The Gathering Storm Thread

[Olivia 26]

Ituralde's lover isn't identified as male or female. There's no way to tell whatsoever, but if you are going by the description of the dandy than that's no proof at all. Delicacy or appreciation of fashion isn't limited to gay males and women. It's perplexing to me why you would seem to even consider that, to be honest? idk.

My mistake was interpreting "his love" as meaning his emotion of love, not "his love" being a person like everyone else interpreted it as (which now that you've all pointed it out to me I realize is probably what Sanderson was going for, damnit), which is where my confusion came from. I thought "he lost his first love to a man" meant the man had rejected Ituralde's love/broken his heart, or that it was a nicer euphemism for "lost his virginity". It had nothing at all to do with the description of the man. I don't see why considering that interpretation would be so perplexing. Just a semantics mistake on my part, I guess.

[AshSnow 0]

OK see, I think we are reading that quote completely differently.That was my point. I do not read any male loving. I read Rodel Ituralde loved a woman who left him for another man with soft hands. I even looked up the page directly and still feel that way.

 

That's how I remember reading it when I first read it too.

 

Though I do see Olivia how you could have read it that way.

 

Plus I doubt there is any chance of getting a gay male character in the story unless RJ finally decided to write one in there. Because I highly doubt Sanderson will write one himself. After reading that he lives in Utah, graduated from & teaches at Brigham University, I had a suspicion there was a good chance he was Mormon (LDS) and decided to look it up, it seems he is Mormon. =]

(Which was a happy surprise to me considering I'm Mormon (LDS) ).

 

I'm almost did think the Bartender was gay though when they first introduced him, from the way he acted, and how he attended his bar and kept the floor clean, etc. But then it said he was Married though, so...I would've actually laughed if he was.

For some reason in a lot of anime's it's common to have the Bar/Cafe Manager as a gay male cross dresser, lol. Just thought it would've been a funny coincidence.

 

(I think they do that so interactions with Female characters, especially when they are the main lead, go more smooth or don't seem awkward in certain comical parts.)

Edited November 10, 2009 by AshSnow

[Marie 73]

I can see how Olivia read it that way and then why my reply also read that way...which would lead to some confusion when exchanging posts!

 

But I also agree with Ash in doubting a gay male appearing in this series. But considering the few lesbians we have maybe that's a good thing. I love Galina but girl has some issues.

[Ekho 52]

I've just been reading a theory that verin is not dead

 

As much as I love Verin, I can't see her coming back from this

[Asmodean82 0]

The book is so brisk and exciting. It feels like the good ole days of the first 4 or 6 or so. Delighted. More to say as I continue. But I like how much Egwene is starting to remind me of Moiraine.

 

And ALLL those side plots are finally being pulled to threads of the primary characters. (High on it)

 

Strum of the Harp and a sudden disappearance.

[Tosh 8]

I had to force myself to start reading this book. I've now gotten about 170 pages into it and I don't have much to say except I like it and I want Gawyn dead.

[Kaitlin 22]

Ituralde's lover isn't identified as male or female. There's no way to tell whatsoever, but if you are going by the description of the dandy than that's no proof at all. Delicacy or appreciation of fashion isn't limited to gay males and women. It's perplexing to me why you would seem to even consider that, to be honest? idk.

My mistake was interpreting "his love" as meaning his emotion of love, not "his love" being a person like everyone else interpreted it as (which now that you've all pointed it out to me I realize is probably what Sanderson was going for, damnit), which is where my confusion came from. I thought "he lost his first love to a man" meant the man had rejected Ituralde's love/broken his heart, or that it was a nicer euphemism for "lost his virginity". It had nothing at all to do with the description of the man. I don't see why considering that interpretation would be so perplexing. Just a semantics mistake on my part, I guess.

 

I misunderstood your other explanation too! It wasn't your interpretation that I found perplexing. I hadn't even considered reading it that way but it makes sense!

[Asmodean82 0]

Okay,

DID NOT SEE Cadsuane's solution to Semi coming.

 

Loved Rand and Moridin talking by the fire.

 

Thus far I'm digging Gawyn finally having to choose a friggin side! (How that ends however, I don't know)

 

Egwene standing up to Elaida.... (chills)

 

I love pay off for thousands of pages of build up.

[Asmodean82 0]

HOLY SHIT CHAPTER 22!

 

Also enjoyed Night in Hinderstap.

[Marie 73]

You know, I have a feeling Cad is going to die at TG. At that's fine I guess, but it makes me sad.

 

I actually thought of something related to this book while at work but god help me if I can remember what it is.

[Ekho 52]

I always got the feeling Cadsuane wouldn't survive the series,

 

I just hope Egwene gets the joy of meeting her first

[Marie 73]

But I love Cadsuane. I guess I can be happy as long as her and Moiraine have a meetup.

[Ekho 52]

Now that I'm rereading the series I've decided I miss Lanfear and her psycho ways

[Kaitlin 22]

So do I. I love how much of a Creeper she was in the Waste. It made that whole part much more readable.

[Asmodean82 0]

I just finished TGS!

 

I will say first that I am a discerning storyteller. I don't say that in arrogance (Come on, I'm a Balefired, Forsaken, Gleeman)!

 

There are things I found right in this book. Others felt off, even Jarring at times, but by and large this has been the most satisfying WOT read (for me) since The Lord of Chaos.... (And perhaps even the Shadow Rising)

 

I loved this book. It was so nicely tense and intense. Seldom did I find myself vainly scooting ahead for a better part (as had become a habit with some of the later ones.

 

The Knife of Dreams was good. It laid the ground work. But this.... the impending darkness was palpable.

 

HERE'S WHAT I THOUGHT WORKED-

 

The presentation was stripped down a little, never over stated (a bad habit RJ had begun about Crown of Swords). You got what you needed to take in the scene and never did we have to know every little teeny tiny detail of that one of five, to be seen on occassion, Lord of Tear's buttoned down silk embroidered coat. (VOMITS)

 

Rand's turn and growing insanity was very compelling. You could feel it! How he finally became his own worst enemy. The scene with Tam was heartbreaking.

 

The bow out of Semirhage was very correct. (Though I've gotten to the point I hate to see any of the Forsaken die... except maybe Messana)

Semi single handedly did more damage to Rand (directly) then any Forsaken yet! True, Ishamael and Lanfear are right up there with her but neither ever made him... beg for mercy. And the scars she left behind nearly drove him to end it all! Awesome twists.

 

The call backs from the whole series and even the characters coming to realization that they had become lost without Moiraine! Things are finally coming full circle.

 

Egwene is BADASS! Her defending of the White Tower was jaw dropping. I couldn't put the damn book down to go to the bathroom.

 

And on that, the RAID on Tar Valon..... goose bumps.

 

Verin! What a fabulous character.

 

Elaida, Too bad, so sad, good bye!

 

I LOVED any segment seen through Nynaeve's eyes! She's fantastic in her impatience and determination. I must say I think Mr. Sanderson handles some of the Ladies with greater respect then The master Jordan himself.

 

The Aes Sedai were more distinct. They were given just a touch more personality in passing and they felt much more real.

 

Cadsuane, I love her. Though it will be interesting to see her and Moiraine square off. Cad method of bullying has been less and less effective of late.

 

HERE'S WHERE I WAS LESS IMPRESSED.

 

I enjoyed the journey taken by Mat. His actions were correct and Hinderstap was a cool subplot. Sanderson's problem is he has a tendency of overstating some character voices. He did not handle Mat's voice very well at all. It was jarring, though forgivable.... barely. I wish Mat would quit complaining about the same shit.

 

Avi was an okay side bit and important for her character. I enjoy her view points, but... well it was largely forgettable (To my mind any way)

 

More of Perrin later please! (Though Faile was a busy beaver in her hand full of scenes. Masama's DEAD! Freakin ya. Should have known there was a Forsaken in his ear)

 

Gawyn...... he could be a problem. (Still)

 

I liked how Rand felt he outwitted Grendael..................................and it was appropriate to his fall and his soul's collapse...........................That said.................COME ON! She's been so built up and marvelously evil and we don't even get a moment of her before she dies. It was so vague a way to go I still think there is plenty of wiggle room that she may yet have survived. A ruse to escape the Dragon Reborn. She IS that clever!

 

Beyond those pieces I'm didn't have too many issues with content or verse.

 

Sanderson is fresh and has an excellent sense of urgency. Hell, sometimes I couldn't spot a great deal of difference in the voice. It helped because the soul really shown through and helped me to remember why I love this series so much to begin with.

 

That ending really got me. Rand's moment on Dragonmount and Egwene watching from Tar Valon. I could SEE it so vividly. Brought tears to my eyes.

 

Now I can't wait for Towers of Midnight. (I'm sure I'm not alone there) Any thoughts or points of exchange??? I could talk about this one all night.

Edited November 27, 2009 by Asmodean82