(219 votes, average: 3.15 heron(s) out of 5)

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88 Responses to “The 4th Age Podcast – Episode 62 – The Gathering Storm – First Impressions”

Posted by Virginia on November 6th, 2009 at 4:03 pm Hi all, we wanted to get this TGS discussion out to you as soon as possible, so it’s coming in the middle of the Knife of Dreams recaps series, a little out of order, sorry! The KoD recap will continue on after this episode! Virginia

Posted by meercatman on November 6th, 2009 at 6:37 pm Thanks Virginia I’m just over halfway through, and am loving every word of TGS! I can’t wait to see what you guy’s reactions are! I love the podcasts, its great to hear fellow wot fans talking about this wonderful series! Mat, Australia

Posted by Bryan on November 6th, 2009 at 8:18 pm OMG this book is AWESOME!!!! This book was AWESOME (Did I say that already??) Sanderson has done the Memory of Robert Jordan a GREAT service….JOYGASM!!!!!

Posted by john strawn on November 6th, 2009 at 9:57 pm ummm what happend ended in the middle a vergina’s comment and btw vergina i think though niether of us got our way relating to a certain sister i think the way it was handled was something that none of us ever coulda imagined all i can say if there really is a purple ajah she deserved to be a member for all her sacrifices

Posted by cait sith on November 7th, 2009 at 11:32 am Hi! Great podcast..I don’t know if there is a spoiler-ban on these comments, I hope not.. but I have spoiler-ish things to say below: First, this isn’t a biggie, but in regards to what you were discussing at the start of the episode; Elaida’s punishment of Egwene… later on in the book, in Egwene’s POV they mention how Elaida did not draw blood; the bleeding that Egwene had was from hitting the pieces of glass, not directly from Elaida’s use of the OP..so..I think that has some relevance. Also..as for Verin…when I read that part I had to put it down and dance with anxiety (more so than Rand’s little True Power tap-in) ..Verin..was like she said, a spy for the light. Her words and the OP might have been binding when she took the Oaths of the Dark One, but her soul was not dark. She was, essentially, a “Light friend”. She sacrificed So much to join up with the dark side just so she could study and pass on information..which, let’s face it.. I never thought there would be such an extensive attack on the Black Ajah…I thought maybe we’d get Egwene discovering a few people in lies, or whatnot and eventually realizing they were Black..i never expected the all-out-offensive that happened. So, wow. Verin’s sacrifice was not a waste. And..as for Rand’s True Power taste..I pretty much chalked that up to his link with Moridin. I need to give the book another read-through soon, but when I read that part, for some reason i was expecting Rand’s mind to sort of…leave his body. I got the impression that he wasn’t the only one controlling his mind then. I think the True Power isn’t indicative of him being tempted by the Dark One..(I could be wrong..that Would be an intense thing to happen) I think it was just..Moridin’s confused instinct to use it when the One Power wasn’t an option. Item number 4? I did think Mat was a bit..off.. But more than that, I felt like Mat’s plot line and to a lesser extent, Perrin’s were kind of pointless.. There was not really a conflict within the book, and nothing was really resolved. I though Hinderstap was a cool chapter, but unnecessary. Nothing was resolved with Mat’s plot line for me. I do agree that his lightheartedness seemed a little off, too. Though the jokes about Mandevin’s (sp?) “great aged aunt” were cute. I dunno. does anyone else feel that Mat and Perrin were a little weak plot-wise? Still entertaining though, and I’m glad we got some resolution with regards to Perrin’s feelings towards Faile’s kidnap, etc. Well, sorry for the long ramble..these are just some of my disorganized thoughts. !! ciao!

Posted by Ray on November 7th, 2009 at 2:39 pm I agree completely with what you guys had to say about Egwene in this Podcast. I am now more than ever proud to say that Eg has been my favorite character since book 3. Go Egwene!!!

Posted by Ray on November 7th, 2009 at 3:08 pm God I am just so happy right now after having read this new breath of life into the series that I have come to view TGS as. While I agree that I can’t wait to read about Moraines rescue, I think Brandon did the right thing by focusing on the unification of the White Tower. I think this book was the straw that broke the camel’s back for the forces of light, and I have a suspicion that we’re going to see some pretty kick-ass stuff from these supposed beaten down savages in the next book. Sigh…Another year, lol.

Posted by William on November 7th, 2009 at 8:35 pm The question I wanted some gurus to answer was why did Rand not get his hand back when he bailfired Semerhage(sp)?

Posted by Ray on November 7th, 2009 at 9:47 pm It happened much too long ago for him to get his hand back, it had been what? Like a month anyway.

Posted by Matt on November 8th, 2009 at 12:30 am First I want to say this was one of my favorite wheel of time books. I enjoyed the podcast, and I had a theory about rand and moradin. I think it may be that the link between rand and moradin is that originally moradin was the champion of the light. Moradin(and sometimes other forsaken) has mentioned in earlier books more than the dark one would prefer to turning the lights champion rather than killing him and that has happened in the past. I think Moradin is in fact refering to himself. It has been plain for sometime that he work to keep rand alive and pushing the other forsaken not to kill him but put him in so much pain and desperation that rand would help him break the wheel to free them both. Im not sure if they are the same person(how could that be) but in some sense they are. And when the prophesies speak of the three must become one it is rand, Lew therin, and Moradin that must become one. I absolutely loved the final chapter and thought that was exactly what moradin and the dark one had been pushing rand twords… and I could almost understand how moradin must have turned…it was good to see rand pull through it though. And I loved how the two emporers stories, Rand and Egwene(forgive me for calling her that but in effect that is what she is) were contrasted and while rand wavered and embraced his darkness, egwene was stronger and lead through example…the tyrant and the noble. It was very well done. Lastly it was right for the book to focus on those two.. its what made it so good. As much as I love this series the problem was the books after 4 or 5 had no focus and the constant switching between too many plotlines was primarily to blame. Hate to say it but mr jordan made a big mistake there which is why the later books were not nearly as good(and book 10 was downright bad!). So even though I didn’t get much from my favorite character(mat) I thought it was for the best and the result was an exelant book that was focused and had a satisfying climax. well thanks for reading, and maybe that theory is already out there. I know of the theoryland sites but who has time to go through all that..LOL

Posted by Ray on November 8th, 2009 at 7:37 am I agree with that theory Matt, that Ishy was the Champion of the Light turned to the dark. Which is probably why the Wheel is destined to repeat itself, it can’t complete until the Champions souls are reunited.

Posted by badger on November 8th, 2009 at 6:02 pm IMO… It is sad that this podcast is starting to rely on sensationalism rather than talent over the last year.

Posted by Kaelen on November 8th, 2009 at 6:46 pm My thought on the two men merging into one is that it refers to the ending, when Rand stops hearing Lews Therin in his head. I interpreted that to mean that the two of them had finally united into one person, which they had been getting closer and closer to throughout much of the series and especially TGS.

Posted by Marc Breault on November 9th, 2009 at 4:25 pm SOME SPOILERS HERE. I agree with Matt’s theory. Moradin is basically Rand except that Rand came to realize that the things of light: love, joy, laughter, etc., are in themselves worth experiencing. I think the Dark One must somehow also be a being who only experiences pain and suffering and who is all bitter and twisted and wants it to end. I thought the last chapter was brilliant because, among other things, it addresses the basic philosophical “why” to it all. Without this, the series is basically a great western where the good guys ride forth to have a showdown with the bad guys. The conversation between Rand and Moradin which happens earlier in the book, was a great scene as well. People who are in pretty good socio-economic circumstances and who believe in reincarnation tend to look positively on the phenomenon. They are interested in finding out who they were in the past and anticipate who they might be in the future. People who are poor and ground down and believe in reincarnation, however, tend to have just the opposite view. They want it all to stop. They don’t want to come back. They tend just to want it all to stop. I think it is very apt for the series to allow Rand to understand why he should want to be the champion of light. I wonder whether Rand might not bring Moradin back to the light. Wouldn’t that be a plot twist. Reincarnation beliefs generally break down into two categories. Both have the aim of ending the cycle (e.g. Buddhism). One view seeks to end the cycle through extinction (The Dark One). The other view strives for liberation or freedom through enlightenment. But more to the scope of WoT, the idea is to be free of the cycle, yet still be alive and experience bliss. Those who achieve this then sometimes help the rest of the population still caught in the cycle. Since Robert Jordan sought to incorporate many myths and philosophies into this series, I cannot help wonder whether these two basic philosophies about the wheel will have something to do with the final resolution.

Posted by Sara on November 9th, 2009 at 10:10 pm Elaida is TOTALLY not gone for good. The seanchan are going to milk her for her knowledge of travelling and her knowledge of the tower structure. When the seanchan realize she is the amyrlin they are going to try and use her as a bargaining chip with Rand because they still think the Aes Sedai serve him. Egwene is going to launch some sort of crazy rescue of elaida and the other captured sisters, using the bonded ashaman-Red teams and the ter-angreal in storage. I bet she leads the seanchan into an ambush in the waste! Whereupon her sister aviendha (freshly minted at rhiudean as an aiel wise one) leads the shaido wise ones on the attack and decimate the seanchan !! Egwene probably will set this up by visiting the aiel dreamwalkers or finding aviendha in tel aran rhiod. Wow. AND Alivia is going to kill MORIDIN (in Rands body) at the moment he wrests power from Rand…then Nynaeve “anything can be healed” will bring Rand back…OR somebody balefires Alivia and undoes Rand’s death! Woo hoo!

Posted by Sara on November 9th, 2009 at 10:33 pm ….I did not think Mat was Mat-like. And Thom’s dialogue was not very Thom-ish. Not sure what is really going on strategically, moving all the armies around the continent. What is this business with Lan at Tarwin’s Gap? What’s the deal with the borderlanders? Why are we sooo sure the Trollocs are gonna just invade over the northern borders, what about Travelling and the Ways? What’s elayne’s army gonna do? I am gonna have to do a more careful re-read…alot of the military maneuvering went over my head. It seems to me that Rand really needs to do what Ituralde was doing: beat the seanchan so the people of a united Rand-land can defend their homes. Only Rand needs to be at shayol ghul, no? Why does he need to have armies there? He just needs linked circles of male & female channelers to help him focus on fighting the Dark One. Answers! I need answers! Grumble

Posted by Virginia on November 10th, 2009 at 8:57 am Sara – Aviendha leading the SHAIDO Wise Ones??? That I gotta see… I hope that Elaida is not completely gone for good because I just want to see one scene is which she is suffering under her captivity, much the way we saw that Galina did when Therava recaptured her. Just one scene in which I can really go ha-ha (in the best Nelson of the Simpsons fashion!) Sorry, but I’m mean and vindictive sometimes…and getting captured by the Seanchan is MUCh better than one ending we had envisioned – Elaida sentenced to what the Aes Sedai call rusticiation (sp), or the rest of her life on a dirt-poor farm and up to her knees in mud, sweat and animal by-products of various sorts. Suffa’s new life will be far more difficult for dear, dear Elaida!

Posted by sara on November 10th, 2009 at 12:43 pm i really do think that Aviendha is going to be instrumental in mobilizing the Aiel. (Yeah, maybe NOT leading the Shaido, but ya never know…) Remember in one of the early books, when she was still conflicted about having to leave the warrior life behind–the Wise Ones kept reminding her of her pre-ordained responsibility to the Aiel people…something she saw in Rhuidean, or something one of the Dreamwalkers saw…it was her DESTINY to stick close to Rand, to save the Aiel people post-Tarmon Gaidon. Elaida…Elaida is too dumb to quietly plot her escape…she’s quickly going to offer up all the White Tower’s secrets, hoping to gain her freedom…I think she is going to be the reason that Rand ends up kneeling before the Empress (may she live forever)… I bet that Nynaeve could have healed Verin. Is it still breaking your oath to the Great Lord if someone unexpectedly saves you?

Posted by Virginia on November 10th, 2009 at 3:09 pm Sara, I don’t know about breaking the oath to the Dark One – maybe one could get out of it by being Healed. Maybe Nynaeve could have Healed her. But wow, I’ll bet you’d be a marked man after that little trick! And defintely Aviendha will have some major role to play in the next books. All I know is that I wish Verin hadn’t had to die to give Egwene the information abut the Black Ajah. I agree with you, cait sith. Her soul was of the Light and her sacrifice was beyond belief. That was one of hardest chapters for me to read. Verin was like an old friend – I mourn her loss.

Posted by Dan from CLE on November 10th, 2009 at 3:24 pm My first impression after finishing the book was “wow.” When is the next one being released? Not soon enough for me. Virginia, if you paint that scene of Egwene, make a copy and I’ll buy it. I’m curious what was in the instructions that Verin had given to Mat. How to find where the Horn is perhaps? Mat did seem a little more sarcastic and light than in the previous several books, but his chapters were still very much enjoyable. I still found myself drifting when reading most of the pages with Gawyn, but its been that way the entire series for me, so that wasn’t much of a surprise. Overall I was impressed with the book and I am so glad that Brandon was the one chosen to help finish the series.

Posted by Doombringer on November 11th, 2009 at 7:21 am Crazy theory time: I think Verin’s note to Mat is the map to find the horn so he can take it into the Tower of Ghenjei and bring an army without breaking the 3 people only rule – after all the only way to win Snakes and Foxes is to cheat right? I thought the Forsaken tea party with Mesaana begging to rescue Semirhage and the scenes in Hinderstap didn’t seem quite right to me. Other than that it was awesome. Loved every scene that Egwene was in she has moved up as one of my favourites. Gawyn has replaced Perrin as the most annoying “Hero”. Thanks Brandon, love your work.

Posted by Marc Breault on November 11th, 2009 at 11:16 am I think it is safe to assume Verin also knows some of the plans of the Black Aja and her notes, including her note to Mat, are designed to counter those plans. Maybe she got around her oaths to the Dark One by making sure the notes were not opened until, from her perspective, after she was released from her oaths, or after her death.

Posted by sara on November 11th, 2009 at 11:27 am That is a great Crazy Theory! Me Like! Hey you make me think about the connections btwn the world of the Finns and the world of Telaranrhiod and the Wolf Dream: one and the same? Didn’t Slayer enter the Tower of Ghenjei when Perrin was pursuing him in the Wolf Dream? and yet he reappeared safely later on. Why couldn’t a skilled Dreamwalker (like Egwene) enter the Tower of Ghenji in the dream world and essentially act as a scout for Moraine’s rescuers? That would be cheating too!

Posted by Virginia on November 11th, 2009 at 4:05 pm Ooooh – some great crazy theories here! Keep it up!!! Now that Verin is gone I can’t wait even MORE for Moiraine to come back. I hope she and Siuan are reunited – they will each have many days of stories to catch each other up on!

Posted by Virginia on November 12th, 2009 at 8:50 am Doombringer – pretty much agree all around. I loved the book and Brandon did a fabulous job with it, but whichever of them wrote the Hinderstap scenes – I could have done without them easily. I’m not sure how that progressed the plot – guess I’ll RAFO. But it felt like a rather forced way to give Mat something exciting and dangerous to do. Apart from setting Joline in her place now and then, he’s almost wasted in this book. Unless I’ve forgotten something – I did a 36 hour (including sleep and work) cram session of the book when it came out and now I’m rereading it more slowly and enjoying it. Also finding a few scenes during which I was evidently more asleep than awake when I read them the first time…sigh. Gawyn isn’t quite up to Perrin’s level of “annoying hero-ness” but they both seriously need to get their priorities straight. All these years of Galad being painted as the one who does bad stuff because he only does what is right, no matter who it hurts, and these two are way closer to that than Galad. Thank the Light Bryne and Egwene have Gawyn in hand now! I think he’ll be much more effective now that he’s able to get behind one cause without conflict.

Posted by Sara on November 12th, 2009 at 2:50 pm Galad has been Compulsed by Demandred. Thoughts??

Posted by Virginia on November 12th, 2009 at 4:07 pm Nope – can’t agree. He’s doing his Galad thing true to form.

Posted by Alan on November 12th, 2009 at 6:59 pm Hey 4th-Agers. When can we expect your full ruminations on this gem of a book? Please, bring on Episode 63!!!

Posted by Lori on November 13th, 2009 at 6:07 am Egwene now qualifies as a superhero. Her storyline was awesome. Gawyn is a schmuck. Siuan and Gareth. It’s about time. And I love Tuon’s new name, although it probably is a misnomer as I don’t think she will find much fortune if she continues down the path she has taken.

Posted by Scott on November 13th, 2009 at 12:52 pm I think the Tuon rename to Fortuona when she became empress was an RJ invention, and not Brandon. I think the name fits perfectly for Mat’s character. You can say Mat has found Lady Luck. TGS is a great read and am looking forward to the next episode, and I do hope it is with the rest of the podcast team dissecting the whole book chapter by chapter. Keep em coming gang.

Posted by Zach on November 13th, 2009 at 9:23 pm When Moiraine’s letter to Thom says “Remember what you know about the game of Snakes and Foxes. Remember, and heed.” I thought she was talking more about the saying “Courage to strengthen, fire to blind, music to dazzle, iron to bind.” than just cheating in general. They have music from Thom, maybe courage from Mat, and if Aludra or a channeler comes, then they have fire, or maybe that could come from Moiraine. They’ll just have to get iron somewhere.

Posted by joe on November 14th, 2009 at 9:05 pm the reason rand didnt get his hand back..was because….wait for it….wait for it…he didnt use that much balefire to destroy her…obviously…

Posted by Kevin McIntosh on November 15th, 2009 at 3:54 am Hi finished the 3 days after getting it. The reason Rand and Mordin are linked is from when their balefire touched.

Posted by Terror405 on November 16th, 2009 at 4:29 am Dunno if it was mentioned but did anyone find Mat’s use of phrases like “Light’s Sake” amusing?

Posted by Overdue podsuming update | BrainWyrms on November 16th, 2009 at 1:25 pm [...] The 4th Age Podcast – Episode 62 – The Gathering Storm – First Impressions [...]

Posted by Belial on November 17th, 2009 at 1:14 am Talmanes was way off but I think I preferred him in this book. Brandon has his own sense of humour and I think we got a good dose of it with the Mat scenes. If anyone read Warbreaker you’ll know what I mean. Talmanes=Llarimar in TGS. Mat’s story was a bit useless (it seems) but it was better than having a whole book without him again! I reckon Gawyn was worse than Perrin in this book. Speaking of which, what the hell was up with Perrin? It was like he was wishing for adventure. How crazy would it be if Perrin became the eager one like Mat used to be? It would certainly be more wolf-ish. Harriet once said that Brandon had a darker style than RJ. Now I know what she meant. I was severely depressed during this book. Rand just kept getting me down. Egwene’s storyline was that little bit of joy because the rest was so heavy. That’s not a bad thing though. I have never read a book that could make me physically ill before TGS. It was so intense. Now that I know the ending I can re-read it from a more objective point but the first time round it was painful to watch Rand. After the scene where he balefires Semirhage, Rand just goes downhill. At first I was proud of him for facing down Cadsuane. I always visualise that part as Indiana Jones turning around and telling the rolling boulder to f off and stop following him. But then he goes and throws everything away with the Seanchan, abandons Arad Doman and balefires a whole building. Which reminds me; Graendal is not dead. She is too clever and I think she had everything under control.

Posted by Kathiravan Isak Arulampalam on November 17th, 2009 at 2:13 am You know, if Rand balefired Seimirhage, I think that’s how it’s spelled, could he have destroyed what she did to him? So that he never did touch the True Power, and only memory remains?

Posted by taith on November 17th, 2009 at 6:34 am something makes me doubt that kathiravan… balefiring semihag(intentional mispelling, hahaha) removed what she did, not what rand did… i think its alot more simple then that… i think the father of lies, just lied(big jump, i know) in saying that the true power came from him… i think it is the power that both the dark one and the creater use on the pattern… rather then the one power being used within the pattern… just my take on it every action has an equal and opposite reaction if the true power were only for evil, there must be some power equal and opposite… else the balance of the world would have been overthrown in the first cycle of the wheel…

Posted by Ray on November 17th, 2009 at 7:10 am I went to the Phoenix booksigning event last night and got to meet Brandon. It was frickin awesome. I have heard and read Brandon’s story relating to the Wheel of Time many times, but their was almost something magical about being there for it in person. Brandon is, in my opinion, the perfect successor to this series. My question after Brandon’s story was related to my second favorite character Galad (first is Egwene). I told Brandon that Galad’s absence seemed almost loud, like a negative space kind of thing, if you catch my drift. Brandon seemed to catch my drift, and his answer was this, not word for word mind you, I have a limited memory. If you look closely at TGS, he told us, Galad makes an appearance in foreshadowing from another characters POV. He went on to say if you pay attention closely, you should be able to devulge that dark times indeed are in store for Rand’s half brother. He said this with a hefty weight of importance. Podcasters, will you please discuss your thoughts on this on the next podcast? Thanks.

Posted by Terror405 on November 17th, 2009 at 12:37 pm I was thinking… You remember in the prologue when Graendal is just after turnig to leave Moridin and he calls her back? He told her to make Rand feel anguish. I don’t think this bit would have been included if it wasn’t significant. So here’s my theory. Rand definately felt anguish in TGS but it doesn’t seem to be a result of anything Graendal did. This would imply that everything that happened to Rand was controlled by Graendal. If Graendal could influence events that much, how could she let herself be balefired? Could she have undone the compulsion and Travelled away?

Posted by Terror405 on November 17th, 2009 at 12:41 pm Oh yeah, and also… Graendal is our eye on the Forsaken. We get more POVs from her than any other Forsaken. I find it hard to believe that she could be dicarded so easily. Moridin had faith in her manipulative abilities as we see in the prologue. I somehow doubt that she could be beaten so effortlessly. Maybe it’s just wishful thinking. I have a soft spot for Graendal.

Posted by Scott on November 17th, 2009 at 1:06 pm I believe that Sanderson has stated in one of the storm leaders reports that all the scenes in this book came from RJ and he did not invent any new scenes, just added the dialogue to most of it and the writing. I do believe that RJ intended Rand to go down this dark path before his redemption at the end of the book on Dragonmount. Also, if all the scenes were RJ’s, then Mat in Hinderstrap would of been in the book even if RJ were here to write it. Now I do believe some of the dialogue and character interaction might of been different, but the scene in the town with the zombies would still of been in the book. Also BS has stated that Mat’s different feel was in the notes left by RJ that Mat will not take husbandry very well. He had Tuon leave him to go do empress things in Ebou Dar, and Mat has never had anyone he loved leave him and he does not know how to handle it. I think the Mat we love will be back in TOM when he has to go to the Tower of Ghenji(sp).

Posted by Scott on November 17th, 2009 at 1:08 pm Also, one more thing. When will the next podcast be available?

Posted by Andrew Gelos on November 17th, 2009 at 5:56 pm Hey all- The KoD recaps are mostly finished, the next one or two will be posted as soon as they get reviewed. The last one or two have a bit more editing to go. There may be another first impressions episode coming out in the middle of the recap episodes we have left. Unfortunately we don’t have solid dates but from what I last heard it shouldn’t be long. Suravye ninto manshima taishite.

Posted by Luke on November 18th, 2009 at 8:07 am Where is the horn, and how did Verin manage to keep it from the DO?

Posted by sara on November 19th, 2009 at 4:58 pm Terror, I agree that Grendal is not finished. It seems that all the discord in Arad Doman (miserable as it was, it wasn’t quite anguish…) was calculated to induce Rand to attack her. His real anguish is going to come when he realizes he offed a whole compound for nothing. EVERYONE knows that Compulsion is her trademark, and the whole trail from the palace to the hideout relied on that association between her and Compulsion. Too convenient.

Posted by taith on November 20th, 2009 at 7:38 am luke, im not sure the dark one doesnt have the horn… siuan did say the heros would come to any who used it… but in toman head, they needed the dragon banner; to follow it into battle… i dont think they could do otherwise… might explain why it and the horn were kept under the eye of the world together…

Posted by Scott on November 20th, 2009 at 12:52 pm Sara, I think that Greandal is toast, aka DEAD, DEAD, DEAD. To me, the cumpulsion that was gone from that guy that went into the palace after Rand Balefired the place was proof enough for me. Plus, as we only have two books to go, I think this is a done deal. I would really be suprised if Greandal shows up again. Remember, this was all supposed to be one book, so I have a feeling that this plot arc is closed. Sorry if I misspelled anything or don’t remember the guy’s name that rand had go into the palace before he balefired it as i do not have the book in front of me at the moment.

Posted by Zach on November 20th, 2009 at 3:23 pm The only way I can see Graendal still being alive (which, by the way, I don’t think she is, not enough books left) is if she had some dreadlord put the compulsion on the guy and then Traveled out of the palace leaving the dreadlord to die.

Posted by Nik on November 21st, 2009 at 10:43 pm I love the new book, but wish that the book had a chapter were Perrin meets Galad for the first time; and Galad sees his step-mom working for Perrin as a maid. That chapter would have been very intresting both serious and funny. I find it sad that it was on a side-flash instead of a full chapter. By side-flash I mean when Rand gets a glimps of Perrin or Matt to find out what is going on with them. I hope that the prologue of the next book goes back over that meeting. Kind of like how CRoT did with the story lines for the other characters before, durning, after the cleaning of the sorce.

Posted by Frost on November 22nd, 2009 at 12:32 pm dont worry about the knife of dreams recaps.. focus on the new book. im interested in hearing discussions about it, more so than KoD recaps. also.. i know you guys are volunteers.. but come on.. we need more of these podcasts.. im starting to think you guys are darkfriends the way you’re keeping us all on pens and needles waiting for the next podcast. couldnt you ask tor to lend you an editor to help you get rid of your backlog.. afterall.. a successful podcast, will only help to retain interest in the wheel of time which in turns helps their wallets. If you guys feel bad about asking Tor for assistance.. the rest of the WoT readers could. since everyone seems to have them.. here are a few of MY crazy theories and insights. the DO wanted rand to be in a state that he might possibly destroy the world.. perrin had a wolf dream earlier on, about rand on that mountain top laughing, with someone watching him. the “three that most be one”, i think will be rand, moridin, and alivia in a link with calandor. moridin grabs the true power from rand at a critical time(like rand grabbed the true source from moridin), and alivia kills him.rand didnt kill grandel.. but another of the forsaken trying to pretend to be grandel (probably the same one imitating Samael) my bet would be aran’gar.

Posted by frost on November 22nd, 2009 at 6:15 pm sorry.. just remembered.. aran’gar channels saidin.. so.. mabye grandel really is dead.

Posted by Luke on November 23rd, 2009 at 9:18 am Folks, Give the podcasters a break. They are doing an excellent job. I doubt any of us could do better while maintaining jobs and families. If the next few podcasts are KoD, let them roll out. We will get a chance to discuss TGS. These podcasts have created a wonderful support group for the WoT community as we have longed for the next book(s). Thank you all. L

Posted by Luke on November 23rd, 2009 at 9:33 am No one has really talked about the scene between Rand and Tuon. I thought this was one of the best sections of the book. You could absolutely feel the ta’veren pulling her in the direction he needed. Her resisting was amazing. When have we seen someone fight ta’veren? I can see Rand realizing in the next book that the only way to unite the east and west is for him to bow to Tuon. I just can’t see a way to release the damane. Could the “three must be one” be the damane, white and black towers?

Posted by Chuck on November 23rd, 2009 at 8:40 pm I liked the part of the podcast where it was pointed out that Egwene’s and Rand’s paths are paralleling. However, I think that Egwene’s killing of Aes Sedai during the raid could be a parallel of Rand balefiring Graendal’s keep. They both killed many innocent people that they thought would be better off dead. Rand’s decision to abort his Seanchan city destroying will also parallel Egwene’s close call on attacking the White tower. Rand’s split personality is gone and so is Egwene’s split tower. It’s really odd I never noticed the parallel tracks before. Thanks for the insight!

Posted by taith on November 24th, 2009 at 1:07 pm i dont know if anybody has noticed this, but the towers of midnight were mentioned before… TGR chapter 40(damane, bout 1/2 way through)… it was the place where the first adam were made… says “when the first aes sedai wore the first collar, she screamed herself to death in the towers of midnight” or something to that regard…

Posted by frost on November 29th, 2009 at 3:48 am wow… its almost decemember. and NO new podcasts!! when there is a NEW book… now,, im NOT coming down on the podcasters.. i know you guys are doing the best you can do. and are volunteers with no financial incentive for putting your noses to the grindstone, when it comes to getting these things out. HOWEVER.. i WILL say that we.. the wheel of time community.. need to start writing to TOR, in order to ask.. nay.. demand.. that they help you people out, with a temporary editor to help you get caught up on getting the rest of the podcasts you havent edited(which.. HAS to be alot, if you guys record every week) out to the wheel of time listening public(you know.. the SAME crowd who BUYS the wheel of time from TOR)so.. im asking all fans of the wheel of time in general and fans of the 4th age podcasts in particular to conduct a mass email/snail mail writing campaign that asks(encourages)TOR to provide an editor to help get rid of the backlog of podcasts. come on guys.. i know im not the ONLY one who listens to these podcasts and is TIRED of seeing no new ones. final thought.. shame on you TOR.. you KNOW the value of fan sites(this one in particular)when it comes to keeping alive the dicussion about the wheel of time.. we, the fans of this GREAT work of art by Robert Jordan and YOU the people who make money off his work, BOTH need to ensure these podcasts continue in a timely manner.. so.. in conclusion lets get out the word, wheel of time community.. write to tor and tell them how much it would mean to YOU.. a BUYER of their product..if they helped us ALL out, and sent a representitive from TOR to the 4th Age staff in order to help with the backlog… im not going to be crazy enough to ask for a boycott, until they do(cause to be honest, i would probably be the first to break it)but, i would ask TOR to consider the fans of the series and do us a good turn. sorry for the antagonistic tone.. but.. bela made me do it

Posted by Allison on December 3rd, 2009 at 7:35 pm I have to say that this volume truly does justice to “A Memory of Light”. It is just that. Rand goes through such turmoil finally coming to the realization that he needs that emotion and the value of his choices in order to win. And winning is not always defined as defeating the Dark One. As for the ending of the book, I was satisfied with it in more than one way. We saw the storm dissipate for a short time and we truly saw “a memory of light” open up for the characters. It gave me a warm and fuzzy feeling that Sanderson was doing RJ proud in this novel. I, much like many others, am anticipating the release of the next book and am going to jump right back into my re-reads so that I can try not to miss anything along the way. And the whole Callandor thing; how much would others like to see Rand linked with Aviendha and Elayne to defeat the Dark One with the use of the “the sword that is not a sword”? I hope that’s what is going to happen and I wanna see what is going on with the few characters that weren’t mentioned as much as they were in the other books. There are so many of Min’s viewings that I would like to see come to fruition so that my understanding is closer to complete. As always, great work guys and I look forward to more news and podcasts in the future.

Posted by Scott on December 7th, 2009 at 3:44 am First of all, I enjoy the new “sensationalism” to the podcast. I enjoy the “cut scenes” instead of the same old boring disclaimers. I most appreciate the ‘volume leveling’ done on the different mic’s (When you are listening on headphones, it can really become a pain)…. I have taken about a week and caught up on all the podcasts from the first one all the way to episode 62 and I have to say that I am in love with Virginia! I also was very happy to see Jason,and Carry return for a visit. When will the third (his name escapes me right now…mr. Crazy theory)…. I have been dieing to get on here and post about the podcast but wanted to listen to all that were out there before I did. Glad to be up to date now…. Will be listening! ~NC Rahvin

Posted by Dave Rafferty on December 9th, 2009 at 9:31 am Hey Everyone Good episode, I liked the insight about Moridin and Rand merging into one person. My friend and I have an ongoing argument, I always thought Rand and Lews Therin would become one person like Luc and Isam, with one living in the waking worls and one living in the world of dreams. Now I think it will be Rand and Moridin, Or Rand’s body will be destroyed and his mind will inhabit Moridin’s body. I also think Rand will use the True Power to seal the Dark one’s prison. Thats the only way to make it like it was before the bore was made.

Posted by taith on December 9th, 2009 at 2:18 pm hey dave, not sure about rand using the true power to seal the prison… something tells me he’ll use saidar, through calendor… wouldn’t that be a kicker? the black tower, taking the place of the white tower, women start going insane during the re-breaking… although i will agree, that the pre-lews therin dragon did seal it with the true power, causing the age of legends, as most cant/don’t touch the true power(and cleansed by the dreadlords)… i could easily be mistaken, but i see the wheel of time, having 3 ages, age 1 is where saidar is tainted, age 2 where true power is tainted and age 3 where saidin is tainted… we know that there is at least 3 ages, and that would be a big enough marker to signal the beginning of a new age… could be wrong… thats just my take on it

Posted by Storm on December 9th, 2009 at 6:33 pm Hey just finished The Gathering Storm and wow….that is just all I can say. It was just fabulous, the best one of the books I’ve read from the series. All the characters were done so well Mat, Egwene, Rand, Perrin…just everyone it was so awesome!

Posted by RedThor on December 11th, 2009 at 5:13 am I read and finished the Gathering Storm within 24 hours of it’s release and have listened to the audio book a few times since then. I think it’s a better overall novel than quite a few of Robert Jordan’s own, particularly the last few of the novels. The pacing is tighter, the story more concise, and the action more intense. I liked Rands darker side, a lot. When Rand uses Balefire to incinerate Grendal I was cheering, “it’s about damn time!” When Semhirage was torturing him and he was choking the life out of Min I again was drawn in, my emotions peaking, I felt connected and entrenched in the story, as if I was a part of it. Although, I do wish Min would have died. This would’ve been a ballsy and risky move on Sanderson’s part but would have had a much more powerful impact on Rand and it would’ve left, us the reader, in complete shock and awe, with many theories and doubts as to whether Rand could even fight the Last Battle and if he does, which side will he fight for? I also think it would’ve been a more permanent and deeper connection between Rand and Lews Therrin. Alas, it didn’t happen, a wasted opportunity I think. But to continue with my logic I was thinking up until Rand defeated Semhirage, while reading that scene, “wow, I can see it now, Rand is going to be Nae’blis and Moridin is going to fight against him and the Shadow – turning to the Light, wow this is awesome!” But yeah, didn’t happen, and probably won’t, although I think properly fleshed out this is the way the books should proceed. Overall a very well done book and I cannot hardly wait to read the final two! On another note, the folks here take way too long to do these podcasts. Seriously, how long does it take to set up a conference call with your friends and rap about a book for an hour or two? I guess my answer is rather self-evident; an hour or two. A couple hours added to that for someone to edit it up and 5 minutes to post it. Personally I’m not all that fond of some of the podcasters, whiny and nasally voices never did much for me, and the theories or literal interpretations I hear often quite miss the mark and lack depth and critical thought analysis. Perhaps I am critical because of my educational background, own opinions or biases. But all that being said, I do enjoy listening to the podcasts, because I enjoy hearing people’s opinions, thoughts and ideas on these books, sometimes shedding some light on interpretations I hadn’t previously considered or others I find quite bizarre and entertaining. My associates and acquaintances liken it to a guilty pleasure. Anywho, overall I think you folks do a fine a job, even if some of you have voices that sound like nails on a chalkboard.

Posted by Doombringer on December 11th, 2009 at 8:28 am If it was that easy we could have a new one every day. Alas, it is always easier to say than do. I for one don’t have the talent or time to do it and I am very grateful to all of the 4th Age team who do such a great job.

Posted by matt on December 11th, 2009 at 11:42 pm I Don’t think your “educational background” included an IT degree if you believe if only takes a couple of hours editing – it’s a bitch

Posted by RedThor on December 12th, 2009 at 2:37 am matt – no it did not, I am a theoretical physicist. I do recall from an earlier podcast they were having trouble acquiring an editor, perhaps the difficulty is why? I do have some experience editing files both audio and video for personal use, it didn’t seem all that difficult, but I do stand corrected on the time issue, as I recall it was rather time consuming. Perhaps other blogs and websites have spoiled me with their more frequent podcasts and updates.

Posted by sara on December 12th, 2009 at 11:38 am I love the podcasts and the podcasters.

Posted by RedThor on December 12th, 2009 at 12:51 pm and I love you Sara.

Posted by Ray on December 13th, 2009 at 11:41 am Man, am I the only one who gets irritated by those who complain about free stuff? Do you pay a subscription cost? No, ok then keep the negativity to yourself please. Disagreement over a theory is one thing, but sometimes I think if everybody just keeps complaining about these podcasts, we may have nobody left who wants to do the things. I don’t have time to do it. So I appeciate everyone I get.

Posted by VEINS OF GOLD on December 13th, 2009 at 12:12 pm great job guys! cant wait to hear more impressions on this wonderfull book!

Posted by מישהו on December 13th, 2009 at 12:12 pm נו כבר איתכם

Posted by RedThor on December 13th, 2009 at 10:29 pm Ray – so you do not feel that people should exercise their right to free speech? AIDS is free, perhaps you would accept some at no cost to you? You get what you pay for, free does not equate to quality. These podcasts are free because very few people would pay for them, they are too irregularly released to charge and every other podcast I’ve come across on the internet is also free. You sir remind me of the communists I grew up with in Russia, do not complain or show dissent or question anything, be glad you get what you do and thank us for it, for we could give you nothing. I am an American now and enjoy my freedom to express my opinions. Finally I would add that without criticism the podcasters would have no objectivity, they would not be aware of where they could improve their podcasts so that they are more enjoyable not just for myself but everyone. No one wants a goose stepping moron as a patron, unless of course you are a communist.

Posted by sara on December 14th, 2009 at 7:23 pm AIDS is not free, the whole community pays when someone gets sick with this devastating illness. Such an insensitive thing to say.

Posted by Alan on December 14th, 2009 at 10:52 pm @RedThor (a communist WOT-fan alias if I’d ever heard one). Ha ha ha.Please keep up those ‘intellectually’ insightful posts. Nothing like a bit of humourous stereotypical parody to pass the time until the next podcast…

Posted by Helen on December 15th, 2009 at 2:54 am I loved this book sooo much. I was thrilled that Rand had such a large focus in this book. He is by far my favourite character and watching his story arc was just heart-wrenching. Everyone wants a piece of him and meanwhile he’s losing himself. I totally agree that the scene where he was collared was just so shocking. He had finally admitted to Min that maybe he had gone too far in hardening himself and then that happened and almost destroyed him. Between that scene, the one where he abandons Bandar Eban, the reunion with Tam and him almost destroying everything from his perch on Dragonmount, I just felt so awful for the guy. And maybe that’s why I love this book and him so much – he went through all of that, with people prodding and pushing him, conspiring against him and attacking him, and it hurt him, it crushed his spirit and it almost destroyed him, but he still managed to find the strength to clamber back from the edge. Kudos to Min, too, for surviving such a terrible time with him. Not to mention that she actually seems to understand that what he needs is HELP not “handling”. Everyone is trying to handle him, even Egwene (who I think was absolutely AMAZING and the only concern I have over her is her continued references to getting Rand in line, when I’d say he has every right to have had it with Aes Sedai trying to control and manipulate him). I did enjoy the conversation between Nynaeve and Rand, where she discovered that he wasn’t as oblivious as they all seemed to think it was. Maybe now she (and the others) could stop calling him a woolheaded fool and realize that with the burdens that have been loaded onto his shoulders, not to mention the memories of past burdens and mistakes, he is far more mature than they give all give him credit for. *Deep breath* Okay rant over. I could keep going, but I’ll spare you. I just really needed to get that out. I do appreciate that they’ll all under stress and they have their own interests, but Rand is the one who suffers the ultimate pressure and the most criticism.

Posted by Didier on December 15th, 2009 at 8:34 pm “The Wheel of Time” is back! I had great hopes for “The Gathering Storm” — and some great fears as well — but Sanderson delivered an amazing addition to this series. My favorite aspect of the book is how focused the story felt, basically alternating between the struggles Rand and Egwene face. I think this adventure is going to help Egwene understand Rand better — and maybe even dial down the Aes Sedai bully factor concerning him. I cheered when Min told Cadsuane and Nynaeve toward the end of the book that the Aes Sedai’s mistake is to think they can *make* Rand do as they wish. She should have punctuated her argument with a big “Duh!” sign. I guess those aren’t available in the Third Age. * Another great aspect: I was so glad not to have to go through chapter after chapter of the female cast smoothing their dresses or playing with their hair. Well, Nyaneve still yanks her braid, but that’s just part of her character — and thankfully we didn’t have to read about it every other page. Also gone are the lengthy paragraphs about how sweet it is to embrace saidar. That was cool in the beginning of the series, but there came a time a few books ago where those paragraphs felt like filler. So thank you for putting the series back on a solid track, even though it means the end is near. Still, I’d rather the series end on high note than see it “jump the shark.” Or the to’raken. *Mat’s behavior: I noticed a few readers commenting that Mat felt a little too “light.” Actually, I quite enjoyed the ol’ rogue’s part in this story. My take on his behavior is that Mat is trying to prove to himself and his group (maybe a little too hard) that being married is not going to change his drinking and gambling ways. Aha, good luck with that, Mat! *The dragon’s prophecies as seen through Seanchan’s eyes: When Tuon meets Rand, she notes that he hasn’t been blinded yet. That’s an interesting tidbit, considering that the last few pages are about Rand finally opening his eyes after a long time in darkness. It makes me wonder: The blindness the Seanchan prophecies mention is not necessarily a literal loss of eyesight, but more of a psychological blindness — i.e., Rand’s descent into madness and close encounter with the dark side (insert Vader huffing here.) This in turn brings into question the Seanchan prophecy that Rand must bow to the Crystal Throne. Methinks Tuon, or I should say “Fortuana,” is in for a few surprises here. I see her marriage to Mat playing a big part in how the relationship between Rand and the Seanchan develops. *One last thing: There seems to be a parallel between the state of the land and Rand’s mental/physical health. The story itself refers to the Dark One’s touch, of course, but I think deeper connections are at work. As Rand slips into darkness, so does the world around him — and when he snaps out of it, the sunshine breaks through the clouds. As champion of the Light, Rand is a physical representation of the land and its people, which makes it all the more important for him to get a hold of himself. Woohoo, can’t wait for the next chapter! Thanks for the podcasts and for this forum. D.

Posted by Ray on December 16th, 2009 at 6:42 am I’m not going to respond to your statement in the full length that I want to, as this is not the place to do some, nor do I have time to properly address your valid criticisms. All I’m saying is you’ve voiced your opinion in hear, and that’s fine. Although It has all been heard before for the last couple years time and again. Then you came back again with another comment describing how you could do it yourself. If so, contact a podcaster and do it. If not, either enjoy what is hear, or turn it off.

Posted by Ray on December 16th, 2009 at 6:42 am I’m not going to respond to your statement in the full length that I want to, as this is not the place to do so, nor do I have time to properly address your valid criticisms. All I’m saying is you’ve voiced your opinion in hear, and that’s fine. Although It has all been heard before for the last couple years time and again. Then you came back again with another comment describing how you could do it yourself. If so, contact a podcaster and do it. If not, either enjoy what is hear, or turn it off.

Posted by Ray on December 16th, 2009 at 6:43 am sorry for the repeat, edited.

Posted by Jayson on December 16th, 2009 at 10:56 am Hey all!! We are going to be recording the new podcast very soon! Thanks for all the wonderful feedback (both positive and negative!).

Posted by Doombringer on December 17th, 2009 at 7:32 am Didier said…”There seems to be a parallel between the state of the land and Rand’s mental/physical health. The story itself refers to the Dark One’s touch, of course, but I think deeper connections are at work. As Rand slips into darkness, so does the world around him — and when he snaps out of it, the sunshine breaks through the clouds. As champion of the Light, Rand is a physical representation of the land and its people, which makes it all the more important for him to get a hold of himself.” I think that is an excellent theory, one that I will be looking to see more of in the next book.

Posted by M on December 20th, 2009 at 12:18 am guys!!! Elaida knows how to travel the seahcan will learn all kinds of things from here!! this is the must damaging event!!!

Posted by M on December 20th, 2009 at 12:44 am guys!!! Elaida knows how to travel the seahcan will learn all kinds of things from here!! this is the must damaging event!!! Guys!! with callinder he chanellled the true power against the seachan!!! this is his sickness!! the seaa spots and his sickness are the same!!!!

Posted by Scott on December 20th, 2009 at 4:56 pm I don’t think it is that damaging that the Seanchan will get traveling from Elaida. The damane can not link to form a circle, and to make a big enough gateway for the seanchan army will require a strong channeller or a circle of them. They may be able to travel a few at a time, but that will not make that much of a difference. You wont be seeing gateways like what Rand can make. I still believe Rand channeling the true power was because of the link with Moridin and was unexpected. I do not believe he that the sickness was because of that as that is the only time he has ever channeled the true power. Scott.

Posted by Logan on December 31st, 2009 at 8:51 pm I was just mulling over the idea or sentiment if you prefer that Egwene is the main character in counterbalance to Rand, and I wonder at the fact that in less time than it takes some women to become Accepted Egwene went from a novice to the Amyrlin. Even based upon the enormity of that fact, ignoring all other plot points and contrivances, I could agree.

Posted by Murphy on January 13th, 2010 at 9:58 pm Theory on Greandal’s possibility of escape: If any of Greandal’s “pets” happen to have been channelers–something I would not put past her–then she (Greandal) could have instructed the enslaved channeler to lay the compulsion on Rand’s “canary” (perhaps controlling the channeler directly so that she would get it right). The uh…balefire litmus test would have then failed to reveal Greandal’s presence/non-presence since as long as the enslaved channeler was balefired, the compulsion would have been undone (or rather, never have been done in the first place). Probably a few of you have thought of this as well (I’m not well versed in the WoT community; so similar may been flying around since the book came out all those months ago without me glimpsing it), and I’m not saying I think Greandal did escape, but I was a bit surprised that after all the hype over Greandal’s cunning and wit she wouldn’t take suspicion at a “visiting dignitary”. Of course, the awesomeness of the scene almost completely over-powered my suspicion, but a teeny voice still niggled, demanding: “What if……” Alright, that’s it. Can’t tell my friends that theory until they catch up, and they’re still in books five and seven. I had an awesome week reading number twelve, and I guess I’ll have to find something good to read in the meantime while I pine for thirteen. I think I remember hearing about a new Larry Niven book…. *saunters off to the library*

Posted by CJ on January 22nd, 2010 at 11:52 pm Does anyone remember Elaidas foretelling about Rand kneeling before her? Was this her or the Amyrlin seat? Also perplexed at the disappearance of Shaidar Haran in this book,what’s he up to anyway? (not to mention Mordeth)

Posted by CJ on January 23rd, 2010 at 12:16 am On a note on the book, one thing about Matt that interested me was the amount of materials that the illuminater would need to build her “cannons”. It made me think by way of comparison of the shere scope that was needed in WW2 for the first atomic bomb. Basically 10% of all electric power was used under our noses to run the centrifuges for the uranium. Matt needs a new weapon to help defeat the dark ones forces and it will take a national cooperative effort to make that happen. Just a random thought under the light…

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