Finished The Gathering Storm.

Brandon Sarandon brought to the table what we found lacking with Robert Jordan: fast pacing.
Reading this one wasn't too much of a chore unlike the 3 books prior to this one where you find yourself groaning at a new plot twist or sidetrack to a main story branch. I did find myself wondering what is happening in the other branches. I'm really excited to read the Moiraine-Thom-Mat branch in the next books. And I'm very happy that Rand finally gets over his emo/steel/cuendillar phase.

I wish someone will give me the next book for my birthday. =)

Now to look for booksale copies of Asimov's Foundation novels.