A Memory of Light

Starred review from January 14, 2013
Fans of the Jordan's Wheel of Time epic have been waiting 13 books for the Last Battle, and they are about to be rewarded as Jordan/Sanderson (Towers of Midnight) bring the series to one final crescendo. It is time for Rand al'Thor to face the Dark One in the Last Battle for humanity, but he can't do it alone; he must also gather all of the forces of the world together and turn them, united, against the Trolloc armies that threaten to overwhelm. Those unfamiliar with the series may be left cold by chapter after chapter of battle scenes, death, glory, and heroism, which are interspersed with tactics, politics, and plotting. Those more invested in the series, however, will be on the edge of their seats to witness first-hand the fates of their favorite characters as well as the world itself. Sanderson successfully channels Jordan's voice to produce this stunningly thorough wrap-up to a long and impressive series.

April 29, 2013
This 14th and final book in Jordan’s celebrated Wheel of Time fantasy series was completed after Jordan’s death by Sanderson, working from the author’s notes and outline. Narrators Kate Reading and Michael Kramer, who narrated previous installments of the series, return for this conclusion, and their deep understanding of these characters and this fictional world shines through in every word. Kramer has a deep voice that pulls the reader in, while Reading’s tones are more thoughtful and reflective. Both give memorable, nuanced performances that keep readers on the edge of their seats during exciting action scenes and put them in the characters’ minds as thoughts are revealed. The rich history of this fictional world and its enormous cast of characters is likely too complicated for newcomers, who really need to start with the first book. But fans of the series will be well rewarded for their patience in awaiting this final installment. A Tor hardcover.

Michael Kramer and Kate Reading have been the masters of the Wheel of Time series from the very first book to this fourteenth, and final, book. Their stores of voices and characterizations are extensively drawn upon as Rand al'Thor gathers warriors from all corners to join the final battle against the Dark One, who seeks to escape his prison and remove all light from this world. Understanding the complex relationships of men and women in this society is aided by having Reading narrate the sections told from the perspectives of the female characters and Kramer, the sections told from the perspectives of the male characters. They present the unfolding of the many themes with infinite patience and consistent tones of engagement with the characters and events. J.E.M. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award (c) AudioFile 2013, Portland, Maine

March 15, 2013

Sanderson, working from Jordan's notes, brings the late author's epic fantasy saga "The Wheel of Time" to its completion in book 14. Although the vast majority of this title concerns war and military conflicts, many loose ends from the earlier books are brought together, including the long-awaited confrontation between the Dragon Reborn, Rand al'Thor, and the Dark One. The clear, well-paced, and intense performances by Kate Reading and Michael Kramer, who narrated the entire series, provides an excellent delivery of a complex and gargantuan tale that can seem too long owing to a surfeit of characters and events. VERDICT Of interest to fans of fantasy and the series. ["Anyone who has read the first 'Wheel' books will want to read this one as well. In fact, anyone who likes epic fantasy will enjoy it," read the starred review of the Tor hc, LJ Xpress Reviews, 1/25/13.--Ed.]--Denise A. Garofalo, Mount Saint Mary Coll., Newburgh, NY

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