First time I saw the painting, I said it's already a masterpiece, considering it's unfinished. I also thought, "Light, what's wrong with the painting?" I mean, it's brilliant that Sweet chose this scene to depict for the conclusion of THE WHEEL OF TIME. (Emotional it is, Rand, finally overcoming what he's destined to become; brought tears to my eyes.) All it needed now is a good editing eye, give to Michael Whelan to finish, and there... the grand finale of the epic fantasy we've all been anticipating.

I just don't know about Whelan not painting the same scene as Sweet. I'm a big fan of Michael Whelan, really; he's almost like Darell K. Sweet in notoriety, and he's provided artworks for most of my favorite sci-fi and epic fantasies. But it pains to know that this painting will not grace the cover of "A Memory Of Light" anymore. BitterSWEET indeed; and how ironic for Mr. SWEET...

But whatever's got to happen, has got to happen. Whether or not this painting will make it to the cover of the final book, TOR, McDougal & Sanderson will have my full support & appreciation. And that's Michael Whelan who's taking over Sweet, right? I mean, Michael Whelan! That, at least, is a consolation.

I can't read this excerpt yet, not now... But I'm thrilled by the sense of excitement it exudes.

I was thinking of who wrote this piece here. Jordan or Sanderson, or both?... I'm still on Book 6 in the WoT series, and yet to read "The Gathering Storm" & "Towers Of Midnight" co-written by Sanderson, and right now, I can't tell the difference in the writing style of the two authors shown in the WoT.

I know that "Towers Of Midnight" was entirely written by Sanderson guided by the storyline ideas of Jordan (correct me if I'm wrong), & I'm just wondering if this is one of the pieces Jordan originally wrote himself. I think it'd be great if the final book will contain original materials written by Jordan himself, instead of Sanderson editing what Jordan left.

Light, I'm So Thrilled... Is it January 8, 2013 yet?!

...you pick up a Fantasy book sometimes (that is my tradition, at least) because of the cover art. But it is true that the artwork also contributes to the atmosphere of what you're reading, and even experience the full impact of what you've read if not for it. Who would've thought that had it not been for the cover art, I would have never gave Fantasy so much as an attention to when I was teenage book-nerd.

I am indebted to Mr. Sweet for introducing me to Fantasy and I would be remiss if I didn't at least make an honorable mention to how much I appreciate the lovely gift he left to the Fantasy & Science Fiction communities and to the world...

God rest your Soul Mr. Sweet... You justified the quote "Judging A Book By Its Cover" on a positive note. And now that you're gone, reading Fantasy will never be the same. Who could parallel your genius? Only the Creator himself.

Thank you so kindly Mr. Sweet for the inspiration that saved the lives of the multitude... Including me. It was in part because of your Artworks we have gone through life...