Ancient Mirrors ~ take a trip through the looking glass

Fantasy fans are well aware of how easily an imaginary world can take the place of one’s own. Millions of readers around the world have thrilled to such fictional universes over the years, especially the “Wheel of Time” series by Robert Jordan. However, no one could have predicted that Jordan would die in 2007 without completing the saga that he’d created. Aware of his failing health, Jordan left notes behind that would enable another author to complete the series. That author is Brandon Sanderson.Jordan’s 11-volume work is a hard act to follow, even for Sanderson, who’s been working in fantasy since at least his time at Brigham Young University, where he was a part of the popular magazine The Leading Edge. Sanderson was asked to finish the series by Jordan’s widow, Harriet McDougal, after the publication of Sanderson’s first Mistborn novel.One of the biggest obstacles Sanderson faces in completing the series are the fans themselves. Jordan’s carefully crafted and epic world, heavily influenced by Eastern philosophical and religious motifs like the Hindu/Buddhist nature of time and the cosmic balance of Daoism, has won millions of loyal fans. In 2008, the year after Jordan’s death, more than 44 million books in the series had been sold, with many fans heading online to sites like “Encyclopedia WoT” and “Pages of Prophecy” for further discussion, speculation, and elucidation. Will Sanderson be able to satisfy enough of them to make a difference?Judging by The Gathering Storm, the 12^th book in the series and Sanderson’s first, he’s on the right track. The book was a number one New York Times Best Seller the week of its release, and while reviewers like the AV Club’s Zack Handlen felt that Sanderson’s writing wasn’t quite as descriptive as Jordan’s, Handlen also applauded the improved pacing and resolution of several subplots. The next book, Towers of Midnight, will be released November 2, 2010.