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Man, this guy ROCKS, and he rocks hard.
Now, I didn't read everything he has ever written. Not even close, actually. So far I had the pleasure to read the entire Mistborn Trilogy, Steelheart and, my favorite so far, Warbreaker.
Sanderson has a very unique style, and his originality with the magic systems is astounding. Further than that, the stories he comes up with are so darn elegant. When I finished reading Steelheart, the latest book by him that I read, I actually had to stop at the big reveal at the end, clap, and say out loud: "You got me, Sir. This is brilliant".
So many authors have a hard time finding an ending to a great story they come up with, but Sanderson has the entire story figured out. Everything makes sense, and the subtlest of details turn out to be clues in retrospect.
Now Warbreaker was my favorite book so far, because of it's fascinating structure -
After finishing the book I read the author's note, where Brandon explains that he was striving to do the opposite book from Mistborn - a book that happens in a lash and beautiful, free kingdom where the priests are not the bad guys. Later, that theme of reversing became a central part of the book. I love this.
Any other Sanderson fans out there? if so, which is you favorite book by him so far?
Way of Kings. Amazing worldbuilding.
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Way of Kings. Amazing worldbuilding.
I'm actually very hesitant about starting Stormlight Archives, since it is planned at a 10 book series. I don't think I'm willing to commit to reading such a long series when only 20% of it are done so far. I don't want to start another open wound like A Song of Ice and Fire...
I can understand that. big commitment. I choose to simply enjoy each book on its own merits, instead.
Game of Thrones, Malazan and Wheel of Time taught me to do that.
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I can understand that. big commitment. I choose to simply enjoy each book on its own merits, instead.
Game of Thrones, Malazan and Wheel of Time taught me to do that.
Well, I mean, it's more than a commitment. At a certain point, the gap between publications can get to be so huge that I find myself losing touch with the story. In SoIaF, for example, I re-read the first 4 books before the 5th was published, and I'll probably have to re-read the first 5 again when the 6th is. Same for the 7th, most likely.
The thought of doing this with a 10 book series gives me a headache.
I do want to ask you, though - the thing that grabbed you in Way of Kings was the worldbuilding? because in his books that I read, while the world building wasn't bad, it was certainly never the best thing about any of them. They tend to happen almost entirely in one city (in Mistborn it's about 70% of the entire trilogy in Luthadel), and the world are usually in service to the characters and the magic systems, not the other way around.
Is that different in Way of Kings?
Warbreaker is my favourite. Also largely because of the amazing banter. :D
So far in The Words of Radiance, technology and magic are interesting worldbuilding parts, and ancient history (tough I'm not sure if it will matter later, or is just filler). Cities and countries aren't that impressive.
Sanderson is a solidly entertaining writer. He is very creative, with a tremendous imagination, but he does seem to focus a little on worldbuilding and magic systems over characterisation, prose and dialogue. The latter aren't bad, they just tend more towards the functional end of the spectrum.
I'm actually very hesitant about starting Stormlight Archives, since it is planned at a 10 book series. I don't think I'm willing to commit to reading such a long series when only 20% of it are done so far. I don't want to start another open wound like A Song of Ice and Fire...
Congratulations, you have fallen for the Sanderson Gambit :) He has tricked you into reading four volumes of what will be a 36-40 volume 'megaseries' comprising numerous sub-series set on multiple planets. So at this point you might as well dive in.
Also, STORMLIGHT is a 10-volume series that has been divided into two five-book arcs. Sanderson's plan is to focus on finishing the first arc off, which will have a natural break point, before writing the MISTBORN II trilogy. The rest of STORMLIGHT will then follow.
Sanderson's one of my favorite authors. Guy really knows how to build a magic system, something I only wish I could do.
Stuff
Hi, Werthead. Fancy, meeting you here after so long at wotmania/RAFO!
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Sanderson is a solidly entertaining writer. He is very creative, with a tremendous imagination, but he does seem to focus a little on worldbuilding and magic systems over characterisation, prose and dialogue. The latter aren't bad, they just tend more towards the functional end of the spectrum.
I'm actually very hesitant about starting Stormlight Archives, since it is planned at a 10 book series. I don't think I'm willing to commit to reading such a long series when only 20% of it are done so far. I don't want to start another open wound like A Song of Ice and Fire...Congratulations, you have fallen for the Sanderson Gambit :) He has tricked you into reading four volumes of what will be a 36-40 volume 'megaseries' comprising numerous sub-series set on multiple planets. So at this point you might as well dive in.
** spoiler omitted **
Also, STORMLIGHT is a 10-volume series that has been divided into two five-book arcs. Sanderson's plan is to focus on finishing the first arc off, which will have a natural break point, before writing the MISTBORN II trilogy. The rest of STORMLIGHT will then follow.
GULP. 36 is a big number.
Well, that's really awesome to know about the shared universe thing, I was unaware of that. Plus, apparently you have an awesome blog I now have to read through ;)
Knowing that Stormlight Archive is only a 5 book series with a potential follow up series eases my mind greatly. Although I know huge, multi year plans tend to change on the fly. I think I'll wait around and see if Sanderson intends to finish this story arch by book #5 when book #4 comes out. Then I'd feel reasonably certain.
Just finished Words of Radiance. :D
For anyone planning on reading it: I recommend reading the online free novel 'Warbreaker' first.