Introduction:

A while back now, I did a giveaway for A Memory of Light the fourteenth and final novel in Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time series recently.  Sparked by commenters’ enthusiasm, and given the significance of this series within the epic fantasy canon, I asked long time SFF reader, Chris Whelan, if he would review the final three books in the series—all written by Brandon Sanderson in accordance with notes left by Robert Jordan.

Today, I have Chris’s review of Towers Of Midnight for you.

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Book Review: Towers Of Midnight by Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson (Orbit Books, 2011,  trade paperback edition, 941 pp) — Reviewed by Chris Whelan

The ending of any epic fantasy series always makes me nervous. I’ve seen it often enough in movies and TV shows – a great concept followed by a fantastic exposition and development, but an ending that just lets you down.

I therefore approached Book Thirteen of the Wheel of Time with a bit of trepidation. This is part one of two, concluding a series that has so many moving parts and characters that wrapping it all up elegantly and satisfactorily was always going to be a challenge.

First things first. It quickly becomes apparent that the ‘last battle’ that the series has been building towards is more going to be a ‘last war’. Massive armies are being assembled on both sides and preparation is underway for the countless battles that are expected.

In the south, Perrin finally comes to terms with being a leader and as he is forced to face off against what remains of the army of the Children of the Light.

In the far north, the dark armies sally forth as Lan raises his standard, while Mat makes his attempt to free Moiraine from where she is imprisoned in the Tower of Ghenjei.

And throughout, Rand uses his growing wisdom and power to bring the nations of the world together under the banner of the Dragon Reborn in readiness for the Last Battle(s).

By and large it’s a good read. It’s not quite as self-contained as any of the earlier books in the series – but that’s to be expected for what is basically the first part of a two part finale.

Tower Of Midnight is well structured and has some great battle scenes. It does face the problem of many epic fantasy series where the hero becomes so powerful s/he can defeat entire armies themselves. I did find myself asking: “why bother with all these armies when you’ve got one Dragon Reborn and some highly motivated magic users on your side?” The explanation is given and, yes, it’s sort of reasonable. Sort of…

One other niggle was the fact that this is the second book in a row where Mat and Tuom don’t encounter each other at all, despite marrying in book eleven. I suspect that’s just a side product of so many characters and so many other stories to tell.

But, overall, it’s a good book and a good read. The 900 plus pages flew by in a weekend, and most importantly, I kept wanting to read on and see what happened next.

At the end, my main reaction was: “thank goodness, the final book is out and ready for me to see how this all ends!”

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About the Reviewer:

Chris Whelan is a long time viewer, reader and occasional writer of fantasy and science fiction. He makes a living in middle management and lives, generally, with a glass of red wine somewhere to hand.