Andrewsarchus
Several very interesting thoughts posited here. The chapters from the Utod perspective were particulary captivating. However, I found the rest to meander a bit too much for my liking.
A simple setup story, but involving characters I enjoy much more than Lift in Edgedancer.
This book suffers from a lack of momentum for a lot of its length, but the character arcs for Dalinar and Shallan as well as the strong ending make it worthwile.
Overall I really enjoyed the book. I liked that each character had clear progression and multiple setbacks, and I simply liked all the characters. The world is unique, interesting, and feels lived in. I do feel like some of the fat could have been trimmed, but nobody reads epic fantasy for brevity.
Contains spoilers
Some absolutely gripping and thought provoking stories in this. Just the chronicling of time on display here is fascinating. I like how while this novel is very cynical of humanity and its society, there is a undefineable endearment to humanity present throughout, especially through Jenkins. Its almost as if humans became pets for Jenkins the way dogs were our pets.
A very slow first half, followed by a gripping and emotional second half. I imagine the first half will be much improved upon a reread.
I had heard before reading this that it was the best of the series so far. I disagree. Its still good, but I wasn't quite as engaged as I was with The Way of Kings. I still really enjoyed the characters, but I feel as if the plot and pacing were drawn out artificially at some points. Also the "witty" diologue that Sanderson writes for certain argument scenes was a bit cringe. When they move past that and get down to brass tax about themselves as people though, it becomes really great character work.
These opinions are liable to change upon reflection or reread. This is coming fresh off of just finishing it.