Rate: 5/5

Medium: Audiobook

I find myself struggling to begin this review for two reason. The first being that two months ago when starting this book we went to Peru for a week and my library hold came due earlier than I was expecting, with me finishing only three fourths of this book. I then had to wait patiently (actually rather impatiently) for this title to come available again as I was shunted to the end of the holds list. Secondly, so much happened! It was fantastic, heartbreaking, delightful, and terrifying all in one wild roller coaster of a read. This is the first book in the series that Sanderson has taken over the pen following Jordan’s tragic passing and honestly, I couldn’t tell a difference in the style of writing. That being said, I wasn’t scrutinizing or actively looking for a change within the text.  Perrin and Faile’s sections, although brief in The Gathering Storm, did not improve now that they are finally reunited. Mat’s chapters continued to be my favorite, as he again finds himself in intriguing, yet harrowing predicaments. So many loose ends were tied up in this book, especially regarding  Rand and Egwene, along with the supporting cast surrounding around their independent arcs. Sanderson/Jordan employed the full gambit of emotions within their arsenal, as I seesawed between laughing, crying, clapping, and  annoyance at various points throughout this read. Overall, The Gathering Storm was a positively delightful addition to this literary world as Sanderson/Jordan begin to move the pawns in alignment for the impending Tarmon Gai’don. I pity my next read as I’m sure to be in a book hangover following this wild adventure!