With the Wheel of Time series of novels, written by the late Robert Jordan, the term 'Fantasy Epic' has been given a whole new light. The world of the Westerlands, where many countries and people all co-exist in a story that is engrossing and wholly captivating, is the source of a great deal of inspiration for my own writings, be it RolePlaying, or simple fictional prose.

Jordan created a world and collection of character that was very complete, each nation having their own beliefs, political structure, attitudes, mannerisms, fashions, history; and it all is integrated with grace into the nooks, so much so that you barely take note that whilst reading the books, you are also receiving an education into the geography, history and humanities of the world.

Writing in third person, yet able to fully incorporate the feelings and opinions of characters through the narrative, Jordan not only created an in-depth world but also a set of characters, both core and periphery, that are truly 'alive' - for those that have read the books, I am sure you will agree that the characters themselves become like friends that you have known for some time, and each nuance of personality carries with it a familiarity that is most unusual for novellists to create.

With the passing away of Robert Jordan, I was certainly concerned as to what would happen to the series that was unfinished, and yet so nearly completed. Would it be left without the final book being completed? Who would, if any, complete it? Would they be able to match up to the skills of Jordan? It was a worrying time for me.

From the WoT Mania website, I learned that the person who would be writing the final book in the Wheel of Time series would be Brandon Sanderson, and going to his website, I got confirmation that he was indeed writing A Memory of Light. Reading about this author from his own website, it was revealed he was a Mormon. This is of particular interest to me, as I am myself a member of the Mormon church.

Knowing no famous people who are members, though I am sure there are some (I have no real interest in celebrity), this was a quite exciting find for me.

Really, I suppose, I was a little surprised by the fact, but the main thing is that I have found out who is writing the final book. Hopefully Brandon will be able to carry on what Robert Jordan started, and finish it with a finesse that I have always considered unique to Jordan.

I will be purchasing the book anyway, just for the fact I want to see the story end, and whether it be above or below expectations, the series will remain my favourite novels of all time.