Wikipedia has a very thorough summary of this one, so I don't really feel the need to repeat any of it as part of my review.

My brief thoughts:

Berelain and Galad: Makes sense.

Three-way battle with Egwene/Mesaana, Perrin/Slayer, and Gawyn/Assassins: EPIC.

Battle scenes in Tel'aran'rhiod: Very hard to represent well in film.

Gawyn and Egwene: FINALLY.

Elayne: Being dumb again. But pregnancy is frustrating, so she has an excuse.

Rodel Ituralde: Could possibly beat up Chuck Norris.

Rand, intervening in the borderlands: "And they started to die." YESSSSS.

Mat: "Half the light of the world." Ouuuccchhh.

Moiraine and Thom: Whaaat? Didn't see that one coming.

Aviendha: Yeah, prevent that future! That future = not good.

The Black Tower: Ohhh, man. Possible Compulsion going on. Bad things happening there. I think we found the second dreamspike. ( )

While I respect the scope and complexity of the world and the plots Robert Jordan created, I find Brandon Sanderson's storytelling a bit more to my liking, even though he has tried to maintain Jordan's voice. The plots just seem to move faster--of course, that could be because things are building to a climax and the threads are starting to weave together.

The Wheel of Time is a massive story and at times it has stumbled under its own weight. But there is much to like in these books, and this one, in particular, seems to hit so many right notes. We have Perrin coming into his own as a leader and as a wolf. We have Galad seeing colors other than black and white. We have Egwene being the Amyrlin Seat and not just acting as Amyrlin. We have Elayne wearing the crown with both confidence and guile, even after her mother returns to Andor alive. And we have Rand learning that hardness and strength are not the same.

I look forward to the concluding volume with much anticipation. ( )

Whew! I'm worn out. Sanderson really hit his stride with this one. The 'voice' of the story seems like Jordan, but Sanderson's influence has really added to the story. ( )

Fantasy

Not totally sure how I feel about this one. Parts of it I really enjoyed. And it's engaging and well written. Sanderson definitely figured out his pacing better here than in The Gathering Storm.

But. All the heavy-handed Rand=Jesus stuff is really boring and unoriginal. The tech and such from Aviendha's visions of the future felt too much like the Alloy of Law Mistborn books (also by Sanderson) making me wonder if maybe he's a bit short on ideas which isn't great considering he's started his own 10 part epic fantasy series in the Stormlight Chronicles... idk. I'm still looking forward to seeing how this all ends. But I'm also more resolute than ever in my stance of never recommending this series to anyone and actively discouraging from reading it those who ask me about it specifically. There's better uses of ~12,000 pages worth of reading time. ( )

http://pro-libertate.net/20120103/180-read-towers-midnight ( )

The epiphany achieved by Rand, the Dragon Reborn, at the climax of the last volume returns humility and humanity, as well as nobility and empathy, to his character. After so many volumes where the boy we first met in the small rural village of Emond's Field in volume one we became so dour and dark, this "lightening" (enlightening) of his character is like opening a window and letting fresh air into the story. It is a challenge to engage a reader when your protagonist, your "hero," becomes so unlikeable and/or is suffering so painfully for more than one or two million words of your story. The many story threads sustained over the last twelve doorstop volumes begin to come together in preparation for the series climax in the next and final volume. Sanderson, working from Jordan's notes and outlines and guided by Jordan's wife and WOT team, has written a near-seamless continuation that entertains, contents, and builds anticipation (and hope -- which has been long-lacking) for the series climax. The lighter tone and tenor of this book as, paradoxically, the story world grows darker and more threatening and hopeless, reaffirms Tolkien's own assessment in his "On Fairy Tales" -- contrary to Martin's grimdark "A Song of Ice and Fire" -- that:

"... the 'consolation' of fairy-tales has another aspect than the imaginative satisfaction of ancient desires: ... the Consolation of the Happy Ending. Almost I would venture to assert that all complete fairy-stories must have it. ... I ... call it Eucatastrophe. The eucatastrophic tale is the true form of fairy-tale, and its highest function. ... It does not deny the existence of dyscatastrophe, of sorrow and failure: the possibility of these is necessary to the joy of deliverance; it denies (in the face of much evidence, if you will) universal final defeat.

... It is the mark of a good fairy-story, of the higher or more complete kind, that however wild its events, however fantastic or terrible the adventures, it can give to child or man that hears it, when the “turn” comes, a catch of the breath, a beat and lifting of the heart, near to (or indeed accompanied by) tears, as keen as that given by any form of literary art, and having a peculiar quality."

A final note, my assumption in my "review" of the previous volume that the sudden marked decrease in aphorisms suggested where Jordan's words ended and Sanderson's began is proven erroneous in this present text (as demonstrated in my "COMMENTS" below). ( )

I admit, I'm finishing the series more out of loyalty than addiction. I started the first book in the early 90s. Ironically picking it off the shelf at a used book store because the cover caught my eye. It was early in my fantasy/sci-fi awakening. I think I'd read a few of the Forgotten Realms and Dragon Lance books, maybe the Shanaras... That first book seemed like such an improvement from what I'd read in the genre up until then. It set the bar a little higher from then on. I admit, it felt like the books lost their way a bit around the 5th (Fires of Heaven) or 6th (Lord of Chaos) installment. But I never gave up on them.

I would not say that the series has found it's way again under the pen of Brandon Sanderson (who has picked up the series after Robert Jordan's death) However, he has done an admirable job continuing Jordan's vision. I've read that Robert Jordan had the rest of the story outlined. Or at least the major plot points and ending sketched out. I wouldn't say that the change in authors has been seamless. Sanderson puts a genuine love for Robert Jordan's world in his writing. He knows these characters and he cares about them. But he doesn't know them as well as Robert Jordan. The characters feel a little thinner now. If you've read and love this series your memories of these characters from past books will fill in the gaps. But it feels like they are moving into caricatures. I'll give Sanderson his due though, his scenes with military engagements are stronger that Robert Jordan's.

I'm planning on finishing this series out. I've come this far, and even if this book had been a miserable mess I would have finishes it out and read it, and the next/last book as well. But this book wasn't bad. There was at least one moment that would have made the book worth it all on it's own. The trio of friends (Mat, Rand and Perrin) have been separated for so long now. We get a reunion in this book. And I'm not going to lie, I got a warm fuzzy.

You can feel things coming together, it feels like a run up to the last book. All the pieces are in place. If you've come this far, it's worth finishing out. And Brandon Sanderson did a fine job of continuing Robert Jordan's story, and he'll do a fine job writing Robert Jordan's ending. But I can't help that feel that Robert Jordan himself would have made the difference between a good book, and a great book. ( )

Excellent. Can't wait for the last one. Sanderson really ted up a lot of loose ends. ( )

loved the part where Mat ventures into the Tower of Ghenjei. ( )

Sanderson vinnur fantavel úr viðamikilli heimsmynd Jordans. Söguþræðirnir sem dúkkað hafa upp í flestum bókanna koma nú saman og spennan eykst. Hlakka til að lesa næstu og síðustu bók seríunnar. ( )

This is the 14th and next to last volume in the massive "Wheel of Time" epic. Robert Jordan died before he could complete the work. Brandon Sanderson, working for Jordan's notes, wrote this and the 13th volume and promises it will end with the 15th. God, I hope so. ( )

Sadly having found the previous book an improvement, Towers of Midnight was a step back again. I was bored quite a lot.
I am going to take a break from the series over November/ December before reading the final book. ( )

Wow, can't believe that I'm nearing the end of this series! After a few plodding entries, these last couple have just been OUTSTANDING. Lots of action, lots of dangling plot points addressed. All gearing up for the final battle. ( )

This review is written with a GPL 4.0 license and the rights contained therein shall supersede all TOS by any and all websites in regards to copying and sharing without proper authorization and permissions. Crossposted at WordPress, Blogspot & Librarything by Bookstooge’s Exalted Permission
Title: Towers of Midnight
Series: The Wheel of Time #13
Author: Robert Jordan & Brandon Sanderson
Rating: 5 of 5 Stars
Genre: Fantasy
Pages: 909
Words: 334K

Synopsis:

From Tarvalon.net

Fain corrupts an army of Trollocs and heads south with them.

Elaida's sul'dam has her demonstrate Traveling. Fortuona decides to use this to attack the White Tower in force.

Aviendha meets a strange Aiel on the way to Rhuidean, who makes her think of the toh the Aiel must pay, their sin and what they will do once it is paid. After going through the glass columns, she wonders if she can sense their purpose like she did with the other ter'angreal and manages to activate them so that they show her descendants rather than her ancestors. They show that the Aiel will be defeated by the Seanchan and reduced to pitiful honorless wretches.

Rand comes from Dragonmount and talks to Almen Bunt. As he talks, apple trees that had previously given shrivelled fruit re-bloom and give a genuine crop. He leaves to talk to Egwene and tell her he means to break the Seals. She decides this is the wrong thing to do and begins to organize resistance to him. He tells her he will meet her at the Field of Merrilor.

Perrin encounters the Whitecloaks, under the command of Galad. Bornhald and Byar tell Galad that Perrin killed Children, including Geofram Bornhald, so in order to avoid a battle, Perrin agrees to a trial, with Morgase as the judge, who Galad has identified. She pronounces him guilty, but declares it a fight between mercenary companies and says Galad should set the punishment. Perrin encounters Slayer in the Dreamworld and finds a ter’angreal that can prevent the opening of gateways. He follows Slayer to the White Tower where he walks into a battle between Aes Sedai and the Black Ajah under the command of Mesaana. Egwene tries to hold him, with rope and chains, but his abilities in Tel'aran'rhiod are too strong and he just shrugs them off. Slayer escapes, but Perrin destroys the ter'angreal, allowing gateways to be formed once more. He realises there is a trap ahead of them and arranges his men to fight Shadowspawn, who arrive through a Portal Stone, with one lone male passing them through. He is able to save the Whitecloaks. Bornhald accepts he is no Darkfriend but Byar does not and tries to kill him, but is killed by Dain. Perrin persuades Galad to give him his allegiance until the last Battle is over. Galad tells Perrin that his punishment will be to pay reparations.

In the Tower, the Bloodknives murder Aes Sedai, but Egwene believes it to be Mesaana. She arranges a meeting with Windfinders and Wise Ones and suggests an alliance, and a new bargain with the Windfinders to replace the one that Elayne made. They decide to think on it. Mesaana and members of the Black Ajah attack and they are forced to battle. Several Black Ajah are killed before Mesaana captures Egwene with an a'dam. Egwene refuses to accept it and it falls away. She then crushes Mesaana’s mind.

Mat discovers the gholam has tracked him. He sends an urgent letter to Elayne and is granted a meeting. He persuades her to make the Dragons, but she insists that Andor will own most of them. He agrees the Band will work for Andor until Rand needs them, but that they can refuse any commission. He tells her about the gholam. He offers her his ter'angreal to study as an encouragement and gets a deal out of her. She is able to make imperfect copies that deflect weak weaves, but not strong ones and do not allow the holder to channel. She decides to tie the Kin to her and arranges for them to be permanently based in Caemlyn, hoping that Egwene will agree. While Mat and Birgitte are out, she visits the Black Ajah, disguised as one of the Forsaken to trick Chesmal into revealing secret information. She gets some, but Temaile, Eldrith and Mellar are freed by Jaq Lounalt and attack her. After a struggle, Mellar escapes with a copy of the foxhead medallion, but the three Black Ajah sisters are killed.

After meeting Elayne, Mat arranges to kill the gholam. He entices it into attacking him, wounding it with his ter'angreal and copies Elayne made. He is able to force it back and through a skimming gateway that Sumeko had opened, where it would fall forever.

Nynaeve Heals Naeff's madness. She Travels to Tar Valon and takes the test for Aes Sedai, which she passes after some discussion. She then Travels to the Black Tower and takes Lan's bond. Rand sends Naeff to the Black Tower, to find men loyal to him and tell him he was wrong about Taim.

In the Black Tower, Androl leads the men loyal to Logain. They discover they are unable to open gateways. They note that Kurin seems no longer to be himself, indeed seems to be empty. Pevara also discovers she cannot form a gateway, but when she tries to talk to Tarna, finds that Tarna is behaving oddly and seems unconcerned about the restrictions Taim has placed. Androl comes to her to try and arrange an escape.

Rodel fights a massive Trolloc force, keeping them free of Maradon against all odds. As they are about to be overwhelmed, Bashere arrives and saves them. Rand joins them and obliterates the Trolloc army. Rodel is taken away by Rand, who has found Alsalam.

Mat meets up with Perrin and they tell each other their news. Perrin leaves to meet with Elayne and they arrange a treaty, Perrin is to be High Lord over the Two Rivers which is to be given to the Dragon Reborn and will not pay taxes. Perrin and Faile's children will be encouraged to marry into Andoran nobility. Perrin heads to the Field of Mellitor, where he aligns with Rand. Elayne strips Arymilla, Elenia and Naean of their titles and offers their estates to powerful Cairhienen lords, promising the Andorans estates in Cairhien. She enters Cairhien to take the throne, though Birgitte has to prevent an assassination attempt.

Mat takes Noal and Thom to the Tower of Ghenjei. They enter and use Mat's luck to navigate, soon arriving at a room with Moiraine. They tell the Aelfinn they want her and that Mat is willing to pay the price, the loss of his eye. As part of the bargain, he insists the Aelfinn allow them to leave, but forgets to insist on the same with the Eelfinn and they are attacked. Noal admits to being Jain Fairstrider and stays back to fight them off. He is defeated and the Eelfinn approach Mat, Thom and Moiraine. Mat thinks on the last bargain he made and realises that as he didn't ask for a weapon, the weapon must be something he did ask for – a way out and uses it to slash the sides of the room and they escape. Moiraine tells them her strength in the Power is greatly reduced and that she will marry Thom. She bonds him.

The armies of the Westlands gather at the Field of Merrilor, to oppose the Dragon Reborn.

My Thoughts:

This. This was everything that a Wheel of Time book was supposed to be, every time. Massive in size, in scope and in story yet racing right along with intricate action scenes and politics galore. Sanderson brings the magic back into the storytelling and reminds us of why we stuck it out for over 20 years to see where Jordan was going to take us.

All 3 of the ta'averen, Rand, Matt and Perrin grow up. While it felt rather abrupt, it really fit in with everything that had happened to them before. This was the tipping point where they chose whether to become good men or to stay boys.

This also had one of the saddest parts of the entire series, where Aviendha sees the future instead of the past when going through the Aiel ter'angreal (a magical item). It is sad because you see the descent of the Aiel from feared warriors to scavenging animals and Sanderson really sells it. I could feel the descent, if that makes sense. It is sad also because you see the land and kingdoms we've spent the last 13 books reading about eventually being conquered by the Seanchan. I found it amazing how Sanderson managed to describe the next couple hundreds of years and convey the wealth of information that he did in only one chapter. On a third front, it also perfectly expressed how the Wheel of Time kept on rolling after the events chronicled here. This was NOT the Last Battle. Just A Battle.

That brings me to the one thing I am not ok with in the entire Wheel of Time series. The whole Creator and the Dark One entities. The Creator appears to have abandoned the universe after imprisoning the Dark One while the Dark One seems to have been given free reign to escape if he can. Jordan, and thus Sanderson, don't really go into the theological details of this and that gaping hole bothers me just as much as the apparent Dualism theology presented. Obviously, as a Christian I have a VERY different outlook. I don't expect my fantasy to align with my beliefs but neither do I simply ignore it.

★★★★★ ( )

[b:Towers of Midnight|8253920|Towers of Midnight (Wheel of Time, #13)|Robert Jordan|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1358109459s/8253920.jpg|7338128] continues the final avalanche to the Last Battle, with Lan continuing to gathering followers, the Black Tower continuing to grow more and more corrupt, Perrin confronting the Whitecloaks (it's about time that storyline wraps up), and the newly healed Rand causing even more chaos than before.

Many people, when asked what they notice most about the change from Jordan's writing to Sanderson's mention that Mat is different. Honestly, I didn't really notice it. I like Mat--Mat in all his guises. Poisoned by the dagger. Helping his friends no matter what. Son of Battle, Prince of the Ravens. He's one of my favorite characters. If he feels different under Sanderson, it almost feels like growing up. After all:

Bloody ashes, woman. This isn't a metaphor for anything! It's just boots.

Aviendha on the other hand, personally I think it was Aviendha that changed the most. Ironically, it wasn't really that she changed from Jordan to Sanderson, instead I felt that she changed while Jordan was still writing her and Sanderson brought back the Aiel at her heart. It's abrupt after so many books, but eventually I grow to like this new/old Aviendha. She's something different from nearly all the other POV characters and that's an important thing to have.

Towers of Midnight contains my absolutely favorite scene in the entire series, the one chapter I will go back and re-read even without reading the rest of the series. The forging of Mah'alleinir. Despite his bullheaded reaction to his wife's captivity, I believe Perrin remains my favorite of the three boys from the Two Rivers. And here, here Perrin the Blacksmith gets one final chance to shine. ( )

Oh my goodness. Things actually HAPPEN in this latest installment. The surprise of this nearly knocked me out my chair! ( )

The series is wrapping up and there is gobs of action-y things to do to get us there. Sanderson keeps some of Robert Jordan's ridiculous tropes, but like the last book, he has improved upon almost everything. ( )

Have the final book on hold from the library.... needs to get here faster.

Fantasy books are not my typical "go-to" genre, but after reading so much about these characters I can't help but feel a strong attachment and let's face it, deeply invested to them and their world, and definitely can't wait to see how it all ends.

As much as I don't think these are *great* books, I have to admit I start them and I can't put them down. I don't think I would actually recommend them to anyone, but that is mainly due to the fact they are so big, and so long, and honestly go at a snail's pace for so many books. ( )

Matt's character has changed drastically, and not as a plot element. Brandon Sanderson is doing a good job but I think he's going overboard and exagerrating Matt's character too much. ( )

I was so sad to hear that Robert Jordan had died and was wondering if the series would ever finish. I was wondering how Brandon Sanderson would do and I was pleasantly surprised at how well he did and I'm glad that the series got finished and I was able to see what happened to the characters. ( )

With both of the "A Memory of Light" books, I feel that Sanderson has shown himself I perfect steward for this franchise. The pacing has been FAR better than Jordan's last few (or 10) WoT books. Before these 2, the series had became an obligation for me. I had invested so much time with these supremely unlikable characters, I felt that I just HAD to finish it.

I am now dying to find out how it ends and the last book just may be my most anticipated book coming out in the next few years (please prove me wrong, George R. R. Martin, by writing at warp speed). ( )

2011 (my review can be found at the LibraryThing post linked)
http://www.librarything.com/topic/104839#2593467 ( )

One more beginning. Then, an end. ( )

While there were some structural issues (ie, re-working from one giant book into three meant that people and places were out of chronological order), I'm stunned at this.

I... think it's actually coming together. More than that, to get this payoff, I think the series actually needed all that lead time.

Sanderson certainly helps up the punchiness, but it actually feels like Jordan finally completing a real epic. ( )