Strong Storytelling, will upset Kaladin fans

Oathbringer is book three of five. The first five books in the Stormlight Archive tell their own story. Later, another set of five will tell another story. Sometimes all the heroes win in the middle, sometimes they fail. In this book, we have both wins and losses. In one book, you have three small novels going on, with important points of view from many people.

Sanderson dives deeper into the cultures of Roshar and the conflicts that have nothing to do with the “bad guys.” Instead many of the conflicts are inside different characters own heads and hearts. This aspect of the story will be hard for many fans. This aspect of the story is important. Awareness of bias and of mental health issues is important. It’s rare to see them addressed so directly in an adventure fantasy.

But in this book, Kaladin, the hero of book one and book two – is not the star. He has growth, but not the awesome growth of power leveling up I think many fans were hoping to read. Instead, Bridge 4 as a whole, is given more points of view and room to grow. Sometime these are painful in heart wrenching ways, but in beautiful character development ways.

Dalinar’s flashbacks will make you look at him differently. It will be hard to see a hero in such a different light. Journey before destination everyone. His journey is a strong one.

The ladies of the Stormlight Archive are given more room to grow here. But at times it is a backward growth. At others it is wonderful to see them breaking the molds of Voirn culture.

Once you turn the page on Part 5, get ready for a rush of a ride. You will not want to put the book down for the final act.

Many important magical questions are answered in this volume of the Stormlight Archive, but it raises more questions. Some of the questions answered, were not the ones many fans were hoping to see addressed, including myself. I hope readers will appreciate the story that was written, for what was written. Not criticizes it because it was not the story they were expecting. I know I love the book, even if there are a few bits I wish were different. But the characters are not perfect people. They would be less interesting if they were.

I love that that the art is included even for the audio book. That is an extra special treat. Michael Kramer and Kate Reading do their typically awesome job narrating the books. I’m glad they kept the voices of the characters the same from the first two volumes of the books.

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A mixed bag of brilliance, marred by missteps

Brandon Sanderson is one of the greatest story tellers writing today; and this series is his magnum opus. Book 3 is not the strongest of the series. But it still soars in many places, despite some missteps throughout.
Parts of this book left me cheering out loud! Parts of this book are truly awe inspiring.

Other parts had me shaking my head, as long established characters suddenly behaved in ways that contradicted everything the author has told us about them in the past.
For such an immense book, it surprised me how many times an obvious shortcut was taken in order to setup the next scene.

There was one long scene involving a female lead that had no purpose other than comic relief. This bungling, slapstick detour was so jarring, it was hard to return to the rhythm of the story. Worst of all, it felt amateurish, and just wasn't funny.

Almost every competent character had a moment of incompetence so glaring that it became obvious this was a deliberate gimmick. Possibly a recommendation from an editor, but taken too far?

But still, with all of that said, this is still a mostly brilliant story. The action scenes top any blockbuster movie put out this year.
It was filled with many pay-offs from the previous books, some of them setup so expertly that they still surprised me, despite the clues revealed before.

Like all of his books, this was also a vehicle for the author's social, political, and moral view of the world. Presented nicely as part of the story with not-too-much outright preaching.

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The stuff after . . .

What disappointed you about Oathbringer?

Book 2 could have been made into a good ending. The majority of Book 3 felt like everything that happens after the credits roll. We know more small battles, politics, reunions and rebuilding will happen after the day is saved but i don't need to read a book about it. I was never given a reason to care about anything in this book.

Has Oathbringer turned you off from other books in this genre?

No but maybe other Brandon Sanderson books.

What character would you cut from Oathbringer?

Shallan didn't grow as a character and it felt like none of her filler mini quests added anything to the plot. Way back in the first book its establish that Shallan has issues so why is it still being shoved down my throat 120 hours later? Shallan started off strong but eventually her story just lost direction and purpose. The only problem with cutting Shallan would be getting rid of Kate Readings great narration.

Any additional comments?

I have grown to hate flashbacks.
Several side stories seemed to be dropped.
Loved the first two books.

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Perfection in literature.

If you have read the first two books in this series, then you already know Brandon Sanderson is the greatest storyteller of our generation, and, one of the best to ever put pen to page. That is not grandiose hyperbole. It is understatement. So, now that my opinion on the author is clear, the book. The book is excellent! The pacing is great and the story progressed just the right amount for me. In my opinion, what Sanderson does the best of any writer I have ever read, is the tear-down and rebuilding of characters. I will say, that this book seems to spend more time making everything seem like it's getting worse and worse before finally we see positive change and victories for the main characters. Not really a negative for me but it does feel like there is no hope till nearly the end of the book. I am so glad Sanderson doesn't suffer from whatever George R.R Martin and Patrick Rothfuss have been afflicted with. I think we can reasonably expect the next book in 2-3 years, which is amazing considering he will also be churning out other incredible books and stories along the way.

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Ruined the series

Significant departure from what made the first books good (battles/glory) now Disneyfied with PG-13 politics/romance.

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Incredible Book

some of the best character development I've ever experienced. the complexity and detail of everything in this book is so good. It also explores some cool philosophies.

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DISAPPOINTED

I recommended the other two books to many friends and family and unfortunately I cannot recommend this one. The book was easy to put down for days and seemed just a long set up for a next book. This story focused too much on the human flaws and frailties of the main characters which is not that interesting or fun to read/listen. All victories were short lived with the next threat looming and that gets tiring after 55 hours. It might be that my expectations were too high after the first two books in the series which I had trouble putting down and wished for more. I prefer an epic tale of heroes with super skills and powers that have great adventures to a series of battles and failures. I still think Brandon Sanderson is a great writer and although I did not enjoy this book I certainly could not do what he does and create and write a story like his.

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Tedious

What did you like best about Oathbringer? What did you like least?

The premise of the book was great, and the end was decent. Liked the idea of the humans not necessarily being the heroes they thought they were.The rest was just tedious. I understood the characters after the second or third flashback, or other attempts to get me to understand. Became filler after a while. I really got tired of the Dalinar flashbacks in particular. Some were good, but too many had little point.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

I love a good long book, but this was long without reason. Tedious is the best word I can use to describe it.

Which character – as performed by Michael Kramer and Kate Reading – was your favorite?

Kaladin is by far the best character, and Michael does his usual fantastic job. Kate Reading is such a perfect pairing in with MIchael. I really enjoy all her characters, but she really nailed Shallan in particular.

Do you think Oathbringer needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

I'm getting a bit tired of the seemingly endless layers of magic and universes. It gets to the point that nothing is impossible or final. No boundaries are no fun. No more books required for me.

Any additional comments?

Brandon Sanderson is one of my favourite authors. I was so excited for this next book in the series, but by half way through I just wanted it to get to the point. I've listened to longer books and didn't want them to end, but not this one. Once again, tedious.

I probably would not have been so harsh on other authors, but Brandon Sanderson is one of the best there is. HIs bar is higher for me. Sorry, Mr. Sanderson.

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Slow - Everybody is miserable

I couldn't get through it. It was slow , everybody is miserable, you know bad things are going to happen, and I lost all motivation to finish.

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Fabulous book series... I can't wait for the next

The characters just keep developing into more and more.
I am very anxious to see what more comes of each of the radiants as they speak the next set of words in their oaths.
The plot continues to build and deliver new twists and surprises as it unfolds to seemingly build even more.
It has yet to get dull as most all long multiple book series tend to do at some point. Keep it up Mr. Sanderson... I'm a fan!

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