Public to honor Robert Jordan.



I just discovered today that Robert Jordan, the author of the The Wheel of Time series, has died. Apparently he died on Sunday, September 16. I can't believe I didn't hear it in the news or anything. http://www.dragonmount.com/RobertJordan/

I began reading Wheel of Time in junior high when my friend Camellia recommended them to me. I had not enjoyed any fantasy books other than Lord of the Rings because I found them mostly predictable and uninteresting. This series was different. I was immediately hooked.

Wheel of Time is SPRAWLING. To date, there are eleven 1000+ page books written, plus a prequel. That's a lot to discuss! Camellia and talked theories all the time, much like everyone did/does with Harry Potter. Is Rand really the Dragon Reborn? What is Moiraine hiding? Why does Perrin love Faile when she's so annoying? This wonderful series was also one of the things that led me to my first boyfriend - he read the books too and we spent many a lunch at the picnic tables by the C building talking about Robert Jordan's rich world. Recently, I introduced my brother to the books. He's only made it to book six so far. They take years to read.

I don't know what will happen to the series now that he is gone. His family says he has told them the major plot points and they will attempt to finish it for him, but I can't imagine it will be the same. I feel bad for all of the times I criticized him for taking so long with Book Twelve. I didn't realize he was having such serious health problems. I feel even worse that I didn't go to his panel at Comic-Con 2006. It was an inconvenient day for me and I just figured I would catch him another year. I'm deeply saddened by this great loss - for myself, for his family and friends, and for the literary world.

The Wheel of Time turns, and Ages come and go.
What was, what will be, and what is,
may yet fall under the Shadow.
Let the Dragon ride again on the winds of time.