Oathbringer by Brandon Sanderson

Oathbringer by Brandon Sanderson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow. So the depth of this series is amazing. It reminds me of the Wheel of Time as far as scope, but seems to be better contained. Sure, there are subplots happening elsewhere at the end, but the main wrap-up is, well, wrapped up. It is like one conflict ended, and then a new one started. He keeps the characters growing and keeps them at the heart of the story. Even with political or religious intrigue (or hints about the cosmic connections), the characters are center stage.

Things that I'm glad about:
- A resolution [for now] to the Adolin - Shallon - Kaladin love triangle. Is it really the end of that issue? I don't know and I don't care. It is wrapped up enough that I don't feel an ongoing conflict for now, which I think would detract from the conflicts that are continuing on. I generally prefer to wrap up interpersonal conflicts at the end of the book, and let the overall plot conflict carry the series from book to book. Does that make sense?
-More explanation on how soul casting works. This came mostly at the end, some in the epilogue I think, but it is a major part of the book, and not very well explained. As long as there is action and the characters keep growing, I can be patient, but I appreciate the explanation when it comes.
-Queen Jasnah. Yes.

Things that I'm not excited about:
Taravangian's diagram. I'd just like to have a better idea of where it came from. I felt like I'm supposed to know more about it, as if the hints were there, but I missed them. The whole negotiation between Taravangian and Odium at the end confused me. I thought Odium was already behind the diagram? So confused.

Long endings. There was a final battle and then the book went on and on. Don't get me wrong, I really appreciate the wrap up, but it just felt like it took too long. It is like a really exciting party or event, and then a long ride home afterwards. The excitement wears off and you just want to get home and go to bed.

Finally, I can't not say it again: Brandon Sanderson is a genius. He has such an amazing natural talent, and then he adds dedication and effort on top of it, and shares it with us. Thank you, sir.

Edgedancer by Brandon Sanderson

Edgedancer by Brandon Sanderson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was supposed to be a novella, but with over 20 chapters it is a full book.
Lift is a great character, but she overshadows Wyndle, her spren. He is as interesting of a character as Lift. Together they are, at risk of being cliche, a dynamic duo. This story is totally satisfying both in growth of the characters, introduction of new characters, and further development of the overall series.

The only thing I would have liked to see more of was the Stump's other abilities. She can heal, but what is she? I felt like that one piece wasn't wrapped up well. But this is a small criticism for an extension of a series and a world that I love reading about.

Words of Radiance by Brandon Sanderson

Words of Radiance by Brandon Sanderson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was amazing because it balanced both the need for action and movement in the plot. It also provided the extension of ideas needed to build a truly epic series on. According to online sources, this is going to be a 10 book series, so the introduction of characters and extension of plot lines is important. I appreciated how Sanderson wrapped up individual conflicts, although his propensity to bring people back to life is starting to invoke the boy-who-cried-wolf scenario.

I'm looking forward to Oathbringer! And meeting Sanderson in person at the release party!