optimalbook's reviews
75 reviews

Oathbringer by Brandon Sanderson

Go to review page

medium-paced

5.0

Excellent. Brandon Sanderson's Stormlight Archive has really impressed me with each entry I've read. While it's taken me quite some time to read Oathbringer and I started and stopped several times, that is not fault of the books  but mostly me not being in the right mood for it. I'm not sure if I liked this more or less than The Way of Kings, but it is all around an excellent read. Looking forward to book 4 which I'm hoping to read in time for Book 5's release. 

"
What is the most important step a man can take? It's not the first one, is it? It's the next one. Always the next step, Dalinar
"
"
I will take responsibility for what I have done. If I must fall, I will rise each time a better man

“I will protect those I hate. Even if the one I hate most is myself."

" If the journey itself is indeed the most important piece, rather than the destination itself, then I traveled not to avoid duty - but to seek it.  "
Of War and Ruin by Ryan Cahill

Go to review page

4.5

Amazingly well done. Expands upon everything the previous books have built up and improves on it. I cannot wait for the next book in the series. 
Of Darkness and Light by Ryan Cahill

Go to review page

4.5

Excellent, kept me engaged and wanting to read more and more. A massive step up from book 1 in both quality and direction. Really looking forward to continuing the series now. 
A King's Bargain by J.D.L. Rosell

Go to review page

adventurous medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix

4.0

An Adventure Brewing by JollyJupiter

Go to review page

funny relaxing fast-paced

3.75

Overall a fun and enjoyable read in the vein of Legends and Lattes (or vice versa, not sure which was published first) with some LitRPG twists. That said, for my own tastes there was a bit too much stat/skill info and it often felt like problems were just resolved with no real build up. The cast of characters is solid, and while much of the humor was dad humor or references I think it fit the tone of the story and characters well. I may read book two in the future, but it doesn't feel like a book I need to start right away. 
The Silverblood Promise by James Logan

Go to review page

adventurous medium-paced

4.25

Really strong debut novel from James Logan. I found it to be a lot of fun, and at times reminiscent of a D&D campaign (in a good way). While you can tell it's a debut novel, it feels pretty polished and I am very much so looking forward to book two. 
He Who Fights With Monsters Book 10 by Shirtaloon

Go to review page

slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes

4.5

Another excellent entry into the series, things are really starting to ramp up in terms of stakes and power. It's also the first time a book in the series, that I can recall, ended midway through the major event taking place. I'm curious to see if the pay off in book 11 is worth it.