The definition you provide works for some forms of irony but not for others. Understanding parallels is necessary for some irony. Verbal irony, for instance, relies on the parallels of the literal meaning and the intended meaning. Without one or the other, the irony is lost. Likewise, dramatic irony, usually understood as the audience having knowledge which characters do not, relies on the parallels between character knowledge and audience knowledge to have any kind of effect. I am, of course, simplifying, but I feel the point remains valid.

Further, the Dune books were (as I understand it) very complex texts from a conceptual level, while the WoT books aren’t anywhere near as complicated. And, let’s face it, F. Herbert wrote his six Dune books over the course of 35ish years, while B. Herbert & Anderson have published a Dune book a year since 1999, and that’s with, at most, 3 years prep for the first book and a gap of 13 years between the last F. Herbert and the first B. Herbert book.

Sanderson was hired by Jordan’s wife/editor within months of Jordan’s death, and he was writing shortly after that. Jordan had outlined/plotted the final book before his death, had told the story to close friends and family, and had extensive notes about what was to happen. Whether the book(s) will read the same way or not is unknown, but I think it (they) will be closer to the creator’s vision than the Dune things.

I also have some trepidation, but, based on the article I linked to, I think Sanderson is treating the series with respect. Three parts is annoying, but if he’s telling the truth, and we end up with three solid sized novels, I don’t care so long as he’s not just expanding everything unnecessarily.

I’m skeptical about everything that is to come regarding the Wheel of Time.

After reading a few of the prequels for the Dune series some years ago, I can’t help but feel some trepidation about any work presented upon the passing of a unique author, no matter how copious the notes. Brian Herbert failed to capture the spirit of his father (mind you, with the help of another author), so I can’t see a near stranger to Mr. Jordan fairing much better, even with the help of Harriet.

I guess skeptical isn’t the word that would describe me. Pessimistic is more like it. Now that the Memory of Light has been slotted to be arriving in three parts I’m more likely to abandon the series.

Which means I’ll still finish the damn series. That is, if it ever finishes…

But I’d be more than happy to after the next book comes out.

That sounds like a fun book. I’m actually reading the Dresden books that you recommended way back when.