Reading Sanderson for the very first time (spoiler-free)

[@GeekShiek]

"Im rambling on about Vin here..." is a big mood. I started with Mistborn a long time ago as well at the recommendation of a friend. It wasnt until many years later that I discovered the rest of the Cosmere. Vin, Kelsier, and the gang will always be special to me, even when I read objectively better work by him now. I hope you enjoy the experience as much as I did and do :D

[@loriannereuser9599]

I am loving your calm and kind and thoughtful analysis here. Everything is measured and you do a lovely thing here - you find the positive in all that you can. It makes for a lovely review of a book I actually think is pretty mediocre - though I do like his Stormlight series. The consideration you take in what you say makes for an impactful 11 minutes here. Subscribing to your channel now. :)

[@DutchGreyBeard]

Thank you so much for your kind words. 🙏

[@thomascleveland]

The funny thing is, if you listen to Sanderson's lectures on writing which are very good, and then look for implementation of his advice in Mistborn - a lot of it is missing. Primarily show - don't tell. Please for the love of God show me Vin's past and present instead of telling me about it. The. I would actually care about her.

[@DutchGreyBeard]

@@thomascleveland Perhaps stuff for a prequel?

[@thomascleveland]

@@DutchGreyBeardThat might be good. I was planning to read all of Sanderson in one straight go. And I have to say I enjoyed the first Mistborn trilogy. But I wanted to experience other writing styles. So I am taking a break from Sanderson and reading a book called Tigana, by Guy Gavriel Kay. Its very interesting to contrast the two. Tigana's words/prose is much more complicated and difficult to listen to casually. But it is more rewarding. In the middle of the book, he focuses on a woman named Dianora, who is in a similar situation to Vin - she is enslaved to a powerful man who she hates. But Guy Gavriel Kay revisits her past in flashbacks and it really made me FEEL her past and empathize with her. Where Sanderson mentions something like "Vin was beaten countless times by people on thieving crews" Guy Gavriel Kay takes you into the scene "With their fists and feet and with the flats of their cared-for blades... The crowd did not disperse though, which would have been the usual thing when a beating took place. They watched in a silence unnatural for so many people. The only sound was that of the blows falling, for neither boy cried out and the soldiers did not speak." To me I feel like I was a in the crowd watching this event instead of simply being told that it happened. I wish Sanderson would take me into the scene more instead of just telling me what happened.

[@DutchGreyBeard]

@@thomascleveland Wow, all of Sanderson in one go would be something of a project. I can read four (sometimes five - Eddings/Begariad) or books at most in one series in a row. Then I have to change scenery. When I started Wheel of Time I was so invested that I read the prequel (New Spring) and the first four books in one go. Then I read the three books in the Ryiria Revelatins). Now I'm up to one WoT-book per month, although I don't know how things will progress when I'm into the last four. I have Tigana here, and want to read that book soon, as well as The Lions of Al-Rassan. The telling of Vin's background in Mistborn didn't bother me that much, but I understand and agree with what you're saying.

[@Arezoo298195]

I love Sanderson and the Cosmere and I really love the Mistborn series. But once you read more of his work you will see that The Final Empire is still very much amateur Sanderson. When I compare it to some of the Stormlight or Secret Projects he’s written, how he’s improved as an author by leaps and bounds becomes very clear. I personally started with Elantris then Warbreaker because I wasn’t sure I wanted to commit to a series at that point and even though Elantris has very many debut author-isms, its story was amazing enough to make me read the rest of the Cosmere. I wish you much joy on your journey through Sanderson’s incredible worlds.

[@DutchGreyBeard]

Thnx, that's what I hear, about Sanderson maturing as a writer. Can't wait to delve into his later works.

[@treefrogkid1172]

Glad you loved this book, it really is one of sanersons greatest, and it just keeps getting better, and i cant wait to see you read and find out more!

[@jakegen7130]

the way you speak slowly is so nice… it always feels like everyone is in a rush to get what they want to say out and you elaborate very eloquently 😅 very good video!

[@DutchGreyBeard]

Thank you for your very kind words!

[@henryyt1]

Awesome review, Ed. I'm just beginning my Sanderson journey as well. I finished Final Empire a couple weeks ago, and I'm just under half-way through Well of Ascension now. I enjoy thick, colorful prose, but Sanderson has such a way of keeping the reader invested and these books just read so naturally that I haven't been able to put it down. I've never been one to "binge" series because my attention span is pretty bad, but both books have been genuine page-turners for me. The bit you said about not even being aware of how much information you've processed is so true. It feels like the amount of content is doubled relative to any given WoT book (thought I've enjoyed those books as well), yet they read far simply. Every character, every-subplot compels me. Vin is already one of my all-time favorite main protagonists. I can already tell this will end up as one of my favorite series once I'm finished; I hope you enjoy them as well.

[@DutchGreyBeard]

This is so nice, 'meeting' people who are into the same journey I am. I've finished Well of Ascension a couple of days ago (which I didn't like as much as Final Empire) and am well underway in Hero of Ages. Love to hear your thoughts on your Sandersonexperience.

[@francislally6066]

Always a joy to see new readers discover Sanderson. Remember journey before destination my friend!

[@DutchGreyBeard]

It's all about the journey, isn't it ;-)

[@sobri1998]

I've subscribed instantly. Fantastic book review. I've just finished reading all of Sandersons Cosmere books and am making a start on the wheel of time. I totally agreed with your comparison between the two very different writing styles, not sure which I prefer so far! Really looking forward to hearing your thoughts on other books.

[@spade555]

This was delightful. You’ve put into words very specific things that I love about Sanderson. I’m very excited to follow your journey!

[@DutchGreyBeard]

Thank you so much.

[@katieamarsh]

His writing improves as he goes. His prose are never Donna Tarte, but he writes amazing characters, worlds, and magic systems. Reading Mistborn made me okay with him finishing Wheel of Time.

[@LordofChaos42]

SAME, but when i first finished WoT, i REALLY didnt like Sanderson until i read Mistborn 10 years later.

[@AnEruditeAdventure]

Just found your channel with the video being recommended to me, but I subscribed, and am excited to see your adventures. Mistborn is my favorite of Sanderson’s series. I know most people say theirs is The Stormlight Archive, and I do really like that as well, but there’s just something about the Mistborn Saga that works extremely well for me. Glad you enjoyed the first book. And I completely agree on your assessment about one you get into the story, you don’t care about the writing. You just want to read more of the book. Great review! -T

[@DutchGreyBeard]

thnx, I just subscribed to you as well (your channel hadn't come up yet, strangely). I'm halfway through Hero of Ages now, anticipating the Sanderlanch, but so far, the first book in the series is my favorite.

[@RiseeRee]

As a massive Wheel of Time fan and big Brandon Sanderson fan, some of your takes are so relatable 😂

[@WobblebearTrail]

Really great thoughts and review! Just came across your channel and I really appreciated your format and steady thoughts about the books. The Brandon Sanderson books you got were the ones I started with and I'm really excited for you to explore the rest of his works. Can't wait to hear the rest of your thoughts, especially on the Stormlight Archives.

[@DutchGreyBeard]

Thanks for your kind words. I’m well underway in my Sanderjourney. Just read The Emperor’s Soul. I’ll do a Reading Experience as soon as I find the time.

[@heatheredbooks]

So glad you enjoyed it! The Final Empire was my first Sanderson also. I just finished The Hero of Ages. You are definitely in for a wild ride.

[@DutchGreyBeard]

Almost there!!!!

[@prestonyardley3255]

Im so excited for you. I wish i could reexperience the cosmere for the first time

[@bee9678]

Really enjoyed this video. I hope to hear your thoughts on the other books in the series!

[@DutchGreyBeard]

Thank you. Soon, I'll finish reading The Hero of Ages probably tomorrow.

[@dinocollins720]

Just wait until Stormlight!!! haha

[@greywaren621]

Life before death!

[@dinocollins720]

yes!!!!! @@greywaren621

[@jeremyday4892]

Strength before weakness.

[@bigred738]

Nice Jasper shirt. I was born and raised in Alberta Canada. My parents actually just got back from a trip to Jasper. Anyway nice to see somebody getting into Sanderson. I started my journey with The Final Empire last August and it was absolutely worth it. Journey before destination friend, and remember there is always another secret ;)

[@DutchGreyBeard]

Funny that you noticed that. I visited your beautiful country back in 2014. It's one of the few country's outside The Netherland that I could see myself living in (Scotland being the other one). Finished Hero of Ages just an hour ago. Am still freaking out about it. So good!

[@NevsBookChannel]

Great video! I’m in the middle of Elantris and thoroughly enjoying it. I read the first Mistborn trilogy as my introduction as well

[@DutchGreyBeard]

🙏 I will be reading Elantris after The Hero of Ages.

[@kaorihide8283]

such a good review, gained a new sub :)

[@DutchGreyBeard]

Thank you!

[@svbg869]

the sanderlanch does happen in mistborn, but far more in book 3, a little in book 2. love this style of review / reaction. Sanderson is my favorite author to this day, and the order you have is a good one. as you move more into fantasy, I would love to see more of this style content. as well as potentially looking into online serials, that is stories that are posted on a schedule like 2 chapters/week. the big names in this space would be: wandering inn, a practical guide to evil, mother of learning, delve, worm. and many many others. these are all available 100% for free on either royal road, or their own website.

[@DutchGreyBeard]

So, I've got some sanderlanch coming on then. Great. I'm working on my review of Riftwar (Feist) and some other stuff. Soon getting into Wheel of Time for real (just finished reading nr 9 in the series). Online serials are not on my radar for now. I've seen how enthusiastic Matt (Matt's Fantasy Book Reviews) is about The Wandering Inn. So perhaps I'll give it a shot in the near future. Thanks for the tip.

[@alibinqauizhiersarapuddin7860]

Ive liked to hear more about your opinion on Brandon Sanderson works in the future and other fantasy novels Im gonna subscribe to you and follow your fantasy journey

[@celestegosling6054]

I really enjoyed your reaction to your first read of a Brandon Sanderson book! I was a little confused when you said you hadn't read Brandon Sanderson, but that you really love the Wheel of Time, until you said you had only just finished the 9th book, because Brandon Sanderson actually finished writing the Wheel of Time series when Robert Jordan died. But if you're only 9 books in, you aren't up to the Brandon Sanderson (co)written ones. Glad you enjoyed the first Mistborn novel! I actually started with Elantris, but I do think starting with Mistborn is better. Have fun reading the rest of the first series!

[@DutchGreyBeard]

Thank you. Yes, I started out reading fantasy with WoT. I've got two more true Jordan-WoT-books left, and then I'll get to the final three. Can't wait!

[@dutch_blades]

Stormlight boek 5 is er, dus een goed excuus om daar in te beginnen!

[@chicagodino]

I think both Mistborn series are well written and enjoyable. I can’t wait to see your reaction to the Stormlight Archives. I found those books to be ok. I liked the side characters more than the main characters. The banter that you enjoyed in Mistborn is lacking in that series. I found some parts of those books to be a chore to get through. Your review was enjoyable and I will subscribe to see the rest of them.

[@DutchGreyBeard]

Thanks. That's a pitty, the lack of banter in Stormlight Archive. Other than that I hear nothing but rave about that series.

[@rohanmulgaokar5682]

I loved seeing the evolution between the prose isn't great to who cares about the prose. I have only read Elantris which was fun. The reason people like Sanderson is a lot of readers like to solve a mystery and Sanderson lets them do that He's like the Agatha Christie of Fantasy.

[@jgamer2228]

You started the wheel of time in January and you're already at the Heart of Winter? Good God man, I started it last year and we're on the same book. Props to you

[@Ola-ws4jg]

Definitely my fav book from him

[@abassoonist]

Cool! I'm doing a similar thing, I'm reading the Stormlight Archive for the first time and I just talk about it. I just finished Mistborn 1 and 2 recently, and because I'm a terrible person, I switched to Stormlight 😅

[@DutchGreyBeard]

Nice (not you calling yourself a terrible person of course)! I have to read a trilogy before I can move on to another series.

[@abassoonist]

@@DutchGreyBeard I have the 3rd one but I'm so all over the place with my books, I have a short attention span 😅 I think I have 4 series I need to finish currently

[@Goofballofluxanna]

I Like the way you speak! Good video! May I ask if you have read Tolkien?

[@DutchGreyBeard]

You may certainly ask, and the answer is YES. First time in a Dutch translation, later on two times in English. Loved it!

[@prestonyardley3255]

the well of ascension i feel like has a better sanderlanche

[@PipBoykin]

If you're looking for fantasy, my personal recommendation are Tad Williams ("Memory, Sorrow, Thorn" and "Otherland" series), Raymond E. Feist ("The Riftware Saga" and "The Empire Trilogy" series), and Susan Cooper ("The Dark is Rising Sequence").

[@DutchGreyBeard]

Thanks for the recommendations. On my TBR (and in my bookcases) are Tad Williams & Empire Trilogy (Riftwar I just did a review on). The latter is new to me. I'll check her out.

[@PipBoykin]

@@DutchGreyBeard Yes, after I posted my recommendations I came accross your Riftwar video. I prefer the Empire Trilogy, so I'm curious to find out what you think. The later Feist books lgo off the rails a bit. There's a problem with power creep - as Pug gets stronger you need stronger enemies, and it gets incredulous pretty fast. I gave up on Feist because of that. I envy the fact you still have to read Memmory, Sorrow, Thorn for the first time. My favourite fantasy books ever since they were released. Susan Cooper is an english author who moved to, I believe, Canada. The first book in the series was published in the 60s and the remaining three followed a decade later. It's based on old british Cornish folklore (think The Great Hunt, Hern the Hunter, the Green Man, that kind of thing) with some Merlin thrown in for good measure. The writing style may be a bit old fashioned compared to what we have today. The seperate books are now published as a single collection. They made a film of the first book a few years ago and everyone involved in that piece of garbage should die in a bonfire. (Not really, but you know what I mean). Greetings from a fellow Dutchie

[@DutchGreyBeard]

@@PipBoykin I love British folklore, which why I adore the books by William Horwood. I’ll go and check Susan Cooper out. I WON’T be watching the adaptation 😂

[@HarmeetSinghTb]

Good video mate

[@mnbgfdsa]

Nice, I'm reading the second book in mistborn era 2

[@DutchGreyBeard]

How do you like era 2 so far?

[@bjminton2698]

I, too, have never read any Sanderson. You may convince me to give him a try! So many books in a series is not an attraction for me.🤯 Although I do like long mystery series, but they are very different from fantasy. I have finished Theft of Swords by Sullivan, Blink and Book 1 of Conversations With God. I enjoyed all of them very much! Thank you for the recommendations!! I look forward to more.

[@Ljrobison]

I think you would love the Mistborn trilogy then. It is truly an amazing blend of a heist/mystery and fantasy. The revelations at the end are just phenomenal. I haven't found an author that handles endings better than Sanderson. You literally cannot put down his books around the last third. Fans have dubbed these moments Sanderlanches.

[@DutchGreyBeard]

Good to hear that my recommendations worked out fine for you! Especially as far as Walsch's book is concerned. I was afraid that perhaps it wasn't your cup of tea altogether. As for Sanderson, his series are 3 to 4 books, apart from Stormlight Archive (if I'm not mistaken). You can restrict yourself to one arc, without immersing yourself completely into the Cosmere.

[@thhunter]

You can read The Final Empire as a standalone book and be perfectly happy to read another or not. It's really a great introduction to Sanderson's work.

[@matthewgolembeski1926]

I wasn't going to click on this video but then I saw your name was "Dutch Greybeard" and I knew I had to see what was up lol

[@RobertLaTuso]

Can you please mention if their are spoilers or spoiler free in the title header?

[@DutchGreyBeard]

Thanks for the reminder. I'll think about doing that.

[@giovannitigalo7011]

I love Elantris and would just recommend people start with that. It’s better than any Mistborn book

[@DutchGreyBeard]

I really like Elantris very much as well. I also like Mistborn (Era 1) very much, although up till now I can't see why it is recommended by so many to read Mistborn before Elantris. Perhaps reading on in The Cosmere will clear that up.

[@orrinscott-stewart3641]

The Sanderlanch effect gets bigger later Final Empire was more of a Mini-Lanch😁

[@ronald418]

I suspect (and hope) that Brandon's story telling is improving with time. I am now reading Rythm of War, and although the first chapters are a bit boring, the story picks up and the writing starts to get much better than anything I have read from him before. I know he is capable of good story telling because I have seen him do it before, but his fabricated way of crafting his worlds is interfering with his story telling too much in his earlier work, and is sometimes unbearable. For that reason I hesitate to start reading Mistborn, but maybe I should read his later stand-alone books. I might like those very much.

[@DutchGreyBeard]

I haven't yet come around to reading SA, but I cannot imagine that Mistborn will disapoint you. Just published my reading experience of The Emperor's Soul, in which I mention something about Sandersons development as a skilled writer (in my opinion of course).

[@Twistedstar0320]

The end of the mistborn trilogy is probably one of the best things I've ever read

[@DutchGreyBeard]

Am into the last 30 pages as we speak. Amazing!!

[@Twistedstar0320]

@DutchGreyBeard nice! Looking forward to your review.

[@drummerguy438]

I heard the intro music and I don't think I could have clicked subscribe fast enough.

[@DutchGreyBeard]

Did you recognize the soundbite?

[@drummerguy438]

@@DutchGreyBeard Sadly no. But I loved it.

[@DutchGreyBeard]

@@drummerguy438 In case you’d like to know, it’s the opening of the 6th song on the self titled album by the Norwegian band Ark.

[@theworldsinger]

Loved the video! I'm making a channel encouraging people to start read the Cosmere, I'd love to have a chat with you about your perspective as a new reader.

[@DutchGreyBeard]

Thnx! Sure, I'm happy to share my perspective with you.

[@runswith2scissors]

As a huge Sanderson fan, I’m quite excited for you to experience his works…Journey Before Destination!