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readandplaydk's review against another edition
- 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
The magic system? *chefs kiss* so unique and refreshing. The pacing was excellent and the story was wonderful. I have a lot of questions, but I suspect that’s because this is only the first of the series. I will definitely be continuing.
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Slavery, Violence, Blood, Murder, and War
Moderate: Body horror, Rape, and Torture
Minor: Mental illness
boydgirl's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Moderate: Gore, Blood, Murder, and Abandonment
Minor: Physical abuse and Sexual assault
derik_rochlitzer's review against another edition
- 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
Moderate: Death, Genocide, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Blood, Police brutality, and Murder
Minor: Death of parent
hectoralvf_'s review against another edition
- 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
4.25
The structure is very simple and clear, but I have some issues with the "Sanderlanche." The beginning of the book is too slow, and the climax could be faster. The "Sanderlanche" of the last 15-20% is something I really enjoy, but it leaves the rest of the novel hanging, with the focus solely on building up the ending without any major moments of tension.
The characters and worldbuilding are outstanding. You empathize a lot with the characters, and the different points of view are very well done. Although I wish I knew more about some characters like Dockson.
The world is very well constructed, both in terms of natural and cultural aspects. The decay of Scadrial is conveyed very well in the narration ("Ash fell from the sky"), and the magic system is very easy to understand without losing depth and establishing limits and costs. "Every action has consequences".
Sanderson's prose is simple and easy to read. This is something that is often criticized, but I don't agree. It makes the stories very accessible and immersive, especially in long novels. In my opinion, writing is fundamentally about delivery, about appropriately conveying a story, and Sanderson excels at this. His straightforward writing style helps the reader focus on the characters and the plot without being distracted by pretentious language. However, my only complaint is that he tends to repeat certain words or expressions too frequently.
As for the theme, I believe the story is about trust, in oneself but above all in others. I don't want to spoil anything, but this is very well represented.
In summary, it's a must-read. Despite some slow moments in the plot, the novel is very accessible, and the characters and world are wonderful.
Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Violence, Murder, and Classism
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Gore, Mental illness, and Blood
Minor: Domestic abuse and Sexual violence
seanml's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Gore, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Police brutality, Grief, Murder, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Moderate: Child abuse, Confinement, Domestic abuse, Genocide, Mental illness, Blood, and War
Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Trafficking, Stalking, Abandonment, and Alcohol
destiny_jay's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.75
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Slavery, Violence, Blood, Death of parent, Murder, War, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Moderate: Child abuse, Child death, Physical abuse, Torture, Grief, and Abandonment
Minor: Rape, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence
izzybell's review against another edition
- 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
4.0
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Genocide, Rape, Sexism, Torture, Violence, Blood, Grief, Murder, and War
kaimetcalfe's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Graphic: Child abuse, Confinement, Rape, Slavery, Violence, Blood, Murder, Abandonment, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Moderate: Sexual violence, Torture, Death of parent, and Alcohol
Minor: Vomit
siglerbooknook's review against another edition
- 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
5.0
Graphic: Body horror, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Physical abuse, Slavery, Medical trauma, Murder, and Abandonment
Moderate: Death, Genocide, Rape, Sexual assault, Torture, Cultural appropriation, Alcohol, and Classism
galaxyelfjess's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Slavery, Violence, and Murder
Moderate: Physical abuse
The skaa are essentially slaves in this book, and violence/murder is explicitly described although it may be considered slightly more tame compared to other fantasy books.