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lbess 's review for:
Rhythm of War
by Brandon Sanderson
Sanderson continues to do his thing in Rhythm of War (RoW), and this is a good thing. First I'll talk about some of the things I loved, followed by some of the areas I felt were lacking.
Shallan's writing, specifically her dissociative identity disorder, was written much better in this book than in previous books. Before I felt confused as Shallan jumped from personality to personality, but in this book it's much more fluid and clear, and characters react to her in a more natural manner. I give kudos to Sanderson on this, because it gives me a better understanding of how someone with this disorder might be struggling with.
Kaladin of course had a great arc in RoW. I've been a bit spoiled by the complex characters Sanderson writes, as I'm not as satisfied with stories with more black and white morality (We also see this in the Navani/Raboniel relationship, sure they're technically enemies, but Raboniel isn't purely evil). One of my favorite parts was Kaladin finding and helping other people with PTSD/battle shock, thus learning that there's more ways to protect. Finally, Kaladin's Fourth Ideal with the Tien vision was phenomenal.
I greatly enjoyed Venli's perspective; not only is she an interesting character, but it also gave us a firsthand look at the Fused and singer culture.
What we see echoed in The Stormlight Archives is that improvement doesn't happen immediately. Kaladin doesn't suddenly grow out of all his burdens because he says an oath; instead everything is a process. Kaladin cracks then grows some, and is able to say his oath, but the cracks aren't fully gone, and that's okay.
I felt that the Shadesmar arc was done beautifully. The climax with Maya speaking at the trial was stunning. I felt Maya would end up being a witness, but I wasn't expecting that!
The takeover of the Tower was also super well done. I loved reading up the singer strike force sneaking up the mountains and the subsequent hasty defense of the Tower.
What are some areas of the book I felt were lacking? I would've enjoyed some more scenes between Adolin and Shallan, particularly Shallan telling Adolin about here Truths. I'd also enjoy one or two more chapters about the battles in Emul.
Shallan's writing, specifically her dissociative identity disorder, was written much better in this book than in previous books. Before I felt confused as Shallan jumped from personality to personality, but in this book it's much more fluid and clear, and characters react to her in a more natural manner. I give kudos to Sanderson on this, because it gives me a better understanding of how someone with this disorder might be struggling with.
Kaladin of course had a great arc in RoW. I've been a bit spoiled by the complex characters Sanderson writes, as I'm not as satisfied with stories with more black and white morality (We also see this in the Navani/Raboniel relationship, sure they're technically enemies, but Raboniel isn't purely evil). One of my favorite parts was Kaladin finding and helping other people with PTSD/battle shock, thus learning that there's more ways to protect. Finally, Kaladin's Fourth Ideal with the Tien vision was phenomenal.
I greatly enjoyed Venli's perspective; not only is she an interesting character, but it also gave us a firsthand look at the Fused and singer culture.
What we see echoed in The Stormlight Archives is that improvement doesn't happen immediately. Kaladin doesn't suddenly grow out of all his burdens because he says an oath; instead everything is a process. Kaladin cracks then grows some, and is able to say his oath, but the cracks aren't fully gone, and that's okay.
I felt that the Shadesmar arc was done beautifully. The climax with Maya speaking at the trial was stunning. I felt Maya would end up being a witness, but I wasn't expecting that!
The takeover of the Tower was also super well done. I loved reading up the singer strike force sneaking up the mountains and the subsequent hasty defense of the Tower.
What are some areas of the book I felt were lacking? I would've enjoyed some more scenes between Adolin and Shallan, particularly Shallan telling Adolin about here Truths. I'd also enjoy one or two more chapters about the battles in Emul.