The Wheel of Time

Many of my readers will appreciate this blog entry just as I appreciated it when Mom introduced me to the information presented here (yep, thanks Mom). In December of 2007, TOR announced the author who will be finishing off Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time series as being Brandon Sanderson (see official press release)

For those who aren't too familiar with Robert Jordan and The Wheel of Time, it has been an epic fantasy tale created by James Oliver Rigney, Jr. under the pen-name of Robert Jordan. It was originally planned as a six book series which, those of us who have read it, quickly grew to one prequel and eleven books published by Mr. Jordan. He was working on the twelfth and final (yep, final, there was only one left) book when he passed away on Sept. 16, 2007 from a rare blood disease. Knowing of his impending passing, Jordan prepared extensive notes, some rough draft chapters, and even audio commentary on the story so that it could be completed according to his original design. His wife Harriet is also working in collaboration with Sanderson on the twelfth book.

The book is tentatively named A Memory of Light and will be possibly published as soon as Fall '09. The new novel, A Memory of Light, will be the 12th and final book in the fantasy series which has sold more than 14 million copies in North America and more than 30 million copies worldwide. The last four books in the series were all #1 New York Times bestsellers. Sanderson himself is an accomplished novelist and was chosen by Harriet (Jordan's wife). Brandon Sanderson has assured s of the following:
    "Note that while I'll be writing the words of the book, the novel was outlined by Mr. Jordan before his death. His wife, who was also his editor, will be heavily involved as well. I am writing this book, but it is not my book. It is Mr. Jordan's book, and our goal will be to make it fulfill his vision for the series as much as possible...
     "I can't do the job that Mr. Jordan could have. Nobody can. But I will do the best I possibly can, and am confident in the quality of my work. This will be a fantastic book. His vision and foresight will make certain of that." (see Wheel of Time FAQ)