A review by sclark99
Oathbringer by Brandon Sanderson

A really great thing about this series (and this book in particular) is how it doesn't shy away from portraying protagonists as real and profoundly flawed people. Dalinar's past, which was obscured but vaguely references in the previous books, is exposed with a cold light that doesn't try to make excuses for him while simultaneously letting you see a man who is growing into something better. It does a really great job of it. In the final sequence, the difference between two men with such similar backstories, Amaram and Dalinar, is starkly evident as the former absolves himself of all responsibility and the latter owns his mistakes. The cowardice of ignorance and the bravery of facing yourself. Amaram attempts to take responsibility for the virtues of Kaladin (his iron will and drive) while refusing to take responsibility for his own sins. I also really appreciate the fact that Sanderson is never cheap about the romances in his books. Obviously I haven't read the 4th and who knows what will happen, but not putting Shallan and Kaladin together is important to me. I'm not sure how I feel about some of the themes that are not-so-subtle allegory for American colonization coming from a white guy, but I've just come off reading some really phenomal stuff from Native American authors on the subject so my standards on it are pretty high at the moment. I don't think he handles it in any way indelicately, and without knowing where he's going with some of it, it's difficult to pass an actual judgement. I just hope he doesn't mess it up as the series continues. It's an extremely ambitious goal, but if there's one thing Sanderson can do, it's weaving complex themes together with lofty plotlines.