Gathering Storm by Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson, Book Twelve of the Wheel of Time series.
Introduction
Gathering Storm by Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson is the twelfth book of The Wheel of Time series. The novel follows five main plot arcs. Rand, Mat, Perrin, Egwene, and Gawyn. All five characters face hard choices and must grow so they can complete the challenges they encounter. Will the forces of Light be destroyed by the Gathering Storm?
Summary – Prologue
The prologue has six point-of-view characters, and each point of view sets up a plot arc.
Renald is a farmer in the Borderlands. He and his neighbors feel a storm coming between the forces of the Dark and the Light and must decide what to do about it.
Falendre must deliver a message from Rand to the Daughter of the Nine Moons about having a meeting to discuss a truce.
Seanchan Banner-General Tylee Khirgan’s forces are ambushed by hundreds of Trollocs only a day’s march from Ebou Dar.
Graendal is summoned by Moridin to discuss what she should do about Rand in Arad Doman.
Rodel Ituralde springs his trap on the Seanchan forces in Arad Doman.
Masema tries to regroup his forces after his defeat in Malden. Faile has something to say about that.
Summary–Main Plot Arcs
Gathering Storm by Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson has five main arcs.
Rand continues to pursue his truce with the Seanchan so they can both focus on defeating the forces of the Dark One rather than each other. He also hunts for Graendal.
Mat continues his journey with the Band to escape into Andor. He also searches for the woman he learns is looking for him.
Perrin marches the refugees from the defeat of the Shaido at Malden to safety in the Two Rivers.
Egwene continues her rebellion from within the Tower.
Gawyn learns that the White Tower Aes Sedai have captured Egwene and wants to rescue her from them.
Summary–Best Chapters
Nine Chapters stand out in The Gathering Storm by Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson.
The Last That Could Be Done is Chapter 22 where the fight between Rand and Semihage comes to a conclusion. Rand is pressed and uses a power he has never used before.
The Death of Tuon is Chapter 36 where Verin agrees to help Mat in exchange for keeping a letter for 10 days before he opens it. Tuon becomes the Empress Fortuona and approves the Seanchan raid attacking Tar Valon.
A Force of Light is Chapter 37 where Min witnesses two events. Rand tracks Graedel and belives he has defeated her. He plan to leave Arad Doman. Cadsuane sends Nynaeve on a mission to find Perrin and bring him to her. She tells Nynaeve that she will reveal what she knows if Nynaeve is successful.
News in Tel’aran’rhoid is Chapter 38 where Egwene’s plan is progressing. Egwene meets with Verin.
A Visit from Verin Sedai is Chapter 39 where Verin reveals her mission to Egwene. She gives Egwene a notebook about the Black Ajah. Egwene feels the Seanchan attack coming.
The Tower Shakes is Chapter 40 where the Seanchan attack Tar Valon.
A Fount of Power is Chapter 41 where the Salidor Aes Sedai enter Tar Valon to rescue Egwene.
Sealed to the Flame is Chapter 43 where Egwene is upset that the Salidor Aes Sedai have taken her from Tar Valon just as she neared victory.
Veins of Gold is Chapter 50 where Rand sits on Dragonmount. He contemplates his future and comes to a decision.
Recommendation
The Gathering Storm by Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson is a great follow up to The Knife of Dreams. The Knife of Dreams completes the story arcs for Perrin and Elayne. It also continues the arcs of Rand, Mat, and Egwene. The Gathering Storm completes the story arcs for Rand, Mat, and Ewgene. Now that they have resolved their arcs, they are ready for the Last Battle, Tarmon Gai’don.
Links
This is the link to the Goodreads page of Gathering Storm by Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1166599.The_Gathering_Storm
Review of Knife of Dreams by Robert Jordan. Rand, Mat, Perrin, Elayne, and Egwene get closer to their goals in this novel.
Review of Crossroads of Twilight by Robert Jordan. Rand, Mat, Perrin, and Egwene get closer to their goals in this novel.
Winters Heart by Robert Jordan has some brilliant scenes but misses conclusions to the plot arcs explored
Review of Path of Daggers by Robert Jordan. When Rand fights the Seanchan, will they defeat him, or will he win across the Path of Daggers?
This is the link to my review of Crown of Swords by Robert Jordan. When Rand forces the hand of one of the Forsaken, will the Forsaken defeat him or will he earn a Crown of Swords?
This is the link to my review of Lord of Chaos by Robert Jordan, Book Six of the Wheel of Time. Chaos reigns in the Westlands. They push Rand to the edge of insanity. Will he survive the box?
This is the link to my review of Fires of Heaven by Robert Jordan, Book Five of the Wheel of Time.
This is the link to my review of Shadow Rising by Robert Jordan, Book Four of the Wheel of Time.
This is the link to my review of Dragon Reborn by Robert Jordan, Book three of the Wheel of Time.
This is the link to my review of Great Hunt by Robert Jordan, Book Two of the Wheel of Time.
This is the link to my review of Eye of the World by Robert Jordan, Book One of the Wheel of Time.