Wind and Truth NON-SPOILER review | Stormlight Archive 5 by Brandon Sanderson

[@Bookborn]

In fairness to the instagram people who panicked about the 4.5 (since I see a lot of people commenting on that): I think everyone wants this book to be "perfect". It's been highly anticipated. It's a favorite series. A large part of the fandom didn't love RoW: they want this to be THE BOOK. So that's where it's coming from - I've never had people worry about a 4.5 before :)

[@joshuanowlin443]

ROW really grew on me with the reread. I think many in the fandom will have the same reaction as time goes one.

[@Bookborn]

@@joshuanowlin443 I gave RoW 5 stars ☠ I loved it haha

[@numbolnor5806]

@@joshuanowlin443 same

[@davidjaramillo7187]

My personal best rated book ever is like 4,7. some people give 5s so easyly that anything less feels like "she hate it".

[@Bookborn]

@@davidjaramillo7187 I'm known for not giving out 5's easily though, actually!

[@Collosus05]

Thanks for the spoiler free. I have started my audiobook. Listening, not reading. Like a good Vorin man should.

[@Bookborn]

So devout, I applaud you

[@burkhartlaw1]

Kate Reading and Michael Kramer are like old friends of mine at this point. 😊

[@jaredadams8069]

​​@@burkhartlaw1We go way back to a little place called Emond's Field.

[@sixtofive]

Same here lol

[@johnpaul5316]

😂 perfect comment

[@iamthejolson]

Them: “It’s ONLY a 4.5 stars!?? Why did you hate it!?” Me: “Oh crap it’s a 9/10? Awesome can’t wait to finish it”

[@Bookborn]

This is the way

[@Lilo_D._Boom]

I think it's because most people are used to every booktuber rating EVERY SINGLE book a five star.

[@Archonsx]

that rating is pretty bad in review terms tho, because reviewers try to pump the rating more to be nice, so that they dont lose viewers and possible partnership with authors.

[@rudyh721]

I’m about a third of the way, so far I feel it’s accurate. And most of the other stormlight books were the same for me. Nothing wrong with 9/10 The first 2 I would give a 10/10 but even those had a few imperfect moments, just not enough to tick it down. This whole series is amazing

[@iamthejolson]

@@Archonsx you really think that’s the case with her?

[@NerdoftheRings]

It was great to meet you and being on the reading order panel alongside you all at DSNX!

[@Bookborn]

It was great meeting you too! I hope you enjoy Wind and Truth now that you finished RoW 👀 You still gotta drop your friend's official/most correct reading order

[@EllenSmyth]

I didn't realize you were there, Nerd of the Rings! I am so sorry.

[@user-ez9ng2rw9c]

As someone who thinks its a 10/10 and the best cosmere book, i think your 4.5/5 is entirely valid. No book can ever be perfect to all people and honestly if it tries to be, it'll probably fail at pleasing anybody. In general people who are getting angry about someone else's ratings missed kinda the point of a couple of character arcs. I'm really liked the pacing and while the overexplanation was there, i didn't really mind it since it felt pretty genuine and real to healthy interactions in real life. The improvements in overall pacing made up for it a lot to me, I found no plotlines to be really annoying, which is something i really have struggled with in every book of the series, and honestly all epic fantasy in general.

[@Bookborn]

I will totally agree with your last point that this is probably the first of the Stormlight Books where each perspective felt as exciting as any other! Glad you loved it

[@istuilhos]

Your non-spoiler review is what I've been looking forward to, and my copy just arrived 30 minutes ago. Excellent timing!

[@Bookborn]

GOOD LUCK RADIANT!!

[@k-8397]

Book community freaking out at a 4.5 star rating is insane. If people only want to accept 5 stars for a book they like then star ratings are utterly pointless.

[@Bookborn]

haha I think it's only for this book, i've never had that reaction before. Everyone wants this book to be "perfect" because we aren't getting another stormlight book for such a long time.

[@SaveEurope]

ratings for sanderson books are outlandish and nonsensical. there's a horde of fanboys who give 5 stars to everything he puts out. don't take those scores serious (not speaking about single scores like here on this channel)

[@CombativeRoboGuy]

Whoever is complaining about that is insane. First off, it’s someone’s opinion but more importantly, it’s BOOKBORN. I feel like she gives out 5 stars on a much rarer basis than other people. I think 4.5 stars is crazy good.

[@CombativeRoboGuy]

@SaveEuropeI think it’s awesome that some people can give 5 stars to all his books, I personally wouldn’t, but if they enjoy all his stuff that much I think that’s great.

[@Duncdunc2377]

It’s a Sanderson fan thing. Doesn’t happen often with other series

[@esmayrosalyne]

Sounds like we literally had the exact same experience. I just finished it this morning and I am kicking myself for devouring it so fast but I really just couldn't stop myself lol. The story was SO addictive and I absolutely adored all the bold and unexpected twists, turns and revelations. Sanderson outdid himself! I am glad you had such a phenomenal time at Dragonsteel btw, loved seeing you have so much fun in your IG stories updates 🥰🥰

[@bhargavapothakamuri4218]

Damn I have been refreshing the KZbin for reviews for more than 12 hours!! Your’s is the first. Grabbing popcorn.

[@BooksWithBenghisKahn]

Great review! I’m in the middle chapters right now and having a good time with it (especially loving the interludes and flashbacks!). 100% agree on the overexplaining of feelings and the unusually high degree of telling rather than showing in this one. It’s noticeably hindering my enjoyment and immersion compared with basically all previous Cosmere books. Still so invested in this story though and can’t wait for the Sanderlanche!!!

[@Bookborn]

Did I just get a Ben comment with the word IMMERSION in it?? truly peaked JK I totally get what you mean, those moments actually did take me out of it as well. It gets lesser though as the book goes on.

[@BooksWithBenghisKahn]

@ ☺️💪

[@libraryofaviking]

Great review and huge respect for getting this review out this early!

[@flemingstephen16]

It is encouraging to hear that you believe one can read only the Stormlight series and understand everything still. I don’t have the time to read an entire universe of books (and maybe one day, I’d like to or could) and I own the first two Stormlight books, but haven’t started yet. This definitely reassures me that I could read them with no issue. I’ll have to check it out.

[@Hadybiggs]

I would really recommend listening to the books! Very easy to get into that way

[@Iluvatar196]

​​@@Hadybiggs Either this or get the shorter, more digestible books : Mistborn, Warbreaker, Elantris, etc

[@Amira_Ke]

Thank you for commenting on Daniel's review; I saw it and went to your video right away!

[@zamboozled322]

I have also finished the book!! I finshed in 2.5 days, although I had a 300 page head start due to chapter previews. The events are fresh in my mind and my thoughts are all fuzzy. I will need videos to sort through this mess. But oh my god I know exactly which interludes you are talking about, and the destination for the journey of a particular character. I agree. Can’t wait for the full spoiler review!!

[@jordanashcroft796]

Thanks for the great review! I completely agree on your quibbles. I'm only through day 3 so far, but had already felt like I've seen more than I want of characters thinking of their faults or mental health issues. I just want to read the story!

[@Mnfst011-e2o]

We need more people like this telling us truth! Just finished reading Hidden Signs of the Universe by Olivia Cooper. Its fascinating what they hide from society

[@CommonerSense]

I found your point about Sanderson overexplaining characters' thoughts and feelings in this book interesting, because that has actually been one of my main dislikes about all of his work that I've tried. I just prefer it when the author allows the reader some room to *feel*, rather than having every emotion explained to us. I think it's actually the most important part of the classic "show don't tell" rule, and for me it's a problem with many modern fantasy authors, not just Sanderson.

[@glazecotton]

Same for me.

[@Bookborn]

I've found it a huge problem too, and have even made a video about it! I haven't ever noticed it in Sanderson's work personally, until Defiant (Skyward series) and now this book. I'm hoping it doesn't keep going that direction and he pulls it back a bit.

[@Archonsx]

thats the difference between a good writer and a bad one

[@Morfeusm]

@@Archonsx no that’s the difference between good editor and bad editor. But yes some exceptionally brilliant authors can avoid that too.

[@Bookborn]

@@Morfeusm I agree it's about editing. Even the best authors need editing. I think this book might have been rushed in the editing department. I know that sounds weird since it was 4 years in between, but i"ve heard the ending editing might've gone faster than normal to meet the deadline.

[@Coffeekeepsmerolling]

I finished it in five days, and agree, I want to go back and savor the book. I also, really want to know your specific thoughts on the character arcs you alluded to! On another note, as an academic writer, I do think his explicit mental health explanations were worth those descriptions. Thanks for getting this out so fast!!

[@pohnprayin]

“I love being a Vorin man! Having my wife read and write everything for me is awesome” Undertext: my husband is a dum dum, here’s a ketek to prove it: fooling the storm, awaiting my fate, except my fate is to wait on a storming fool

[@WhitneyStokes-z2c]

Great review. Thanks so much for keeping it spoiler free. Looking forward to your next book review.

[@Liam......]

I totally agree on the rating, and can confirm as someone who has only read the Stormlight archive books, you absolutely don't need any other info for the book to make sense/ be impactful

[@genghisgalahad8465]

that's fascinating! I've gotten to make a modified list that includes Mistborn first, Warbreaker, then Way of Kings, Words of Radiance*, Elantris, and Edgedancer, then Oathbringer, then Dawnshard, then Rhythm of War, Mistborn era 2, then SA5:WaT, and then perhaps the three secret projects in a row....hopefully that gets me to read a ton! Heck, I admire the headlong full-bore direct approach! Will you incorporate Edgedancer and Dawnshard?

[@Bookborn]

SAY IT LOUDER. So glad to have you here to confirm. I know I've been ~in~ the fandom for a long time, but I just truly feel like Sanderson explains everything you need to know.

[@Liam......]

@Bookborn Absolutely, he does. I hadn't read any Sanderson prior but decided to catch up for this release, and even without the recommended tangential read (Warbreaker etc.) everything was perfectly clear and felt relevant. Excited to go back and read other works now, though!

[@jasonbailey9139]

What I got from your review: Bookborn the Reviewer -- 4.5 Bookborn the Cosmer Fan --5.0 ~~~~~ Spoiler ~~~~~ I'm only 1/2 way through. I'm loving it and trying to drag it our as I know he's going back to Scadriel which is my least favorite Cosmere planet. Don't get me wrong--it's good...but I like every other planet that gets a book (not just a short story) better. I'm guessing Renarin/R'Lain is going to ruffle some feathers, but I feel like this topic was already broached when the Bridge 4 guy (whose name escapes me, but Lift was admiring in the preview chapters) got married a book or two ago. Looks like Shallan's mom is about to be verified where I am in the book and was verified at her wedding at the Worldhopper Ball. I'm really hoping baby champion is disproved, but if it isn't, I'm trusing you and Sanderson that it will be satisfying if it happens.I really wasn't expecting Gav to end up in the spiritual realm with his grandparents. That was a great twist...and I love that he presented as a spren so anything weird that he said could be glossed over as a quirk of the spren.

[@stevejenkins8580]

I was at Nexus Thursday evening and saw you, but didn't stop to say hi! You were in the middle of conversations and I had limited time to do everything I wanted to. I'm only 100 pages into WaT so far but it feels so...kinetic. The plot is moving forward so quickly that I feel like I need a minute to remind myself of things that have happened in previous books so I'm fully on board with where the characters are.

[@Bookborn]

I hope you had fun! I thought it was a great year! Yes, it's so fast paced! That's part of why I needed some time to process when I finished!

[@oswinhull4203]

I thought it was actually the best book in the series so far. Previously I thought Way of Kings or Words of Radiance was probably the best. This is the first one where I was completely engaged through every chapter of the book. It seemed like there was constantly something important happening whereas in a lot of the other books there was always certain viewpoints or chapters that felt kind of unimportant at the time. I just feel like it pulled everything together and ended in a very satisfying way.

[@thomasranney8913]

Great overview! I am forcing myself to work through this slowly. My tendency with an anticipated book is to plow through, but after the mind-blowing Prologue (at least for me!) I am pausing to come up for breath and take some notes.

[@Bookborn]

This is smart tbh. I think I might reread the entire thing soon because I was so eager to get through that I probably missed some of the finer details.

[@deathbyliche1745]

Love the Collectible Book Vault shoutout! Their coverage of fine press books is great!

[@Bookborn]

The truly have such an artistic eye

[@IanKernohan]

I'm so sorry I missed you at DSN! Maybe next year, it would be great to give you a high five for all the great work you do here.

[@Bookborn]

I hope you enjoyed yourself! I thought it was crazy fun

[@di3s3l44]

DANG IT BOOKBORN! I’m only 300 pages into The Way of Kings but wanted to watch through. Well at least you put in a spoiler warning, thank you!

[@Bookborn]

I think what I said wouldn't have had meaning tbh, since it was vague, but I think it's better safe than sorry personally. It also spoils who stays alive, ya know?

[@micahlarimer155]

you are in for a wonderful journey.

[@joshbrown4489]

​@@micahlarimer155journey before destination

[@nathantowns1999]

I’m quite a bit behind you-but wanted to comment and say how cool it was to run into you at Dragonsteel. I was the awkward guy who sat at your lunch table. You talked to my brother and sister-in-law about that Dragonsteel card game

[@Bookborn]

I didn't feel like you were awkward at all lol I'm so glad you said hi! And I'm not surprised I was talking to them about the card game ☠ I think everyone who ran into me that weekend suffered the same fate unfortunately

[@readbykyle3082]

Hey you're the guy who doesn't know Tech N9ne! 🤪 I agree you weren't awkward!

[@nathantowns1999]

@ that was me! To be fair, I know *of* techn9ne lol

[@nathantowns1999]

@@Bookborn oh and trust me-my brother and sister-in-law did not *suffer* their conversation with you about the cards. They were fully on board that train

[@NormFields]

Three days! That's almost 500 pages per day! Wow! Impressive!

[@Bookborn]

I didn't do anything else besides read for those days for the most part lol

[@TC-by3il]

That's just crazy.

[@crumblyburgers]

The shirt. Oh, gosh. Killing me all over again.

[@Echinder]

I'm only 4 chapters in and loving it. Looking forward to catching up. Great review and thanks for avoiding spoilers

[@mathemagician26]

Interlude 7!!! (Cosmere-wide spoiler) It actually makes me reconsider a line from Tress which fans jumped on as referring to Marsh. Maybe it’s Moash instead/also? Coincidence that their names are also so similar?

[@mosiah9205]

I’m going to make a prediction about the divisive point you made around 14:30 and thereabouts. I’m predicting Sanderson makes Adolin a Radiant. I know many people have been hoping he doesn’t become one to have a “normal” person to root for and be on the protagonist side. I happen to fall into that camp, but if I’m right, it won’t be the end of the world.

[@6ixpoint5ive]

Goodreads/Uber/etc have ruined the 5*. 5* is supposed to be saved for the best in absolutely everything, pure perfection, and is often achieved over time upon reflection (it's also completley subjective, as is all rating systems.) A 4.5 is still amazing, nay incredible, nay fantastic! Most books I read or movies I watch I rate a 4.5 and these are movies/books I absolutely adore and love, and even moved me to tears. To the book people who rate everything a 5, thats fine, you do you, but 4.5 is fantastic and let's not press the panic button about it, please and thank-you.

[@emosongsandreadalongs]

I agree about the over explaining. I'm only in chapter 13 and I already feel like certain scenes are being dragged out longer than necessary

[@Morfeusm]

It’s really weird but those 33 chapters that were previewed and available before the release feel a bit different than the rest of the book. You will see when you get there.

[@Aldric524]

Hey Bookborn! Great to hear you liked the book. The humor, while not my total favorite, never bothers me as much as it does you, so no worries (for me) there. I'm 42 percent done, and not hurrying my way through. Enjoying it quite a bit so far!

[@clever_trevor_forever]

It was fun meeting you at Dragonsteel nexus in line at the Silverlight mercantile! My wife was the one who rolled the nat 20. :D

[@Bookborn]

Yes hi!! I was so jealous of her 😂 did you guys end up completing your story deck?

[@SapSapient]

I'm so jealous of people who enjoy Sanderson. It must be delightful to have an author you love be so prolific.

[@tylerschnabel1743]

I absolutely loved this book as a conclusion to the first arc. I agree that it will be a different brand of divisive. I did not have trouble with the character arc you are referring to-if I have the correct one in mind-I thought it was a beautiful way of wrapping it up. Thank you for the review, I have been waiting for someone to finish it so I can hear another’s thoughts on it, no one so know reads Sanderson so I am on my own here.

[@Bookborn]

SPOILERS**** --- --- --- I was speaking of Kaladin's arc. I personally loved it too

[@s.r.dragonreads4915]

Great review! I agree with like everything you mentioned in this video. There definitely were things that felt rushed because of the 10 day structure. But I walk away feeling I got what I wanted from this book, though not in the way I exoected.

[@newketolady1859]

Thanks for this non-spoiler review. I have my copy already, but due to other commitments, I can't start reading yet, because I know I'll be hard-pressed to put the book down and get reasonable hours of sleep. So I need to wait a few days more. Anyway, in the meantime I'm torturing myself with intermittent Stormlight content, and your video has both put my heart at ease and ratcheted up my anxiety/anticipation for this read. Thanks again.☺

[@Bookborn]

I totally know how you feel. I knew once I started the book it would take over my life.

[@JacobNichols24]

I couldn't remember what the second interlude was that you mentioned, but I just read 12 and figured that had to be it and had to come back to this video to confirm. That was incredible.

[@Cooldito1111]

I finished W&T Sunday (Started Thursday with the preview chapters so I had a head start) and I agree, I need another read to fully process and appreciate all these great moments. I'm still at a loss for words to describe most of this book!

[@N.A.Summur]

I’m glad it worked so well for you! I’m excited to see how it hits for me!

[@emilykistler6400]

I would love to see a full spoiler review!!

[@henrytortor2530]

Been waiting for this review 😭😭

[@StormBlessedxo]

didn't watch the video yet just my thoughts, I'm listening to Audible but there will ALWAYS be haters. People who want to complain or pick out flaws because that's just what they do. I'm very excited to hear this book and I'm going to take my time. Sandersons work is incredible and the Stormlight/Cosmere Universe is amazing. So much fun reading and listening. Life before death, Journey before destination. Also the early callout of Whit wanting to meet Sazed gave me goosebumps. Sazed forever

[@andrewgarlach1011]

About 150 pages in, normally an audiobook guy but i always try to read a physical for the 1st time with Sanderson for all the artwork. So much less time to actually sit down with a book though so its slow going. Thanks for the review!

[@b_olson542]

Just picked up my hardcover and the audiobook. Super excited!

[@RobbieD213]

On day 5, loving the pace and the way this is setting up.

[@useroaygrech2927]

Thank you for this review!! But also, where can I get your shirt omg

[@Bookborn]

I made it 😁😁

[@LastHumanRD]

My favourite 'part' of the book was Brandon taking the time to let us sit with some of the characters in the small moments and breathe. Not every character arc hit it for me, and I feel two of my favourite were sold a little short, but overall I think he stuck the (midway!) landing. A difficult task considering all the threads that needed to be tied up.

[@crylorenzo]

Loved this! Please do a spoiler review some time too! I just finished and want to hear others talk details!

[@Chloes_World_of_Books]

Cannot wait for Wednesday's video, even having read all of the Cosmere I know I miss a lot of references! Hopefully by then I can also finish WaT.

[@crimsonraen]

Thanks for the video! Stopping for now as I've still got about a quarter of Rhythm of War left, but I'll watch the rest when I finish. :) SO excited though!

[@TheArtfulBrittani]

Jasnah has been my favorite too! (I also have pronounced it the same and mad the audiobooks have corrected me because I always thought of Princess Jasmine from Aladdin.)

[@Bookborn]

Jasnah stans RISE!

[@ColtA34]

Thank you for the spoiler free review!! It made me excited to finish my re read and get to Wind and Truth.

[@spikey6174]

In answer to the thumbnail it absolutely did

[@vanichka89]

Just finished the book. I loved it. I was not expecting some of the twists and reveals, but they were so satisfying. I agree with your estimation that the flashbacks are maybe the best. Szeth was always interesting, but after this book he may be my favorite. Thank you for the review. Now the theorizing for the second part begins..

[@felicisrex8281]

I agree with a 4.5 I think overall it was a great journey however there also was an issue where since there were so many perspectives going on that it would take a while to get back to any individuals story.

[@Bookborn]

YES. I think this hurt the beginning more than the ending, though, for me personally. It took a while for any story to feel like it was getting anywhere becasue there were so many moving pieces.

[@chayanika8155]

Ok heres the thing. Don't kill me, but I was a little bit apprehensive about Wind and Truth. So I've found many of Brandon's recent books to be a bit disappointing except Tress if I am truthful starting from Rhythm of War (OB had been amazing). Kind of for the same thing that you mentioned, telling more than showing. And yeah I too found Venli's flashbacks annoying, though I did love the Navani and science parts. But you've certainly intrigued me. Worried about the fan theories you've mentioned. Still, your high rating does make me hopeful. But let's see!!

[@valkopuhelin2581]

Hadn't read the other books so stopped when you gave the warning, thanks.

[@Flammewar]

I just finished it and am satisfied with how many character arcs were concluded. I also liked the second half of the book much better than the first half. I don't know it felt like two different books. Did he take a big break from writing between the two halves? Overall, I would give the first half a 3.0 and the second half a 4.5 with a 4.0 for the entire book.

[@Morfeusm]

I am still reading but yeah this book has couple of these shifts, I think it’s editing fault. I had issues with Oathbringer where I didn’t like most of the book… until that Sanderlanche happened. But yayks some super cringy paragraphs and sentences in this one. However I love it so far and I am only at 50 percent mark.

[@Natey1216]

Did not expect adolin to become my favorite character by the end of wind and truth with kal

[@Tom-vg5nb]

Book. What an incredible review

[@eusociality]

Absolutely the craziest book I’ve ever read, for both better and worse. I read it (minus days 1 and 2) in a single day, so there was probably a lot I missed. Overall, I’m still deciding what I think of it in comparison to the rest of the series, but like all Stormlight, I did love it very much.

[@Bookborn]

Yes yes yes to all of this haha. People keep asking for my ranking of the books but I need time and distance I think. And a reread 😂

[@charliekippen8210]

I got it at Dragonsteel Nexus and had finished it by 4:30 on Friday morning (I did read the preview chapters). I just couldn’t bring myself to put it down!

[@natedog9499]

I know exactly who and what you are talking about and I knew how that was going to be for that character

[@Bookborn]

Ooohhh so do you also think it's going to be divisive or do you think people will love it?

[@bookdmb]

No one I trust more than Bookborn on all things Cosmere, except maybe her buddy Lore of the Worlds. Can’t wait to complete this journey with Kaladin, perhaps the greatest fantasy hero. I know the series is popular, but honestly, Kaladin deserves to only have his legend grow across generations. He is an inspiration to any person who has ever felt battered and broken yet refused to capitulate, strove to ascend to a higher ideal.

[@jadencasto]

I’m only about 10 hours in (Audiobook) and so far I have been really pleased with the pacing! I have felt that a lot of the Stormlight Archive books can take a while to get going, but this one has felt perfect to me

[@xaisies]

Spoiler free - Doing a mix of audiobook and reading. A rather nice way to experience the book, I think. I noted your comment about the humor parts ending after a while - I am only about 150 pages in and the… umm… anatomical joke Syl makes is *weird*. Like not good or bad just… weird. So it is good to know that ends. This is one of the few books I’m not spoiling for myself - thanks for the review!

[@samrambo6976]

Just finished it the other day. Was absolutely fantastic! Thought it wrapped up every arc and added so much to the worldbuilding. So much character depth for other characters (like the heralds and shards) as well so excited

[@andrewoliver6650]

A thoughtful review as can be expected from your channel. Watched your recap up to Words of Radiance... now reading Edgedancer which I never read, then onto Dawnshard. I will probably be able to start Wind and Truth soon, but it'll take some study for me to remember. Anyway, I find Lift... tedious 😅 "Pancake awesomeness." What is this character from a picture book doing in an adult fantasy series?

[@novelideea]

Haven’t finished yet & so will be back to listen soon!

[@NormFields]

Loved the review! Thanks. Now back to reading 🤓

[@Mightyjordy]

Ok I just finished the book and I can see what you mean by being divisive, despite really loving it myself. A small note on your review with potential spoilers... . . . I couldn't think of what scene you didn't like with Jasnah, was it the part where she talks about her sex life? Because that felt kind of weird but I didn't think all the much of it at the time. Also im very curious if the shirt was made before or after reading this one...

[@Bookborn]

*spoilers* --- --- --- haha no, I thought that was pretty normal for an adult book? It was the discussion/debate with Tarvangian. I found the chapter pretty frustrating, and not quite good enough for how I think Jasnah could've overcome things in that conversation. IDK, it just wasn't written strongly for me. However, the end result was really fantastic. Shirt was made BEFORE lmao I literally DIED when I read everything that went down.

[@Mightyjordy]

@ ohhh got it. Yeah I actually loved that chapter but I agree there were some pretty obvious arguments against him that weren’t used. I assumed her failure here is probably a launching point for her character growth in the back half of the series, and I was reading it at like 3am while sick in bed so maybe I was just absorbing it all

[@NormFields]

I've barely gotten started and you're absolutely right about the moving scenes. Already hit a few in just the first few chapters.

[@PhineasPlauche]

1400 pages in 3.5 days is insane; I can't wait to read it!

[@possiblyfatal]

Good review, i smashed through it over the past few days and finished it like 24 hrs ago. i agree with what you said re characters over explaining, that part grinded me abit but I agree with your sentiment as to why it was there I wasnt really a fan of the flashback chapters, I think I actually liked ROW's flashbacks more than this ones, but I can see how people could like it, i just never really jived with the character and their part of the world I think that the absolutely astounding plot/ ending heavily overshadowed any negatives I had while going through the book, and I think 4.5 is a good rating - it was as close to perfect as you could come, and I can very easily see how to some people it would be perfect But GOD I cannot wait for other people in my life to finish it so i can talk about it lol, looking forward to your spoiler review

[@matthewcade4741]

Great review and it definitely added to my excitement to continue the journey!

[@JessicaRoskelley]

OK i finished the book in 2 days (got it on Friday finished on sun) and i absolutely adored it. But now I'm really curious, which character are you referring to as having 'that' moment where the destination perfectly matched the journey at 7:01? I have a few ideas but I'm really curious to know your opinion?

[@Bookborn]

SPOILERS BELOW**** --- --- --- --- --- Kaladin. Him Standing up during all that pain...took my breath away. Ironically, I also think he'll have the controversial arc. I'm not sure if some people will enjoy how little fighting he is involved with.

[@JessicaRoskelley]

@Bookborn SPOILERS: ... ... aaaaaahhhh I gotcha. That part where he stands up and after when he repeats the honor is dead line had me in tears. Which, btw I see what you did there with your shirt, well played 😜 I personally feel that kaladin not being involved with the fighting was one of the best ways to end his arc, especially with the fifth ideal and his new calling as a herald. The rest of them have no idea how good they have it now with Kal as their therapist lol Did you see herald Kal coming?

[@Bookborn]

@@JessicaRoskelley ****SPOILERS**** -- --- --- -- lmao thank you, the shirt was very on purpose. Trying to decide if I should just rewear it for my cosmere connections video so I can make a joke about honor not actually being dead. I think it was perfect for his arc, I just would've never expected it. Did NOT expect Kaladin herald, and I think if someone told me before I read it I would've hated the idea. As it was written, I ended up LOVING it.

[@manumukhesh6116]

Did it deliver? Yes, and so much more.

[@jimihm1]

Thought Sanderson did a great job given the task of this book. For me, at the moment its a 4.5/5, not a 5 because it hasn't completely settled in my mind yet (will need to listen/read it again) and I would still put other Stormlight books above it. I liked the ending and all the character arcs, development and history of Roshar. The only minor negative is that i think some storylines were hinted at too early in the book which I didn't see in the previous ones.

[@RedFuryBooks]

So glad to see you are very positive on this one! I was nervous as I thought Rhythm of War had some major problems for me. Thanks for the review!

[@Bookborn]

I probably should’ve mentioned that I loved rhythm of war… so people who disliked that one might not want to trust my review 😂

[@RedFuryBooks]

@@Bookborn you had mentioned the science/experiments with stormlight being something a lot of readers didn't like (me included) but that it wasn't a big factor in this one definitely is something positive for me. Jake also just published an extremely flattering review too, so I need to try to fit this in soon!

[@JennHernes]

Your dancing around spoilers is killing me! 😂 Curious if you can elaborate about the Jasnah chapter you didn't like? Wondering if it was the section in the sample chapters or later in the book? OMG I can't wait to watch the connections video. This book had so many things. I've finished it already too and definitely need to reread at a slower pace

[@Bookborn]

Chapters 114/116! It was SO HARD to dance around spoilers, but I don't want to spoil things for anyone 😂

[@lewst]

I read the preview chapters and then read the rest in one go on Saturday. There is so much to process, but my biggest disappointment is that stormlight 6 will come out in about 10 years. There are still so many questions and plotlines (though the main character arcs are mostly finished - satisfyingly!). But I thought there would be a cleaner cut. O god its so tough to not spoil anything. Let's just say Way of kings and words of radiance are definitely above it (those are perfect), don't know yet how i rank between oathbringer and rythm. I loved it overall. It will be divisive for those that are already getting annoyed by anything diffrent, but i think if you noticed certain things in the earlier books you will not be too suprised. I wasn't.

[@dogman615]

I just started RoW I was waiting for this book to drop. Love the video

[@Transformers217]

That’s awesome! I’m so happy you gave it a high rating! I can’t wait to read the whole book! 😊

[@Jon-wh1bg]

Interlude 12 was unbelievable it was such a moment of oh wow

[@JamanMosil]

Love this non-spoiler review - thank you thank you thank you!! Can't wait to read the book (I'm behind in my re-read, stil need to re-read RoW, going to be about a month before I start WaT alas!!) so I loved hearing your thoughts!! Not sure why a 4.5 rating would alarm people - that's a fantastic rating from someone who rarely gives 5-stars. I understand your half-point too. In general, Sanderson over-explains characters (motivation, feelings, etc) a bit much for me and so this totally tracks. I also will get annoyed at the jokes I'm sure. Oh well. In regard to the divisive character arc, colour me intrigued. I really wonder which character it is!! Also - one question. Where does this fall in your Stormlight ranking? (for me, I'd go with 1. WoK/WoR, 2. Oathbringer, 3. RoW). Is this the best one yet? Or somewhere in the middle?

[@ArtSnob101]

Im so freaking excited for this and my wife im pretty sure is buying this as my xmas gift so i have to have patience and dodge spoilers till then lol. Also I agree that pretty much every Brandon Sanderson series is self contained and you dont have to read the other books if you don't want to.

[@Bookborn]

What a great christmas gift!

[@istuilhos]

Are you saying Sanderson is to feelings as Jordan was to clothing?

[@Bookborn]

Don't disrespect the smoothing of the skirts here

[@shumandaniele]

Valid comparison

[@akellerhouse83]

Man. I was wondering how you finished it already. I got mine at Dragonsteel, and I've only read 200 pages, most of which was done in the Salt Lake City airport yesterday. Lol. It's really good so far. I watched your Lightweavers and Willshapers panel on Sat. You guys all did a really good job. I wanted to come up and meet you, but it's awkward for me to do that.

[@AccountingInstruction]

Funny shirt. Thank you for the information.

[@empire5432]

Interlude 17 was my favourite

[@BookishDrummer]

I just finished! 🎉 5 stars! I’ve given all of the books 5 stars and I’m so glad he stuck the landing! I’ll be filming my review tomorrow and post it on Wednesday! My review will be spoiler filled haha I can’t talk about this book without diving deep hah

[@tmrogers87]

I can't wait to figure out who is the new POV you are referring to! I have a theory, but won't post for spoiler reasons...

[@zekonja90]

Words of Radiance still best book imo.

[@Bookborn]

Yes agreed. Can’t top it.

[@pretty5793]

People hate ROW but it is 9/10 for me. Everyone has their favorite story and mine was WoR in this series. Kudos to you for processing WAT and rating it so quickly. I need to read it multiple times to just understand what is happening. Spoiler Warning: I thought the exact same thing about the one character arc and their choices in life…especially with the current political environment that adds an additional dimension to readers view on the topic. I read fantasy for action. I don’t care for romantic relationships in fantasy unless it is “accountability of virtue” 😂

[@Bookborn]

Oh I LOVE RoW. Rated it 5 stars lmao. Spoilers *** *** *** *** I don't think we are talking about the same character 😅

[@lalalaurenlibby]

I was hoping this would be posted on Wednesday but here it is even earlier! About to start day 8 and this review has so me so excited/anxious for what is to come! Will you be sharing more spoiler thoughts eventually? And after reading this book so fast I know I’m going to need your Cosmere connections video for all the things I missed Also I totally agree with you on characters over explaining themselves but I’m having so much fun with everything else I’ve already gotten over it

[@Bookborn]

Yes I will! I'm lightly planning on having the same crew come back that did a live with me on RoW so we can go over the predictions we got right and wrong, and then talk spoilers. But that probably won't be until January - we want to give time for people to read the book!