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Fantasy Untold: Will Wheel Of Time Keep Spinning?

By Rafe Telsch: 2007-09-17 18:34:36
Fantasy Untold: Will Wheel Of Time Keep Spinning? In case you haven’t heard, over the weekend, Wheel of Time author Robert Jordan died. With him dies the secrets and resolution of his series of novels, giving fans more than one reason to mourn. Here passes a good man and the end of a good story that has been almost a dozen years in the making. Meanwhile, millions of Harry Potter fans take comfort in the fact that it wasn’t their franchise that was prematurely ended.

Except we all know the story won’t end with Jordan’s passing.

Extending the story beyond an author’s domain is something that’s been more and more popular in recent years, and I’m not talking about fan-fic. Timothy Zahn picked up Star Wars and began the story anew in novel form, with great success (Yes, I know Lucas isn’t dead in that case, but given the prequels, some fans wish he may have been). Frank Herbert’s son started playing in the world of Dune along with Kevin J. Anderson. J.R.R. Tolkien’s family saw the massive appeal from the movies and started extending his legacy. Anne McCaffrey is still alive and already her son Todd is messing with her dragons. I could go on and on. Somewhere, some fan is waiting for Stephen King to keel over so they can hopefully get an invite to write one more Dark Tower book and fix the less-than-satisfying ending provided by the original author.

Part of the reason for this, in my humble opinion, is thanks to the efforts authors have gone through to keep the copyright on their properties in place. See, copyright is binding for the author’s life plus 75 years. But, if the copyright is held by a company instead of the author, that copyright is extended for longer amounts of time, protecting the author’s work from winding up in public domain. Typically the company falls down a family line, but suddenly when the great-grandson of an author realizes he can make more money by cashing in on great-granddad’s vision, the franchise can be reborn (yes, I’m exaggerating slightly here, but the premise is sound).

So, fear not Jordan fans. You’ll probably get the end of your story. After all, it’s hard to believe that Jordan didn’t leave ample notes about the direction of his series, especially knowing how limited his time might be. The question is: will you get a worthy writer to finish off the series? Will you get a Timothy Zahn who actually improves upon the source material, or a Brian Herbert solution; one that is somewhat satisfying, but not nearly as good as the source material?

Actually, I guess there’s one more question: do fans want to see the series closed by another author? Is it better to see Jordan’s series untainted and untouched, sitting as an unfinished masterpiece? Or should someone come along and continue Jordan’s legacy down the path of Dune, Middle Earth, Pern and other worlds?

What do you think?

Fantasy Franchise Life Span

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  1. Sam Says:

    For those who have regulary visited Dragonmount.com, it is well known that Robert Jordan had plans to have the book completed in case he passed on. I and others believe that his wife (who was also his editor) will be instrumental in this. As for other writers, I dont know. Fair Winds and Following Seas, Mr. Jordan. You will be missed.

  1. Jamie Says:

    Jordan told his friends and family how the story would end and completed the main story arc. He left detailed notes and dictations of how things should happen. Provided that there aren't many holes to fill (say, they know how 80% of the story was supposed to go), I wouldn't have a problem and will look very forward to the eventual release of A Memory of Light.

  1. J. Scott Coatsworth Says:

    Jordan will be missed... I picked up his first Wheel of Time book as a bound galley at the American Bookseller's Association and was immediately hooked, and word of his death hit me like a blow to the stomach this morning. I hope his work is finished!

  1. B_ellen Says:

    I liked the Wheel books--to begin with. Got seriously tired of all the padding. He was a good writer, and if he had really wanted could have resolved the series already. I long ago gave up on finishing the story.

  1. Luke Says:

    My heart nearly stopped when i read Jordan had died, he will be forever missed by me and fellow fans, but i will always enjoy the masterwork he has created, the final book will be like a missing puzzle piece to Jordan's life and i for one am going to enjoy the finished portrait.

  1. Rachel Says:

    I too believe his wife and editor will work at finishing those books. This entire series hinges on the fulfillment of prophecy; I can't see him resting unless the series was sure to be completed, with or without his marvelous hand.
    I guess I'm just selfishly hoping this will happen sooner rather than later, now that it's up to others to complete the process.
    Light be with you, Robert Jordan.

  1. Giovanni Says:

    I appreciate the honesty in this article because everyone is pondering on the same question internally. Externally, we mourn the loss of one fine human being. RJ you were my favorite story teller and your presence will be missed on this planet.

  1. Delite Says:

    Inspiration comes from many places, some inspiratin from life itself, other inspiration from stars that shine brighly. Robert Jordan was such a star.

    Across the endless sea of time
    When stars cease to sparkle
    The black cover of night blots out eternity
    Just as it begins, so too it ends
    And in that dreas place even Gods fail
    (Delite)

    They did indeed fail Jordan, his family, friends and fans.
    He will be missed.

    Delite

  1. darkkarl Says:

    In the end shall the story-teller be silenced?
    Yes, perhaps in the meantime,
    but not forever, for sometime the story will be told.

  1. Marcus Says:

    In this case I am fairly sure that RJ wants the book finished, he indicated as much in his blogs on Dragonmount.com (as the above commenter said) I look forward to the eventual book and wish his family well.

  1. Nick Says:

    The news of Robert Jordans death hit me rather hard. It was like a knife through my heart. I've read many fantasy novels, but none have compared to RJ's work. He will be greatly missed. Not only because I think we would all want him to finish his final book for the Wheel of Time, but also because now a great writer and an inspiration to many will never be able to put any future works to the paper. He has inspired me myself to attempt to write a best seller of fantasy novels one day. While I know that I could never replace him, I do hope to write something worthy of his approval. Rest well RJ, your legacy will never die.

  1. Garry Says:

    I first picked up a WOT novel in high school, and since have always enjoyed the release of the next book. While may complain of longwindedness, I found each foray into the series interesting for different reasons. I followed RJ's blog up to the end, and doing that learned what an amazing person he is, not just a writer. I am very sad at the loss of such a good man. As far as the books go, I will anticipate the last book with a sense of reverence, as it's the capstone of Jordan's work, whether or not he put the words to the page, the ideas behind the words are his. I sincerely hope TOR takes their time, and does the book the justice it deserves.

    RJ, May you always find water and shade.

  1. LordWabbit Says:

    I always feared this would happen, which was why I was annoyed when he started writing prequels, at the time I though 'come on man, finish the damn series first!'

  1. Fishbone Says:

    My worst fear has been realized! I have loved this series since a friend handed me the book and told me to read it back on 1990. Since then, I have reread this book numerous times and sat up debating possible plot lines, none of which could have done Robert justice. I hope he was able to relate enough of his story to Harriet because anything other then his express word would not be his book, his story, his vision. I want to, need to, read the end of the story but I want it from the man himself. It is a sad day in the literary world but I am confident that Robert Jordan has built a legacy that will far outlive you or I. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you have written for us RJ!

  1. Norkweylan Says:

    I agree with Fishbone in that I too would love to see this series finished, but only if I know that it is the way the RJ envisioned it. The WOT story is an exceptional piece of work written by an exceptional author that, in my opinion, had a unique vision in regards to the concept and progression of this story and its characters. I hope that the ending to this amazing story is the authentic vision that RJ had originally created. He once said that he knew exactly how the story would end before the very first word of the first book was ever typed. Hopefully RJ has left enough notes and information that his story can be finished true to his vision. My sympathy and prayers go out to his family. He will be greatly missed.

  1. diane Says:

    I was so sorry to hear Robert passed. I will miss him greatly. He was a wonderful story teller and I am sure that his family and friends will carry on his legacy in his honor.

    my heart goes out to his family and loved ones

  1. jonathan Says:

    Someone finish it please? Can't wait to see what happens after Knife of Dreams.

    Leaving the story hanging is... too little. What with half a dozen (at least) sideplots going on, its a pity if we don't see the resolution. It would be great since he left notes, that way it'll have a satisfactoy ending, plot-wise.

  1. Tony Gonzales Jr Says:

    What a loss the fantasy world. I know that I have been waiting for book 12 a long time. Now I will never know his true ending. I have my ideas, as do many of the "Wheel of time" fans. I just hope that with his wife and his notes they are true to his vision. We will miss you.

  1. wandering_goat Says:

    I voted no, though of course I believe that Mr. Jordan did make plans to finish the last book in case he died, and so support it being made by whoever he chose worthy for the task. I only found out about his death today. He seemed like a really nice person and was one of my favourite authors, having written perhaps my favourite book series. He will be missed.

  1. wiz in bartlett Says:

    i just found out today,it feels like a blow to the head.though i never met robert jordan,ifeel like i lost a very close friend.i pray for harriet,wilson,and the rest of his family and friends.as for the memory of light,maybe not by his skilled hand and mind the story will be written and the legacy will live on.thank you robert for sharing, the world is a little less brighter today.

  1. Dorian Says:

    I am truly saddened to hear the news of Mr. Jordan. I cannot understand why people jab the length of the books though. The main problem with the Tolkein books is that they are not long enough. There are some parts that are not as fast paced as others, but he has left us with a uniquely rich world and I have read and reread this series and love it more each time. Goodbye Robert Jordan.

  1. Adam Walker Says:

    I was devastated to hear of RJ's passing. These books have connected with me more than any other authors (with the possible exceptions of Bernard Cornwell - but heys thats a different genre).

    I am also disapointed with comments about WOT books being too long. I love the fact that these books had so much detail, this allows you to fully immerse yourself in the world, taste every bite, see every city and yes feel every yank of a braid (how the women are not all as bald as Tuon I'll never know).

    I too am gutted that the final book was not finished however RJ has probably left enough notes for book 12 and knowing Jordan some additional prologues/epilogues ...

    I am also disapointed that he has had so little coverage in the media (in the UK anyway). Harry flippin Potter sneezes and we all catch a cold, yet the passing of the writer of the greatest fantasy series ever occurs with nothing but a mention on the BBC website.

  1. Exodious Says:

    I am Deeply sadend by the passing of such a great man my heart and thoughts go out to harriet and co, Rj was the first author i followed never trully reading a series as never been caught. Rj did this to me and many others and with his words we followed.
    The light shine on you, and the creator hold you near.

  1. Danimal Says:

    Jordan will be missed. I stopped reading the series around book 9, wanted to wait till he had finished it before I continued. This is one of the best series I have ever read, and it helped me a lot through middle/high school. He was an excellent author, and helped me form a lot of my beliefs as a youngster. His contributions to the world will be cherished for a long time to come.

    RIP Robert Jordan.

  1. mike Says:

    may the last embrace welcome you home. please someone let the end be known. PLEASE!

  1. Wannabe Rand :P Says:

    i cant belive he is even actually dead.. i have been so heartbroken over the fact of the matter..
    im sure others feel my sympathy..
    however along with this i have a deep passion for his books and i "need" ( as most of us probably do ) this series to be finished

    Rest RJ.. u have done your part in every way possible

    The Light be with you old friend

  1. manno B Says:

    I heard the news of his passing today and was saddened by it.
    Because his work had touched me and given me great deal of pleasure, time and time again!
    As a fan i admit i had been abit upsett by his slowing down the pace of his book and believed it to be a way to milk more money out of his work. I was upsett because this could rival jrr tolkien if it was done tru
    to the story and not money! but i may have been wrong, given his age,
    stories could have slowed down because of that.
    I am just happy he wrote this wonderfull story, and in his own way lighted a candle in our hearts that will bourne forever!
    seldom writers of his caliber are bourne, and even less they manage
    to reach out to so many, but even dead his hand will be in what yet to come!

  1. A loving fan Says:

    i only read the first book fo this series to of heard of such a great mans death just now is upsetting i hope he rests in peace

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