Reviews with content warning for Body horror - Yumi and the Nightmare Painter

Easily my favorite of the four Secret Sanderson Novels, and one of the most unique stories I've read from Brandon Sanderson (which is saying a lot). I honestly was left guessing the entire novel and while I might have come close to figuring it out, I was still way off once it was revealed. The relationships between the characters was so much fun and they were so sweet, I thoroughly loved reading this.

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modernhobbitvibes's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional medium-paced

4.0

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betweentheshelves's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional mysterious 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

5.0

This book was recommended to me by at least two different people, and I can see why! The only Brandon Sanderson I've read before this is the Skyward series and Mistborn, but you don't have to have read other Sanderson to jump into this book. I think there are some connections to other books, but the story works if you don't pick up on those.

I listened to this, so I'm definitely going to have to pick up a physical copy just to look at the art. From the world building to the characterization to the narration, I don't think there was anything about this I didn't love. The little comments throughout from the narrators were great. The audiobook narrators also do an excellent job bringing the story to life!

Listening to Sanderson explain why this might be his favorite book he's written and the reasoning behind it also just adds to the book, in my opinion. If you like manga, this is very heavily manga inspired, and though I'm still just getting into the manga scene, even I could see that influence on the story. And it's so enjoyable!

I have Tress of the Emerald Sea also on hold, so this has made me excited to listen to that!

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readandfindout's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious medium-paced

4.0

Stye/writing: 4 stars
Themes: 4 stars
Characters: 4 stars
Plot: 4 stars
Worldbuilding: 4.5 stars

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apersonfromflorida's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional mysterious 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

4.5

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novella42's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional mysterious 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? It's complicated

5.0

My favorite of any Brandon Sanderson book I've ever read! I think, more than his other books, you can feel his playfulness in this story, his love of art and the philosophy of art, and just the joy of relaxing into the telling of a story he finds fun and intriguing for its own sake. The story certainly picks up momentum as it goes, but I was grateful for the peaceful aspects of it.

I'm a fan of the anime Your Name and loved the similar themes here. Also, having just finished a rewatch of my favorite K-Drama, the period piece The King's Affection, helped me imagine certain parts with more clarity and appreciation.

Anyway, I just loved this story, and was immensely impressed with the worldbuilding and the way he managed to incorporate it into his cosmere. I'm trying to figure out if I can recommend it to people who haven't read any Stormlight books.

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