I’ve just learnt some shocking news: Robert Jordan, the author of the Wheel of Time series of fantasy novels, has passed away. (more details here)
Although occasionally clumsily written, and though they’ve taken far too long to come out, they stand as one of my favourite series and an exercise in worldbuilding and storytelling that few have matched.
What makes it worse is that the last book of the series – A Memory of Light – has yet to come out. It seems likely that his wife will complete the book, but it’s still a great blow.
My greatest fear is that it’ll be another Dune, although thankfully Memory of Light is supposed to be the last book.
Indeed. As long as they don’t let Kevin J. Anderson anywhere near it, we might get something that is good.
(I love Dune. One of my favourite series… and the prequels and other books that Brian and Kevin have written… oh, gods above! Save me from the memory!)
Cheers,
Merric
What did you think of the new Dune sequels, like Hunters of Dune?
I haven’t even bothered. As I believe I’ve mentioned, books are expensive here, and I haven’t felt the need.
As long as they don’t let Kevin J. Anderson anywhere near it, we might get something that is good.
Amen, Brother! I’ve been watching reports on his failing health for a while now, and I’m truly sorry to see him go. I’m a big Jordan fan. I guess I’ll just try and keep an open mind about the end of the series…
The great trouble with it is that Jordan has been a master of foreshadowing. It’s been one of the best features of the books – a cryptic prophecy that comes true several books down the line. There are very few writers who can even attempt that… J.K. Rowling is one of the few who could, given her incredible plotting abilties. Possibly Steven Erikson.
(Incidentally, the other two series I point to for their interesting takes on prophecy are Frank Herbert’s Dune series, and the Sword of Truth series by Terry Goodkind).
Cheers,
Merric