"Absolutely amazing!"
Brandon Sanderson did a magnificent job in continuing Jordan's story, I barely noticed a difference in writing style! It's great that Kramer and Reading have continued to do the reading to keep the story as seamless as possible but Sanderson really comes through for us - I can't wait for the next book and will be somewhat sad when the third and final (really?) comes out and it all ends! Like many, I've read/listened to some of the first books, like, nine or ten times! This led me to try out Sanderson's Mistborn series, pretty good for a beginner, I'm definately hooked! The legacy lives on!!!!
"We're finally getting somewhere!"
I was hesitant to download this - it's 33 hours and after ABSOLUTELY NOTHING happened in the last couple of books, it was gamble. It paid off - Sanderson has managed to kick the storyline into gear without sacrificing any of the characters we know and love. Fantastic read, I literally couldn't turn it off.
"Can't Wait for the Final Two Books"
I am not a "typical" sci-fi fantasy fan. I'm not even a fan of nonfiction! I was dragged into the Wheel of Time series kicking and screaming by a friend 10 years ago. And boy am I glad he insisted I read the first book. I was hooked.
I have patiently been waiting for Book 12 - the final book in the series - to be released after the death of the originator, Robert Jordan. I wondered how well another author could create rich scenes and characters with amazing depth based on Mr. Jordan's notes. I also did not think that all of the loose ends from Book 11 could be tied up in one final book.
I was thrilled to find out that the new author, Brandon Sanderson, not only stayed true to Mr. Jordan's style and plotlines, but he brought a new layer of wry wit to the Mat character that I found refreshing. And he also understood that the "final" book would have to be completed in three volumes to properly tell the tale and wrap up all of those loose ends.
Well done! I can't wait for the final two books.
"Seemless"
Sanderson's translation of Jordan's ideas is nothing short of a miracle! I re-listened to the entire series before listening to this one and I was not disappointed! I enjoyed this book more than any I have listened to in a long while. Kramer and Reading bring listeners into the lives of the characters in such a way that I feel like I know them...and I miss them already! I cannot wait for the next one! Thank you, Brandon Sanderson!
"Sanderson got it right!"
Unfamiliar with Sanderson's work I was concerned that he would be up to the task, but he nailed it. The character action and humor were perfect and as usual the ending left me wishing for the next book. For others who are new to the series I would encourage you to start at the beginning of the Wheel of Time series by the time you are finished not only will you be a fan of WOT but also will know how great an accomplishment this work is.
And as always Mr. Kramer and Ms. Reading are outstanding.
"Spot on!"
Wow! I am so glad Sanderson completed this book. When Jordan passed away we not only had to morn a great writer but also the WOT and all the characters. The Darkness had won and the pattern was no more....but death is not the end when time is a wheel.... so the story lives again! Thank the light Michael Kramer and Kate Reading narrated, it would have been hard to listen to new voices. Matt has always been one of the best characters in this tale, but after this story he has moved on to my top ten list of favorite characters.
"Worthy"
Brandon Sanderson does an awesome job. Robert Jordans notes must have been extremely copious and Brandons understanding of the series is obviously very good.
I was of course worried that another author couldn't match the style of Jordan but Sanderson comes close enough.
More importantly, his interpretation of the characters is completely spot on. This was probably the most important.
The ending was somewhat disappointing. Not because it was bad. It was just unfulfilling. I immediately wanted to go on to the next book but alas, I'll have to wait.
Bottom line: If you liked the previous books, you will like this one.
Kate Reading and Michael Kramer continues to read the book superbly.
"The Dragon Rides Again on the Winds of Time"
Well done Mr Sanderson. I didn't know if another author would've been able to pick up a story this complex in the middle and make it work. Brandon Sanderson had done just that. He clearly understands the characters and the world in which they live. I would even go so far as to say that the story moves quicker without losing any of the depth that Mr. Jordan brought to the story. If you're a Wheel of Time fan you'll enjoy this book. If you're new to the series don't even think of starting any where but the beginning. (Book 1 The Eye of the World)
"Expectations Thoroughly Exceeded!"
I came to the Wheel Of Time series very late in the game, only to witness the heartbreaking loss of Robert Jordan. I must admit I was very skeptical of Mr Sanderson coming in to finish the job (visions of the Dune series haunting me) but he far exceeded my expectations.
Maybe it's blasphemous to say this -- but I think Sanderson's style is, in some places, superior to Jordan. It is very obvious (even without listening to the short interview included herein) that he adores the series and put all his creative passion into doing it justice.
Ignore the previous review about the ending. Utter foolishness. It's been known for a long time that it would be at least two books as the outline was far too long. Even Jordan quipped that he would finish even if the book was 1200 pages, which is simply not realistic from a publishing point of view.
I eagerly look forward to the next installment of Sanderson's vision.
"The best WOT yet"
This is the best WOT yet.Sanderson has given new life to all the characters.Pick this book up and you wont put it down.