Scan barcode
A review by nataliestorozhenko
Rhythm of War by Brandon Sanderson
5.0
Yes, this is the one. This is the best one—the most spectacular.
I am left a little stunned and speechless by this book. If I attempted to explain everything I feel about this colossal book, there wouldn't be enough words. I just want to mention that Sanderson excels in world-building and storytelling here, achieving a perfect balance by delivering numerous epic scenes, addressing heavy and emotional topics, and unveiling significant revelations about the world's science and history. There wasn't a moment when I wanted to skip ahead, as every single word in this book held my attention.
“Journey before destination, you bastard.”
I really appreciated the significant focus on Kaladin in this book, especially compared to the previous one. However, I can't think of any character who has suffered more than him. Just when I thought things couldn't get any worse for him, I was proven wrong. Despite all the suffering, the way he got to his fourth sworn ideal was truly remarkable. As for Moash, I don't see how he could ever be redeemed. Even though I know he's been influenced by Odium, in those rare moments when he is himself, he still chooses to be devoid of feelings and to be free of consequences. Maybe redemption through sacrifice could change my mind, but we'll have to see. Despite the challenges, I loved how Kaladin received so much love and support in this book. From Dalinar who basically ordered a storm to stop the time for him to Wit who sheltered him from nightmares to tell him a story that brought me to hysterical sobs and delivered probably the best line for me in this book.
“This is life, and I will not lie by saying every day will be sunshine. But there will be sunshine again, and that is a very different thing to say. That is truth. I promise you, Kaladin: You will be warm again.”
And my dear sweet Adolin... Finally, he got his own mission and story in this book. This wonderful man, both inside and out, was a beacon of light that both characters and readers needed. He tried so hard to reconcile with those honorspren, but he didn't realize that he had already done everything he could by simply being his usual kind and loving self. His protectiveness over Maya, his support and understanding for Shallan, and his attempts to distract our brooding surgeon - these things may have seemed small at the time, but they made a huge impact when it mattered. I hope Dalinar will see this and appreciate it too.
As for Shallan, I think her POV in this book is the most interesting compared to her POVs in previous books. It was great to finally get some answers and solutions for her troubled past and multiple personalities. My heart went out to Pattern, who was so worried about her. I also loved how Wit cares about her and supports her, even from a distance. Adolin's unwavering support was also touching.
“No one ever accomplished anything by being content with who they were, Shallan,” Adolin said. “We accomplish great things by reaching toward who we could become.” “As long as it’s what you want to become. Not what someone else thinks you should become.”
As I know who Thaidakar is, I am growing really concerned about the morality of this character. I know that he is damaged and ruthless, which fits the series he is from, but I wonder how far he will go to resolve his "issue". Currently, his actions seem to be harmful to Roshar, and I draw the line at my favorite planet and characters in the cosmere. With Shallan at war with the Ghostbloods, I am curious about what is going on in that scheming head of the Lord of Scars.
I NEED TO TALK ABOUT THIS TO SOMEONE.
To be brief, my honorable mentions include Wit, especially his mental health support for my favorite characters and his not-so-subtle relationship with Jasnah (that gloveless kiss... I was blushing), Teft, Lirin and Hesina, the courageous people copying Kaladin's glyphs on their foreheads, Venli and Leshwi, Rlain, Renarin, Dabbid, Lift, and many others who contributed to this story.
I really love the direction this story is taking. I appreciate that different perspectives can shape the truth and that there are no clear rights or wrongs. It's great to have singer characters like Rlain, Venli, and Leshwi to support. Regardless of their origins, both humans and singers belong to Roshar. I'm looking forward to the potential harmony and peace they can achieve together. The changes occurring are evident in various aspects, such as Navani's experiments with mixing tones and lights, spren's willingness to bond with singers once again, Kaladin's questions about mental health treatment, and Jasnah's progressive attitude toward eliminating slavery. Considering how well Sanderson portrayed societal changes in the Mistborn series, I'm really excited to see how Rosharan society will progress.
This reading experience was surreal for sure. There were lots of emotional punches. When I got to the middle of the book, I switched to a very weird state of quietly sobbing through all of the pages and switching to hysterics upon reaching the closure or reading some impactful lines. The invasion of Urithiru and this claustrophobic feeling of being under occupation is a very real fear of mine, which I think is one of the reasons this book resonated with me so much. So far, this is the best one for me in this series. But, to be honest, the whole series is incredible and my most favorite. So the list does not matter. I almost fear that nothing will ever surpass this series. I only pray that time flies quickly and I can finally read the upcoming fifth book, which, no doubt will be an amazing conclusion. 1000000/10.
I am left a little stunned and speechless by this book. If I attempted to explain everything I feel about this colossal book, there wouldn't be enough words. I just want to mention that Sanderson excels in world-building and storytelling here, achieving a perfect balance by delivering numerous epic scenes, addressing heavy and emotional topics, and unveiling significant revelations about the world's science and history. There wasn't a moment when I wanted to skip ahead, as every single word in this book held my attention.
Spoiler
I absolutely loved every single point of view in this book, especially Navani's. I can't express how much I love these characters. This book really highlighted Navani's character, and I enjoyed it. Despite having only seen her in relation to Dalinar in previous books, her character never felt underdeveloped in this book. Like the other main characters, she has her own inner turmoil concerning her self-worth and intelligence due to her previous relationship, grief over her deceased son, being in a precarious position under enemy occupation, and making significant scientific discoveries that could change the tide of the war. Her intellectual sparring with Raboniel, as two opposing forces trying to outsmart each other while respecting each other as scientists, was enlightening to read and will always be a highlight for me in the series. Also, the Sibling... Speechless.“Journey before destination, you bastard.”
I really appreciated the significant focus on Kaladin in this book, especially compared to the previous one. However, I can't think of any character who has suffered more than him. Just when I thought things couldn't get any worse for him, I was proven wrong. Despite all the suffering, the way he got to his fourth sworn ideal was truly remarkable. As for Moash, I don't see how he could ever be redeemed. Even though I know he's been influenced by Odium, in those rare moments when he is himself, he still chooses to be devoid of feelings and to be free of consequences. Maybe redemption through sacrifice could change my mind, but we'll have to see. Despite the challenges, I loved how Kaladin received so much love and support in this book. From Dalinar who basically ordered a storm to stop the time for him to Wit who sheltered him from nightmares to tell him a story that brought me to hysterical sobs and delivered probably the best line for me in this book.
“This is life, and I will not lie by saying every day will be sunshine. But there will be sunshine again, and that is a very different thing to say. That is truth. I promise you, Kaladin: You will be warm again.”
And my dear sweet Adolin... Finally, he got his own mission and story in this book. This wonderful man, both inside and out, was a beacon of light that both characters and readers needed. He tried so hard to reconcile with those honorspren, but he didn't realize that he had already done everything he could by simply being his usual kind and loving self. His protectiveness over Maya, his support and understanding for Shallan, and his attempts to distract our brooding surgeon - these things may have seemed small at the time, but they made a huge impact when it mattered. I hope Dalinar will see this and appreciate it too.
As for Shallan, I think her POV in this book is the most interesting compared to her POVs in previous books. It was great to finally get some answers and solutions for her troubled past and multiple personalities. My heart went out to Pattern, who was so worried about her. I also loved how Wit cares about her and supports her, even from a distance. Adolin's unwavering support was also touching.
“No one ever accomplished anything by being content with who they were, Shallan,” Adolin said. “We accomplish great things by reaching toward who we could become.” “As long as it’s what you want to become. Not what someone else thinks you should become.”
As I know who Thaidakar is, I am growing really concerned about the morality of this character. I know that he is damaged and ruthless, which fits the series he is from, but I wonder how far he will go to resolve his "issue". Currently, his actions seem to be harmful to Roshar, and I draw the line at my favorite planet and characters in the cosmere. With Shallan at war with the Ghostbloods, I am curious about what is going on in that scheming head of the Lord of Scars.
I NEED TO TALK ABOUT THIS TO SOMEONE.
To be brief, my honorable mentions include Wit, especially his mental health support for my favorite characters and his not-so-subtle relationship with Jasnah (that gloveless kiss... I was blushing), Teft, Lirin and Hesina, the courageous people copying Kaladin's glyphs on their foreheads, Venli and Leshwi, Rlain, Renarin, Dabbid, Lift, and many others who contributed to this story.
I really love the direction this story is taking. I appreciate that different perspectives can shape the truth and that there are no clear rights or wrongs. It's great to have singer characters like Rlain, Venli, and Leshwi to support. Regardless of their origins, both humans and singers belong to Roshar. I'm looking forward to the potential harmony and peace they can achieve together. The changes occurring are evident in various aspects, such as Navani's experiments with mixing tones and lights, spren's willingness to bond with singers once again, Kaladin's questions about mental health treatment, and Jasnah's progressive attitude toward eliminating slavery. Considering how well Sanderson portrayed societal changes in the Mistborn series, I'm really excited to see how Rosharan society will progress.
This reading experience was surreal for sure. There were lots of emotional punches. When I got to the middle of the book, I switched to a very weird state of quietly sobbing through all of the pages and switching to hysterics upon reaching the closure or reading some impactful lines. The invasion of Urithiru and this claustrophobic feeling of being under occupation is a very real fear of mine, which I think is one of the reasons this book resonated with me so much. So far, this is the best one for me in this series. But, to be honest, the whole series is incredible and my most favorite. So the list does not matter. I almost fear that nothing will ever surpass this series. I only pray that time flies quickly and I can finally read the upcoming fifth book, which, no doubt will be an amazing conclusion. 1000000/10.