'Wheel of Time' readers must be PISSED... v.Robert Jordan dead at 58

Publius · 09-17-2007, 12:45 PM

Author Robert Jordan, whose "Wheel of Time" series of fantasy novels sold millions of copies, has died of a rare blood disease, his aide said Monday. He was 58.

Jordan, whose real name was James Oliver Rigney Jr., died Sunday at the Medical University of South Carolina of complications from primary amyloidosis with cardiomyopathy, his personal assistant, Maria Simons, said. The disease attacks the body's major organs; in Jordan's case, it caused the walls of his heart to thicken.

He wrote a trilogy of historical novels set in Charleston under the pen name Reagan O'Neal in the early 1980s. Then he turned his attention to fantasy and the first volume in his Wheel of Time epic, "The Eye of the World," was published in 1990 under the name Robert Jordan.

Jordan's books tells of Rand al'Thor, who is destined to become the champion who will battle ultimate evil in a mythical land.

Book 11, "Knife of Dreams," came out in 2005; there was also a prequel, "New Spring: The Novel," in 2004. The other titles in the series include "The Great Hunt," "Lord of Chaos" and "The Path of Daggers." Jordan was working on a 12th volume at the time of his death, Simons said.

He is survived by his wife, Harriet McDougal Rigney.

I worked at a bookstore when Knife of Dreams came out, so I know how fucking rabid his fans are for new volumes.

Dumpy Dooby · 09-17-2007, 02:52 PM

Jesus Christ. The 12th one was thought to be the series finale as well.

WickedLou9 · 09-17-2007, 03:31 PM

I've never even heard of him

Crevecoeur · 09-23-2007, 12:12 AM

I've been a fan for about 6 years now and it came as a major shock that he croaked out of nowhere. Is a shame really. I'm currently writing a short story in memory of him. Well thats all I have to say for now.

Dylith · 09-23-2007, 12:43 PM

Originally Posted by Dumpy Dooby

Jesus Christ. The 12th one was thought to be the series finale as well.

Yeah, the 12th one was suppose to be the last one in the series (or that is what Jordan vowed).

A pity that he died before he was able to finish his work.

RMNIXON · 09-23-2007, 05:08 PM

I never read Robert Jordan. I have friends who swear by him. But I know if I start the "Wheel of Time" series I will not be able to stop. So perhaps I am waiting for a circumstance when I can devote more time to reading?

Now to get somebody to complete that 12th book?

motivez · 09-23-2007, 05:29 PM

I wonder how far along he was on the 12th book

A big, big loss for those who enjoy fantasy novels. RIP