Grant

The continuation of themes and character growth from book one of this series is incredible. Shallan really shines in this book and the growth kaladin experienced as well was remarkable, realistic and riveting to witness. You truly develop such strong bonds with all these characters since they are so deep and complex. Incredible work

This book was absolutely fantastic. A masterclass in world building and creating complex characters. The themes they grapple with and discussions they have are very intriguing and thought provoking. I particularly enjoyed kaladin and dalinars journeys/thoughts/reflections on the nature of war, battle, “otherness” and a number of other topics. Could not recommend this book highly enough

Book 4 of the stormlight series. It was definitely solid, but my least favorite of the bunch so far. Part 1/2 of this book felt like just a do-over of the first book with shallan collapsing again mentally and then going on another healing journey which i found to be rather repetitive especially given how much progress she had made in the previous books. I get thats kinda the point that healing isnt always a linear journey but still fell a little flat for me. That might be due to the pace of the first third of the book which was rather slow and a lot of nothing happened. Once they set out for the shadesmar journey though things got interesting. I thoroughly enjoyed Adolin and Mayas revelations throughout the trial by the honorspren and we continue to learn more and more fascinating things about this world and its history. Venli also had a very compelling journey of her own as did Rlain. I LOVE the fact that Rlain turns down an offered honorspren since that only serves to reiterate the way he is viewed by the world (pitied/outcasted/etc) and he fully deserves what he ends up getting in the end. Speaking of which my boy Brandon sticks to his guns and man does he know how to write an ending!! Kaladin doing kaladin things but finally learning how to accept the grief of friends who have died was so amazing. Taravangian stealing odiums power and then taking Wits memories so he doesnt realize what happened to rayse sets up an incredible mystery that i cant wait to see picked apart in the bext book. Im also glad they didnt force kaladin into the champion role as i think that would have been a bit of a cop out. Very curious to see the resukts of this contract and how a much smarter taravangian will wriggle his way out of it. My guess is that the nightwatcher will end up spilling the beans on what happened to him as he goes out of control with the power he suddenly now holds but we shall see. cannot wait to start the fifth and final one of this part!!

Incredible world building and exploration of really complex and interesting science. Thoroughly enjoyed all of that across the whole series. I think his character development/depth could certainly be improved, especially in regards to his female characters.

Absolutely brilliant.