Reviews with content warning for Violence - Warbreaker

[EDIT original rated 3.75 stars, reason at end]

i’ve only read 5 of brandersons work, but i think this one is the weakest/my least favorite. not that it’s objectively, i just felt like for the first half of the book i was reading an alternate AU of mistborn. taking down the corrupt ruler, an unassuming girl getting some power, charismatic leader character, etc. obviously didn’t end up being the case but for a good minute i was not excited to read vivenna’s perspective.

i will say the magic system is splendid. very unique and just generally pleasant to read about. but the ending felt a bit rushed. idk if this is because i was reading it so quickly or if it was all happening too quickly.

there were also some moments where it felt very telly and not a whole lot of showy. vivenna loves her sister so so so much… but we got no semblance of that before the inciting incident. siri is constantly told that she ignored her tutors lessons, she’s not fit for this, etc. got a lil old. also reading about every time their hair changed colors. i was like we get it

i very much enjoyed it. i’ve read 5 branderson books so far and im still shocked when somehow he turns the last 30 pages into a solid ending.

i very much recommend this book but if you are working your way specifically to clear his bibliography, maybe read this one later on, or as a break between his longer books

EDIT:

after thinking more on this book i had to bump it down a star because why [spoiler] did the villains end up being the oppressed group of people who just wants to get back at their imperialist oppressors? it’s a bit odd imo and it seems strange when mistborn is like the opposite of this one in terms of messaging. like bluefingers could’ve been a kelsier character who’s fighting for his people…

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abrataydabra's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

I really liked this book! It took me forever and a day to finish it, but the plot twists, characters, and world were all incredibly well thought out. I liked how Siri and Lightsong grew to find confidence and strength in themselves and their eccentricities and all the plot twists got me every time. I had to reread Denth’s betrayal like three times because I felt sure I was missing something or was hallucinating.

Some reviews tout this book as not being Sanderson’s normal quality and, since I liked it well enough, I’m excited to read more of his stuff!

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mels_booknook's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious tense 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? No

5.0

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modernhobbitvibes's review

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adventurous medium-paced

3.0

Took a bit to get invested, but once I was, it became a much easier read. Definitely the horniest Sanderson I've read to date, which was odd in places, but it could've been worse. I understand why people want a sequel to this one.

Also how the heck did Nightblood get on another planet

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wickedgrumpy's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional hopeful mysterious reflective tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated

3.0

I don't really know how I feel about this one... The world building was, as usual for the author, impeccable and the magic system compelling, if a little confusing. It was more predictable than I would expect a political intrigue ridden book to be and the romance sub plot(s) were kind of uncomfortable and cringe inducing. There were times I was really enjoying it, but I think the overall take away was pretty mid.

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