting the dates: November 2009, November 2010, November 2011! I can accept this, but I dont see the reason for it. A wait this long clearly also would be against Brandon Sandersons wishes, who has stated that he wanted the book, if splitted, published as fast as possible.
Monday March 30, 2009 11:23am EDT
To Grrm above - I completely agree that Tor is driven by financial considerations, but how exactly would delaying the publication of a (almost certainly) New York Times bestseller help out Tor's bottom line? Much less three New York Times bestsellers? My guess is they're far more invested in getting these books out than the fans are.
VIEW ALL BY · Monday March 30, 2009 11:24am EDT
Leigh, will you do another re-read in 2011? :)
VIEW ALL BY · Monday March 30, 2009 11:25am EDT
Monday March 30, 2009 11:25am EDT
I disagree to a certain extent, with the caveat that Brandon Sanderson has all of aMoL ready for D&A by December of 2009.
A year apart does seem timed for marketing convenience, rather than a real estimation of when the books will be ready. Everything is ready by the end of the year, I think Tor could do a nine-month or even six-month span, without sacrificing quality. (Nine months is what they did with The Viscount of Adrilankha, which was similar (though still less) in scale to A Memory of Light.)
But that's all dependent on Mr. Sanderson's progress. A huge amount the 'quality issues' will be resolved in the line-editing, which according to Mr. Sanderson's blog seems to be happening before D&A. And if we want a quality book, he and the Tor team can't skimp on that part. If it takes into 2010 and pushes the end of the series to 2011, so be it.
And anyway, that's just my opinion.
VIEW ALL BY · Monday March 30, 2009 11:29am EDT
I totally agree with your feelings on the timing of releases. A year between each is going to kill me. Again, as Leigh iterated earlier, I'd still rather that than rushed work.
Excited now. Come on!
Monday March 30, 2009 11:33am EDT
Let's celebrate that our beloved story at last is about to come to a conclusion.
VIEW ALL BY · Monday March 30, 2009 11:36am EDT
Nevertheless, I am very excited now.
Monday March 30, 2009 11:37am EDT
If that is not that case, fine--finish the book with the exact measure of attention to detail and quality assurance that the conclusion to this incredible series deserves. I trust Mr. Sanderson, Harriet, and the other editors to get it right and believe that they will.
But I just don't believe that there is not a way they could publish these volumes sooner. Why not publish 6 months apart? The only reason I can think of is that there is more money to be made with 3 HB/PB releases than 2.
VIEW ALL BY · Monday March 30, 2009 11:38am EDT
Leigh, will you do another re-read in 2011?
Dude, I think you just made my head explode. Ow.
Monday March 30, 2009 11:40am EDT
Brandon is already finished with 420,000 words, and now is working with the editing of that portion. He also clearly, in his blog post, stated that he thought it would be splitted in 2 parts, with a three month wait. So his wished was propably ignored...
But as I have said I can live with it, the ending of WOT is still going to rock, even if I will have to wait 2 and a half year for it.
Monday March 30, 2009 11:48am EDT
On the other hand, The Gathering Storm? You really couldn't do any better than that?
Monday March 30, 2009 11:50am EDT
VIEW ALL BY · Monday March 30, 2009 11:50am EDT
As a writer, the unfortunate truth is that our guesses as to when our projects might be completed are frequently wrong. Just this month, I finished one short story six weeks later than I thought I would, thanks to various factors - and finished another short story about two days earlier than expected, thanks to a nice kick of inspiration. And that's just with short stories. Expand that into a novel and the guesstimation factor goes nuts. Expand this into a project where, according to Harriet, three separate editors are checking every written word, and...well. Wow.
So it's not at all surprising that their original estimates of when the final book(s) would be ready turned out to be wrong. It would be more surprising if they turned out to be right.
Monday March 30, 2009 11:55am EDT
Monday March 30, 2009 12:02pm EDT
...but damn it's been a wait.
Monday March 30, 2009 12:02pm EDT
Monday March 30, 2009 12:03pm EDT
VIEW ALL BY · Monday March 30, 2009 12:06pm EDT
I think we're all ready for closure. Hopefully it'll be worth the wait...
VIEW ALL BY · Monday March 30, 2009 12:12pm EDT
VIEW ALL BY · Monday March 30, 2009 12:21pm EDT
But now we are told that there is no reason for the book to be split in three other than it'll make Tor more money, even though the individual books of the two-volume edition would still be shorter than Books 4 and 6 (and maybe 5) of the existing series, which were all published during the last recession, so that's not an excuse either.
More than once I have heard publishing professionals say that Tor Books is the house that Robert Jordan built (or more accurately paid for). Perhaps they should extend a little bit more courtesy towards the fanbase that made that possible rather than just milking them for every penny?
VIEW ALL BY · Monday March 30, 2009 12:24pm EDT
As long as it's quality work, it's so worth it to wait...
However I have a question, will you guys buy the books one by one, read and then wait for the next, or wait till they're all published and then begin AMOL in one piece - so to speak?
I'm asking cause I honestly don't know what I'm gonna do and either way if I can hold myself to it.
Monday March 30, 2009 12:25pm EDT
Monday March 30, 2009 12:29pm EDT
This news has also dropped the priority of the books for me. It's no longer a "Must buy and devour the day it comes out." It's now a "Yeah, I want to read that. I'll put my name on the list at the library wait my turn."
VIEW ALL BY · Monday March 30, 2009 12:32pm EDT
VIEW ALL BY · Monday March 30, 2009 12:34pm EDT
Leigh @ 30 and grayfox @ 39: Joking aside, can we arrange a group read and discussion of the latest releases as they come out?! The reread is awesome! :)
VIEW ALL BY · Monday March 30, 2009 12:35pm EDT
I reckon it's simply a publishing and polishing requirement, and if they get it ready earlier they'll push up the release dates. At least this way they're not going to get baying fans beating down their door. oh wait.
VIEW ALL BY · Monday March 30, 2009 12:35pm EDT
Monday March 30, 2009 12:46pm EDT
Also, Leigh, awesome job with the re-read. I look forward to your posts as well. I'm easily amused:) Yeah me!
Monday March 30, 2009 12:51pm EDT
Save a tree and use the library ;)
Monday March 30, 2009 12:54pm EDT
Monday March 30, 2009 01:00pm EDT
I remember Brandon Sanderson mentioning that he'd got to a point - 350 or 400,000 words in - where the build up was finished and Tarmon Gaidon was about to start. Now to me that seems the logical place to split it (into two books)...
Ultimately, I'll agree with those of you that are - quite rightly - trusting the people involved to do what's best for the series, even if it means a longer wait.
Yay for the WoT!
Monday March 30, 2009 01:01pm EDT
check it.
Monday March 30, 2009 01:04pm EDT
VIEW ALL BY · Monday March 30, 2009 01:07pm EDT
VIEW ALL BY · Monday March 30, 2009 01:19pm EDT · amended on Monday March 30, 2009 01:22pm EDT
Don't confuse the term "novel", meaning a structurally complete work of fiction, with the term "book", which is a bound object which holds pages. As a printer, I'd hate to try to engineer a 750K word novel into one book.... it's probably not possible, regardless of whatever hyperbole RJ may have resorted to in order to get a point across (@54, I'm looking at you).
A good example of this is Stephenson's Baroque Cycle—That's all one novel, but due to its length, it was split into three books.
I'll not wade into this discussion further, I've made my views on this topic plain as day elsewhere, but do trust me when I say that all involved in the production of this novel are working with the story's best interests in mind. As far as Tom Doherty and Brandon Sanderson are concerned, this is a labour of love at least as much as a moneymaking venture. I should only think that this goes triple for Harriet McDougal. Check out the interview on Dragonmount that I linked to above for some more info straight from Harriet.
Also, here's Brandon addressing the book-split issue.
Monday March 30, 2009 01:19pm EDT
Splitting the book into 3 is nothing more than Tor wanting to make money. Splitting it into 2 books of 375,000 words would satisfy their reluctance to make one volume of it. I think that James Rigney Jr is rolling over in his grave at how they are doing this- he always cared about the fans.
I agree with another poster about George RR Martin- he can't even finish his next book and Robert Jordan is dead and will have his next one out. Maybe someone needs to write his next one for him.
I am grateful so much to Sanderson and Harriet for finishing the series and giving us closure, but hate that Tor is milking it for all it is worth.
I will do my part to make Tor realize how disappointed we are- I will buy all 3 books, but not until the last one has been released. To satisfy my fix, I will however, download and read them by torrent. It is free and Tor will not make all the money they think they will from me- I usually buy 11 copies of a book (one for all of my family members) since the beginning of the series.
Just my two cents.
VIEW ALL BY · Monday March 30, 2009 01:25pm EDT
It's interesting to contrast this with GRRM's 'screw you all for being mad that it's late, and oh, by the way, here's the other 37 projects I'm working on I'd like to sell you' rant.
Monday March 30, 2009 01:27pm EDT
For all those angry about the delay, read this article on the subject by Brandon Sanderson, the author. The two year span is apparently a somewhat conservative estimate, and actually isn't all that far behind Brandon's estimates for when he'll have it all ready.
Monday March 30, 2009 01:30pm EDT
Monday March 30, 2009 01:33pm EDT
Splitting it in three parts + the wait propably is the necessary thing to do. I have a feeling that all three parts is going to be great.
Monday March 30, 2009 01:36pm EDT
http://www.brandonsanderson.com/article/56/Splitting-AMOL
I now understand the reasoning and this like the poster earlier has tempered my anger. I am still not happy about the split, but I understand it now. I will buy all the books and do my part for Tor, I just hope that they will do one volume for those of us who want just one to honor Robert Jordan.
I think they should have included the link to Sanderson's comments in the release- it explains so much.
Monday March 30, 2009 01:38pm EDT
Monday March 30, 2009 01:40pm EDT
Brandon makes it pretty clear in his article that this will be a complete novel, because that's how he writes books and that's how he wanted it done. I think it's unreasonable to argue that AMOL is one novel in three books. If you're going to make that argument, you'd really have to say that all of WoT is one novel in fourteen books. So we are DEFINITELY getting three new novels.
Brandon addresses that in the article, and it sounds like there's some contention between he and the Harriet/Tor camp on this, but the pressures from book sellers must be pretty strong on Tom to make thinner fantasy books.
Personally, I'm thrilled that we're getting three new novels.
@57
You're wrong, I'm pretty sure. Don't you like what Tor does, giving us great, high-quality fantasy and sci-fi? So why would you try to sabotage that? They're doing it right, I'm positive about that. Tor isn't Wal-Mart or something, these guys don't make outrageously copious amounts of money. Don't be an idiot.
Monday March 30, 2009 01:43pm EDT
Monday March 30, 2009 01:48pm EDT
Monday March 30, 2009 01:50pm EDT
Read the Sanderson article that's been linked above. This guy is remarkably open about his writing, and if after this you still want to bitch and whine about the book being split, then are just being selfish, not to mention asking for a terrible rushed book to come out.
I don't want to wait until 2011 or 2010 or november 2009. I want the book on April 1 because the 2nd is my next day off. But writing it that fast, if even possible, would drive Sanderson bonkers like mainlining Saidin-taint, and the book would stink. (I like to pretend that the former is more important to me than the latter, but...)
A little nugget that's just briefly mentioned in Sanderson's article -- he's basically getting paid to write 4 books for the price of 1. While I think this could do wonders for his popularity if he does well, there is something of a critical mass in the SF/Fantasy world as to how many fans you can attract. If you believe it's a moneymaking scheme (I don't), we certainly can't put it this BS's lap. The dude is slaving on this project, which, while he may love it, still isn't his own world. If you have any artistic leanings at all, you know how much of a chore that can make creating. For him, I'm sure it's less so, due to love for the subject matter, but this guy deserves the benefit of every doubt, as well as all the thanks we can give him.
We all have toh to Brandon Sanderson.
Monday March 30, 2009 01:51pm EDT
http://www.brandonsanderson.com/article/56/Splitting-AMOL
Monday March 30, 2009 01:55pm EDT
VIEW ALL BY · Monday March 30, 2009 02:02pm EDT
" We all have toh to Brandon Sanderson. "
That is an understatement.
Monday March 30, 2009 02:09pm EDT
After reading his blog post (which many others have already linked to), my feelings are much different. It's clear to me now, and should be to everyone else, that if we wanted something that was going to live up to the standard of excellence we all came to expect from Mr. Jordan, it just couldn't happen any other way.
I certainly don't like having to wait longer, but I would absolutely hate it if Mr. Sanderson was unable to create a work that does justice to Mr. Jordan because everything had to be rushed and compressed. I'm content with this decision and will eagerly await each individual volume.
I also want to take this opportunity to extend my deepest gratitude to Mr. Sanderson for all of the hard work he has done, and will continue to do, to bring us the best possible final product. Until reading his post today, I did not fully appreciate just how much he is sacrificing, and how hard he is working. We all owe him our thanks.
VIEW ALL BY · Monday March 30, 2009 02:15pm EDT
Cheers, Mr. Sanderson. I, at least, trust you and wish you the best.
Monday March 30, 2009 02:17pm EDT
As for @56, I still stand by my statement of call a spade a spade on the three book release. Essentially I agree with @64. I understand the distinction you make about a novel versus a book, but I believe Jordan always talked in terms of "one book" for MOL. IMO the use of the term "Volume" is more of a means to cling to the "one book/one novel" promise than anything else. BTW, I do not think Jordan would have finished it in one book, volume or novel either.
Monday March 30, 2009 02:20pm EDT
well said and so utterly true.
Monday March 30, 2009 02:20pm EDT
VIEW ALL BY · Monday March 30, 2009 02:29pm EDT · amended on Monday March 30, 2009 02:29pm EDT
VIEW ALL BY · Monday March 30, 2009 02:41pm EDT
The response shows not only his commintment to his contract and TOR, but his commitment to us as readers and the WOT itself. It shows that he's both a professional and a self induced OCD WOT addicts that we all are are/turning into :).
I for one vote that when all is said and done, and we all enjoy it, and it satisfies everything we wanted and more, that we nominate this man for the medal of honor.
Cheers, Hip-Hip-Hoorays, and Thanks to Senor Anderson.
Monday March 30, 2009 02:51pm EDT
VIEW ALL BY · Monday March 30, 2009 02:55pm EDT
I'll look forward to checking it out from the library or borrowing it from a friend.
VIEW ALL BY · Monday March 30, 2009 03:03pm EDT
I agree with Uncrownedking @77: Sanderson's obviously treating the project with the respect it's due, and we should be grateful, not fickle about it. Yes, we've (at least most of us) have had to wait between publishings in the past, and as much as I'm loathe to do so again, I'd still rather have a cohesive, coherent, proper ending to a series I've been following for 16 years.
Patience, people. Patience.
Hewhocomeswiththenoon @ 67: And yes, we all have great toh to Mr. Sanderson.
Monday March 30, 2009 03:03pm EDT
Monday March 30, 2009 03:08pm EDT
I thought Brandon Sandersons article was a really honest and humble explanation of how he has progressed on the project and why this decision has been made.
I am thoroughly glad that he and Harriett have taken on the work of completing the story and that they are doing it with care and not just bashing out a quick fix in an attempt to keep the fans happy - which would never have worked.
To all the booksellers out there I would like to say that I am horrified at this idea that you are putting pressure on authors to only produce smaller work. I look out for large books, I don't normally consider buying anything less that 3cm thick. I like to get to know the characters and the story and to feel involved in the world I am reading about. I do not find thin books allow me the time to do this, they are over too soon and leave me feeling unsatisfied. In fact, please consider more 14 volume epics!
VIEW ALL BY · Monday March 30, 2009 03:11pm EDT
He's made an enormous sacrifice to devote 3 years to finishing another man's work. That's time that he is unable to write his own stories and from the sound of it, he may not be getting the compensation he may deserve for doing it!
We certainly owe him a lot.
One way to do that is picking up his books...I read Elantris & the Mistborn series once I heard he'd be finishing WOT and they are excellent.
Monday March 30, 2009 03:24pm EDT
Plus more time in Randland!
Monday March 30, 2009 03:25pm EDT
AMoL
Monday March 30, 2009 03:31pm EDT
Monday March 30, 2009 03:33pm EDT
Monday March 30, 2009 03:33pm EDT
Kudos to Brandon for his sacrifice and his great talent that is helping the Wheel of Time to roll on. I can't wait for the last 3 books either but at least I know I will see them.
Monday March 30, 2009 03:34pm EDT
i personally dont like the wait and would prefer it all in one big book.
but it aint happening.
and even tho i dont like the wait its not like its a hard thing to do. till i read the interviews i didnt even know it was 4 years ago since KoD.
grab some other books ppl. or a game controller. times gonna fly i tells ya.
VIEW ALL BY · Monday March 30, 2009 03:40pm EDT
No matter how well Brandon Sanderson manages to capture Jordan's style of writing (and I think he'll do fine; I loved Mistborn), it's a new voice delivering the material. It's bound to be different, and I was afraid that it would be jarring to have the climax of the series somehow different in tone than the rest of the books. Now, Sanderson has a 3-book, running head-start to find his own WoT voice, and we have a chance to get used to it. I think this will make the experience of reading that last word on the last page that much better.
Monday March 30, 2009 03:47pm EDT
Now that I have read his explanation the only thing that I am disappointed in IS THE PUBLISHERS. It sounds like 400K novels are a thing of the past due to book volume restraints on the shelves of bookstores.
The reason The Shadow Rising is my favorite book is because of its length and all the cool stuff that happens in it. It's a seven course meal. Doesn't sound like we will see the likes of it again.
The GOOD NEWS is that by splitting AMOL into three parts is that each part is going to be around 300K.
That means we will get a really good conclusion to this series and won't be whining that some things were left out, or left hanging.
I tip my hat to Mr. Sanderson. He's doing a bang up job. A late ending is better than no ending. Just that with all the hype with the re-read and thinking it could be out this November had us all going.
I vote for three good books. We will all be glad we waited when we read them.
Please, those of you who are going to Jordan.con. Tell us all the cool stuff you learn when you get back.
Monday March 30, 2009 03:47pm EDT
Now, although I am saddened that the entire work won't be released this fall, I am VERY willing to wait for the book to be the best possible book it can be. So this has absolutely nothing to do with the idea that BS should finish it all as one, or with any conspiracy theories that Tor is just looking to maximize profits. In fact after reading BS's blog post I think the powers that be are just making the best decision they can in order to deliver what they can, when they can, an at the highest quality they can.
But I just don't buy this idea that a 750k word book can't be bound. I never have, and as long as the bible remains the most commonly printed book ever, I doubt I will.
VIEW ALL BY · Monday March 30, 2009 03:49pm EDT · amended on Monday March 30, 2009 03:50pm EDT
Monday March 30, 2009 04:01pm EDT
Monday March 30, 2009 04:25pm EDT
I'm also very, very thankful that of the rest of my current favorite series only one is being published by TOR but the UK version I buy doesn't have their imprint. I will not purchase any further TOR releases.
Say what you will but the fault for this entire debacle, including the insane lengthening of the series prior to this, lies at TOR's feet. TOR has lost a devoted fan forever. Thankfully for TOR, plenty of others will blindly swallow what you peddle.
VIEW ALL BY · Monday March 30, 2009 04:40pm EDT
Monday March 30, 2009 04:41pm EDT
Thanks for the explanation, Brandon.
"We all have toh to Brandon Sanderson."
Ok, that made me laugh. Nice. Seriously though, I'm sure that now that circumstances have changed, he will be compensated accordingly. Don't worry too much.
Monday March 30, 2009 04:50pm EDT
What debacle?
And why keep buying every book on release plus paperbacks if the story was going down hill so rapidly? If you'd have just stopped reading after book 7, why you could have had the subsequent 13 years to find something else you did enjoy.
And now, just two years away from the conclusion you are giving up and throwing away all those years of devotion?
A curious line of reasoning there, but if you're so bitter about WoT, definitely better to stay away and let the recovery begin...
VIEW ALL BY · Monday March 30, 2009 04:58pm EDT
VIEW ALL BY · Monday March 30, 2009 05:01pm EDT
Book 12.1 - Main story arc is 'Thom and Matt rescue Moraine from the Aelfinn and Eelfinn'.
Book 12.2 - The Two Powers - dueling story lines of how the Aes Sedae split is reconciled, and the Seanchan are brought into the fold in preparation of the fight.
Book 12.3 - Tarmon Gaidon and all that entails.
I think the Matt/Thom/Moraine arc has to be first, because Matt will be involved in the Seanchan side of the second part, and Moraine would likely be involved in the white tower side.
Of course, this is all complete speculation. But it's fun to do so, nonetheless.
Monday March 30, 2009 05:12pm EDT
Monday March 30, 2009 05:21pm EDT
Monday March 30, 2009 05:25pm EDT
At the end of it all I think it's probably for the best. I was (and am) a massive Dune fan also. What was done to Frank Herbert's universe was an absolute disgrace. If this is what it takes to do justice to both RJ and more importantly (as I'm sure RJ would want it) the fans, then so be it.
Monday March 30, 2009 05:29pm EDT
what logic point are you trying to make here? it seems like you are saying that you want an inferior quality book at the expense of everyone that you wouldnt even buy? hmmmmmmmmmmm.
big thanks to Brandon Sanderson, Harriet McDougal, the guys at Tor and of course Robert Jordan
Monday March 30, 2009 05:35pm EDT
VIEW ALL BY · Monday March 30, 2009 05:41pm EDT
Makes me glad I'm not a writer or in publishing. I'd be half tempted to say "oh YEAH? Well BITE ME!" and never publish any of the materials :P
VIEW ALL BY · Monday March 30, 2009 06:19pm EDT
Monday March 30, 2009 06:23pm EDT
AS far as gathering storm for a title... I like it I can already see nynaeve yanking on her braid wondering why her weather sense was telling her a storm was coming.
VIEW ALL BY · Monday March 30, 2009 06:36pm EDT
He took the gathering storm of PO'ed fans and sat down and gave us something Tor's rather dry post did not:
He gave us context.
Judging from the tenor of the comments here, at Dragonmount and Wotmania before and after Brandon's update, that was what most of us needed. WOT fans love a good explanation and discussion, don't we? That's why we read these books, come up with crazy theories and drool over Leigh Butler's glorious re-read.
If Brandon can cool down people who have been living with wild expectations since first picking up TEotW, I have increasing confidence in his abilities to pull this off with grace.
Monday March 30, 2009 06:38pm EDT
I decided to read Brandon's blog, and I have to say, I am quite satisfied with what I saw there. If you are feeling like I was, you NEED to read his blog. One thing that is clear to me is that I believe all major parties involved; Brandon, Harriet, and Tom are doing the absolute best they can to get us what we deserve. Looking forward to Book 1.
VIEW ALL BY · Monday March 30, 2009 07:05pm EDT
Well said. I agree utterly and completely.
VIEW ALL BY · Monday March 30, 2009 07:21pm EDT
Oh and my thanks to you for your part in keeping us up to date and keeping us informed of Harriet's and Brandon's input in such a timely manner. We all have the same goal here~to R(ead)A(and)F(ind)O(out)what happens next.
VIEW ALL BY · Monday March 30, 2009 07:25pm EDT
VIEW ALL BY · Monday March 30, 2009 07:45pm EDT
I look at it this way: I now have the time I need to reread the books of the WoT I've already read and then continue on through to the end. Considering the extensive TBR pile I have to keep up with what's being published, there will be plenty to read to keep me busy.
VIEW ALL BY · Monday March 30, 2009 07:58pm EDT
that was my mature self speaking, the other part of me is jumping up and down at having to wait yet again for resolution, but I will get over it.
Monday March 30, 2009 07:59pm EDT
Brandon Sanderson said on his blog that because he has to divide it somehow, dividing it into 3 parts makes the most sense plot-wise. Not money-wise.
End of story.
VIEW ALL BY · Monday March 30, 2009 08:26pm EDT · amended on Monday March 30, 2009 08:28pm EDT
Monday March 30, 2009 08:54pm EDT
VIEW ALL BY · Monday March 30, 2009 09:18pm EDT
It is too bad that there's pressure from bookstores for thinner books. I like to pick up a doorstop that allows me to immerse myself in the world the author has created. I get why they want to have more titles, of course--maybe it's just a shame it's not economically feasible to have bigger shelves.
Monday March 30, 2009 10:16pm EDT
I've been reading these books since I was in high school (which I understand is not as long as many others - I started reading it shortly before Winter's Heart came out) and I was actually kind of sad to realize all the theorizing and reading was going to be over.
I was actually kind of sad, too, that everything was going to be crammed into one book - I was worried that a lot of stuff would be left out in favor of a book that wasn't physically impossible to bind. So to be honest, even before reading Brandon's explanation, I was really excited that it would be expanded into three books - I really feel it is necessary to do the series justice.
Anyway, Brandon is a totally awesome guy.
*hunkers down for November 2009!*
Monday March 30, 2009 10:32pm EDT
PERRIN! MAT! RAND! FAILE! EGWENE! ELAYNE! NYNEAVE! LAN! MORAINE! MIN!
Monday March 30, 2009 10:39pm EDT
Let us not forget that Harriet is looking to complete the story that was her late husband's magnum opus. Brandon is working to write a story started by a childhood hero. These are not the sort of motivations that engender people to make callous decisions just to make a buck.
Even Tom Doherty and the people at Tor are looking to help finish the legacy of a close friend and colleague, and they were far closer to Robert Jordan than the vast majority of fans. While they of course have to run a business, it is unfair to charge them with selfish motives for which there is no basis beyond idle speculation.
Harriet, Brandon, and Team Jordan I applaud you. The time and consideration that you all are putting into this work and each decision that impacts it is a clear testimony to your love for both Mr. Jordan and the vibrant world that he created.
Best wishes and God's blessings on your continued efforts, and I look forward to some very enjoyable Christmas stocking stuffers for the next several years.
Monday March 30, 2009 10:57pm EDT
VIEW ALL BY · Monday March 30, 2009 11:34pm EDT
Imagine Leigh's pace of the re-read, all original thought and plot progress, and then rewrite it several times, work the wording, and THEN get into some serious editing.....
Cheers!
Tuesday March 31, 2009 02:34am EDT
GO GREEN! GO EBOOK!
Tuesday March 31, 2009 03:13am EDT
Tuesday March 31, 2009 04:14am EDT
"What the f*ck?!?"
And now that I read about this?
"Oh, ok. Leaked, so true. Gravely disappointed."
After reading Brandon's blog?
"I guess I feel for Brandon. He did all that he had to do. Harriet, Tom and everyone else did what they think is the best. I get it already. 3 books? Then so be it if that's what it takes. I'll wait. :)" PS. I really would have preferred "A Memory of Light - Gathering Clouds", etc... Those damn bookstores... AMoL really would have been the best title of the series... so yeah, i guess its better to make it Book12, Book13, and Book14...
VIEW ALL BY · Tuesday March 31, 2009 06:39am EDT
Tuesday March 31, 2009 08:32am EDT
200k was ridiculous, 400k was way too short still. 750-800k in 3 books is fine.
To put some perspective on the 800k words Brandon is talking about....
1. The Eye of the World 305,902 words
2. The Great Hunt 267,078 words
3. The Dragon Reborn 251,392 words
Total: 824,372
We're looking at the conclusion being effectively the size of the first three books... That doesn't convince anyone else that it's being treated with the respect it deserves?
Tuesday March 31, 2009 09:33am EDT
Tuesday March 31, 2009 09:33am EDT
Consider this, november 2009 is the release dat for the english version. Fans from all over the world will have to wait another 9 to 12 months for a copy in their language to be released. This cycle repeats itself for each of the three volumes so with any luck those who aren't proficient in english or are not comfortable reading another language then their native tongue will only see the end of this magnificent work somewhere in 2012 or maybe even early 2013.
I don't care if it takes another 5 years or more to finish this if it means it is done in the right way, giving this series the ending that it deserves, telling the tale that mr Jordan wanted it to tell.
And no I'm not going to wait until the books are translated into Dutch even if this means i'll have to buy the books twice since my wife dislikes reading in english.
That's my two coppers
VIEW ALL BY · Tuesday March 31, 2009 10:55am EDT
I second the e-book request. I loved the first Mistborn when I read it in ebook format, but I couldn't find the books in the store. Eventually I'll probably break down and order online, but right now I have several books waiting to be read first.
Tuesday March 31, 2009 11:46am EDT
Jordan's story became a physical part of my body, another element. I met Mr. Rigney twice. The first time I made him laugh; the second time I unintentionally pissed him off.
He was a scop of the highest order.
Tuesday March 31, 2009 11:54am EDT
VIEW ALL BY · Tuesday March 31, 2009 12:39pm EDT · amended on Tuesday March 31, 2009 12:39pm EDT
It also has a lot to do with the software used for tracking these books throughout their production cycle—from editing to actual production of the bound book, to warehousing, distribution, and marketing. Having three books called "A Memory of Light: xxxxxx" by the same author can cause all sorts of confusion. Think about how that would look in a spreadsheet, where space is limited. You might only see three titles that say "A Memory of Li..." in the Title cell. Confusion, hilarity, and mistakes ensue ("But the ISBNs are different, you idiot!" you say? Well, yeah, sure, but you try looking at a spreadsheet consisting of hundreds—if not thousands—of books, and identifying them solely by their ISBNs..)
And slightly OT, but what the hell: As for the amount of power that the individual buyers for the big chain bookstores wield over publishers... yeah, that's pretty crazy. Not to sound like an apologist or anything (I hardly am), but it still amazes me how much the big bookstores get to call the shots—and how much flak for the decisions they force publishers to make gets deflected right back to the publishers.
Tuesday March 31, 2009 02:00pm EDT
I have been reading these books since I was 9 years old. It is very easy to see stagnation after LoC, but at the same time, I read the books because I love the world, I love the characters, I just love the Wheel of Time. I have read the entire series from beginning to end about 13 times. There are a lot of great series out there, and this is one that I happen to enjoy reading, so I read it.
If the split is so offending that you will not buy it, then shut up and don't buy it. No one really cares if you don't buy it. Plenty of other people will. I personally am grateful that they aren't destroying the world I personally love just to satisfy people's impatience to know the end. If the journey is barely coherent and they have to drop dozens of characters, why even bother getting to the end?
I love the Wheel of Time. I am sick of all the complaining. If you don't want to read it, then don't read it. No one is forcing you to. Do you have any idea how many books I haven't read because I didn't like the writing style or the characters or whatever. It's just plain childish to feel like you need to get on a soap box and tell everyone how you're not going to read it because it is such an injustice! I just don't read it because reading is a passtime, it's something I do for fun. It's not fun, I don't do it!
Be that as it may, I am glad that they finally realized that finishing the series with a shoddy book that ignores the rest of the series, just to "get it done" is no way to treat this world. I was hoping they would see the need for three books. I am going to be going at midnight to buy the hardback, heck I might but 2. I will get the paperback as soon as it comes out, heck I know I'll buy 2 of those. I will also be buying it as a box set (if they ever produce a MoL box set) or as one big book. Whatever, because I like reading this series.
Tuesday March 31, 2009 02:10pm EDT
I personally remember finishing Knife of Dreams, realizing there would be only one more book, and thinking 'No way. No way could this all be tied up and finished, in a satisfactory manner, in one more book.' As many before me have said, I'd rather not sacrifice the quality of the book just to find out what happens sooner. As for having to wait for the books? I've waited this long already. Another two years is nothing.
Tuesday March 31, 2009 03:21pm EDT
Also...from a purely physical point of view: a 750K novel is a FAT FAT FAT book. Now, those of you who bought WoT in TPB, and have re-read them, can you take a look at your shelf and check the spine condition? Because I had to repurchase some of mine, the covers having fallen off. The fatter books have fared worse than the skinnier books, no matter how I try to not crack the spines or abuse the poor books. As for the hardcover.....the bigger ones really are a bear to drag around. (Also, since my physical therapist has forbidden reading in bed and I'm not supposed to lean my head forward too much as the strain on my neck is bad, I have to either hold mine up or pile on pillows and hope it hits eye level. Smaller books are welcome.)
Also, while I, as many other readers, have noted the dread symptoms of "series fatigue" creeping up, this is still the one series my brother and I share and compare on. So this merely extends our reading ritual by three more novels.
Tuesday March 31, 2009 03:24pm EDT
Tuesday March 31, 2009 06:35pm EDT
Tuesday March 31, 2009 06:37pm EDT
Tuesday March 31, 2009 08:06pm EDT
In fall of 2011, or whenever the final section of the series gets published, I'm sure that its name will be A Memory of Light. That's when we'll all feel the same type of sadness that some of you may have felt when the Harry Potter series ended - except this one will be much more profound, because the Wheel of Time means so much more in so many ways than Harry Potter ever meant.
Tuesday March 31, 2009 11:45pm EDT
Like a sign of good faith and gratuity towards us loyal fans who were promised 1 final book. Who are now looking at paying 3x that amount?
Like something that may ease that feeling I'm currently getting that I'm being bent over from behind.
Wednesday April 01, 2009 01:35am EDT
"I have been reading WOT since the release of the first book. I have more than enjoyed the series throughout the years and am saddened that I will not see the end. That being said, I can overstand the need for a delay but can't agree with the splitting of the book. Not just that but the renaming of it. The computer tracking issue is utter garbage. How is it that the 7 book series about the boy that lived was able to use the title subtitle scheme? They ALL started with the characters name did they not? So and so and the secret hidden room and such, so I call shenanigans on that. RJ I love your work and hope to be able to ask you in the hereafter how you would have finished it."
I have tried to get that how he related it over the phone.
As for me personally, I bought the first book the same day my friend did, when it was first published. Like him I will not read the final book or books however you want to call it. However I will not for different reasons. For me it will end like many promising tv series that were just canceled without warning to the fans. Had RJ lived to write it (even had it been 20 more books) I would have read each one. (I own several copies of the series in hardcover as well as paperback and am following Leighs reread on the audio books) I would love to read the notes James Rigney left behind and come to my own conclusions... While I am certain Brandon is a good author, (sorry have never read anything of his other than the post regarding the why of the split) in the end it is his version of events, not RJ's. No matter how good you are its just not the same. So I'll just use what RJ's books always helped me to... MY imagination. Sorry for the long rant.
Wednesday April 01, 2009 07:44am EDT
My auntie gave me the the first 11 books a year or so ago and I have walked in the light ever since. Absolutely phenominal, couldn't be any more engrossed in a series. Even got a tattoo of the snake, spear and wheel from the inside cover with 'the wheel weaves as the wheel weaves' attached to the banner on the spear (i didn't really want 'north' tattooed on my arm, haha).
I think I am speaking with the majority here... couldn't care less about the money grabbing. It's a business innit, make as much cash as possible people, get involved! But please please please don't spread these books over 2.5 years, I can't believe that Tor will actually do that... 2011? Come off it, I have had enough trouble remembering the stories and backgrounds of all the Aes Sedai, Nobles & Maidens etc (for example, I had to check http://www.encyclopaedia-wot.org/ to remember who Cabriana Mecandes was and I'm still baffled as to why this sparked Romanda's memory) and that was from readin' the books one after another with barely a breath between them.
Please, don't release the three books miles apart. I couldn't care less if I had to pay $3 a chapter every day for however long it took, but to release three volumes with a year between them would baffle my Silly English mind, I smoke far too much of that special Two Rivers Tabac to be keeping up over that much time.
3 volumes over 2.5 years would definately keep to the old saying however, 'Let the lord of chaos rule'.
Wednesday April 01, 2009 08:43am EDT
Fair enough.
Understood.
Shouldn't complain really I guess...
Wednesday April 01, 2009 09:59am EDT
First of all I have to state the fact that I'm a totally geek about WoT! I reread and reheard and read the reread from Leigh because I not only love the story but because I love the whole world of Randland.
When I heard the rumor after CoT that there will be only 2 more books, I was really mad at RJ. I just couldn't think of any possibility that he would finish every side story with just 2 books.
That said, I am totally "YEEEEHAAAA!!!" about the splitting. Not only because this guarantees a satisfactory finish for me, but also because Brandon AND Harriet both say it will be good!I have started with the Mistborn Series and I like Brandon's Style! I don't think I have to say to you guys anything about Harriet, just "great"!
Last thing:to everyone who said they have followed Brandon's Blog about AMoL and BELIEVE he could finish the whole book this November: let's do a little math
After he worked for nearly 1 and 1/2 year he has 400k ready (which is only partially edited, but that aside). His goal is at about 800k, so the fastest he could do, would be Oct 2010. So now after the splitting we will have 2 books in Nov. 2010 and the total delay would only be 1 year.
That Brandon has to give up his private life for another 1 and 1/2 year to finish so fast and that we have to consider another 6 months (ridiculous short, but just for the math) of editing be put aside.
Bottom Line: More stories about life in Randland and in truth a maximum delay of 6 months for the whole AMoL--> awesome!!
VIEW ALL BY · Wednesday April 01, 2009 10:47am EDT
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Wednesday April 01, 2009 11:57am EDT
Wednesday April 01, 2009 01:45pm EDT
-B
Wednesday April 01, 2009 02:32pm EDT
Does it really take as long as they say to edit and get printed? I don't know, but I know all business over-estimate to give them time to try and get it right.
Those who say they want one book that is 800k words. I believe it would not be possible to even bind something that big without using 4 pt font.
Part of the reason for splitting the way they are is because they promised a book in 2009. By splitting and moving towards and editing and print now, they can still achive that, holding to a promise. That is certainly admirable.
I'm happy to be getting a conclusion to the story I have been reading for over a decade. I would much rather see quality 3 books, than anything else that is rushed and not very good.
Wednesday April 01, 2009 02:32pm EDT
Wednesday April 01, 2009 05:43pm EDT
On a less serious note the title is bad. Even Brandon comes out and says so. Not much depth and I am afraid that we will all feel the same about the story. I hope not but still...
I agree about GRRM. I don't think he ever writes or cares to. And I saw a qoute one time that I must pass along
Everytime you complain about a book being late GRRM kills a Stark!
Wednesday April 01, 2009 05:49pm EDT
Wednesday April 01, 2009 06:03pm EDT
Wednesday April 01, 2009 06:16pm EDT
"Everytime you complain about a book being late GRRM kills a Stark! "
But its an apt anology - DwD was supposed to be coming out in full 4 years ago. We've only got half of it out, and part 2 (which should have been out less than a year later with only editing and production to do) has taken about.... 3 years now??
I really really hope that's not going to happen here! Although if Brandon's getting paid for the project not per book - maybe we can hope he'll be a bit more motivated to get it finished so he can go back to the paying jobs :P
Wednesday April 01, 2009 09:53pm EDT
Thursday April 02, 2009 02:42am EDT
Thursday April 02, 2009 09:53am EDT
To all those that are complaining that Brandon is doing more than what his contract states, I say bull. It calls for a MINIMUM number of words. I have seen nor heard of nothing that states that he had a cap. For those that argue that he has other books that he has to put out I say tough shit, he knew all that (along with what James wanted as far as how many books) when he took on the assignment. So all that crap about how he is working for free is bull. James had stated that he knew what major event would transpire in a book before writing it and that he figured out how to get from point to point as he wrote the book. This is part of his magic. No matter how good Brandon may be he will never be James. I have to agree with woolhead in that if I can't get it in one book then just publish the notes he left and let my imagination do the rest.
As far as the comics and grafic novels and movies go... Well I recall James having major issues with RedEagle so I don't know how he would feel about all this. More than anything else all these extra projects derived from his work smack of mugging his memory and raping his work.
Thursday April 02, 2009 10:23am EDT
I wasn't looking forward to the last book because I thought it would read more like a synopsis than a story. There's still too much that has to happen.
Still, I do think it's ridiculous to market it as a trilogy. It should just be continuing volumes in the series.
@159 What's up with throwing James Rigney around everywhere? You think that gives your voice more credence? Please.
VIEW ALL BY · Thursday April 02, 2009 10:41am EDT
Life is change--we all expected that Robert Jordan would be the one writing the last book, but that's not going to happen--do you hear people whining about how he should be brought back to life in order to do so? Some things just CAN'T HAPPEN. Life isn't fair. That's reality.
If you listen to the people who know what they're talking about (Mr. Sanderson, Mr. Defendini, et al.), they're saying it's just NOT POSSIBLE to publish a book like AMoL in the time frame previously given, or the current publishing techniques (unless you want it to look like Bible on rice paper, which we can all agree is not the most pleasureable of reading experiences...).
Robert Jordan has underestimated the word count necessary for the Wheel of Time installments before (hence the joke: "three more books."), and unfortunately it's happened again. But this is not bad news... perhaps you're frustrated, yes, understandable, but that's no reason to take a tantrum.
It's obvious from Sanderson's blog that in order to do the book justice it will take longer than thought. I, personally, would rather he take his time and give us something we won't complain about in the end. Give us quality!
We should feel lucky that they're bothering to hand us something, anything, in November 2009. Be thankful!
And in the end, really, whether or not you're waiting patiently doesn't matter--you still have to wait.
Thursday April 02, 2009 10:42am EDT
VIEW ALL BY · Thursday April 02, 2009 10:48am EDT · amended on Thursday April 02, 2009 10:50am EDT
For any of my futher thoughts on this topic, see here
VIEW ALL BY · Thursday April 02, 2009 10:50am EDT
Or that anyone actually ever thought that Sanderson would finish it in a single book.
Thursday April 02, 2009 10:54am EDT
Thursday April 02, 2009 11:58am EDT
Everybody has an opinion and we all know that they are just that opinions. I have no issues with anyone expressing it, just don't come down on anyone else for expressing theirs. I just wish that a mans dying words would be honored is all.
Friday April 03, 2009 12:06am EDT
damn all you people who are bitching and moaning about it
your the sort of people who complain about it being written at all, then when it comes out youll be complaining that it wasnt written exactly to your standards
i for one am so glad its being written, and splitting it into three just makes it all the better. this way nothing important will be left out as it would had to have been if it was only one book. this is GOOD people!!!
wooooo cant wait!!!
Friday April 03, 2009 09:02am EDT
As for the rest, let's just see in November if it's been worth the wait. I enjoyed Brandon's Mistborn trillogy, but his writing style is definitely different that RJ's so I'll have to see how/if he adjusts his work to mesh with what's already out there. I'm optimistic though.
Friday April 03, 2009 03:00pm EDT
What happened to "It will be a single volume even if I have to invent a new way of binding books"? Way to honor one of your most beloved author's wishes.
I have my doubts about Brandon, but not enough to put me off. I've been reading this damn series since 1991, after all. I've waited 18 years so far, what's SEVERAL MORE? I can cope with that. But what pisses me off is that Jordan didn't seem to think this was the case. Even after he'd fully wireframed and outlined the book.
SO, this is either Brandon adding a LOT more book than RJ had intended, OR this is a pissant exploitation of his fans; either way: it pisses me off.
VIEW ALL BY · Friday April 03, 2009 04:12pm EDT
Yes, yes. The whole world is out to screw you over.
When Jordan originally brought the first book to Tom Doherty in the early 90's, he told Tom that he envisioned the WoT as a trilogy. Just three books. See how well that turned out.
Publishing is as much about collaborating with an author in order to help shape a book, as it is the manufacturing and marketing of said bookafter it's written. If Harriet, RJ's wife and editor; Tom, his publisher and dear friend; and Brandon, a huge WoT fan, an incredibly competent writer in his own right, and the author hand-picked by Harriet to conclude the series think that the amount of material that RJ left (copious outlines, notes, voice recordings, partially-written scenes, etc) is enough to warrant three books instead of one, I for one am perfectly willing to defer to their decisions. After all, they're the ones who are familiar with the extant material, and—infantile accusations of "pissant exploitation" aside—are probably more motivated to do right by Jim Rigney than anyone else in the world. Including fans with aggrandized senses of entitlement.
Friday April 03, 2009 05:35pm EDT
VIEW ALL BY · Friday April 03, 2009 05:39pm EDT · amended on Friday April 03, 2009 05:40pm EDT
Hear, hear!*
*from someone who's been reading Jordan since 1987 and tWoT since 1990.
Friday April 03, 2009 07:23pm EDT
I bought Eye of the World hardback first edition about a week after it hit the shelves and have been hooked ever since (I, too, have been buying Jordan books since about 1987). The death of Mr Jordan was like a hammer blow to me, not just for WoT, but for literature in general, and the fact that his wife dedicated herself to finishing this Homerian epic humbles me like nothing else ever has.
If I have to wait FIVE years to finish this story, it won't matter...the story will be finished, and that is more than we were sure of when the news of Mr. Jordan's amyloidosis broke. Be patient..this is more than a story now...it is Jordan's legacy.
Saturday April 04, 2009 01:40am EDT
Don't you greedy fucks realise that James Rigney is not the only person on earth who has died/is dying of a terminal disease?
Have you got any words of comfort to those dedicated readers who have bought MULTIPLE editions over the years (for friends, thus expanding your readership, at no charge to you), and who are now being hit with a double blow... firstly that their life is fucked, over in 6 months, and now that they will never know the outcome of a story which has become a part of their psyche?
You cruel, greedy, heartless fucks, I'm gonna die and never know. I curse you all, and 7 generations of your families, suffer, die and go to hell.
I'LL BE WAITING FOR YOU.
VIEW ALL BY · Saturday April 04, 2009 12:05pm EDT
Sunday April 05, 2009 07:14am EDT
Monday April 06, 2009 09:57am EDT
In this case though, I am really happy - I'm actually pleased with this decision. Having read all of the previous books in this series, and most of Brandon's other books, and having followed his blog posts, I am very confident that each book in this final trilogy will each be strong enough to stand on its own. Plus, I get three more books in the wheel of time series, not just one.
After Knife of Dreams, I, too, thought "no way can they possibly wrap everything up in just one more book". With three more full length novels, I honestly think that the final destination will be far more satisfying than getting there in one rushed book.
Monday April 06, 2009 12:38pm EDT
I think ya'll made the right decision, both with the splitting/publishing, as well as with Sanderson to author it. Like so many WoT fans, I have been in love with the series for a long time. And even though I wish Jordan could finish it, I am not only confidant in Sanderson's ability, but I'm looking forward the conclusion!
Tuesday April 07, 2009 05:05pm EDT
Thursday April 09, 2009 09:30pm EDT
I guess I'll use my local library until it's done, then pick up the paperbacks.
Unless they get snazzy ideas from Neal Stephenson and turn 3 books into 7 paperbacks or so.
Thursday April 09, 2009 11:44pm EDT
I first picked up the books in 1994 and have been wanting to the last since the last one came out, we at least have a timeframe, do we like it no, but that's the timeframe.
Also if the give us the 2 years and make it in shorter time then that always better than oh it will be out in 12 months thn takes 2 years.
If he's done 400k already then the first section could come out in 4 months in August rather than November.
I will be glad when it is done.
Friday April 10, 2009 10:51pm EDT
Monday April 13, 2009 03:57am EDT
Tuesday April 14, 2009 09:05am EDT
- Plan out all three books in such a way that the major threads get resolved in these books. Expand the size of the books if necessary. It always seems to get bigger.
- I started rereading the books this year in anticipation of the completion of the series. I am enjoying them immensely and find them well paced. And found lots of things that I had forgotten. It is frustrating that I will be in the same state in two years. I don't think I can spend 4 months again rereading the books.
That said, I am very happy that the books will be released and that they are not being crammed into a single book.
Monday April 20, 2009 03:18am EDT
I say that they should be released a few months apart, not large portions of years. I could orbit around the Sun faster than Tor gets these books out.
VIEW ALL BY · Friday April 24, 2009 07:45am EDT
drag it out a little more...
They went and pulled a Starcraft 2 on us. I was so looking forward to finally finishing this series...
The series is going to finish?
(replied)Finished? Not in our lifetimes :(
What a cash cow.
Friday April 24, 2009 10:14am EDT
Now so many years later, I know that it was true and I had read and lived during an epic in creation.
How many people in time can say that and mean it?
Please split the books and give us quality over quantity. IF I die before the last book is released in this series, then I will just ask Mr. Jordan to tell it to me fist hand.
There are so many people that I have turned on to this series that it would be an injustice to speed it through the system.
Awed that I actually lived during the time of Robert Jordan writings, humble me. Thanks Harriet McDougal for continuing his dreams. Brandon Sanderson for giving us a well written series and an ending to make him proud. Tom Doherty and Tor for the books,updates, blogs and such. And to Leigh for her re-reads, which I'm going to do all over again before the next book hits in NOV.
Thank you all.
Friday April 24, 2009 01:06pm EDT
When I do get to meet Mr. Jordan (out of respect will only refer to his pen name), I will ask for a "first" hand and not a fist hand as my error showed.
So once again I apologize for the errors, it came from the heart and not from a creative writing book.
Wednesday April 29, 2009 08:23am EDT
like really whats the big deal its half a year
VIEW ALL BY · Wednesday April 29, 2009 08:34am EDT
Saturday June 13, 2009 10:15am EDT
Keep up the good work!
Monday June 22, 2009 06:35pm EDT
Monday June 22, 2009 08:19pm EDT
Monday June 29, 2009 10:45am EDT
Tuesday July 07, 2009 08:25am EDT
Anyway...2 years isn't too bad.
Also pumped about Universal making Eye of the World. As long as it's done in theater and not TV or miniseries. But eh, we've heard lots of media rumors regarding a tv/movie WoT popping up.
VIEW ALL BY · Sunday July 12, 2009 02:01am EDT
As for not caring Grungytinman? Dude, uh, don't be an "idiot"...notice i'm not actually calling you an "idiot". I would rather you not act like one by not thinking before you type (which is kind of hard to do).
I would rather you think about how much time everyone has put into this series, how much love people have for this series and its father whom has passed.
I hope like everyone else that this Brandon Sanderson has enough talent and forthought to finish the series faithfuly and to the measure of Robert Jordans talent.
I hope this coming end to a dream ends as well as it started so that we can come back to it from time to time and smile at the memory and know that we witnessed the greatness of story telling that has not been seen in this way since our fathers and our fathers fathers witnessed Tolkiens greatness and for the true Science Fiction heads, Issac Asimov.
Tuesday August 04, 2009 09:25am EDT
Saturday August 15, 2009 02:45pm EDT
the moon by day the sun by night
deaf man blind woman jackdaw fool
let the lord of chaos rule
VIEW ALL BY · Tuesday September 15, 2009 09:25pm EDT
Monday September 21, 2009 10:27am EDT
Monday December 07, 2009 01:21am EST
I couldn't tell a difference in the authors, and I've read and listened to the first 11 books more than I'd care to admit. (Great audiobooks for extremely long road-trips).
I just finished my first read, and am restarting it, so I make sure I didn't miss anything. All I can say is WOW!!
Saturday May 08, 2010 01:30am EDT