Giveaway: A Memory of Light

In honor of the last volume of the Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan, I'm giving away either a free copy of the first book or the last. What better way to celebrate and mark the last day of the year than a contest? One lucky winner can choose to either a new copy of The Eye of the World or A Memory of Light.

"The Wheel of Time turns, and ages come and pass, leaving memories that become legend. Legends fade to myth, and even myth is long forgotten when the Age that gave it birth comes again. In one Age, called the third age by some, an Age yet to come, an age long pass, a wind rose in the Mountains of Mist. The wind was not the beginning. There are neither beginnings or endings to the turning of the Wheel of Time. But it was a beginning."

Epic fantasy is my favorite genre of fantasy, and I'm hoping to add a few more fans to these fabulous set of fourteen books. It's a series I've been following since 1990 when I unwittingly bought the first edition of what would become my favorite series of all time. Now the last book, A Memory of Light, releases on January 8 and I'm jumping in my winter snow boots with anticipation.

My original, much tattered copy

So it has been epic, not only in genre, but in timeline, over twenty-three years, two authors, and countless days waiting for the next installment. All that is about to end. To enter just fill out the doohickey down below and leave a comment on this post. You can follow me on twitter, facebook, and this blog for additional chances to win. So tell your friends and come back on January 8th for the winner announcement.

"Till shade is gone, till water is gone,

into the Shadow with teeth bared, 

screaming defiance with the last breath, 

to spit in Sightblinder’s eye on the last Day."

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Memory of Light and A Contest

It's no secret that I love epic fantasy. I read it and write it. One of the greatest epic fantasy series of all time and a favorite of mine is coming to a close. January 8, 2013 is the release date for Memory of Light, the last of a fourteen volume series. Yep, that's right. Fourteen volumes over thirteen years of the Wheel of Time. (Or WOT to its admirers.) Thirteen years of dedication to one set of characters. An incredibly intricate mass of world building that encompasses dozens of invented countries and cultures. And what impresses me the most is the individuality of the huge cast of characters.   

This series has a tragic history. The author, Robert Jordan, died after the eleventh book, Knife of Dreams, was finished. Knowing he had a short time to live, he wrote detailed plans and dictated notes, included whole pieces of future novels and most of the grand ending. His editor and wife Harriot help hand pick Brandon Sanderson to finish the series. The last three books are coauthored by Sanderson, using Robert Jordan's notes. In my opinion, Sanderson has done a pretty close job of matching the style and tone of Jordan.

It takes an entire shelf on my bookcases to hold all the volumes plus, the prequel called New Spring. Back in 1990 I bought a book titled, Eye of the World. It was a first edition trade paperback. I had no idea that I'd be hooked for the next decade. Waiting on each new release. Soon I'll have to make room for the very last addition.

My favorite aspect of the WOT series are the clues Jordan put everywhere. Using prophecy and dreams, he hid clues to future book in plain sight. I do love trying to unravel events before they happen and WOT is the best around. There's nothing to equal the joy of finding your predictions coming true two books down the line.

In honor of this much awaiting book, I've decided to have a contest. I'll be giving away a new copy of either Eye of the World or Memory of Light. (Yep, you won't be getting my ratty old copies, but new ones.) Next weekend, I'll have a sign up for a chance to win. The winner will be announced on January 8th.

So what I need from you are comments on which prize you'd like to see. Are you new to the series and you'd rather have a chance at Eye of the World so you can start from the beginning? Or are you a longtime reader and want a copy of Memory of Light? Put your answers in the comments and let me know why you love WOT, then come back next weekend for the announcement.