Dawnshard

Dawnshard is a short story or novella based in the Stormlight Archive world and reading it felt like coming back home - I just love this world! The Stormlight Archive series is one of my all-time favourite series of books and this little side quest between books 3 & 4 brings all the things I love, albeit in mini-form, and manages to fill out some side characters from the main series along the way. First, out the gate, I'll say this isn't a standalone story. While it will give you a taste of Sanderson's world, it won't make a whole lot of sense on its own if you haven't read the main series. While I would recommend other Sanderson novellas that could be read on their own merit, this isn't one of them. But if you're already immersed in the series, this is a MUST read! Lopen and Rysn join forces on a seafaring voyage for reasons both personal and on behalf of others looking for answers regarding a mysterious island where myth has it an ancient civilization existed. Let the adventure, humor, and fantastical happenings ensue! Not only do we get a fun story, but also a lot of insight into Lopen, Rysn, and other side characters, which I think will enrich them overall going forward in the series. Besides Sanderson's world-building and the characters that have wormed their way into my heart, the thing I love the most about his writing is the positive outlook he imbues in his characters and throughout the stories he tells and I find it so encouraging and inspiring. Even in this short foray, I found my heart swelling at certain points and found gems to take with me after I finished reading. While I don't think the story completely blew me away, it was a comfort read return to the world I love, and an expansion of many of the pieces we're still learning about it. There are a few surprising reveals that could have HUGE implications to come and this book makes me excited to see where it all leads!