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theravenkingx's Reviews (336)
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The OA from Netflix but more fantastical.
There are at least two ways to interpret this book: you can either take it at face value or read between the lines and draw your own conclusions about what happened to our main character, Piranesi.
It’s a short book with simple writing that you can finish within a day or two. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys mind-bending narratives like Shutter Island or The OA.
I found this book to be an advocate for mental health. However, I have seen people drawing different conclusions from it, and that’s the beauty of this book. It can mean different things to different people. The writing is absolutely beautiful and dreamlike. The world is crafted in a way that leaves you in awe of its beauty and charm.
This is one of those books that will positively impact you and will stay with you for a long time. You’ll want to reread it as soon as you finish it, mainly to confirm your theories.
Spoilers Ahead
Theory 1:
I believe that Piranesi, also known as Mathew, was kidnapped and subjected to experiments. He was kept near the sea, which explains the presence of tides. The experiments focused on memories and consciousness, ultimately breaking his mind. As a result, he developed Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), with Piranesi emerging as a secondary personality. Several pieces of evidence support this theory, such as Piranesi treating Mathew as a different person living inside him.
In my opinion, the other world wasn't real. To cope with the trauma and isolation, Piranesi’s mind created the vast, labyrinthine House as a form of mental escape. The intricate halls and endless rooms symbolize his attempt to make sense of his confinement and maintain a sense of purpose. The statues might represent all the suppressed memories of Mathew from the real world.
Even the name "Piranesi" is inspired by Giovanni Battista Piranesi, the 18th-century Italian artist who created the famous series of etchings known as “Carceri d’Invenzione” (Imaginary Prisons). These imaginary prisons resemble a labyrinth, mirroring the author’s depiction of the other world. I think it's a hint that Piranesi was actually imprisoned.
The book also explores the theme of knowledge as a means to an end. This knowledge is dangerous, similar to how, during the 1960s, lobotomy became common to treat mental health issues, and a cult of neuroscience was using real human beings for experimentation. Additionally, the book discusses how we are losing our connection with the natural world in the name of progress and consumerism.
Piranesi was saved by Raphael, who brought him back to the real world and broke the illusion his mind had created to protect himself.
However, Piranesi’s comments about Raphael visiting the other world for its tranquility made me question my theory. He warns Raphael about the dangers of visiting the other world and mentions that they can’t keep saving each other. This could imply that the other world is real, and I am wrong. But I think the author might be suggesting that Raphael was finding solace in isolation. She wasn't visiting the other world; she was just spending time alone. Taking a break and spending time with yourself can be beneficial, but it can become addictive. It’s important to have an anchor, usually loved ones, to pull you back, which is what Piranesi and Raphael had become for each other.
Theory 2:
My other theory is that the experiment was related to switching consciousness. Piranesi is a consciousness of a different person inside Mathew, but the fragment of Mathew’s consciousness didn’t die completely in the experiment. In the end, a third consciousness came to the front. We don’t know how many attempts were made, so it is possible that Mathew now possesses more than two consciousnesses inside him.
There are at least two ways to interpret this book: you can either take it at face value or read between the lines and draw your own conclusions about what happened to our main character, Piranesi.
It’s a short book with simple writing that you can finish within a day or two. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys mind-bending narratives like Shutter Island or The OA.
I found this book to be an advocate for mental health. However, I have seen people drawing different conclusions from it, and that’s the beauty of this book. It can mean different things to different people. The writing is absolutely beautiful and dreamlike. The world is crafted in a way that leaves you in awe of its beauty and charm.
This is one of those books that will positively impact you and will stay with you for a long time. You’ll want to reread it as soon as you finish it, mainly to confirm your theories.
Spoilers Ahead
Theory 1:
I believe that Piranesi, also known as Mathew, was kidnapped and subjected to experiments. He was kept near the sea, which explains the presence of tides. The experiments focused on memories and consciousness, ultimately breaking his mind. As a result, he developed Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), with Piranesi emerging as a secondary personality. Several pieces of evidence support this theory, such as Piranesi treating Mathew as a different person living inside him.
In my opinion, the other world wasn't real. To cope with the trauma and isolation, Piranesi’s mind created the vast, labyrinthine House as a form of mental escape. The intricate halls and endless rooms symbolize his attempt to make sense of his confinement and maintain a sense of purpose. The statues might represent all the suppressed memories of Mathew from the real world.
Even the name "Piranesi" is inspired by Giovanni Battista Piranesi, the 18th-century Italian artist who created the famous series of etchings known as “Carceri d’Invenzione” (Imaginary Prisons). These imaginary prisons resemble a labyrinth, mirroring the author’s depiction of the other world. I think it's a hint that Piranesi was actually imprisoned.
The book also explores the theme of knowledge as a means to an end. This knowledge is dangerous, similar to how, during the 1960s, lobotomy became common to treat mental health issues, and a cult of neuroscience was using real human beings for experimentation. Additionally, the book discusses how we are losing our connection with the natural world in the name of progress and consumerism.
Piranesi was saved by Raphael, who brought him back to the real world and broke the illusion his mind had created to protect himself.
However, Piranesi’s comments about Raphael visiting the other world for its tranquility made me question my theory. He warns Raphael about the dangers of visiting the other world and mentions that they can’t keep saving each other. This could imply that the other world is real, and I am wrong. But I think the author might be suggesting that Raphael was finding solace in isolation. She wasn't visiting the other world; she was just spending time alone. Taking a break and spending time with yourself can be beneficial, but it can become addictive. It’s important to have an anchor, usually loved ones, to pull you back, which is what Piranesi and Raphael had become for each other.
Theory 2:
My other theory is that the experiment was related to switching consciousness. Piranesi is a consciousness of a different person inside Mathew, but the fragment of Mathew’s consciousness didn’t die completely in the experiment. In the end, a third consciousness came to the front. We don’t know how many attempts were made, so it is possible that Mathew now possesses more than two consciousnesses inside him.
emotional
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
The clan is my blood and pillar is it's master
I'm not crying, you're crying! 😢 Fonda Lee, why did you have to stomp on my heart like that?
The Greenbone Saga is an epic tale of familial bonds, clan wars, and intricate politics. This series features the most elaborate and realistic political landscape I have ever encountered in a fantasy novel with an exceptional world building, and a deeply moving story.
Jade Legacy spans over two decades, delving deeper into the lives of the Kauls and the politics of Janloon. The writing is so immersive that you feel as if you are witnessing the growth of these characters, their heartbreaks, and their joys in real time. You laugh with them, cry with them, and grow to love them. As you see them evolve, you understand the decisions they make, even those they wouldn't have considered in the first book. Their shifting loyalties and changing perceptions all make sense, even when they make unexpected choices. The character work in this series is phe-no-me-nal!!!!
Over these two decades, we not only witness the characters’ development but also the shift in political dynamics and the public’s perception of Jade. I believe this is exactly how things would unfold if Jade were real and confined to a single small island.
The Kauls are forced to constantly adapt to the ever-changing political dynamics of the world. Their strategies evolve, alliances shift, and new threats emerge, challenging their dominance at every turn.
I appreciated how they took realistic approaches, such as investing in marketing and movies to destigmatize Jade. And most importantly it didn't happen over night. It took them decades to achieve their goal. Anden's struggle to legalize Jade for medical use was also a very compelling plot point, and added depth to the story, showing the complexities of changing societal norms.
The Mountain clan, under the cunning leadership of Ayt Mada, always seems to be one step ahead. She is one of my favorite villains of all time. You can hate her but you can't deny her brilliance and resilience.
Bero is like a cockroach; his survival instincts are impressive as ever, lol. I found his arc’s conclusion unsatisfying. However, I understand why Fonda Lee chose that direction.
Ayt Madashi, on the other hand, is a villain I’ve come to respect. She’s a one-woman army who constantly keeps the Kauls on their toes.
It's fascinating to see Kauls responding to the relentless pressure from the Mountain clan. They navigate a complex web of loyalties and betrayals, each decision a potential turning point.
This saga is more than just a story of power and politics; it's a profound exploration of the human spirit and familial bonds, and the lengths to which people will go to protect what they hold dear.
The book also explores the concept of generational trauma, showing the younger generation's struggle to break free. This becomes a point of contention between families, highlighting their struggles as they juggle family and ambition. The younger Kauls, in particular, face the challenge of honoring their legacy while trying to carve out their own paths, adding another layer of depth to the story.
This is one of the best books I have read this year.
Plot: 5 stars ★★★★★
Characters: 5 stars ★★★★★
World-building: 5 stars ★★★★★
Reread value: ★★★★★
The only thing that is spinning is my head, and it's definitely not silver.
I I had high hopes for this book, recommended by one of my most trustworthy Booktubers, but unfortunately, it didn't work out for me.
It might be controversial, but I disliked Naomi Novik's writing style. The characters felt one-dimensional. The narrative switches between four different POVs without any warning, sometimes even within the same chapter, which was disorienting and confusing. Each character's voice sounded the same, making it difficult to navigate the story. I often found myself reading a paragraph or two before realizing whose perspective I was following.
The concept was intriguing, but the execution fell short. The world-building felt inconsistent, with new elements conveniently appearing to aid the protagonists. For instance, the main girl suddenly being able to spin silver into gold and another main girl teleporting from one place to another. We never learn how this magic works, where it comes from, why the silver from the Staryk world is different, where the fire monster comes from, why it wants to feed on people, or why they can't break their oaths. It would have been so much better if the author had established some rules to the madness instead of brewing solutions out of nowhere.
There were many interesting concepts, but none were properly developed or explored. While I understand the need for some suspension of disbelief in fantasy, leaving so much to the reader's imagination, especially in a book over 400 pages long, is problematic to say the least. The book lacked any complexity and depth. The author repeatedly mentioned that the main character is Jewish but never explored why it matters. Was it racism? Xenophobia? We never witnessed any of that, just Jewish stereotypes like the main character having a big nose.
In conclusion, while the book had potential with its intriguing concept, it fell short in execution. The lack of character development, confusing narrative structure, and underdeveloped world-building made it a frustrating read. I wish the author had delved deeper into the characters and the magical elements to create a more immersive and coherent story.
Plot: ★★☆
Characters ★★☆
World building ★★
Reread value ★★☆
I I had high hopes for this book, recommended by one of my most trustworthy Booktubers, but unfortunately, it didn't work out for me.
It might be controversial, but I disliked Naomi Novik's writing style. The characters felt one-dimensional. The narrative switches between four different POVs without any warning, sometimes even within the same chapter, which was disorienting and confusing. Each character's voice sounded the same, making it difficult to navigate the story. I often found myself reading a paragraph or two before realizing whose perspective I was following.
The concept was intriguing, but the execution fell short. The world-building felt inconsistent, with new elements conveniently appearing to aid the protagonists. For instance, the main girl suddenly being able to spin silver into gold and another main girl teleporting from one place to another. We never learn how this magic works, where it comes from, why the silver from the Staryk world is different, where the fire monster comes from, why it wants to feed on people, or why they can't break their oaths. It would have been so much better if the author had established some rules to the madness instead of brewing solutions out of nowhere.
There were many interesting concepts, but none were properly developed or explored. While I understand the need for some suspension of disbelief in fantasy, leaving so much to the reader's imagination, especially in a book over 400 pages long, is problematic to say the least. The book lacked any complexity and depth. The author repeatedly mentioned that the main character is Jewish but never explored why it matters. Was it racism? Xenophobia? We never witnessed any of that, just Jewish stereotypes like the main character having a big nose.
In conclusion, while the book had potential with its intriguing concept, it fell short in execution. The lack of character development, confusing narrative structure, and underdeveloped world-building made it a frustrating read. I wish the author had delved deeper into the characters and the magical elements to create a more immersive and coherent story.
Plot: ★★☆
Characters ★★☆
World building ★★
Reread value ★★☆
dark
emotional
tense
slow-paced
From the window, to the walls. Enemies all on these stones 😅
Jade War starts 16 months after the tragic events of the first book. Kekon is in an even worse state than before. We are immediately thrown into a chaotic political landscape where Kekon must defend itself not only from internal threats but also from external forces eager to exploit the jade trade.
The siblings are trying to outmaneuver the Mountain clan, while the Mountain clan's pillar, Ayt, is playing a longer game that involves opening their gates and expanding their trade to the rest of the world.
Fonda Lee has done an outstanding job of expanding an already intricate and complicated world. This book features the most realistic and elaborate political machinations I have read in any book. Kekon faces not only internal issues like clan wars, smuggling, and unregulated drug sales, but also external threats, xenophobia, refugee issues, and more. The complexities and depth of this book will leave you enthralled.
Unlike many authors, Fonda Lee isn’t afraid to kill off her characters, which keeps one anxious and deeply invested in the fate of their favorite characters. This unpredictability adds a layer of tension and realism to the story, in my opinion.
As much as I love this book, I can't ignore some issues that I noticed more in this book than in the first one. First of all, the war promised by the title remains in the background and never becomes an actual threat to our main characters. There are some parts that feel dragged out and others that could benefit from more in-depth exploration.
Another major issue is the constant time jumps. This book spans over several years. One moment you're reading along, and the next, Hilo has a daughter out of nowhere, like a surprise plot twist at a family reunion. Most of the significant events are mentioned briefly after the fact. We don't get to see the characters experiencing these major events; we just learn about them in short paragraphs.
For example: "Boss Kromner is awaiting trial and may spend decades in prison."
The boss in question was becoming a big threat, but then after a time jump, he was in prison. We don't get to witness the events leading up to his imprisonment.
This issue is persistent thoughout the book. It annoyed me because there were parts that could have been edited out to make way for more detailed character development and plot progression.
Sometimes, conversations between characters get sidetracked by lengthy and unnecessary backstories, which can disrupt the flow and dilute the impact of the dialogue.
Despite these issues, Fonda Lee’s skillful storytelling and the depth of the socio-political themes make Jade War a captivating read. The narrative is refreshing and unlike anything I have ever read. It's has just the right amount of politics, family drama, and action. A must read. This series will do great as a movie or TV adaptation.
Plot: ★★★★
Characters: ★★★★★
World building: ★★★★
Reread value: ★★★★
Jade War starts 16 months after the tragic events of the first book. Kekon is in an even worse state than before. We are immediately thrown into a chaotic political landscape where Kekon must defend itself not only from internal threats but also from external forces eager to exploit the jade trade.
The siblings are trying to outmaneuver the Mountain clan, while the Mountain clan's pillar, Ayt, is playing a longer game that involves opening their gates and expanding their trade to the rest of the world.
Fonda Lee has done an outstanding job of expanding an already intricate and complicated world. This book features the most realistic and elaborate political machinations I have read in any book. Kekon faces not only internal issues like clan wars, smuggling, and unregulated drug sales, but also external threats, xenophobia, refugee issues, and more. The complexities and depth of this book will leave you enthralled.
Unlike many authors, Fonda Lee isn’t afraid to kill off her characters, which keeps one anxious and deeply invested in the fate of their favorite characters. This unpredictability adds a layer of tension and realism to the story, in my opinion.
As much as I love this book, I can't ignore some issues that I noticed more in this book than in the first one. First of all, the war promised by the title remains in the background and never becomes an actual threat to our main characters. There are some parts that feel dragged out and others that could benefit from more in-depth exploration.
Another major issue is the constant time jumps. This book spans over several years. One moment you're reading along, and the next, Hilo has a daughter out of nowhere, like a surprise plot twist at a family reunion. Most of the significant events are mentioned briefly after the fact. We don't get to see the characters experiencing these major events; we just learn about them in short paragraphs.
For example: "Boss Kromner is awaiting trial and may spend decades in prison."
The boss in question was becoming a big threat, but then after a time jump, he was in prison. We don't get to witness the events leading up to his imprisonment.
This issue is persistent thoughout the book. It annoyed me because there were parts that could have been edited out to make way for more detailed character development and plot progression.
Sometimes, conversations between characters get sidetracked by lengthy and unnecessary backstories, which can disrupt the flow and dilute the impact of the dialogue.
Despite these issues, Fonda Lee’s skillful storytelling and the depth of the socio-political themes make Jade War a captivating read. The narrative is refreshing and unlike anything I have ever read. It's has just the right amount of politics, family drama, and action. A must read. This series will do great as a movie or TV adaptation.
Plot: ★★★★
Characters: ★★★★★
World building: ★★★★
Reread value: ★★★★
adventurous
fast-paced
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
This book features the best ending Brandon Sanderson has ever written. I took the most time reading the last 50 pages because every page had me gasping and staring at the wall in shock. To fully grasp the depth of what’s happening, it’s absolutely necessary to read all the preceding Cosmere books, especially Mistborn, Elantris, and Warbreaker.
I enjoyed this book more than Oathbringer, but the issues I had with Oathbringer still persist in this installment of the series.
The major issue with this entire series is the pacing, in my opinion. While I absolutely love the world and characters, they start to lose their endearment in the repetitions and slow movement of their arcs. None of the books in the series needed to be 1,000 pages long. Better editing would have streamlined the plot and potentially made it my all-time favorite series.
This is Venli's and Eshonai's book, and their character development is done well. However, I still didn't care much about the two. The characters that truly stood out to me were Leshwi and Raboniel. Their journeys and personalities were more complex and captivating to read than any other villains in the book. They were perfectly written morally gray characters. For the first time, we saw the struggles of the Fused, their motivations, and their determination regarding the war with humans. Raboniel's cunning and depth, along with Leshwi's honor and resilience, added layers to the story that were both refreshing and engaging.
Navani was at the forefront of this book. I did enjoy her perspective, but it also had me rolling my eyes at times. Navani is a scholar and his arc focus heavily on science. I was fascinated at first, but then it became too convoluted and confusing to follow. I lost interest and started skimming the pages.
Kaladin and Shallan didn't get much development. I was exhausted reading about their mental health issues. I appreciate Brandon Sanderson for focusing on the mental health of his main characters and how respectfully he deals with these issues, but these characters need to be more than their mental health struggles. It's time for these two to get some development and a new story arc, with fresh motivations driving them. From how their story arcs ended, it seems we are heading in the right direction. We will be seeing more stable and poised versions of them.
Despite aforementioned minor issues, I was enthralled by the book. I think it's a perfect book for nerds because of its heavy focus on science and engineering. But if you are like me who doesn't care much about the technicalities, you will still love it as it has plenty of intrigue, action, politics, and mystery involved. This book has the most links to the cosmere. Brandon has expanded this world craftfully, and we finally get to witness his hard work coming together in this book. If I wasn't clear enough before, you must really get caught up with his other books before reading Rhythm of War.
With this book he story has become more complicated because there is no good side. Both the Fused and humans are equally complex and carry their own baggage.
Taravangian is a snake that both repulses and intrigues me. The turn his story arc has taken in this book makes me curious and excited for the next one. I am very interested to know what cunning plan is brewing in his head. I also want to see more of Renarin to learn the full extent of his power.
SSpoiler Alert
I found several aspects that felt too convenient, which diminished the tension and stakes. For instance, the Fused, despite their formidable presence, didn't end up killing any major characters or anyone really. This made the threat they posed feel less impactful. Similarly, Venli's continuous deceit without significant repercussions from the Fused seemed unrealistic, reducing the sense of danger and urgency.
Leshwi's decision to help the humans towards the end also felt abrupt and unearned. It would have been more compelling if there had been a gradual build-up to her change of heart, making her actions more believable and impactful. We knew she was against the war but there was nothing that suggest that she was ready to betray her own people .
Throughout the story, I rarely felt genuinely worried about the characters' fates. There was a sense of predictability that they would come out unscathed, which lowered the stakes and my emotional investment in their journeys. I wish the narrative had taken more risks, putting the characters in situations where their survival wasn't guaranteed. Teft’s death hit me as hard as a feather pillow since we barely got to know him well enough for the impact to land.
Additionally, I was disappointed with Navani bonding with the Sibling. I had hoped that Rlain would be chosen instead, as it would have provided a more satisfying and unexpected twist. Navani's bond felt somewhat forced and less impactful compared to what Rlain's bond could have brought to the story.
However, One of my favorite scenes from the entire series involves Navani. It is the scene where she stabs Raboniel as an act of kindness. It's such a powerful scene and it made me feel things.
I'd like to clarify that my rating is based on how much I enjoyed it. Despite my rant, I did have a positive experience. Hence, the 4-star rating.
Speculations
I speculated that the orb in the box given to Shallan by Mraize was a Seon, and this was confirmed in the book. It turns out Mraize is someone from Elantris.
I believe the 10th world that Brandon is so secretive about is the one where Wit, also known as Cephandrius, could have become a god but chose a different path. I suspect he is hunting for the shards to reform them, aiming either to become the Almighty or to bring back Adonalsium.
Kelsier is Thaidakar. Wit confirms this when he tells Mraize to remind him of the beating he gave him.
Additionally, I think we got a hint about the existence of hemalurgy or something similar through El and her metal horns and carapace.
Oh my gosh! I am so excited for the next book. Everything is coming together so well..
I enjoyed this book more than Oathbringer, but the issues I had with Oathbringer still persist in this installment of the series.
The major issue with this entire series is the pacing, in my opinion. While I absolutely love the world and characters, they start to lose their endearment in the repetitions and slow movement of their arcs. None of the books in the series needed to be 1,000 pages long. Better editing would have streamlined the plot and potentially made it my all-time favorite series.
This is Venli's and Eshonai's book, and their character development is done well. However, I still didn't care much about the two. The characters that truly stood out to me were Leshwi and Raboniel. Their journeys and personalities were more complex and captivating to read than any other villains in the book. They were perfectly written morally gray characters. For the first time, we saw the struggles of the Fused, their motivations, and their determination regarding the war with humans. Raboniel's cunning and depth, along with Leshwi's honor and resilience, added layers to the story that were both refreshing and engaging.
Navani was at the forefront of this book. I did enjoy her perspective, but it also had me rolling my eyes at times. Navani is a scholar and his arc focus heavily on science. I was fascinated at first, but then it became too convoluted and confusing to follow. I lost interest and started skimming the pages.
Kaladin and Shallan didn't get much development. I was exhausted reading about their mental health issues. I appreciate Brandon Sanderson for focusing on the mental health of his main characters and how respectfully he deals with these issues, but these characters need to be more than their mental health struggles. It's time for these two to get some development and a new story arc, with fresh motivations driving them. From how their story arcs ended, it seems we are heading in the right direction. We will be seeing more stable and poised versions of them.
Despite aforementioned minor issues, I was enthralled by the book. I think it's a perfect book for nerds because of its heavy focus on science and engineering. But if you are like me who doesn't care much about the technicalities, you will still love it as it has plenty of intrigue, action, politics, and mystery involved. This book has the most links to the cosmere. Brandon has expanded this world craftfully, and we finally get to witness his hard work coming together in this book. If I wasn't clear enough before, you must really get caught up with his other books before reading Rhythm of War.
With this book he story has become more complicated because there is no good side. Both the Fused and humans are equally complex and carry their own baggage.
Taravangian is a snake that both repulses and intrigues me. The turn his story arc has taken in this book makes me curious and excited for the next one. I am very interested to know what cunning plan is brewing in his head. I also want to see more of Renarin to learn the full extent of his power.
SSpoiler Alert
I found several aspects that felt too convenient, which diminished the tension and stakes. For instance, the Fused, despite their formidable presence, didn't end up killing any major characters or anyone really. This made the threat they posed feel less impactful. Similarly, Venli's continuous deceit without significant repercussions from the Fused seemed unrealistic, reducing the sense of danger and urgency.
Leshwi's decision to help the humans towards the end also felt abrupt and unearned. It would have been more compelling if there had been a gradual build-up to her change of heart, making her actions more believable and impactful. We knew she was against the war but there was nothing that suggest that she was ready to betray her own people .
Throughout the story, I rarely felt genuinely worried about the characters' fates. There was a sense of predictability that they would come out unscathed, which lowered the stakes and my emotional investment in their journeys. I wish the narrative had taken more risks, putting the characters in situations where their survival wasn't guaranteed. Teft’s death hit me as hard as a feather pillow since we barely got to know him well enough for the impact to land.
Additionally, I was disappointed with Navani bonding with the Sibling. I had hoped that Rlain would be chosen instead, as it would have provided a more satisfying and unexpected twist. Navani's bond felt somewhat forced and less impactful compared to what Rlain's bond could have brought to the story.
However, One of my favorite scenes from the entire series involves Navani. It is the scene where she stabs Raboniel as an act of kindness. It's such a powerful scene and it made me feel things.
I'd like to clarify that my rating is based on how much I enjoyed it. Despite my rant, I did have a positive experience. Hence, the 4-star rating.
Speculations
I speculated that the orb in the box given to Shallan by Mraize was a Seon, and this was confirmed in the book. It turns out Mraize is someone from Elantris.
I believe the 10th world that Brandon is so secretive about is the one where Wit, also known as Cephandrius, could have become a god but chose a different path. I suspect he is hunting for the shards to reform them, aiming either to become the Almighty or to bring back Adonalsium.
Kelsier is Thaidakar. Wit confirms this when he tells Mraize to remind him of the beating he gave him.
Additionally, I think we got a hint about the existence of hemalurgy or something similar through El and her metal horns and carapace.
Oh my gosh! I am so excited for the next book. Everything is coming together so well..
I am enjoying this more than *Oathbringer*. However, it's not perfect by any means. The pacing issues still persist, and some of the beloved characters, like Dalinar, are missing from the book. Shallan remains as frustrating as she was in the last book, and Kaladin is just as melancholic as ever. Brandon chose to focus on world-building over plot and character development. Most of Part 2 of the book felt too sluggish. I really don't enjoy reading about the Cognitive Realm since it feels like readinh Alice in Wonderland remake.
That being said, I love the Cosmere and the intricate world Brandon has created. The last interlude featuring Taravangian left me stunned. His cunning and unpredictable nature make him one of the most intriguing characters. I can't wait to dive into book 2 now. I'm so curious about what that sneaky snake Taravangian is planning next.
Additionally, the way Sanderson weaves different storylines and characters together is truly masterful. Despite the pacing issues, the depth of the world and the complexity of the magic systems keep me hooked. The political intrigue and the moral dilemmas faced by the characters add layers of richness to the narrative.
And Let me tell you the the hints and connections to other books Brandon has left for us to discover in this book are humongous. It's like a treasure hunt, finding those little Easter eggs that tie everything together. The scope of Sanderson's vision is truly impressive, and it makes me excited for what’s to come in future books.
That being said, I love the Cosmere and the intricate world Brandon has created. The last interlude featuring Taravangian left me stunned. His cunning and unpredictable nature make him one of the most intriguing characters. I can't wait to dive into book 2 now. I'm so curious about what that sneaky snake Taravangian is planning next.
Additionally, the way Sanderson weaves different storylines and characters together is truly masterful. Despite the pacing issues, the depth of the world and the complexity of the magic systems keep me hooked. The political intrigue and the moral dilemmas faced by the characters add layers of richness to the narrative.
And Let me tell you the the hints and connections to other books Brandon has left for us to discover in this book are humongous. It's like a treasure hunt, finding those little Easter eggs that tie everything together. The scope of Sanderson's vision is truly impressive, and it makes me excited for what’s to come in future books.
