How Brandon Sanderson Was Chosen to Complete the Wheel of Time Series

The immersive Wheel of Time series, originally authored by Robert Jordan, has captured the hearts of countless readers worldwide. However, Jordan's untimely death left an extensive unfinished outline and a large fan base eager for closure. It was in this context that Brandon Sanderson was chosen to complete the series. This article delves into the reasons behind his selection and the subsequent journey that followed.

Robert Jordan's Recommendation

Before his untimely death, Robert Jordan had expressed his desire for Brandon Sanderson to finish the Wheel of Time. Jordan's admiration for Sanderson's work, particularly his Rise of a Magi and the Mistborn series, solidified Sanderson's position as a viable candidate to take on the mantle of completing the series. Jordan's confidence in Sanderson's abilities as an author was a key factor in his decision.

Jordan's Notes and Outline

Perhaps the most crucial aspect of Sanderson's selection was the extensive notes and outline Jordan left behind. These documents provided a roadmap for the final volumes, including key plot points and character arcs that needed to be addressed. This allowed Sanderson to stay true to Jordan's vision while still bringing his own unique touch to the series. The outline not only guided Sanderson's creative process but also ensured that the story remained cohesive and faithful to its origins.

Brandon Sanderson's Experience

At the time of Jordan's death, Brandon Sanderson was already an established author in the fantasy genre, with a reputation for creating intricate worlds and compelling characters. His experiences in writing the Mistborn series and his extensive world-building skills made him a suitable choice to handle the complexities of the Wheel of Time. Sanderson's ability to craft rich, immersive worlds and memorable characters was well-suited to completing a series as vast and expansive as Wheel of Time.

Fan Trust and Support

The backing of the fan community further cemented Sanderson's position. As the series had a large and dedicated fan base, it was crucial to maintain their trust and ensure the continuation of the story was a satisfying experience. Tor, the publisher, worked closely with Harriet McDougal, Jordan's widow, to make the decision. Both Tor and McDougal expressed satisfaction with how Sanderson completed the series, marking a successful transition for Wheel of Time.

Choosing Brandon Sanderson

The decision to choose Sanderson was influenced by several factors:

The eulogy Sanderson wrote for Jordan, which McDougal's friend read and highly praised. This showed Sanderson's respect for his predecessor and his emotional connection to the series.

Sanderson's established bibliography and reputation, particularly the success of his Mistborn series. His proven ability to captivate readers and bring complex worlds to life made him a strong candidate.

The fact that Sanderson was published through the same publisher as Jordan, Tor. This connection provided a smooth transition and likely contributed to the publisher's confidence in his abilities.

In conclusion, Brandon Sanderson's selection to complete the Wheel of Time series was a result of his impressive background, the guidance of extensive notes and an outline from Robert Jordan, and the support of both the fan community and the publication. Sanderson's work has been widely acclaimed, successfully bringing closure to this beloved series.

Conclusion

The legacy of Wheel of Time was preserved and honored through Sanderson's thoughtful and meticulous writing. His contribution to the series has been celebrated and continues to inspire fans and aspiring authors alike.