Easily my favorite of the Stormlight Archive books, so far! It's odd, because Lift's PoV is such a HUGE tone shift. You've got all these HEAVY books about Kaladin's depression, and Shallan's trauma, and the fate of the continent resting on their shoulders... And then you get this plucky, energetic, light-hearted story about a pancake thief. It's like switching from High Fantasy to Middle Grade Fantasy! But for me, the shift was welcome. I enjoyed the Cosmere a LOT more in this bite-size book. I honestly wish the entire series was like this, with shorter books that focus on one Radiant's PoV at a time, and let the audience infer for themselves where the overlap happens.

But I don't mean to undersell Lift as the comic-relief, kid sidekick, or anything. The many many layers of what she represents are so inspiring! The voice for the voiceless, the person who listens to and stands up for the marginalized. She's a healer, but she's dynamic! Empathy is a choice - reaching out and listening and lifting other people up is a choice - and healing is an action. Everyday comforts have extraordinary healing powers: Being out in nature, cultivating something, eating a good meal, wearing comfy clothes, talking to new people, exploring new places... And even with all the comfort and knowledge available, we still have doubts, fears and questions... but trust your gut.

I love the freshness and optimism of this book: That a kid with a pancake to share is the first step to healing the refugee crisis. Lift is a kid saint with a mouth, and I cannot wait to see what she and Wyndle do next.