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A review by jesselynn
Yumi and the Nightmare Painter by Brandon Sanderson
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This stand-alone high fantasy novel is a monumental achievement from an already established Brandon Sanderson, and is without a doubt one of my favourite books he has ever written! Yumi and The Nightmare Painter, also known as Secret Project #3, is a total triumph in the genre of both fantasy and romance, and I was immensely impressed and hooked from the first few pages. It is a detailed and gorgeously woven story that explores themes of art, the value and necessity of human creation as well as connection and identity. Through his enthralling magic systems, high stakes plot points and such real and believable characters, Sanderson takes us on an escapist adventure that is all at once thrilling, tense and heart-warming.
Sanderson’s impeccable world-building is once again distinctive and astounding in Yumi, with aesthetic inspiration pulled from both historical Korea and modern Japan, which pair well in a tasteful dichotomy. The two environments and magic systems are equally intelligent and riveting, with both perspectives as interesting as each other, so the book is very easy to get through. The plot is everything that I love about Sanderson: detailed, unique and clever, with twists and turns that are thematic and purposeful. This novel is also a romance as well as a fantasy, and the romance adds such a warmth and tenderness to the story which makes it all the more charming and endearing. I loved reading this book and would do anything to be able to read it again for the first time.
Though Yumi and The Nightmare Painter is a stand-alone fantasy novel, I will note that it will be most enjoyed and appreciated if the reader already has a sound understanding of Sanderson’s previous works and his fictional universe the Cosmere. Approaching the novel without any experience of Sanderson’s previous works may leave you unsatisfied or confused! If you have an awareness of the Cosmere, Yumi and The Nightmare Painter is a MUST read for you!
Sanderson’s impeccable world-building is once again distinctive and astounding in Yumi, with aesthetic inspiration pulled from both historical Korea and modern Japan, which pair well in a tasteful dichotomy. The two environments and magic systems are equally intelligent and riveting, with both perspectives as interesting as each other, so the book is very easy to get through. The plot is everything that I love about Sanderson: detailed, unique and clever, with twists and turns that are thematic and purposeful. This novel is also a romance as well as a fantasy, and the romance adds such a warmth and tenderness to the story which makes it all the more charming and endearing. I loved reading this book and would do anything to be able to read it again for the first time.
Though Yumi and The Nightmare Painter is a stand-alone fantasy novel, I will note that it will be most enjoyed and appreciated if the reader already has a sound understanding of Sanderson’s previous works and his fictional universe the Cosmere. Approaching the novel without any experience of Sanderson’s previous works may leave you unsatisfied or confused! If you have an awareness of the Cosmere, Yumi and The Nightmare Painter is a MUST read for you!