Fantasy Book Club discussion

Post your questions for Brandon here.

Brandon has kindly agreed to answer questions for both the Way of Kings and Towers of Midnight. This thread is for TOWERS OF MIDNIGHT questions only please!

I was a bit shocked when I started reading ToM. The Prologue included a Graendal scene. I went to the Glossary to refresh my memory concerning that Forsaken and discovered a huge spoiler in the short paragraph entry under her name.

Ach! Why was that little tidbit (the most frequently asked/unanswered question in the world of WoT!) in the Glossary?

And why is the Glossary so sparse? I gave up on using it for a reference and instead used a Wheel of Time wiki web site.

My question is similar.. It's hard to ask without spoilers, but I'll try!

I also accidentally spoiled myself by looking at the Graendal glossary entry. After that, I kept expecting to see that information revealed somewhere in the actual book, but as far as I can tell it wasn't there! Will it be revisited in the last book, or was the glossary the way of answering that question?

Also, one more quickie.. Will we be learning any more about Shara in the last volume?

I'm also curious about that Dawn. I think in the 'epilogue' scene between Granedal and the one she fears, he obliquely mentioned which or how many Forsaken she had killed (three so far IIRC).

Jon wrote: "I'm also curious about that Dawn. I think in the 'epilogue' scene between Granedal and the one she fears, he obliquely mentioned which or how many Forsaken she had killed (three so far IIRC)."

Yep, I caught that, I just wonder if we'll find out her reasoning behind it or anything, or revisit the scene, or if that's all there is to it.

Why is this book named "Towers of Midnight" when the only time those are mentioned are during the first chapter when the wind blows past them and also a mention in the glossary? I'm assuming they're going to be important in the next book. I think most people think these towers were the Towers of Genjei (sp?), so why the little twist in the title?

Amelia wrote: "Why is this book named "Towers of Midnight" when the only time those are mentioned are during the first chapter when the wind blows past them and also a mention in the glossary? I'm assuming they'..."

There were several references to towers at night (not necessarily exactly midnight). In addition to the reference in the first chapter, the very last page of the book, the prophecy of the 'dark side' also mentions the Midnight Towers.

I took it to mean all the Borderland towers, the obvious White and Black Towers, and the towers seen by Egwene and others in the dreamworld. And, of course, the Tower of Ghenjei.

Jon wrote: "Amelia wrote: "Why is this book named "Towers of Midnight" when the only time those are mentioned are during the first chapter when the wind blows past them and also a mention in the glossary? I'm..."

That's what I thought too, until I read the entry in the glossary. I can't quote it since I don't have my book with me at the moment, but I'll paraphrase.

The Towers of Midnight refer to twelve black towers in Seanchan. There's a prophecy that the Imperial family will go to them in their direst hour to fix something that seems to be irreparable.

It doesn't refer to the other towers, it was very specific. That's the land Tuon comes from and is Empress over now.

Amelia wrote: "The Towers of Midnight refer to twelve black towers in Seanchan. There's a prophecy that the Imperial family will go to them in their direst hour to fix something that seems to be irreparable."

I knew there was a reason I shouldn't have turned my back on the Glossary. But after first encountering the huge spoiler in the Graendal entry, I hesitated to read any other entries until I finished.

Thanks for the elucidation.

Jon wrote: "Amelia wrote: "The Towers of Midnight refer to twelve black towers in Seanchan. There's a prophecy that the Imperial family will go to them in their direst hour to fix something that seems to be ir..."

When you said there was a spoiler in the Grendael entry, I had no idea. I didn't look at the glossary until I'd finished reading the book. Even then I just skimmed. I think the entry on the Towers of Midnight was one of my big surprises. Now I need to go back and find what else I missed in it.

About the Towers of Midnight; it is true that the Seanchan towers are called The Towers of Midnight, but I think it has a few meanings. I thought that maybe it had to do with Egwene's dream. She dreamt that there were 13 black towers raising up from the ground, one fell and then raised up again taller than the others. I thought this referred to the Forsaken. Maybe Brandon can clarify.

Are we supposed to put up spoiler warnings for each book? I haven't read WoK yet. I was trying to wait until after A Memory of Light was released (to get me out of my depression after WoT is over), but I doubt I will last. I already have the book and it calls to me, lol.

First of all I think warning anyone of spoilers in discussion of a book is pointless. If you don't want have a spoiler, don't discuss a book you haven't read. After reading these post I'm glad I didn't read the glossary first. I was thinking she was dead, and then it mentions she is responsible for the death of another Forsaken.
My question is:
Since this is Robert Jordans', how much of this does Brandon get to "play" with, to add him in it? It Appears that Brandon does a good job of reading his critics and answers questions that have been left undone. I read a lot of complaints about Mat after the last book. I don't think that will happen as much this time. The "surprises" seem to have a lot of Brandon in them. Last note. Why did it seem there were more editorial mistakes in this book than I would have expected?

Dawn wrote: "My question is similar.. It's hard to ask without spoilers, but I'll try!

I also accidentally spoiled myself by looking at the Graendal glossary entry. After that, I kept expecting to see that inf..."

Dawn

The answer that you found in the glossary is strongly implied in the exchange between Moridin and Graendal in, I belive, ch. 5. read closely...

I kind of was hoping Brandon would be addressing these questions himself, so I'm kind of confused as to why everyone else is going through and answering them for him.... Not trying to be rude, so don't take that the wrong way, just am confused by the trend. Let's save some questions for him to address! :)

And I realize it was implied in the exchange, my question was whether we'd revisit it again, or if that's all there is to it...

Hello,

Here's my question: There are some channelers who have lost strength in the Power (Siuan and Moiraine), is this something that can be Healed?

Thanks,
<',)))<
Jet

He will be answering questions himself, don't worry. ;) Everybody is just excited since ToMs release was so recent. Sometimes people are just adding different questions to the ones that others have asked. I think the reason people keep jumping in about the Graendal question is because it seems a very R.J. thing to do, to just throw out something in passing and leave it at that. Very sneaky of Brandon.

About my spoiler question, ignore it. I had a brain freeze moment and forgot that the WoK and ToM threads were separate.

Carrie (Care) wrote: "He will be answering questions himself, don't worry. ;) Everybody is just excited since ToMs release was so recent. Sometimes people are just adding different questions to the ones that others have..."

I realize that, I just don't want the questions to get buried in all of the other speculation. That said, I'm adding to the burying by posting this comment, so I'll just stop right there :)

Brandon, I would love to know if we finally found out who Gaidal Cain was reborn as (or had a brief mention of him) in ToM? I really thought it was obvious, but after talking to some friends I guess it wasn't. I realize you might not be able to say who it is, but if you could just let me know if we did hear mention of him in ToM, that would be awesome.

What's up with the people at the black tower becoming shadows of themselves? Some people speculate that this was caused by 13 myrrdrall / 13 aes sedai forcing them to the dark side. Is that true?

Also, when Perrin sees Hopper after Hopper's death in the wolf dream, Hopper also appears to be a dark shadow of his former self, something sinister. Is this related to the change that is coming over the people at the black tower?

Hello

Here's my question who is throwing the dice that Mat hears in his head?

Hi again Brandon :)

I thought of one more question I had. The revelation of who Mesaana was impersonating inside of the White Tower - was that something that RJ had dictated in his notes/outlines, or was that of your own creation?

Hiya,

First off, I loved ToM. I thought the completion of the some of the long-running plotlines was lovely. I particularly liked the arrangement between Egwene, the Windfinders and the Wise Ones. Another brilliant job from Brandon! Can’t wait for the next!!

Anyway, on to the questions (there doesn’t seem to be a limit on number so here are a few :-)

1. Aviendha’s scene in the columns at Rhuidean was wonderful. Will the columns always do that now, or has Aviendha broken them for good?

2. Was Byar a darkfriend or was he compelled by Graendal? If so, when?

3. How long before Rand’s epiphany did Mat arrive in Caemlyn? How long after the 30 days were up did he wait before going to the Tower of Ghenjei?

4. Rand goes to Bandar Eban shortly after coming back from Tar Valon. Nearly a month later, he rescues Ituralde just before going to the Borderlanders (the day before the Field of Merrilor). What was he doing in the intervening 20 days?

5. The night before going to the Tower of Ghenjei, Mat sees Rand in a tent talking to some people. This is the day before Rand visits the Borderlanders so what event was he seeing?

6. Harine (the Sea Folk ambassador) appeared early in The Gathering Storm but hasn’t been seen since. Where was she during Towers of Midnight?

7. Did Naeff bond Nelavaere or was it the other way around? Where did she come from – was she one of Cadsuane’s companions or one of the Toviene’s assault force?

Finally, a little request… The Land of the Madmen is mentioned in the Guide but never in the series itself. It would be lovely if it could at least be mentioned in one of the books.

Best of luck.

LJ.

Jet wrote: "Hello,

Here's my question: There are some channelers who have lost strength in the Power (Siuan and Moiraine), is this something that can be Healed?

Thanks,
Jet"

You have to still/gentle them again, and then have them "healed" by a channeler of the opposite sex...thats why when nynaeve healed logain, he regained all his power

As regards the True Source, how come Rand was able to use it, when earlier we are told only those the Dark One allows can use it?

On a slightly related note, the Chosen had protection from the Taint, was this something unique to the chosen(it occurs to me actually, that said protection could only have been given AFTER they were freed from the bore, as such a precaution would have not been need before Lewis Therin sealed the bore), or would all darkfriends have such protection?
To answer my own question, I'd guess it was unique, else male darkfriend channellers would have been at a huge advantage after the Breaking.

Which makes me wonder, if such protection could not be conferred after the breaking was it because the Dark One was imprisoned and so could have less effect on the world, or was it something that needed to be done at Shayol Ghul?

Did you ever get bothered with how late Perrin's POV was and how chronologically disorienting his parts were at times (good job on the tam being picked up and rand in dragonmount portions though)?

Did you like having to "jump back in time" or was it just something that had to be done as Perrin's was so late in the the WOT timeline?


Thanks,

<',)))<
Jet

Jon wrote: "I was a bit shocked when I started reading ToM. The Prologue included a Graendal scene. I went to the Glossary to refresh my memory concerning that Forsaken and discovered a huge spoiler..."

The glossary, remember, was begun as a tradition before there were internet wiki sites, and it's limited by size in what it can contain. I don't do the glossary; that's all on Team Jordan. Maria handles it.

As for why the big secret was included in the glossary, I've said before that Harriet made the decision where it would go. I actually did suggest it, though I later changed my mind and thought I would put it in somewhere else, but she said, "No, I love this idea of the glossary." The reason I think that we like the glossary location so much is because the instruction I received from Robert Jordan was just a Post-It note that had written on it, "This is right," attached to a sheet of paper that was an explanation, one of the many, printed off from the internet, talking about who killed Asmodean. That Post-It note saying "This is right" was all there was—I didn't know the how, the why, the circumstances, any more than you know. So we felt that rather than extrapolate all of that ourselves, the best thing to do, as frustrating as it might be, was to give you the information much in the same way that we got it, as simply a "This is the person." That still allows a bit of theorizing on how this person was involved in the event, whether it was by her hand directly, or whether a servant was involved, or that sort of thing. That allows for theorizing.

Dawn wrote: "After that, I kept expecting to see that information revealed somewhere in the actual book, but as far as I can tell it wasn't there! Will it be revisited in the last book, or was the glossary the way of answering that question?"

The glossary was the way of answering that question. Though in the epilogue, I had originally included a more specific line that Harriet edited out and said, "No, I like the glossary entry. We'll let it stand." There's still a hint, but it was actually spelled out in that same sentence.

Dawn wrote: "Will we be learning any more about Shara in the last volume?"

I will simply defer to what Robert Jordan on this. This is the story primarily of what we call the Westlands, or Randland (though he didn't use those terms). This is not the story of Shara or Seanchan. There will be no major action that takes place in those other realms. Interpret that as you will.

Amelia wrote: "Why is this book named "Towers of Midnight" when the only time those are mentioned are during the first chapter when the wind blows past them and also a mention in the glossary? I'm assuming they're going to be important in the next book. I think most people think these towers were the Towers of Genjei (sp?), so why the little twist in the title? "

Most of Robert Jordan's titles had twists. There are some that were very straightforward—The Dragon Reborn; The Great Hunt. There are others that are simply things like Knife of Dreams, which comes from a line in a quote at the beginning of the book. The titles usually refer to something specific as well as something metaphorical. Towers of Midnight is the title I chose. There of course are the Towers of Midnight in Seanchan, and if you knew what those were for, and why they were there, it would illuminate the question a little bit more. But the title also refers to the towers that Egwene saw.

My working title for this book was The Three Towers, as a pun on the title of the second book of the Lord of the Rings. I was writing the second book of a trilogy of sorts here, and was dealing with the tower of Ghenjei, the White Tower, and the Black Tower. There was going to be a lot more Black Tower stuff in this book which has been moved to the next book, but when I was working on it, we had a lot of focus on those three towers. So the name just struck me. It felt like the right thing to do.

Carrie (Care) wrote: "I thought that maybe it had to do with Egwene's dream. She dreamt that there were 13 black towers raising up from the ground, one fell and then raised up again taller than the others. I thought this referred to the Forsaken. Maybe Brandon can clarify."

RAFO. But I did mention that it is related to that vision.

Hi Brandon i was really looking forward to reading about Rand after the end of the Gathering storm, where he changes. I want to know how much he has changed since he and Lews Therin became one. He is the main character but he is barely in this book. Why is that? and will we get to read from his point of view in Memory of light?

By the way you have done a great job on this book.

At around page 600 and I must say Wow Brandon, just wow. Cannot put it down, the way that chapter went with the different plotlines.. quite awesome

No more questions as the month has ended.

Tigre_azul wrote: "Since this is Robert Jordans', how much of this does Brandon get to "play" with, to add him in it? It Appears that Brandon does a good job of reading his critics and answers questions that have been left undone. I read a lot of complaints about Mat after the last book. I don't think that will happen as much this time. The "surprises" seem to have a lot of Brandon in them. Last note. Why did it seem there were more editorial mistakes in this book than I would have expected?"

In reverse order: The editorial mistakes were basically because of the fast turnaround time between when I finished the book and when it was put out. We're working to get those fixed for the ebook and paperback editions, but really, deadlines are to blame there, which is one reason we're slowing down for the next book.

What you're seeing with the surprises, as you described them, is that not all of those are mine; I'm writing some of them that Robert Jordan left instructions on how to write, and the way I plot and reveal is going to be manifest in the way that I approach it.

In response to your first question, I'm given complete creative freedom in these books. Partially because Harriet trusts me, and partially because that's what a writer needs in order to be able to write a book like this. That said, I've mentioned before that I feel a strong compulsion to try to do the books as close to the way Robert Jordan would have as I can, taking into account my own writing style. I'm not trying to make these Brandon Sanderson books; I'm trying to make them Wheel of Time/Robert Jordan books, but I'm also not trying to imitate him since that would turn out as a bad parody. In the end, I'm allowed to do whatever I feel needs to be done to achieve the storytelling the story demands. I do have to convince Harriet, Maria, and Alan that it's the right thing to do. And in some cases that's an easy thing to do, and in some cases it's a harder thing to do. But in all cases I get to write it first and then let them read it. And if I don't manage to pull it off, then I say, "Well, let's try something different."

Cory wrote: "Jet wrote: "There are some channelers who have lost strength in the Power (Siuan and Moiraine), is this something that can be Healed?"

You have to still/gentle them again, and then have them "healed" by a channeler of the opposite sex...thats why when nynaeve healed logain, he regained all his power"

That is a common theory. I do believe Robert Jordan RAFOed this very question, which is why I feel I need to RAFO it. It should be noted that Siuan doesn't want to try this, for various reasons.

Carrie (Care) wrote: "Brandon, I would love to know if we finally found out who Gaidal Cain was reborn as (or had a brief mention of him) in ToM? I really thought it was obvious, but after talking to some friends I guess it wasn't. I realize you might not be able to say who it is, but if you could just let me know if we did hear mention of him in ToM, that would be awesome."

I know what you're talking about. I won't confirm 100% or not, but the phrasing was intentional.

Note: I will answer all the questions asked before the end of December, but it may take me a couple weeks to get to them all.

Thanks Brandon! BTW, I love following your wotrr posts. :)

Hi Brandon,

thank you for answering our questions, because i have one that kind of haunts me:

Egwene is able to resist the a`dam made by Mesaana in ToM. If i remember correctly, the same trick was used by Nynaeve against Moghedien who was trapped by the a`dam despite the fact, that Moghedien is considered the most skilled forsaken in Tel'aran'rhiod and is often referred to as the true master of that place.

Was it your idea to make Egwene more skilled in Tel'aran'rhiod than even Moghedien?

Thanks

Robert wrote: "What's up with the people at the black tower becoming shadows of themselves? Some people speculate that this was caused by 13 myrrdrall / 13 aes sedai forcing them to the dark side. Is that true?"

RAFO.

"Also, when Perrin sees Hopper after Hopper's death in the wolf dream, Hopper also appears to be a dark shadow of his former self, something sinister. Is this related to the change that is coming over the people at the black tower? "

You're speaking of when Perrin tries to "resurrect" Hopper, so to speak. That is not related to what's happening at the Black Tower. That's something else entirely. And that's not even really Hopper. That is a projection of Perrin trying to bring Hopper back.

Dawn wrote: "I thought of one more question I had. The revelation of who Mesaana was impersonating inside of the White Tower - was that something that RJ had dictated in his notes/outlines, or was that of your own creation?"

That was directly from the notes. It was the person who most people had guessed it was, because of the foreshadowing that Robert Jordan put in.

Brianna wrote: "Here's my question who is throwing the dice that Mat hears in his head?"

RAFO.

Lordjuss wrote: "1. Aviendha’s scene in the columns at Rhuidean was wonderful. Will the columns always do that now, or has Aviendha broken them for good?"

RAFO.

"2. Was Byar a darkfriend or was he compelled by Graendal? If so, when?"

RAFO. I may answer that someday, but I need to decide how I should answer it.

"3. How long before Rand’s epiphany did Mat arrive in Caemlyn? How long after the 30 days were up did he wait before going to the Tower of Ghenjei?"

Mat set aside the letter and didn't open it for the required number of days. The next day he left for the Tower of Ghenjei. As for the rest, I will send you to the fan-curated chronologies. I have a chronology on my computer, but let's let the fans work it out.

"4. Rand goes to Bandar Eban shortly after coming back from Tar Valon. Nearly a month later, he rescues Ituralde just before going to the Borderlanders (the day before the Field of Merrilor). What was he doing in the intervening 20 days?"

RAFO.

"5. The night before going to the Tower of Ghenjei, Mat sees Rand in a tent talking to some people. This is the day before Rand visits the Borderlanders so what event was he seeing?"

I haven't seen the fan-curated timelines and compared them to the actual timeline. I'm not sure if a lot of these timeline questions are accurate.

"6. Harine (the Sea Folk ambassador) appeared early in The Gathering Storm but hasn’t been seen since. Where was she during Towers of Midnight?"

Harine has basically been stewing about the fact that she's been blown off.

"7. Did Naeff bond Nelavaere or was it the other way around? Where did she come from – was she one of Cadsuane’s companions or one of the Toviene’s assault force?"

The other way around, and neither. Nelavaire is one of the 23 Aes Sedai who were captured at Dumai's Wells and later swore fealty to Rand.

"Finally, a little request… The Land of the Madmen is mentioned in the Guide but never in the series itself. It would be lovely if it could at least be mentioned in one of the books."

Your request is under consideration.

Stublore wrote: "As regards the True Source, how come Rand was able to use it, when earlier we are told only those the Dark One allows can use it?"

Semirhage believed that the Dark One had specifically granted Rand the ability. I won't say whether that's true or not. There are other theories out there that I don't want to squelch. But one possibility—and she certainly believed it—was that Dark One, in his desire to corrupt Rand, gave him that ability.

"On a slightly related note, the Chosen had protection from the Taint, was this something unique to the chosen(it occurs to me actually, that said protection could only have been given AFTER they were freed from the bore, as such a precaution would have not been need before Lewis Therin sealed the bore), or would all darkfriends have such protection?
To answer my own question, I'd guess it was unique, else male darkfriend channellers would have been at a huge advantage after the Breaking."

All darkfriends do not have such protection.

"Which makes me wonder, if such protection could not be conferred after the breaking was it because the Dark One was imprisoned and so could have less effect on the world, or was it something that needed to be done at Shayol Ghul?"

RAFO.

Jet wrote: "Did you ever get bothered with how late Perrin's POV was and how chronologically disorienting his parts were at times (good job on the tam being picked up and rand in dragonmount portions though)?

Did you like having to "jump back in time" or was it just something that had to be done as Perrin's was so late in the the WOT timeline?"

This was an effect of the books spending so much time with so many people off target from one another. Eventually they were going to have to come together, and this was the best way that I was capable of doing it. Robert Jordan may have been able to do it better, but after the books were split, this was the best way I could do it.

Machavelli wrote: "Hi Brandon i was really looking forward to reading about Rand after the end of the Gathering storm, where he changes. I want to know how much he has changed since he and Lews Therin became one. He is the main character but he is barely in this book. Why is that? and will we get to read from his point of view in Memory of light?"

You will get to read from his point of view in the last book. This was done intentionally, and it's something the Wheel of Time books have done all across the history of the series. Sometimes certain characters have to take a back seat while others' stories are being told. In this case, that happened to Rand. It was very important to me for narrative reasons that you see him externally before you see him internally.