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Mashiara Sedai

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Posts posted by Mashiara Sedai

  1. JordanCon 2022 wrapped up a few weeks ago, but that doesn't mean we're out of content!

     

    Kitty Rallo got an opportunity to sit down and chat with Maria Simons, of Team Jordan, to get some inside information.  Maria shared her start with joining Robert Jordan as an office assistant, and how her role evolved over the years.  

     

    You can check out the full video here:

     

     

     

    For those who have been fortunate enough to chat with Maria, you can easily see how much of a treasure she is!  

     

    Do you have a meeting Maria story you'd like to share?  Let us know in the comments!


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  2. JodanCon Day 3 is the saddest!  It’s time to say goodbye to friends and family.  It’s time to leave the hotel that offered us sanctuary for the past few days.  It’s time to put our costumes in the closet until next year (or the next local con).  Sunday feels bitter-sweet.  Looking back over the weekend, we had the time of our lives, but all good things must come to an end.

    Here are some highlights from today.

     

    Matt Hatch recorded a live Dusty Wheel episode in the lobby.  This amazing event—with lots of fan participation—is worth a watch.  You can see all of Matt’s JordanCon videos here.

     

    The Wheel of Time Track had a panel on ranking our favorite scenes in the Amazon Prime Video television show.  Our own Kathy Campbell, as well as Maria Simons, gave their expert opinions.

     

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    The Charity Auction and Art Show Auction wrapped up.  Winners collected their items, or suffered the bitter taste of defeat.  I was so so happy to win a beautiful mixed medium artwork called “The Colors of My Sisters,” crafted by Lori of Morrow Makings.

     

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    I was looking forward to teaching a cross-stitching class and it did not disappoint!  We had a great turn out and got to pass along our Wheel of Time 8-bid designs.  We’ll have to do it again next year.

     

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    Finally, JordanCon is a charity.  Any money raised is donated.  This year’s recipient was the Mayo Clinic, to aid in the research of amyloidosis, the disease that took Robert Jordan from us.  This year, $19,800 was raised!  $13,500 was from the charity auction!  The signed script page was auctioned for $1,055.  We did amazing!  I love how the fandom cares so deeply about giving back.

     

    If you attended the con, please make sure to leave feedback by following this link.

     

    Now the con is over and it’s back to our daily lives.  Hopefully we’ll be getting season 2 of the television show to tide us over until next year.  Until then, keep up to date with Wheel of Time news and announcements by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.


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  3. JodanCon Day 2 is the best!  It’s the only full day (unless you count CouchCon after the closing ceremonies) and that means it’s packed from morning to evening.

     

    The annual costume contest falls on Saturday, so the cosplayers were out in droves.

     

    Wheel of Time cosplays are expected.

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    Brandon Sanderson and cosmere are expected.

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    And at JordanCon, other fandom tie-ins are also expected.

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    Nothing is off limits for this fandom!  Keep that in mind for next year.  If you're hesitating over a costume idea, don't.

     

    And speaking of the costume contest, here are the highlights.

     

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    Judges' Choice:

    Judge Leslie: Jessica Jones as Pregnant Elayne

    Judge Redfield Designs (Kathryn Paterwic): Ruth Carnejo as Egwene at the Last Battle

    Judge Deana: Ris Harp as Blackbeard (from Our Flag Means Death)

     

    Found Object:

    tWoTCast and Taffy Bennington as The Best Hedge Rand and Mat Slept Under

    Workmanship Award:

    April Davis as a Nym

     

    Winners:

    Novice: Liz Willoughby as Bright and Fun Tinker

    Journeyman: Chris Orndorff as Steampunk Ursula

    Master: Seth Lockhart, Kate Helmly, Stephen Helmly, and Steph Greear as Heralds (from Rhythm of War)

    Best in Show: Marcos Romero, Sita Romero, Theo Romero, and Brandee Anderson as Logain Ablar, Liandrin Sedai, and Red Aes Sedai

     

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    Justin Gerardone half of this year's Artist Guest of Honorhad a live drawing panel.  The end result was an amazing Trolloc.

     

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    Dragonmount's own Rand al'Thor made an appearance.  Check out TikTok for all the videos.

     

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    Another Rand variant also put on a display.  Paul Bielaczyc reenacted the (in)famous cover of Lord of Chaos.

     

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    I spent my time today talking about detectives in urban fantasy and attempting to crochet a Doomslug—well, technically a friend of Doomslug.  One amazing thing about this convention is there is something for everyone. 

     

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    Tomorrow, I am teaching a Wheel of Time cross-stitching class in the Makers Track.  I can’t wait to show pictures from that!

     

    Sunday’s coming on fast, but there’s still plenty of JordanCon left to indulge in.

     

    Follow along to see me and other Dragonmount staff on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

     

    Which costume contest participant was your favorite?  Let us know in the comments below.


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  4. JordanCon 2022 kicked off today in Atlanta, Georgia.  Despite a smaller, in-person gathering last summer, this feels like returning home after a long hiatus for many of us.  Reuniting with friends and family I haven’t seen since 2019 was an amazing experience.  So many familiar faces are here.  And, so many new ones.

     

    Although this may be JordanCon’s biggest attendance so far, the quality of people is still on par for what we expect from this intimate convention.  Today, I spoke to three random JordanCon first-timers and all of them were welcomed with open arms.  It’s good to know that a large audience won’t break the spirit we strive for: a feeling of family.

     

    And while all JordanCon members feel like family, it’s also a great place to hang with literal family.

     

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    Our own Kitty Rallo and her sister Aleena.

     

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    My sister, Maggie, and I posing with our “not today, Shai’tan” shirts.

     

    Speaking of Kitty, keep an eye out for a Q&A with Maria Simons, from Team Jordan.

     

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    It was a busy day for panels today.  After opening ceremonies with Toastmaster Rhed, I was grateful to be on the “There are books?? (The Wheel of Time for Beginners)” panel.  We got to talk to new readers and new JordanCon members and share non-spoiler aspects of the series we love. 

     

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    After that, I was a guest on the highly anticipated “A New Turning of the Wheel: Why Changes are Necessary in an Adaptation” panel.  Since JordanCon goers are the best, all discussion aspects and questions were civil.

     

    Naturally I was busy and missed the huge cast announcement!  If you missed it, check out the Ayoola Smart as Aviendha article or our own Ebony and daughter Aviendha discussing this breaking news!

     

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    Tomorrow is a full day, so I’m looking forward to another adventure.

     

    Follow along to see me and other Dragonmount staff on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

     

    Have you attending JordanCon before?  Plan on coming next year? Are you here now?  Let us know in the comments below!


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  5. JordanCon is hosting an event where cast members from Amazon Prime Video’s Wheel of Time television show will answer fan questions.  Here are the details from JordanCon’s Facebook page:

     

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    Hey #JordanCon fam! Amazon Prime Video is doing something awesome for us! They’re going to create a video where a few members of the Wheel of Time show cast and crew answer YOUR questions! Use the form below to submit burning queries about costumes, props, acting experiences, music... anything! The form will be active for 24 hours, so be steadfast! Once it’s closed, JordanCon will provide Amazon Prime Video with selected questions. They will then create a video with as many responses as possible that will premiere at #JordanCon2022! And if you can't join us in person, no worries— the video will be available on our YouTube channel as well. https://forms.gle/gLUPukajDvh3ySKF9

     

     

    Time is running out!  Make sure to submit your questions as fast as possible.


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  6. Jason Denzel joined a “WOT You Feeling?” panel on mental health focusing on the effects of loss and grief within The Wheel of Time series.  The “WOT You Feeling,” made up of members Ryan, Miki, and Christine, delves into sensitive issues on mental health and how they relate to the world Robert Jordan created.

     

    You can follow them on Twitter, or see all their YouTube videos here.

     

    Identifying grief within the series is pretty easy.  Jason points out that Robert Jordan considered the world dangerous and not an ideal place to live.  Many of the characters experience grief throughout the series—Tam never loving another after the death of his wife, Kari, or even Lanfear holding on to the grief of a breakup over a thousand years ago.  In fact, the Forsaken seem to be knee-deep in unprocessed trauma.  On the other hand, Rand’s “Veins of Gold” moment shows a great moment of expressing and releasing those emotions.

     

    Jason also reflects on his own writing experiences and how mourning, or not mourning, plays a role in a character's story arc.

     

    You can watch the whole video below.

     

     

    This show was a fascinating look at the mental health issues our beloved characters face.  Like what you see here?  You can support “WOT You Feeling” and The Way of the Leaf on Patreon here!


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  7. Matt (@MalkiersKing on Twitter) debuts his video series, “WoT Were They Thinking?”: a respectful analysis of each episode of Amazon Prime Video’s Wheel of Time TV show. 

     

    In this first episode, Matt is joined by Kristy Leigh Lussier from The Successful Screenwriter and Lauren from Unraveling the Pattern.  Together, they examine Episode 1, Season 1 "Leavetaking" and discuss some of those controversial moments that fans are reacting to.

     

     

    Need more content?  You can see Dragonmount's initial review of Episode 1 here, and don't forget the Podcast discussion here.  All sorts of other tidbits can be found on Dragonmount's TV overview page here.

     

    Are you on board with the changes so far, or are you struggling against the current?  Let us know in the comments below.


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  8. Recently, the Dragonmount Podcast had the chance to talk to another amazing actor.  Join producer Kathy Campbell and co-host Rajiv Moté as they sit down with Kate Fleetwood, who plays Liandrin Sedai of the Red Ajah in The Wheel of Time Amazon Prime Video television show.

     

     

    Or, you can check out the episode on Incomparable here.

     

    Are you looking forward to more White Tower and Red Ajah intrigue with Liandrin in Season 2?  Let us know in the comments below.


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  9. In a special episode of the Dragonmont Wheel of Time Podcast, producer Kathy Campbell had the opportunity to speak with Hammed Animashaun, who plays Loial in the Amazon Prime Video Wheel of Time television series.

     

     

    Or you can view it on YouTube here.  

     

    You can also listen to this episode of the podcast here!

     

    The Dragonmount Podcast has an episode of discussion for each of the television show episodes, with more interviews and speculations coming soon.  Keep up to date with all the podcast episodes here.

     

    How satisfied are you with Hammed Animashaun's performance as Loial so far?  Let us know in the comments below!


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  10. Episode 4 of Amazon Prime Video’s The Wheel of Time television show is aptly named “The Dragon Reborn.”  When the episode titles were announced, I was convinced showrunner Rafe Judkins was racing through The Eye of the World with the first four episodes and wrapping up The Great Hunt with the last four. I am glad my hypothesis was so far from what Judkins delivered.

     

    “The Dragon Reborn” begins with a flashback of Logain Ablar, the self-proclaimed Dragon Reborn, as he ravages the king’s palace in Ghealdan. I love the first view we get of Logain as he comes into focus—similar to Moiraine’s introduction in the first episode.  Logain’s calm and collected, very much in control of the situation.  When the king’s guards attack, we see him channel.  Unlike Moiraine’s wispy flows of the One Power, Logain’s are laced with black.  The show names this the “corruption” of the Dark One rather than the taint, but it is very clearly shown as something sinister and evil.  The sad thing is Logain can’t seem to understand that. The corruption in his weaves take forms and speak to him, tempting him to kill the king.  The madness doesn’t have him so far in its grasp, though, because Logain convinces the king to join his side.

     

    While we know of Logain in book one of the series, it’s incredibly satisfying to see it unfold this early in the television show.  I was expecting Logain to be our main antagonist of Season 1, seeing the Aes Sedai fighting him, viewers wondering if he could be the Dragon.  I feel this could have made some interesting and conflicting emotions when we get to the inevitable gentling and Nynaeve’s accidental Healing.  This is a man we battled for eight episodes and suddenly he’s a threat again!  Once again, the show handled this in a way that was far superior.  Logain’s triumph at the beginning of the episode is contrasted beautifully to his fall at its ending.

     

    His arc was engaging, beautiful, and tragic.  More on this in a bit.

     

    The Perrin and Egwene side quest also differed from the source material.  Elyas Machera was completely cut at this time—though he may show up later—but I’m glad they still met up with the Tuatha’an.  Aram’s charm is quite the same, but the flirting between him and Egwene was removed.  This timeframe is happening much quicker than in the books, so the breakup with Rand is still fresh.  It makes sense for her to hold her feelings in reserve for now.

     

    While Perrin is uncomfortable at first with the idea of the Way of the Leaf, Egwene seems to grasp the core of their beliefs.  Aram scoffs at the idea of a song that brings peace, but one of my favorite lines in this episode is when Egwene looks around the happy, smiling faces in the camp and retorts, “Are you sure you haven’t found it already?”  The music slows and Aram really looks at his companions’s faces.  It’s an amazing scene, so hopeful and uplifting.  I immensely enjoyed every second we shared with the Tinkers.

     

    Rand, Mat, and Thom’s journey gets interesting as Thom casts our suspicions on Mat as a possible Dragon.  For those of us who’ve read the books, the corruption from Shaidar Logoth is apparent.  However, the “corruption” of the One Power is shown in a similar way.  I can see how the connection could be made between Logain’s channeling at the beginning of the episode, and the black bile that comes out of Mat towards the middle.  Rand mostly stays in the background, though it’s interesting that he’s able to defuse the situation with the Grinwells so easily.  Thom would have been my first candidate for reading the signs of Master Grinwell’s posture.  Perhaps this is Rand moving the Pattern more than just a regular ta’veren would?

     

    The buildup of tension between Nynaeve and Lan made up the best pieces of this episode.  Their relationship has been laid out so satisfactorily up to this point.  Lan underestimated her twice—first thinking she couldn’t track him, then dismissing the knife she held to his throat and trying to call her bluff.  She’s surprising him and I like how organically the chemistry between them grows.  When she watches him offer to a prayer for Malkier and the Seven Towers, we see a moment of vulnerability.  She shows him a prayer she says but admits she doesn’t know the meaning.  She stopped saying it because the people of the Two Rivers “don’t go to a Wisdom for ignorance.”  When Lan can give her the translation of her prayer, the emotion is clear on her face.  She’s letting down her walls of hostility and fear.  She’s feeling safe with him.  I’m super upset we didn’t get to hear Lan’s complete thought of how she’s exactly as he expected.  I hope that will come later.

     

    Moiraine is surprising in this episode because she thinks—however briefly—that Logain might be the Dragon.  I love the depth of her character here.  She is able to hear new information, process it, and take the steps needed to find out the truth.  Very reminiscent of a Brown Sister, or maybe a White.  The complexity of her emotions is so engaging and so well done.  I love when she confronts Logain and actually listens to his reasoning.  I really believe she would have followed him if he’d answered the questions correctly.  But alas, Logain is not the Dragon.  His downfall here was so sad.  He’s been shown to be so confident and capable, so seeing the power ripped from him, tears in his eyes, saying with overwhelming awe, “Like a raging sun,” broke my heart. 

     

    This whole scene was my favorite of the series so far.  Nynaeve’s moment of vulnerability left her in a state of emotional upheaval.  When Logain’s attack sliced Lan’s throat, Nynaeve understandably snaps.  I’m wondering if she’ll have an anger block like in the books, because it wasn’t anger that made her channel, it was desperation.  Nynaeve has been raised by the old Wisdom to be the Wisdom, who we know can’t marry or have children.  She probably never went through typical adolescent infatuation, or if she did, it may have been one-sided.  Now, here is a man who sees her as she is—strong, fierce, brave, determined—and he flirts right back.  To think she’d lose that after just finding it is devastating. 

     

    I’ve cried every time I’ve watched this scene.  There are so many levels of feelings.  The awe for Nynaeve, the sadness for Logain, the sense of loss for Kerene.  This is the most perfect scene and I'm hopeful it will soothe a lot of book-fans.  Yes, there are changes, but they can be equally as awesome.

     

    I cannot wait to see the ramifications of this episode.  How will Mat and Rand get on without Thom?  How far will Egwene and Perrin go with the Tinkers?  What penance will the Aes Sedai pay for gentling Logain outside the Tower?  How will Nynaeve deal with this new Power inside her?

     

    Episode 5, “Blood Calls Blood,” premieres next Friday.  I hope some of our questions are answered.

     

    What was your favorite part of “The Dragon Reborn”?  Let me know in the comments below.


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  11. What an amazing time to be a Wheel of Time fan!  Amazon Prime Video debuted the first two episodes in select cities yesterday and many fans already got their first view of this new part of fandom life.  For those less fortunate, we do have plenty of content to tide you over until the official release of the first three episodes this Friday, November 19th.

     

    First up, Thom DeSimone on The Wheel of Time Community Show has a completely spoiler-free first take of what we’ve been allowed to watch so far.  You can hear his thoughts on the acting, the scenery, the special effects, and more!

     

     

     

    And Dragonmount: The Wheel of Time Podcast is back with another episode.  Listen to producer Kathy Campbell, and co-hosts Rajiv Moté and myself, Maureen Carr, talk about the experiences of watching the first six episodes.  This podcast is also spoiler-free, focusing more on our enthusiasm going into this and our belief that this is a new turning of the Wheel, something different from the books.

     

    Dragonmount: The Wheel of Time Podcast

     

    Finally, Kathy Campbell and Jason Denzel let themselves unwind after a hectic day at the London premiere.  They shared their experiences on the red carpet and a bit of nostalgia that lingers with a series we all have been reading for so long.

     

     

     

    There is a lot more content on the way, so stay up-to-date with all the latest content by following Dragonmount on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

     

    How will you be watching the series premiere on Friday?  Binge watching?  Group gathering?  Multiply viewings in one day? Let us know in the comments below!


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  12. GQ had released some new images and new insight into the Amazon Prime Wheel of Time television show. Senior staff writer Zach Baron shares his own journey through the realms of fantasy fiction and sums up the challenges and boons the show faces.

     

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    The obvious benefit for the show, Baron states, is it’s following in the footsteps of Game of Thrones. The HBO blockbuster opened the floodgates for demands for more fantasy. Baron says, “It's no wonder television has come to love fantasy—both are mediums without any set end, mediums that thrive on near endless renewal.” And viewers are looking for the next new world to escape into.

     

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    But there are some difficulties in producing a show of The Wheel of Time’s scope. There are book fans to placate and new fans to entice, and through it all, Rafe Judkins—the showrunner—has to play peacekeeper. Judkins says, “I say sometimes that showrunning is basically just laying your body over the show and trying to protect it as you take 10,000 swords into your back.” So far, most fans agree having the show in Judkins’s hands is a good choice.  Even Brandon Sanderson, who finished the last three novels after Robert Jordan’s death, agrees. When speaking to Baron, Sanderson said, “I basically became stepdad to millions and millions of fans,” and “[n]ow I've been able to hand that burden off to Rafe.”

     

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    Baron also recounts his visit to the filming set in 2019.  He spoke with the actors, saw the sets, observed the foundation that will be the final draft of the show.  He gives great details about the work the actors did as well as the struggles for the costume and creatures designers. You can read the full article here.

     

    As the show's air date of November 19th looms closer, we're getting more and more teasers and content.  What do you want to see next?  Let us know in the comments below!


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  13. In 2019, a group project was put forward in the JordanCon Costumers Facebook group.  The idea--suggested by Christine Wessling--was to create a quilt.  Each block of the quilt would represent one of the books with The Wheel of Time, and each block would be created by a different crafter.  The idea was quickly embraced by many in the group and the books were snagged!

     

    Here are the details from JordanCon:

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    On May 2, 2019 Christine Wessling posted in the JordanCon Costumers Facebook group asking if there was an interest in doing a group quilt for the Charity auction. She had experience with similar projects and wanted to give back to JordanCon after being embraced by the Con’s people. Within hours there was a flood of comments and interest.  Three days later Christine and Natalie Gehling had developed a plan for the quilt.  Each block was to be a book cover using the Tall Tales Quilt Block, but enlarged by 100%. By the end of the following week, all the blocks had been claimed by a JordanCon enthusiast and Joy Allen had agreed to take on the dauting task of quilting the blanket together.

    All blocks were turned in by December 31, 2019 so the quilt could be ready for the April 2020 convention.  Some blocks were claimed by new people as life hit others. Thankfully all the books were claimed, and a piece was finished for each in time. Then 2020 hit everyone. Allen had finished the quilt, but it was decided the quilt should be held for the 2021 convention when more of the participants would have a chance of seeing the finished work in-person.

    Now everyone can enjoy seeing the finished quilt as a preview prior to the July convention.  The makers hope many people will appreciate the work put into creating the piece. It was a labor of love by many different people.

    Good luck to the winner of the Wheel of Time quilt auction!  May it bring you much joy and comfort as you read many books curled up under the quilt.
    The bidding will be on Friday and Saturday of JordanCon 2021.

    Note on the care of the quilt: Machine wash cold, delicate cycle. Line or lay flat to dry. DO NOT put this in a dryer!!

     

    I feel so fortunate that I was able to contribute to this project!  I knew I wanted to make my love of Lan and Nynaeve apparent, so I picked Knife of Dreams.  There are so many wonderful Lan and Nynaeve moments--when Nynaeve breaks her block, her first confession to him in The Eye of the World, Lan giving her his ring and her Accepted testing in The Great Hunt--but the ultimate has to be Nynaeve's trek through the borderlands gathering her husband an army.  "The Golden Crane flies for Tarmon Gai'don!" is the best line of the book.  I tried to capture that theme with a golden crane, crown, and lance on a field of blue.

     

    I envy the lucky winner of this quilt!  It will be an amazing addition to any fan's collection!

     

    You can read more from each of the contributors on JordanCon's website.


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  14. In this story, Robert Endicott comes from a family gifted with heraldry—a sort of foretelling for people, places, and things.  This innate ability gets him noticed as a possible student for the Duchess’s New School, a program that teaches dynamics, a form of magic that derives from shifting probability and the physics of thermodynamics. 

     

    As Endicott and his classmates get further into their training, they learn that the New School’s not as safe as they thought.  The previous year’s trainees suffered fatalities in their studies and the courses this year aim to keep the students from the same mistakes.

     

    To make matters worse, rumors of Nimrheal—a mythical figure who outlawed innovation and is credited with killing mathematicians and inventors in the past—begin to circulate and riots break out in his name.  The real threat of mishandling the magic and the perceived threat of Nimrheal push Endicott down a road he never intended to take.

     

    Some reviews of Lee Hunt’s Dynamicist claim that mathematics is just as important as magic within the world of this trilogy.  This idea was so intriguing, and as a math teacher, I knew I had to read this book.  While Dynamicist only scratches the surface of this magic system, there is the promise of more to come as the series continues.  This view of magic is unique and I enjoyed the tie in to math and science.  

     

    Endicott is a likeable hero.  He struggles to learn the needed academic skills and form bonds with his new classmates.  Raised on a farm, Endicott is naïve about the city and his interactions with others.  Because of his humble upbringing, he approaches these relationships and situations with an honest sincerity that’s refreshing.  He wants to discuss poetry and his emotions.  He constantly analyses himself.  He realizes he has a weakness for protecting others, and this love drives his character forward.

     

    This book was an enjoyable read and a great introduction to a new world and a new magic system. I’m very excited to finish the trilogy and see how fleshed out the math magic can get!

     

    The second book in the series, Herald, was released on audiobook earlier this month!  I listened to the audiobook for Dynamicist and recommend it.  The narration by Craig A. Hart is well done.  His emotions come through for each character.

     

    To read more on Lee Hunt and the rest of the Dynamicist trilogy, you can visit his website.


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  15. Each year, TarValon.Net awards one recipient with a $500 grant to an accredited college.  This year, they will pick two finalists to receive this award.  Here is what TarValon.Net has to say about the Robert Jordan Memorial Scholarship:

     

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    What is the Robert Jordan Memorial Scholarship?


    As a community, we feel strongly about supporting higher education -- especially for those who are striving to become a Servant of All in their everyday lives. Applicants are asked a question: “How do you plan to use your education in a way that exemplifies being a Servant of All?” Recipients are chosen by the Hall of the Tower, a body of members representing the TarValon.Net community.

     

    Since 2006, we have awarded 20 scholarships to deserving students. This year we will increase that number to 22.

     

    Applications will be accepted from March 15, 2021 until May 15, 2021. The Hall will begin their determination process on June 1, 2021. We will announce scholarship recipients on July 1, 2021.

     

    If you'd like to apply, you can use this link.  Remember to submit your essay by May 15th!


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  16. Good news, everyone!  JordanCon announced earlier today they are hosting an in-person convention over the summer!

     

    Details are still being solidified, but we can confirm a few things:

     

    JordanCon 2021 will be held July 16th through the 18th at the Crown Plaza Ravinia in Atlanta, Georgia.

    All attendees, staff, guests, and volunteers are required to have the COVID-19 vaccine.

    Masks will be required during the event and CDC guidelines will be observed.

     

    More details are coming soon, but this is an amazing opportunity to see our fandom family and keep JordanCon going strong!  To read the rest of the JordanCon 2021 FAQ, you can click here.


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  17. JordanCon has been a staple--if not the staple--in the Wheel of Time fandom since its founding in 2009.  The outbreak of COVID-19 canceled the event in 2020 and the tentatively scheduled weekend in April 2021, causing the non-profit organization is calling on fans for assistance.  

     

    A GoFundMe has been set up for JordanCon, a 501c4 charity, to help off set the costs associated with canceling the event and to help with planning any future conventions when it's deemed safe enough for us to congregate.  On the GoFundMe site, JordanCon states:

     

    "JordanCon is a tax exempt 501c4 non-profit organization that holds a yearly sci-fi and fantasy literature convention to honor the late Robert Jordan by supporting the Mayo Clinic.  But we're also so much more than that. JordanCon is a family of incredibly diverse people who come together to celebrate not just their love The Wheel of Time, but also the many lifelong friendships they've made over the years. JordanCon often feels more like a family reunion than a convention, and we wouldn't have it any other way.

     

    But Covid-19 stopped us from gathering last year, and we all felt the effects. We weren't just missing an event (though the event itself is fantastic); we were missing each other. JordanCONine allowed us to interact as much as we were able, but we missed the hugs, the high-fives, the dancing, the costumes, the panels, the… the things that make JordanCon so special. We missed being together in one big space, enjoying our favorite weekend of the year as a family.

     

    Now 2021 is here and it's clear that Covid-19 is going to continue to cause disruptions for events and organizations moving forward. We already had to postpone our usual weekend in April, and now we're working hard to try and figure out how to continue to bring you the best JordanCon experience we can.

     

    But we can't do that alone; we can't do it without our family. So as much as we didn't want to ask, especially since we know many of you are hurting financially during this time, we find ourselves in a situation where our operating costs are much higher than they've ever been. Like many organizations, especially non-profits, we're worried about the future. JordanCon doesn't make money. We've always focused on using the funds we receive to make the convention fantastic, and more importantly, to support charities such as the Mayo Clinic. Because of that, we don't have an emergency fund. And who could have possibly anticipated a global pandemic and the increased operating costs associated with it?

     

    If you can't afford to help financially, we completely understand. Times are hard. But if you have some money to share, we would definitely appreciate any help you're able to give. We just want to make sure we can keep hosting this incredible family reunion (that is technically a convention) and donate to charities like the Mayo Clinic for as long as we possibly can."

     

    There's a fantastic list of rewards for those who can contribute!  If you can, please donate to this cause and help us keep this family get-together going strong!


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  18. It's #WoTWednesday and @WoTonPrime didn't disappoint.  A new video released today showed us our first look at Mat's ruby-hilted dagger.  Here's the clip:

     

     

    The script says: "He moves toward it, blowing dust away.  The iron is rusted and decayed, and CRACKS away as he OPENS the case -- 

    -- and inside, he sees something protected from the ravages of time -- A RUBY-ENCRUSTED DAGGER.  It must be worth more than anything he's seen before.  He picks it up, looks at it, and then --"

     

    Here's an image of the dagger from the clip:

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    Jason Denzel posted some commentary on Twitter, outlining the differences between the description in the book, as well as the chapter icon featuring the dagger.

     

     

    We can see some changes in the designs.  This is the Museum Replica, approved by Robert Jordan:

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    And the chapter icon looks very similar:

    EudQIaqXYAUQm8W.png

     

    Jason's arguments for the changed position of the ruby make logical sense.  The thing that gave me chills was the voice of Barney Harris--who plays Mat Cauthon--saying "Alright, let's make a deal."  Who is he talking to?  Mordeth?  If so, he doesn't sound scared.  Also, it seems the dagger isn't in the treasure room as it was in the books, and it wasn't grabbed almost by accident when Mordeth blows up.  Mat taking the dagger here is more calculated and intentional.  And what type of deal is he trying to make?  Is he willing to give up something in exchange for the dagger?  Does he know the dangers that come from it in this turning of the Wheel?

     

    I think I speak for a large portion of the fandom when I say how much Mat grows on the reader.  Hearing his voice makes the television show so much more real to me.  I will die on the hill of worshiping Daniel Henney--I'm a Lan girl, through and through--but Barney Harris is an incredibly close second.

     

    How do you anticipate Mat's taking the dagger will change events of the story?  If he knows the cost of the dagger, would he still take it?  Let us know what you think in the comments below.


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  19. Today, @WoTonPrime—the official Twitter handle for the Amazon Prime’s Wheel of Time television show—shared a short video and snippets of concept art. The short video featured Rafe Judkins, the showrunner for the Wheel of Time show, emphasizing the themes in The Eye of the World: “of balance, of gender, and the emotional journey of these characters.” While Judkins talks, several images of concept art flash behind him. Let’s take a closer look!

     

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    EryqOFLVkAMkiaQ.jpg

     

    EryqV8CUcAILaEa.jpg

    So what can we glean from these images?  Fans are already speculating.  Here's my take.

     

    The first image must be Rand and Mat.  Ginger hair on Rand.  Mat has a quarterstaff.  But which river are they looking at?  Thom's not there, and if Thom is not there it has to be after Whitebridge.  And if we're deviating from the novel entirely, perhaps this could be the place Rand and Mat glimpse the Tower of Ghenjei.

     

    Image number two: Winternight in the Two Rivers.  Rafe Judkins already let us know we will get to see the Bel Tine celebration, so perhaps Rand and Tam don't return to their farm that night.

     

    The third seems a tame version of the Tuatha'an camp.  It fits the description of the wagons, but the colors are all wrong!

     

    My first thought on the fourth image was it featured the Two River's folks on the other side of the Taren River.  I seem to recall they hid in some dense trees that first night.  However, the number count is off.  Lan and Moiraine at the front.  Rand, Mat, Perrin.  Egwene.  One more rider makes Nynaeve a member of this group.  The only time they all rode together--in The Eye of the World, at least--was traveling to and from the Waygates stationed in Caemlyn and Fal Dara.  The forest could be on the Shienar side of the Waygate.

     

    And finally, the one that actually gave me chills: Shadar Logoth.  The dark atmosphere, the looming buildings, the lurking fog.  This is amazing!

     

    Sometimes it seems the new information isn't coming fast enough.  Other times, we see amazing glimpses into the making of this show and the anticipation it stirs inside will last for several days.  The more we see, the more real it becomes. 

     

    Here's the full video:


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  20. This past #WoTWednesday’s episode of The Dusty Wheel, Innkeeper Matt Hatch hosted our very own Jason Denzel. 

     

    Matt, who started the Wheel of Time fansite Theoryland, and Jason have been integral to the Wheel of Time community for the past 22 years.  Their chat on The Dusty Wheel covered all those years of friendship and ups and downs within the community.  The nostalgia is very intense here.

     

    They also go into all the known details about the Amazon Prime Wheel of Time television show.  Jason does stress that we should be thinking of the show as another turning of the Wheel.  This isn’t the same as the book series, there will be differences.  I think this mentality is the best way to approach the whole situation.  There will be changes we need to accept, and in this turning of the Wheel, the characters made different choices. 

     

    This nearly 90-minute talk was riveting the whole way through.  They covered so many topics, from writing advice, to meeting Brandon Sanderson, to filming the Towers of Midnight book trailer.  If you’ve never heard some of these stories, I recommend tuning in!

     

    You can watch the full episode below.

     

     

     

    You can check out other episodes of The Dusty Wheel on their YouTube channel.


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  21. Exciting news dropped this past Wednesday: The official @WoTonPrime social media account released the first audio trailer from the Amazon Prime Wheel of Time television show.  You can watch/listen to the clip below:

     

    audio trailer Oct 2020.mp4

     

    There’s already a plethora of speculation about what scene and characters this can be.  Madeleine Madden (who plays Egwene al’Vere) confirmed on Instagram that the voices do belong to Egwene and Perrin.

     

    But when does the scene take place?  The battle noises in the back suggest Winternight (or during Bel Tine as showrunner Rafe Judkins suggested last month).  We also know in the novels that Egwene and Perrin spend a large chunk of the book together, so it could be their flight from Shadar Logoth or in the Whitecloak campe.  Either way, we'll have to "WAFO" (Watch And Find Out)!

     

    For more information on the Wheel of Time show, visit our TV page or follow the links below. 

     

     

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  22. As is the trend this year, most conventions are going online.  For those of us who don’t have the resources to travel to all these amazing cons, this set up isn’t so bad.

     

    Spoilercon—a convention celebrating the podcasts The Wheel of Time SpoilersMistborn Spoilers, and Broken Earth Spoilers—is hosting an online even next weekend, October 2nd and 3rd.  Registration for this event is free, though pre-registration is required.  You can sign up here.

     

    Some notable guests for Spoilercon include our own Jason DenzelDragonmount’s founder and webmaster—and Thom DeSimone—host of The Wheel of Time Community Show.  Maria Simons from Team Jordan will also be making an appearance.  And a reoccurring event from last year, Michael Kramer and Kate Reading—who perform the audio books for The Wheel of Time and many other sci-fi/fantasy titles—will be doing a reading.

     

    This convention offers a lot across the fandom board!  You can check out the complete schedule here.


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