Reviews

I didn't think it would be a good book because Rysn is not really a character that I enjoy. But nevertheless, it was an interesting read and it advanced the book stories and brought some new information about the cosmere. Also good to read a little more about the Lopen, and how he got the 3rd ideal.

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4.0

3.5 stars

Great characters, light-hearted and enjoyable writing makes Dawnshard a quick read, leaving you with some Excitementspren for Rhythm of War

In Dawnshard, we follow the journey of Rysn (who appeared in the interludes of previous books) along with Lopen, Huio and ardent Rushu to the mysterious island of Akinah.

I've read Oathbringer three years ago and I barely remember the details apart from the major plot and characters. This article, and rereading Rsyn's interludes in Oathbringer refreshed my memory and got me ready for Dawnshard.

Brandon's character writing is always a delight to read.
Rysn's character is more layered with philosphy (which I loved) about what makes someone a good merchant. I love how her character considers the thought process of someone with a disability, someone who wants to be viewed as a human rather than a broken tool that always needs help. We see that she is smart, philosophical - always remembering the lessons from Vstim, her Babsk. Besides the events in Akinah, her ordeal in getting her crew's respect is a wonderful journey. I am very interested to see how her journey goes.

“What need can I fulfill?”

That was the true purpose of a merchant. To find complementary needs, then bridge the distance between them so everyone benefited. It wasn’t about what you could get from people, but what you could get for them that made a successful merchant.

Lopen is a punnier version of Wayne from Mistborn and he spews occasional gems of wisdom in between all his jokes. While I've really enjoyed the jokes and his character, I could not take him seriously. Even the way he gets to the third ideal of Radiants was rather done in a funny way (which I think is intentional) and I missed the drama about what leads to it. I feel that this particular one undermines all the seriousness involved in reaching those ideals comparing it to the previous characters who said it (Kaladin, Szeth, Lift, and Dalinar).

One particular thing I find interesting is the effect of Aluminium on spren and how it works in Mistborn. This kind of reinforces how different worlds of Cosmere are somewhat connected together and somehow, I feel that things are coming closer.

Overall, Dawnshard is a must read whose events will no doubt have a significant impact on Rhythm of war.