Scan barcode
A review by kylecwatkins
Yumi and the Nightmare Painter by Brandon Sanderson
5.0
Extravagantly wonderful–with a devouring pace, ‘Yumi and the Nightmare Painter’ has settled itself as my new favorite book. Without a doubt, this is (as of yet) Sanderson’s best single work, and a wonderful masterpiece of emotion and beauty. On top of all this, it is also an incredibly satisfying experience for readers well-versed in the cosmere; indications of overlap and the understanding of Investiture that crosses from book to book pay off in a resounding understanding for the reader. Really, truly, ‘Yumi' is an incredible read.
I cannot help but wonder at how perfectly timed the release of this book is: while the artistic world is grappling with the advent of AI and mechanical removal of the creative process, ‘Yumi’ experiences the very same. While I, and actors across the country, wonder at how far a studio will go to remove our presence from performance, Yumi paints a forced perspective of a machine encompassing a world, sacrificing every element of the human process. Art is the second largest theme of ‘Yumi and the Nightmare Painter’, but it is indubitably the one that most resonated with me. Regardless, the wonderful witnessing of Yumi (the character) coming to terms with her own independence and choice to claim agency was equally exciting: this book is incredible.
Finally, I have to admit I’m surprised by how well Sanderson has captured romance within this book. Per his own admittings, he doesn't particularly enjoy, or feel exceptionally capable with writing romances in his books. The most sensual scene in any of his work is in ‘Warbreaker’, and for those of us who know it, it’s barely intimate. But as his work over the last few years has progressed, the romance and senses of love has too: and this book is a superb culmination. The overlap of physicality, and the descriptions of emotional intimacy are lovely, and the final plea, tying together every theme of individuality throughout the book, was truly exceptional to read. I knew this book was inspired a little by ‘Your Name’, and so I dreaded the ending: with a slight spoiler warning, I can comfortably say my tears were fully those of joy.
My final thoughts: an incredible superb read, easily the best I’ve seen from Sanderson yet. And for all that, I fear you cannot read this book to its full glory without having read some of his other cosmere works first. Bare minimum, I recommend you finish ‘Rhythm of War’ before starting this book.
I cannot help but wonder at how perfectly timed the release of this book is: while the artistic world is grappling with the advent of AI and mechanical removal of the creative process, ‘Yumi’ experiences the very same. While I, and actors across the country, wonder at how far a studio will go to remove our presence from performance, Yumi paints a forced perspective of a machine encompassing a world, sacrificing every element of the human process. Art is the second largest theme of ‘Yumi and the Nightmare Painter’, but it is indubitably the one that most resonated with me. Regardless, the wonderful witnessing of Yumi (the character) coming to terms with her own independence and choice to claim agency was equally exciting: this book is incredible.
Finally, I have to admit I’m surprised by how well Sanderson has captured romance within this book. Per his own admittings, he doesn't particularly enjoy, or feel exceptionally capable with writing romances in his books. The most sensual scene in any of his work is in ‘Warbreaker’, and for those of us who know it, it’s barely intimate. But as his work over the last few years has progressed, the romance and senses of love has too: and this book is a superb culmination. The overlap of physicality, and the descriptions of emotional intimacy are lovely, and the final plea, tying together every theme of individuality throughout the book, was truly exceptional to read. I knew this book was inspired a little by ‘Your Name’, and so I dreaded the ending: with a slight spoiler warning, I can comfortably say my tears were fully those of joy.
My final thoughts: an incredible superb read, easily the best I’ve seen from Sanderson yet. And for all that, I fear you cannot read this book to its full glory without having read some of his other cosmere works first. Bare minimum, I recommend you finish ‘Rhythm of War’ before starting this book.