A review by viv_pcu
The Well of Ascension by Brandon Sanderson

adventurous medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

The author takes worldbuilding to the next level with more interaction with monsters, the mist, magic, and mythology. There’s a complex layering of conflicts which I really enjoyed, within characters, between friends, multiple enemies, and even the supernatural. Characters fail, multiple times, without redemption. This book explores the challenges of holding a kingdom together after dethroning an empire. What is right vs. wrong if your enemies continue to outplay you? Are morally gray actions justified in the name of a greater good? What is the purpose of religion?

The only hit I have is although I like the characters fine, I don’t love them.
I don’t think enough of them died oops.
Vin still doesn’t have a female friend. There is less of the tight crew in this book vs. the last, which is expected I guess given all the trauma.

Writing tips for me: conflict layering, and allowing characters to continue to fail, with consequences, constant foreshadowing pays off 
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