Ahira's Hangar

Not usually. I think they might base that on the declared value at the senders end. Can't remember if I paid for the one you sent me...I don't think so. I did pay a little for the Gap book LuciMay sent me, but I think that was only because it came from an online bookstore. But because it was shipped as used and of low value, it was also a nominal value.

--A

Good, because I have been slowly collecting free used books for you, and would absolutely hate the thought of you having to pay some sort of tax or duty on something I paid nothing for, other than shipping. Speaking of which, PM me your snail mail, Av, and I will try to get the box in the mail next week, so it might get to you by the holidays.

I have read about the first three chapters of the new book.

Yes, so far it is mostly about Rand and Egwene, though I was expecting that through Sanderson's interviews.

What is really strange is that occasionally the book gets really choppy, as the author (whichever one it was) uses a bunch of one word sentence fragments. Awkward. I do not remember that about Jordan's writing style. The thing is - I do not remember it about Sanderson's writing style, either! (And I have read four of his books, so it seems like it would have stuck out?) I am wondering if those are scenes possibly written in rough draft by Jordan, and which Sanderson did not want to smooth out as he is trying to retain as much of Jordan's work as humanly possible?

Ah thanks Duchess. I really appreciate it. You guys are great. *bows deeply*

--A

I'm about 2/3 done with the book now, and have to admit that I'm liking it more than I was expecting. It the first WOT book in quite some time where the pacing actually works for me.

Maybe it is just relief because the book didn't suck - but I actually enjoyed it. Finished it earlier this evening, and was actually sorry the book ended - I want more. Never thought I would say that about a WOT book ever again.

Sanderson actually got the timing right. All sorts of important things happened - so it was a lot faster paced than most of the later books in the WOT series, but there was also enough room and time in the story so that all of those big events got some build-up, too.

I do not want to make any spoilers, but do know that it was a lot better than I feared it would be.

Well, I'd have been reading it either way, so that's good to know. Better than KoD?

--A

Yeah, KoD was a little too fast. Trying to make up for lost time.

--A

I've often wondered if Jordan knew how sick he was when he was writing it. Or possibly did not know per se, but suspected something was just not right in his body...

Picked it up today, along with Night of Knives. Birthday presents.

--A

About half way through, and enjoying it. Only the fact that Jordan had already found his way back in book 11 prevents me from saying Sanderson rescued the series.



--A

So what was your final verdict, Av?

(I am actually looking forward to the autumn and the second Sanderson/Jordan book - . And the Donaldson book, too, of course.

Overall, my verdict was extremely positive. Really depressed I have to wait for the next book now. That bit you spoilered...been waiting for that for ages.

--A