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microbemasher's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Reminded me of how I felt about fantasy as a kid. It's everything I want out or a fantasy novel in terms of worldbuilding, multiple POVs, character driven plot.
It both is and isn't a stereotypical epic fantasy. Sanderson sets up classic tropes I love and expect, but then subverts them in shocking and satisfying ways. Every time I think I know what I'm in for, the rug gets pulled out from under me and I'm hooked trying to find out what will come next.
The first two chapters were also AMAZING. I love when books throw you into the world and expect you to start swimming. Sanderson establishes an amazing mystery right off the bat that pays off fantastically in the course of the series. Book by book we revisit the same scene from different characters POV, and each new book reveals something that totally changed how I understood the larger plot.
The worldbuilding and intriguing plot established in this book had me ready for more! I read all 3 of the first books in quick succession, and the plot they delivered lived up to what was established here.
It both is and isn't a stereotypical epic fantasy. Sanderson sets up classic tropes I love and expect, but then subverts them in shocking and satisfying ways. Every time I think I know what I'm in for, the rug gets pulled out from under me and I'm hooked trying to find out what will come next.
The first two chapters were also AMAZING. I love when books throw you into the world and expect you to start swimming. Sanderson establishes an amazing mystery right off the bat that pays off fantastically in the course of the series. Book by book we revisit the same scene from different characters POV, and each new book reveals something that totally changed how I understood the larger plot.
The worldbuilding and intriguing plot established in this book had me ready for more! I read all 3 of the first books in quick succession, and the plot they delivered lived up to what was established here.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Slavery, Physical abuse, War, Mental illness, Abandonment, Trafficking, and Suicidal thoughts
booked4adventure's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
I loved this book! It did start off slow but I loved that the copy I have included illustrations of the things described as it added to the world building. And just overall the world building of this series is Amazing! Can’t wait to see what the rest of the books have in store!
Content Warnings
Moderate: War
Minor: Slavery
that_person_logan's review against another edition
4.25
Captivating. Great world building. Inspires me to get back into my own worldbuilding.
Wish there was a glossary or something with a names of people and places and how to say them. I think it would make the reading experience easier and more enjoyable for a wider audience.
Wish there was a glossary or something with a names of people and places and how to say them. I think it would make the reading experience easier and more enjoyable for a wider audience.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Suicide attempt, Slavery, Injury/Injury detail, War, Xenophobia, Medical content, Death, Mental illness, Toxic friendship, Classism, Suicidal thoughts, Racism, Colonisation, and Blood
Moderate: Child death
taliejm's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
The book takes alot of timw to build the world and characters for an amazing climax
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Suicide attempt, and War
smiley_ari's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
I cant believe i read 1000 pages and wanted more after it ended…. I don’t get how he did this. I guess I can officially say I’m a fan of high fantasy this was so enjoyable to read
Content Warnings
Graphic: Slavery and War
yrioona's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
Meh. A competently put together genre tome. Very long, fairly cheesy, lots of fantasy racism. Consistently readable, but sometimes just barely. I think I would experience this as ~feeling~ mormon even if I didn't know Brandon Sanderson was mormon. Some of the worldbuilding details really stretch credibility (a currency system based on glass spheres of equal size???). I did appreciate all the critters though.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Slavery, War, and Racism
smmartin22's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: War, Slavery, Gore, and Xenophobia
daniche979's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
This is a pretty amazing book, in a wildly complex world. Like most Sanderson books it can take a minute to get a grasp of what the heck is happening.
There are LOTS of characters which can also get confusing especially with the interludes - which honestly were my least favorite parts. Additionally I didn't care about Kaladin's childhood stuff.
But overall the main and even secondary characters are incredibly diverse and interesting. The focus is less on their growth (there is some here and there) and more on their interpersonal dynamics. And once certain storyline finally overlap - amazing.
The pacing is overall pretty good especially for a book of this size. The action and politics are intriguing and the climax is fantastic and satisfying.
Can't wait for the next one.
There are LOTS of characters which can also get confusing especially with the interludes - which honestly were my least favorite parts. Additionally I didn't care about Kaladin's childhood stuff.
But overall the main and even secondary characters are incredibly diverse and interesting. The focus is less on their growth (there is some here and there) and more on their interpersonal dynamics. And once certain storyline finally overlap - amazing.
The pacing is overall pretty good especially for a book of this size. The action and politics are intriguing and the climax is fantastic and satisfying.
Can't wait for the next one.
Content Warnings
Moderate: War, Death, and Violence
nightrainfallsmoke1's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and War
mathmagicalreader's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Classism, Gore, Injury/Injury detail, Medical trauma, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, and War