The Gathering Storm was originally published on October 27, 2009.
Understanding The Gathering Storm's Release
The Gathering Storm holds a unique and significant place in the world of fantasy literature as the twelfth novel in Robert Jordan's epic Wheel of Time series. Its release was highly anticipated, not just as the next installment, but as the first book in the series to be completed by acclaimed fantasy author Brandon Sanderson, following Jordan's passing in 2007.
This transition marked a pivotal moment for the series, as Sanderson, working from Jordan's extensive notes and partially completed manuscripts, took on the immense task of bringing the saga to its conclusion. The publication of The Gathering Storm was a testament to the collaborative effort to honor Jordan's vision and provide fans with the continuation they eagerly awaited.
Key Release Information
To provide a clear overview, here are the core details surrounding the original publication:
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Title | The Gathering Storm |
| Original Publication Date | October 27, 2009 |
| Authors | Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson |
| Series | The Wheel of Time (Book 12) |
| Publisher | Tor Books |
The Legacy and Collaboration
The journey to The Gathering Storm's release was an emotional one for fans and authors alike. Robert Jordan had built a sprawling, intricate world with a deeply devoted fanbase over decades. His untimely death left the series unfinished, creating uncertainty about its future.
The selection of Brandon Sanderson to complete the series was met with a mix of anticipation and apprehension, which quickly turned into widespread admiration as his dedication to the source material became evident. The collaborative nature of The Gathering Storm, and the subsequent final two novels, ensured that Jordan's legacy was preserved while bringing the monumental story to a fitting close.
- Honoring a Vision: Sanderson meticulously studied Jordan's notes, audio recordings, and outlines to ensure the integrity of the original narrative and character arcs.
- Bridging Styles: The book successfully blended Jordan's characteristic intricate plotting and detailed world-building with Sanderson's acclaimed pacing and climactic action sequences.
- Fan Engagement: The release was a major event, discussed widely across fantasy forums and communities, demonstrating the enduring power of the Wheel of Time series. For more on the series and its history, you can explore resources from its publisher, Tor Books.
Impact on the Series
The publication of The Gathering Storm had a profound impact on the Wheel of Time series' trajectory and its completion. It marked the beginning of the end, as it was initially intended to be the first of three final books (originally planned as one very large final novel, A Memory of Light, which was later split due to its immense scope). This release reassured fans that the story they had followed for so long would indeed reach its grand finale. It also set a new standard for how beloved unfinished series could be respectfully and successfully completed by other authors.
