Spoiler-Free Book Review:
The Stormlight Archive: Oathbringer by Brandon Sanderson
Rating: 10 out of 10 stars
Overview
Pros
- Multiple intriguing points of view
- Gripping character backstories
- Different lifeforms than in any other series
- Unique magic system
- Richly developed cultures
- Objects unique to the realm of this book
- So many quotable moments
- So much research put into this
- Illustrations and other worldbuilding snippets between sections of the book
- Quotes that introduce chapters are interesting and relevant
- Phenomenal ending with twists
- The interludes could be books of their own
Cons
- No noticeable cons
Review
This series is without a doubt the best one I have ever read. From character development to worldbuilding, Sanderson knows how to weave a compelling story. Oathbringer is the third book in The Stormlight Archive. With this book, my favorite character has shifted from Kaladin to Shallan.
Psychologically, Shallan is a fascinating character. She makes alternate versions of herself such as Veil and Radiant, until she has trouble figuring out who she really is as a person. Even when she has a better grasp on who “Shallan” is, she wonders if she should discard her original personality in favor of one of the alternatives that is less broken. A big part of Shallan’s character arc is coming to terms with her own brokenness.
I should also say that I never liked the idea of Shallan and Kaladin as a potential couple. I won’t spoil who she ends up with, and I wouldn’t consider whichever choice she made to be a con for the book, but I thought I should mention that. And the reason is that I prefer Shallan and Adolin because they have phenomenal chemistry. Adolin wants Shallan, not her false personas. He is so sincere. I am not big on romance, but they are honestly cute together.
Also, Pattern as chaperone is hilarious.
“What,” Pattern said with a hum, “is a chaperone?”
“That is someone who watches two young people when they are together, to make certain they don’t do anything inappropriate.”
“Inappropriate?” Pattern said. “Such as…dividing by zero?”
The interludes between the sections of the book remain a testament to Sanderson’s solid writing skills. He made me care about characters who may only get a few pages of development here and there, but are nonetheless multifaceted and interesting. Two of my favorites are Rysn and Kaza. Rysn has been crippled from falling from a greatshell’s head and is now keeping ledgers. Kaza is slowly turning to smoke the more she uses her soulcaster. I love them both so much, especially Rysn.
The Windrunners are joined by new members, and I really appreciate the ideals that they must swear to.
Windrunner’s first ideal:
“Life before death. Strength before weakness. Journey before destination.”
Windrunner’s second ideal:
“I will protect those who cannot protect themselves.”
Windrunner’s third ideal:
“I will protect even those I hate, so long as it is right.”
The Windrunners are my favorite out of all the orders of Radiants.
This really was more of Dalinar’s book, just like The Way of Kings focused on Kaladin and Words of Radiance focused on Shallan. We finally learn more about Dalinar’s first wife, which is honestly amazing. Dalinar really has a strong character arc, turning from a warmonger to a peacemaker. It is his tragic and violent past that influences him in this novel, although his softer side is involved as well.
The ending was everything I could have wanted. It did not disappoint, with ample twists and tons of suspense and tension. I was in awe.
In conclusion, you should definitely read this book. Read the first two books first, obviously, but this one was amazing too. This book would be best for lovers of high fantasy.
The Queer Schizophrenic 