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A review by nataliestorozhenko
Oathbringer by Brandon Sanderson
5.0
YOU CAN NOT HAVE MY PAIN! So yeah, read this book and get your own!!
Our boy Kaladin was not central to this book, but I was not too sad because I had lots of Dalinar instead. Still, it felt like I was missing a limb for a large portion of the book. Our boy, as always, has the roughest of times and struggles mentally, and it was nice for people to protect him for a change. Yet I wonder how much more he can take.
Another thing that really stood out to me is that this book contains a ton of lore about the Unmade, Heralds, Urithiru, Shadesmar, and what Voidbringers actually mean. We also get a closer look at other Rosharan cities and cultural differences. Even though the circumstances are grim, I still marveled at every little detail of this beautiful world.
There are a lot of complicated themes that are explored throughout the plot. The things revealed to us create conflicts within the characters and you, along with them. The theme of history being used to manipulate nations and justify wiping out and enslaving your enemy as retribution. Even if you were constantly wronged, abused, and enslaved, how far would your vengeance go? This and many other points have been relevant topics to me for the last few years. I am interested in where Sanderson is going with this. I can only assume that he leans toward pacifism here, and I am curious how it will pan out in the end.
I was sometimes mad at this book because we get much more POVs than usual in this one. At times, it was really good, and at times, it was frustrating because I cringed every time I saw Moash's name.
I was concerned about Shallan, and her multiple personalities creep me out a little. Sometimes, it was fun and powerful, but in no way healthy. Yes, she manages this situation somehow towards the end. However, she still speaks to them, and they give their opinion on her decisions. I still wonder if it is normal because she is Lightweaver or if Sanderson deliberately left it this way to deal with this problem in the following books. Another thing, as I'm not too fond of love triangles, it was also super frustrating reading that her personalities prefer different men, specifically Veil fawning over Kaladin. It was still done gracefully, and she did not seem to cross the line, but still, Adolin noticed, and I felt so bad for him. He deserves better.
Nonetheless, her connection with Ghostbloods is even more curious now that I spoilered what questionable character is eager to secure the Oathgates.
And to shorten my endless rumble, let's stick to honorable mentions: Jasna Kholin - a real queen before she was even named one, Wit - the best therapist in the area, Renarin - the boy who finally got his own plot; Adolin lovingly calling Kaladin "poor bridgeboy" to defend him in Shallan's eyes, and of course Bridge Four. But f*ck Moash and I hope there's no redemption arc for him. And Amaram, too. I would gladly forgive Taravangian instead.
Even though this book has its imperfections, it is inconsequential to me. I love the world of Roshar so much that I happily devour interludes that give you a minor glimpse at the life of Rosharans. My attachment to Kaladin and especially Dalinar is incurable, so I would read anything about them. So, no matter what, I absolutely enjoyed this book, and I am having a stormlight hangover when I want to reread the book straight away so that I can stay in this world a little longer. Because the last part was MAJESTIC. But the main question is here. Is "Oathbringer" better than "Words of Radiance"? And my conclusion is the following: No. Although it's a close one up there and better than TWoK, WoR will always have the most special place in my heart. It is just perfect in every way. My rumble is finally over, and I can move further with the next book.
“Sometimes a hypocrite is nothing more than a man in the process of changing.”
“To love the journey is to accept no such end. I have found, through painful experience, that the most important step a person can take is always the next one.”
“Accept the pain, but don't accept that you deserved it.”
“I will take responsibility for what I have done,” Dalinar whispered. “If I must fall, I will rise each time a better man.”
Spoiler
What could be better than a whole book dedicated to Dalinar? This book is superior to this series in terms of the flashbacks for sure. As Dalinar is my most beloved character, I enjoy every piece featuring him. But the other reason is that compared to Kaladin and Shallan's flashbacks, Dalinar's is the most action-packed and impactful emotionally. Also, who wouldn't want to see Adolin as a cute child?Our boy Kaladin was not central to this book, but I was not too sad because I had lots of Dalinar instead. Still, it felt like I was missing a limb for a large portion of the book. Our boy, as always, has the roughest of times and struggles mentally, and it was nice for people to protect him for a change. Yet I wonder how much more he can take.
Another thing that really stood out to me is that this book contains a ton of lore about the Unmade, Heralds, Urithiru, Shadesmar, and what Voidbringers actually mean. We also get a closer look at other Rosharan cities and cultural differences. Even though the circumstances are grim, I still marveled at every little detail of this beautiful world.
There are a lot of complicated themes that are explored throughout the plot. The things revealed to us create conflicts within the characters and you, along with them. The theme of history being used to manipulate nations and justify wiping out and enslaving your enemy as retribution. Even if you were constantly wronged, abused, and enslaved, how far would your vengeance go? This and many other points have been relevant topics to me for the last few years. I am interested in where Sanderson is going with this. I can only assume that he leans toward pacifism here, and I am curious how it will pan out in the end.
I was sometimes mad at this book because we get much more POVs than usual in this one. At times, it was really good, and at times, it was frustrating because I cringed every time I saw Moash's name.
I was concerned about Shallan, and her multiple personalities creep me out a little. Sometimes, it was fun and powerful, but in no way healthy. Yes, she manages this situation somehow towards the end. However, she still speaks to them, and they give their opinion on her decisions. I still wonder if it is normal because she is Lightweaver or if Sanderson deliberately left it this way to deal with this problem in the following books. Another thing, as I'm not too fond of love triangles, it was also super frustrating reading that her personalities prefer different men, specifically Veil fawning over Kaladin. It was still done gracefully, and she did not seem to cross the line, but still, Adolin noticed, and I felt so bad for him. He deserves better.
Nonetheless, her connection with Ghostbloods is even more curious now that I spoilered what questionable character is eager to secure the Oathgates.
And to shorten my endless rumble, let's stick to honorable mentions: Jasna Kholin - a real queen before she was even named one, Wit - the best therapist in the area, Renarin - the boy who finally got his own plot; Adolin lovingly calling Kaladin "poor bridgeboy" to defend him in Shallan's eyes, and of course Bridge Four. But f*ck Moash and I hope there's no redemption arc for him. And Amaram, too. I would gladly forgive Taravangian instead.
Even though this book has its imperfections, it is inconsequential to me. I love the world of Roshar so much that I happily devour interludes that give you a minor glimpse at the life of Rosharans. My attachment to Kaladin and especially Dalinar is incurable, so I would read anything about them. So, no matter what, I absolutely enjoyed this book, and I am having a stormlight hangover when I want to reread the book straight away so that I can stay in this world a little longer. Because the last part was MAJESTIC. But the main question is here. Is "Oathbringer" better than "Words of Radiance"? And my conclusion is the following: No. Although it's a close one up there and better than TWoK, WoR will always have the most special place in my heart. It is just perfect in every way. My rumble is finally over, and I can move further with the next book.
“Sometimes a hypocrite is nothing more than a man in the process of changing.”
“To love the journey is to accept no such end. I have found, through painful experience, that the most important step a person can take is always the next one.”
“Accept the pain, but don't accept that you deserved it.”
“I will take responsibility for what I have done,” Dalinar whispered. “If I must fall, I will rise each time a better man.”