Oathbringer

Ok, I really love Sanderson, and tear through his books (including this one) so quickly, but i felt like Oathbringer was just... ok

First, one of the things I absolutely LOVED about Way of Kings/Words of Radiance was how Sanderson effortlessly flipped between perspectives, without losing the overall flow of the story. Oathbringer, on the other hand, switches between incredibly fast-paced, beautiful scenes, and, well, boring ones. And, I understand that a lot of this was necessary for plot-building, but it just felt so disjointed. Characters were well built and gorgeously vivid as usual.

Additionally, another (more personal) comment– I feel like what Sanderson wants me to feel is just in direct opposition to how I actually feel, with regards to plot, characters, etc. I mean this primarily through a perspective of diversity, gender, racism, and imperialism. I know it's fantasy, but to think that fantasy has NO bearing on our perspectives of the real world and the way we engage with politics is, in my opinion, ignorant.

I began to have this shift in perspective in Words of Radiance, and it only got stronger in Oathbringer. For example, the Lighteye vs. darkeye trope? WHY do we continue to sympathize with Lighteyes? I understand the idea that we should not generalize (of course not!), but let's not forget that Lighteyes have oppressed and enslaved darkeyes/Parshendi for centuries? Even worse than Lighteye vs. darkeye drama, ideas of capitalism/racism are so strong in Oathbringer (literally enslaving another race, calling them “savage” “unintelligent” etc.) but... we're on the side of the colonizers? I'm not sure, but that just didn't sit right with me. Lastly (and there are many, many, more things, but this review is getting long) the “Dalinar is the Chosen One” trope. Dalinar is honorable, kind, compassionate, but also the Blackthorn? a murderer of villagers and innocent people? I get that he's grown, of course everyone does. but let's not pretend that Dalinar is some completely changed, amazing, 100% honorable person. and I get that this is a personal opinion, ton of my friends LOVE Dalinar, but, WHY CANT JASNAH BE KING.

I know the above makes it seem like i hated this, but i absolutely did not. I loved it and read it in less than a week. I am excited to read Rhythm of War, but don't think I won't be keeping my eyes out for problematic tropes/arcs!