illuminating science

Okay, this is off-topic, but it’s my blog, so I can write what I want, right? I just read a horrifying announcement that Robert Jordan, the author of the Wheel of Time series, has been diagnosed with amyloidosis, a rare blood disease where misfolded proteins cause a variety of problems. In Robert Jordan’s case, his heart is being affected and with treatment, his median life expency is four years.

For those who don’t know him, Robert Jordan is famous for writing the Wheel of Time series, which currently stands at 11 books. I, for one, was a massive fan several years ago - the first 6 or 7 books in the series are truly awesome. I’ve mentioned before how I love concistency in my sci-fi/fantasy - well RJ’s books are without a doubt the best thought out fantasy series ever. The magic system is as complex, believable, detailed and ripe for discussion as any quantum textbook (and you can read that statement however you like - it’s probably accurate in all interpretations!) and his world is wonderfully rich and complex. The rec.arts.sf.written.robert-jordan (RASFWRJ) newsgroup is full of detailed discussion and debate about the various mysteries and intracacies of the world - the Wheel of Time FAQ might give you an idea of just how delightfully complex this world is! If you haven’t read the series, I highly recommend it.

Slightly disappointingly, the later books start to drag a little, mainly because he had so much going on - and I admit I haven’t read the last couple - but the latest book is supposed to be much better and I’ve heard really good things about it, so I’m going to go back and read the series again and keep going (each book is ~600 pages, and I’ve probably read books 1-8 about 3 times Like I said, it’s addictive!)

Anyway, on his blog RJ says that he has no intention of giving up just yet, and that the next book A Memory of Light was already intended to be the last, finishing up the major plot arc, even if it had to be 2000 pages long. So although fan’s worst fears (that RJ would get a terminal illness before finishing the series) have come to the forefront, it seems everything might just fit in. He also plans to write two prequel novels, plus a whole other series (about 30 years worth of books, he estimates!) so here’s hoping he pulls through comfortably.