hansgougar's review against another edition
3.0
This is a reread. I liked this book a lot the first time I read it. It was the first Brandon Sanderson novel I had ever read. Now I’ve read every other entry in Brandon’s Cosmere and this book definitely shows it’s age. I think Brandon has improved a whole lot since this one.
I still think the book is good. I like the plight of Raoden, and Hrathen really shines, especially on a reread. That being said, Sarene is (to me) one of Brandon’s most insufferable characters. She’s extremely annoying while being repeatedly praised as clever throughout, something I don’t feel like she ever actually earns. Show me a character is clever, don’t just tell me over and over again.
I’m glad I read it again. I’m planning to reread all of the Cosmere in publication order, including the novellas I never picked up before, and it’s neat to see how this one connects to future works. I look forward to getting back into some of his best work, though.
I still think the book is good. I like the plight of Raoden, and Hrathen really shines, especially on a reread. That being said, Sarene is (to me) one of Brandon’s most insufferable characters. She’s extremely annoying while being repeatedly praised as clever throughout, something I don’t feel like she ever actually earns. Show me a character is clever, don’t just tell me over and over again.
I’m glad I read it again. I’m planning to reread all of the Cosmere in publication order, including the novellas I never picked up before, and it’s neat to see how this one connects to future works. I look forward to getting back into some of his best work, though.
catladyreba's review against another edition
3.0
This has been on my "to-read" list since 2012. Yikes! And here I am, finally getting to it. And, it took me quite a long time to read. I have such mixed feelings. I definitely got into it more than I thought I would, but then towards the end, it just kind of fizzled. For the umpteenth time, I really wish that Goodreads had half-star ratings. 3.5 easy. But 3 or 4 stars? I think I have to go with 3 right now, and maybe I will reassess at a later date.
dgvand's review against another edition
4.0
Slow to start but very politically intriguing and complex plot. Religion vs state politics with an army of magically altered monks. Character building is excellent as always and unique magic system. Magic is channeled through written symbols. Sanderson does not disappoint in this novel. It gets me excited for him to continue with the next story in this part of the Cosmere!
oleanderwillow's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
persnickety9's review against another edition
4.0
Brandon Sanderson always creates an amazing world, plot, and characters. He’s a slow burn type of writer, so here I am past midnight writing this because I couldn’t put down the last 50 pages. This book is so good, even though it’s his first, but you can see where he’s still learning how to write these absolutely epic tales. That’s why the Mistborn trilogy gets 5 stars, and Elantris gets 4.5/5. Either way, Sanderson wrote another awesome book in the Cosmere.
gilmoreghoul's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
5.0
This is what I want from a fantasy novel, it’s nearly a perfect book. This was my first Sanderson read and I can’t wait to start his other work. I have always been on the lookout for his books at used bookstores and library book sales and I think I finally figured out why I’ve been unsuccessful… it’s because everyone keeps their books of his.
cornflower's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
daisy222de's review
adventurous
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
shivapriya's review against another edition
adventurous
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
hashemx1's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed mostly because I also like all things Cosmere and I listened to it was a graphic audio production
I did like a lot of the plotlines and the character
the main weakness in my opinion is how the side characters don't feel like they have deep personalities just small quirks to each one to make them seem like they are deeper
the main characters to me seemed interesting especially the prince and the Gyorn
and the world building is amazing ...
I did like a lot of the plotlines and the character
the main weakness in my opinion is how the side characters don't feel like they have deep personalities just small quirks to each one to make them seem like they are deeper
the main characters to me seemed interesting especially the prince and the Gyorn
and the world building is amazing ...