Steelheart by Brandon Sanderson

Steelheart by Brandon Sanderson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I read (listened, really) to this one against my will. I was driving and Heather turned it on despite my protests, which were based on two facts: (1) I was already knee-deep in several books and fighting to get them done during the busy holidays and (2) I made a rule for myself about not starting series that weren’t complete. I don’t want to have to fight the lines to buy or borrow the new book, and there are so many great series out there that are already completed, it just doesn’t make sense to me.

So I lost the battle, and was forced to listen to another intriguing, well-written, action-filled book by Brandon Sanderson. Dang him. Ain’t nobody got time for this. The early development of David’s character bothered me a bit (he really made that many observations and did that much research as a kid/teenager, and no one else had?), but you’ve got to love any awkward regular guy who goes up against all-powerful beings and makes a fight out of it. As usual, I love Sanderson’s “magic” system. Totally unique from other books, but detailed. As usual, the plot twists were exquisitely executed, and when you look back, all of the signs/hints were there. As usual, it is an underground team of rule-breakers going up against and all powerful political figure (Mistborn)... ok, so that is the one flaw. If you think about that, there are too many parallels there, but I’m willing to overlook that as long as he keeps doing it so well…

So, I’m afraid that Sanderson is becoming my new favorite author, pushing Garth Nix back to the ex-favorite author lounge with Robert Jordan, David Eddings, Terry Brooks, Beverly Cleary, Lloyd Alexander, and others. (Yeah, Robert Kiyosaki and David Ramsey sit by themselves in the corner and argue financial philosophies. Nonfiction guys. Seriously.)

Anyway, this was a great book. You should read it. Review done.

The Anatomy of Peace: Resolving the Heart of Conflict by The Arbinger Institute

The Anatomy of Peace: Resolving the Heart of Conflict by The Arbinger Institute
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As you see from my reviews of Leadership and Self Deception (here and here), I love that book. Anatomy of Peace is its sequel, and after reading both, I think they are out of order. Not only are they chronologically out of order--Anatomy is more of a prequel--but the introduction of the core concepts is better executed in Anatomy. The examples are more generally applicable, being focused on family rather than business relationships. The idea of treating everyone we meet as individuals whose ideas and desires are as valid as our own is such a powerful message. Learning to invite others to see us in that same light is equally valuable.

So this is a 5-star, must-read in my mind. I hope you get the same value from it that I did.

Lord of Chaos by Robert Jordan

Lord of Chaos by Robert Jordan

My review from 2010.

My latest thoughts:

The last 10 chapters or so of this book saved it. There is so much time spent maneuvering and preparing for action, that it feels starved for action, but at the end of the book things really pick up. Don't get me wrong, I'm still enjoyed this story, and I can appreciate a lot of the build up as necessary stepping stones to where Jordan is taking us, but this is what makes the series challenging for many. If you are looking for a direct plot line to the end, this is not the series for you. Even the action that does take place is largely meant to shape and build the characters. What Rand goes through at the end of this book has to shape his actions going forward. The same goes for Egwene.

I don't like the conflict between Perrin and Faile. It may just be that I don't like marital discord, or maybe I just can't believe that two people could be so stubborn, or less communicative. I don't know, but I find it annoying. I think part of what bugs me is that it is totally disconnected from the larger conflict. It isn't going to affect the dark vs light struggle, and it is annoying, so why include it? You may argue that it humanizes Perrin and gives him an opportunity for growth as a character in his own right, but other conflicts could have done the same thing. As I think about this, I compare Perrin to Mat and his conflict with the Aes Sedai, which also bugs me. I think they bother me for the same reason. They feel like distractions, where personal conflicts more tied into the main conflict could have still provided some of the same opportunities to growth.

Then again, I'm not in the emotional love story crowd. There are probably some fans who are eating up the inter-marital drama.

I'm still enjoying this journey more than I thought I would. Maybe it is because I am older, or more patient? On to book seven!