Reviews

Warbreaker by Brandon Sanderson

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boxghost94's review against another edition

adventurous emotional mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

This felt like the first third of a really interesting novel that dragged on for five times longer than necessary. My first Brandon Sanderson, and most of the time I was wanting him to SHOW us what was going instead of use absolutely pointless dialogue between super mundane and personality-less characters to barely move the story along. Kudos (i guess?) for attempting to use female main characters, but they were ultimately hollow (if well intentioned). If i had to read one more thing about Blushweaver's incredibly oversexualized personality and her showcasing her breasts i was going to scream. All the "funny" dialogue was like a high school junior who thought they were being clever. Kind of disappointed because I wanted to get into Sanderson's ouevre, now i'm going to have to wait a while to give another one of his stories a chance. Giving it a 3.0 ONLY because the first half of the book held my interest pretty well. Fingers crossed the way of kings is halfway decently edited.

grizzhales's review

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5.0

Wow, just wow.

Brandon Sanderson's "Warbreaker" exceeded all expectations and left me spellbound from start to finish. This masterpiece of storytelling effortlessly earns its place among the pantheon of fantasy greats.

From the very first page, Sanderson's intricate world-building drew me in, painting a vivid picture of the vibrant city of T'Telir, where gods walk among mortals, and every corner hides secrets waiting to be uncovered. The magic system, based on the manipulation of color and breath, is both innovative and fascinating, adding layers of depth to an already rich tapestry.

However, its cast of complex and compelling characters truly sets this apart. From the brave and headstrong Princess Siri to the enigmatic Lightsong the Bold, each character is masterfully crafted with their own desires, fears, and flaws. Watching the characters navigate intricate political conspiracies and personal dilemmas throughout the narrative was a joy as we explored themes of identity, duty, and sacrifice.

The pacing is impeccable, with each chapter ending on a cliffhanger, leaving you eager to devour the next. The writing style and development are elegant, effortlessly transporting you to a world of life and wonder. As the plot twists and turns, building towards a breathtaking conclusion, I found myself unable to put the book down, desperate to uncover the mysteries lurking beneath the surface.

This is more than just a tale of epic adventure; it's a story about love, betrayal, and the choices that define us. It's about the power of hope in the face of darkness and the bonds that tie us together, even across worlds. By the time I reached the final page, I was awestruck by the sheer brilliance of Sanderson's storytelling, longing for more yet utterly satisfied with the journey.

In conclusion, "Warbreaker" is a triumph of fantasy literature that deserves every award it has received and more. Brandon Sanderson has once again proven himself a master storyteller, and I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Prepare to be swept away on an unforgettable adventure unlike any other.

victoriabooksaga's review

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5.0

Warbreaker. The book that gave us Susebron and Lightsong, Vivenna and Siri, Vasher and Nightblood. The book that launched my love for the arranged marriage trope. The book about two brothers divided by memory and godhood but loyal still. That apprentice/master book that subverts expectations while Vivenna learns to forge her own path in life. And the love story that shines through every moment our main couple appears on page.