Scan barcode
A review by frootlupo
Dawnshard by Brandon Sanderson
adventurous
funny
inspiring
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? Yes
4.25
Dawnshard is a tight little story that has wide-reaching implications for the Brandon Sanderson’s Cosmere as a whole.
Dawnshard is a novella that acts like story 3.5 in the massive Stormlight Archive. At first, the idea of a side novella felt like an unnecessary and annoying deviation. However, as I was chewing through these monstrous stories, having a tight little contained narrative was a more welcome reprieve that I might’ve expected. It was also nice to get to spend some dedicated time with a character previously restrained to the interludes.
Dawnshard is a novella that acts like story 3.5 in the massive Stormlight Archive. At first, the idea of a side novella felt like an unnecessary and annoying deviation. However, as I was chewing through these monstrous stories, having a tight little contained narrative was a more welcome reprieve that I might’ve expected. It was also nice to get to spend some dedicated time with a character previously restrained to the interludes.
On top of that the seafaring and explorative nature of Dawnshard appeals directly to my sensibilities. The massive implications of the lore-drops that Sanderson brings act as the proverbial cherry on top of an already delicious sundae.
Is it a little heavy-handed with the character work at times?? Sure - but it’s also probably necessary and didn’t hamper my enjoyment at all. As it is essentially vestigial, Dawnshard was probably never going to be my favourite work of fiction - but it surprised me with how much I enjoyed it.