YUMI AND THE NIGHTMARE PAINTER ~Cosmere Review~

My review of Yumi and the Nightmare Painter by Brandon Sanderson.
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[@DanielGreeneReviews]

You could say the themes were… painted on the walls!

[@nazimelmardi]

Almost… almost. But you are just a One Piece reader…. 😂

[@robertm.8653]

Nice one

[@Tirlex]

​@@nazimelmardi?

[@faultier1158]

@@Tirlex reference to a tweet from today

[@GhostEmblem]

Your publisher is is doing you (and me) a solid by pushing you to promote your book. People want to read it pls mention it more. Thank you. Also it looked like you were pointing to 3 books, is it a trilogy or were you pointing at something else.

[@robertm.8653]

I know the ending was maybe "too good" than what we expected, but seeing how often things go wrong in our world, I'll take any happy endings I can get.

[@grc3rb]

I was sooooo angry for 1 minute 😂

[@Florkl]

Especially since a fundamental theme of the book is that people deserve to be happy, and a sad ending would kind of undercut the theme.

[@snowdrop9810]

​@@grc3rbI suppose if it ended badly sanderson would have ripped odium through the fabric of reality into our universe.

[@heathermarie5139]

I feel like we got the sad ending where we felt destroyed, and then Sanderson let us not feel destroyed. And we might know that it was unrealistic or that the story may have been “better” had we stuck with the devastating ending….but since it’s fiction and fantasy, we can get the happy ending.

[@bradleyfaulkenberry7488]

I saw Brando Sando at Tampa Comic convention and asked if it was ever intended to be a sort of tragedy. He said he wanted to let us have a glimpse of what a tragedy would look like, but ended on a positive note on behalf of his wife, who the book was written for.

[@mordyth]

The end was forshadowed in the text. Classic storytelling. It was directly related to the tv show they were watching and the extra episode where the character returns to his love

[@aj2563]

Nothing hits like an old school Daniel review

[@Levi_Zacharias]

Too true

[@robertm.8653]

Some say this book was $60. For me, it was priceless ❤

[@alecandro1958]

Coincidentally, that is the exact value of a Shardblade...

[@Xanderqwerty123]

But so is a human life, so by the transitive property, we now know that $60 is 2 emerald broams. Slaves are cheap as hell on Roshar.

[@crowthewicked8344]

Now I call that a bargain

[@abauerns]

I loved the ending! I'm also a romance reader, so I had a different set of expectations throughout - I thought the ending had been foreshadowed and telegraphed pretty well. I thought Yumi's character development was really well done, and that Painter's character development nicely complimented hers. Yumi learns that there is value in life outside of her obligations - and in questioning authority - while Painter learns the value of opening up and trusting people in his life. I think this is why the secondary characters seem one-dimensional in his world. Its a reflection of how he's labeled them to justify his attitude towards them. But the same characters seen through Yumi are quite different. Even the big muscley guy is described as being a nerd about his body-building, and embarrassed when he realizes he did something socially inappropriate. Since Yumi's whole character arc was about choice, I would have been devastated if that choice had been taken away from her at the end. Painter learned that he didn't have to be the hero so at the end he didn't try to save her - he gave her the opportunity to make a choice. I'm just a big fan of any narrative that tells women they deserve more than a life of obligation and service. They deserve to have their knowledge and experience respected and to choose happiness for themselves.

[@avanz2885]

Nailed the point about the secondary characters, none of the them was one dimensional. The “big muscley guy" who turned out to be shy and caring, basically a gentle giant really moved me ❤️

[@lotustheblooming]

I think the best thing I can say about this book is that I sat down to read it after work, telling myself I would only read a few chapters, and then three hours later I was rubbing tears out of my eyes like “wait I just read the whole thing”

[@isn0t42]

Ok, you convinced me. Stop pushing so hard. Jesus!

[@guddefulgaming]

In THREE HOURS?!

[@TheMaidenOnes]

​@@guddefulgamingHe never said he just started reading ;) maybe it was only the last 10 pages 😂

[@lotustheblooming]

@@TheMaidenOnes I use She/her please! :) but yes, i read the book in It’s entirety in maybe four hours

[@zediogo8860]

@@lotustheblooming thats impossible, but sure you must be a super genius. r/iamverysmart

[@fedos]

My biggest complaint about Yumi and the Nightmare Painter is that I can't reread it without knowledge of the revelations.

[@AutkastKain]

I saw the (lowly) or (highly) parts as just Sanderson's classic swearing replacements, and I liked it so much cuz i could fill in the blank

[@uhlan30]

(Spoiler warning) . . . . The take that this book should have ended tragically is a take I've seen a lot of people have and I have to disagree. Yumi had it drilled into her from an early age that her life isn't really hers, because she was "chosen" by the spirits to exist solely as a servant for the greater good of the world. Her whole arc is about overcoming that dogma and learning to reclaim her life for herself. That's what her character had been building toward the entire book. So what would a tragic ending have looked like? Well, it would have meant Yumi's final act would be to essentially backpedal to the purpose she was assigned, lose all the progress she'd made, and sacrifice everything for the greater good of the world. Her story would end in the exact same place it began. So would we get to have a tragic, gut-wrenching ending? Sure. But it would come at the cost of canceling out her entire character arc and undermining one of the story's main themes. I understand the intuition that suffering feels more meaningful, but in this case I think a happy ending was the right call. IMO it fits better thematically by showing us that it doesn't have to be a binary, and she can both do good for the world and do good for herself.

[@udayanbanerjee1]

Thank you for this. I felt the same but couldnt put my thoughts into words.

[@rubyraptor]

I agree. I think scaring us into thinking it would end tragically (using the earlier nightmare twist as precedence for things to go horribly wrong when we least expect) was enough of a gut-wrench, and giving the book a sweet ending fulfilled Yumi’s arc much better than otherwise. also she’s basically in the same situation as everyone we’ve seen cheat death before, so it wasn’t that surprising to see that much investiture find a way to stick around in the physical realm

[@AthrxL]

I just feel better after reading this, so thanks, great way to put it together.

[@Florkl]

Personally, I think a lot of the criticisms of this book stem from the fact it was not written to be satisfying to the wider Cosmere audience. It was written to be satisfying for Emily Sanderson, and we’re just lucky to experience it. We’re not the target audience, and can’t say what the book should have done to be better (distinct from just saying what people liked or didn’t like, but saying “it should have been a tragedy” misses the point of what the book was intended to be).

[@DanielGreeneReviews]

Very fair! But I think I was clear at that point that was just a preference thing for me not trying to approach criticizing the intent of the book. I like tragedy right now more than I used to and it’s important as a critic I put stuff like that out so a wider audience can gauge their preferences VS my own when deciding what to buy. I hope that makes sense and doesn’t come across super pretentious.

[@Florkl]

@@DanielGreeneReviews​​⁠​⁠For sure. I was more referring to criticisms of the book from people in general, as I’m reading through the comments. Not necessarily from you specifically.

[@jatzi1526]

@@DanielGreeneReviews I just finished the book and watched this. Its weird I know the book has a good ending but it was so quick to change from tragedy to happy that I'm still feeling the emotions from the tragedy. Like it'd settled on the tragedy side and I had feelings and then it switched it up but my feelings were set lol. Maybe I'm just misinterpreting the post-book sadness

[@aliomar2912]

Then what is the target audience? I don't get it.

[@user-ez9ng2rw9c]

​@@aliomar2912I mean, the comment makes it pretty clear? It's his wife. Also the story takes heavy inspiration from your name I think and that story follows a very similar structure.

[@Fatikis42]

I excuse the secondary characters being 2d because Hoid was telling the story, and he was mostly aware of the two of them. He only had glimpses into the others.

[@robinstrich2553]

Just stopping by to say that it's really noticable how every video since the bigger break you took has felt like something you genuinely wanted to create. Not that this wasn't the case before, but somehow the energy given off feels way more relaxed without the tight upload schedule from before... They say some things are best noticed afterwards, and that is kind of true here ^^ Keep it up in your own pace, it's really good to see :)

[@cookedghost]

Daniel Danny boy What are you (lowly) referencing at the end? I finished Yumi like a month ago and I'm very confused ;-;

[@nicolaasesposito9716]

Watching him flip a $60 book at the beginning hurt my soul

[@maedle99]

I live in a third world country where books are so damn expensive that the only copies i can get are old as hell, the pages are all yellow and grimy and the cover front is sticked together with glue and duct tape... THAT is the type of book i get the chance to read physically, and everytime either Daniel or Merphy does that with their pristine-looking books... it destroys my SOUL.

[@Marco_Onyxheart]

This book felt uncomfortable to read for me because Nikaro is so similar to myself. Although I'm more stubborn to a fault. Nikaro is me if I ever give up. I didn't expect to have a mirror put in front of me.

[@totesmagotes213]

I was able to relate to John from Frugal Wizard’s Guide. I used to be quite a mess up and only fixed myself when I found people who believed in me. One of Sanderson’s strength is his flawed characters that different people can relate to.

[@NikthePainter]

Hi, I'm Nik a Japanese painter who found the description of the main character in the first chapter to be unnerving... and a little unflattering? But I get to say that I'm in a cosmere novel lol. I do love this book and every time I see that cover I'm flabbergasted- its gorgeous

[@hanzquejano7112]

Don't tell me Nik is short for Nikaro

[@christhewritingjester3164]

I think what I apprecaite most is that Sanderson is branching out in the ways he is telling stories and that they are overall still good stories. I can't wait to see what flavor Dan Wells brings to the Cosmere.

[@elduderino4936]

absolutely adored the anime and jrpg influences, specifically your name and ffx

[@dragonfireink139]

I agree about the endings of Tress vs. Yumi. I think Yumi's ending was fantastic and well worth the journey. Tress, ironically, was more my flavor as a story. So even though the end left a little to be desired, i still enjoyed the read more overall

[@Wordhopper1990]

Yumi was such a good book! While I agree on tragedies hitting harder sometimes, like One Piece backstories, and my initial reaction was the same as yours, upon consideration, I did like this ending better. It was both foreshadowed a lot and matched Yumi’s character arc in a very satisfying way.

[@teancumsjavelin363]

Knowing that this one was written for his wife, I figured it was going to have the ending it did. I personally like those kind of endings better than the other way, but it's not like Sanderson is afraid to do more tragic endings. Just look at some of his other books.

[@MarcDonders]

I'm almost done with Tress but Yumi and the Nightnare Painter is so far the one that really stands out for me. I love the East-Asian inspired setting and was really happy with the ending since it evoked a genuine emotional response. Out of the three I would like to see this one visualised. Preferrably animated because of the stark contrast of light and darkness in the book. It's a great read, even if you're not well versed in the Cosmere like myself.

[@lDanielHolm]

The fact that my favorite anime is an inspiration for this story -- Hikaru no Go -- blew me away. I absolutely loved it!

[@timogul]

I got the ebook from the kickstarter, and by the time I finished, I HAD to order the hardcover. Definitely my favorite cosmere book, and I was bawling by the end.

[@garnix5427]

Literally just finished this book an hour ago, what perfect timing, Daniel! Edit: also Daniel, please tell us what you were referencing at the end. I felt like what you said could apply to so many scenes in the book haha

[@_tabi_reads]

Yess I need to know😂

[@lostxwoods6702]

- - SPOILER!!! - - ______________ Forgive my late response, but I just finished the book and came back to this video. I want to say I believe he was referencing when Yumi decided she wanted to live. From an outside perspective its a completely natural "duh!" thing for someone to realize and accept, but from Yumi's perspective this is her FINALLY truly going against the purpose and programming she has been subjected to for almost 2000 years. She is deciding something for herself, and making a selfish decision that is technically not right in the context of their world. She says she wants to live and she uses her power/influence to have the spirits make it so. This was her first REAL step in living her own life on her terms (quite literally too). Considering how highly she held onto those foundational beliefs for so long, this is a MASSIVE move on her part. At least this is the thing I believe matches his description the most. Edit: Well going back and re-reading that whole sequence...its very blatant in getting that point across so maybe its not what he meant...but maybe? Darn it Daniel, how can you NOT explain yourself in a reply in the comments by now!? ARGH

[@emilkris2661]

Yo Daniel, I have been watching your videos for a while and just wanted to say that your videos have become one of my favorite comfort foods for my thoughts! I often feel like your reviews spark my love for fantasy literature. So thank you for being awesome and for sharing your incredible creativity, insight and humor!

[@ethanfaris]

Loving more videos Dan! This was such a great book I'm glad you liked it too!

[@Armistice_]

Yumi and the Nightmare Opinion. sounds like she went into the youtube comments section after one of daniel's Wheel of Time videos.

[@lunacarmin]

The physical edition is sooo pretty❤

[@GatlingXYZ]

I felt the same way about the Cosmere-related things. I haven't gotten too far into the Cosmere yet-mostly Mistborn and some Stormlight-but this book (and Tress) reaaaally makes me wanna consume everything else right now so I can go back and reread and pick up on everything I missed the first time around. Also, TOTALLY get your "ending thoughts"-I felt mostly the same but was pretty happy with the way it turned out. And I personally liked the infodump lol Great review! ALSO I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT YOU'RE REFERENCING

[@ShinyGreninja14]

Maybe how Hoid said someone stole his memories once?

[@matthewwaldron3826]

This was the first review where I could finally watch!! All the other reviews have had spoilers for all the cosmere, and having read just the secret projects and the stormlight archive (working through the first mistborn now) it was great to hear a spoiler review just about yumi and the nightmare painter! ❤

[@asksalottle220]

After finishing Triss this was the next book I was gonna read. EXCITED TO SEE YOUR REVIEW

[@crimsonraen]

Thanks for the review Daniel! I just finished this book, and absolutely loved it! The epilogue didn't actually take me as out of it as I would've thought, given its nature. It just brought me to a fireside chat with Hoid, or something along those lines. :) I also appreciated how he chose to end it. :)

[@Levi_Zacharias]

Thanks for the reviews!

[@alexm-e4910]

I’m really looking forward to reading this one! Just finished Warbreaker so maybe this’ll be my next Sanderson

[@hailmuffins6934]

I probably won't read the book, but that cover art is just so, so beautiful!

[@kingalido]

Finally! Waited forever for this!

[@archlectoryarvi2873]

Great review as always, will check out the book soon and yes I too like the taste of Sanderson.....

[@alakazam9776]

I can't wait for the next book!!!!!!

[@fudgerrr9385]

Are getting a full Wano review anytime soon?

[@hellgast0]

I've ordered the book last month, so now I'm patiently waiting for it to arrive! Wo am I excited, it sounds like a story idea I had myself, so I'm super curious how Sanderson does a Japanese inspired story.

[@Kiki-oo3bw]

re-ignited my excitement for this!!

[@stevemccullough6538]

That's a nice desk. I'm a sucker for a nice desk

[@PhoenixBladeInfinty]

I actually read the epilogue a few hours after the book finish because I was so knocked out from the end. Probably because of that, the change in voice was so very nice and appreciated

[@BreakingStubad]

Yay old school book review!

[@redbird300011]

How you view the ending may depend on whether or not you've seen your name

[@TheBeccabus]

I just finished it I absolutely love seeing Brandon Sanderson having fun and you can tell he had fun with this book. I didn't fall in love with the story or the characters, so I would have been happy with any ending. If you're in love with the characters there's only one good ending. I liked it a lot!

[@fintanoblack2458]

This book was just amazing

[@juanperret7044]

I think the (pause) we're going to explain what's going on moment I liked it but ONLY because the narrator had already broke the 4th wall many times and felt like I was there being told the story by the narrator

[@homeisadream]

Thanks for the video! 😊

[@taylorjaussi8338]

I'm glad you brought up that point about the narrator explaining everything rather than the characters. To me, it felt like a hurried ending rather than taking a bit more time to have the characters flesh out the situation. I loved the book, but that was my biggest gripe: the narrator overstepped at a crucial point in the book.

[@sauloborges5591]

08:45 hahaha loved it

[@Kaladin0622]

Been waiting for this one 🤌

[@mordyth]

I loved this book. I may even love it more than Tress. Maybe, definately

[@CoachAlexandreChamberland]

Gorgeous book, he says, after throwing it and making my heart stop as I imagine potential bent pages and corners. Can't imagine liking nice-looking books and still risking damaging them.

[@ladrac198]

As a Malazan reader, I also enjoy tragedies and suffering much more in my stories now😂 But even in Malazan there's times where characters get a good ending... Just.... Well, just because, and I like that sometimes as well too. The ending really worked for me (though the exposition at the end did take me out a bit), 9.5/10 and one of my 3-5 favorite Cosmere books to date.

[@styrofoamsoldier]

Nice keychron Daniel! :3

[@lordramoth3416]

Next on tbr pile

[@bookdmb]

Just catching up on Daniel’s channel and want to say huge respect on all his growth this year, as an author, KZbinr, and human in the world.

[@dugnutt]

I completely agree about the narrative info dump in the third act. It was the only thing in the book that I wasn't a fan of. I love Sanderson, but I think in this moment he felt like he needed to explain how everything was working behind the curtain and I dont think he needs to do that with all of his books. Sure, the readers appreciate it, but in this situation I think it definitely hurt the flow of the finale.

[@AeynYT]

Completely agree with your second critical point. While it's cool to peek behind the curtain of the workings of Cosmere magic, the disconnect between what the characters learn and the reader knows wasn't great. This also showed up during Tress too.

[@noto151n4]

Hey Daniel! You mentioned you take notes on payoff etc as you read. How do you go about doing this in a way that doesn't take away from your enjoyment? (Assuming that is the case) Loved the review as always!

[@dragonfireink139]

I've only read mistborn and the secret projects. I thoroughly enjoyed Yumi.

[@darklourd]

"Due to a mistake he made" You should have not said that. Thats one important event in the book that the readers needs to discover, towards the end, in fact. Regardless if you did not explicitly state the nature of mistake, the book even made an effort to elude the readers of that angle - making the subject just a plain outcast an introvert in nature, the other subjects being former friends turned cool kids who outgrew the introvert and moved on.

[@robertm.8653]

It's really cool how someone's words and Intent can have such a big impact! . . . "Our...world. Our rules!" (I'm glad she gets to live for herself ❤)

[@charli8815]

This one was my personal favorite so far from the secret projects. I know this wasn't the intent, but I couldn't help but look at it with a trans reading and that really added a lot for me personally. Even without that though, the setting was fun and I really loved the dynamic between the two leads. I really hope we eventually get more stories in this world one day. There's a lot left unexplored and I would just really love to see more of this.

[@heathermarie5139]

I’m cis, but my best friend’s spouse recently came out as trans so there’s been a lot (more) discussion of trans issues and how visibility and representation matters (like, I knew it mattered before and advocated, but it’s always different when there’s a personal connection….which is why we should introduce people to a diverse populace!) When, anyways, there was a scene in Tress that really struck me and that I sent to my friend’s spouse where there’s a discussion about our souls trying to fill our bodies like water in a vase, and how the vase might not be the right shape, and how trying to fit that shape when it’s wrong is so exhausting. I feel like with these secret projects Sanderson has been leaning heavily into personalities and realities for those who don’t fit the cis-heteronormative paradigm and I love to see it.

[@nazimelmardi]

Of course he dropped it. So Daniel… we know books are for read, if we protect it, we are not reading it… 👀😂

[@bryanhathaway1004]

I 100% agree with you on the narrator stops to explain point. It took me out of the story as well. I do like that hoid actually explains things, it was just a little too much here.

[@DPadGamer]

Just got around listening to the audiobook and finished it last night. I agree that the story has issues, but I also agree that I'd rate it quite high for the Cosmere book's I've read. I will say, this is the story that has affected me the most emotionally outta any of Sanderson's books. I paused-the-audiobook-to-cry twice, and while I understand some people's preference that the ending be different; it was exactly what I wanted / needed in the moment ya know? And agreed, the illustrations were absolutely incredible.

[@Glokta4]

Say one thing about Daniel Greene, say that he creates great book review videos.

[@brennanhunt1535]

I loved this book but Tress was a little stronger for me! Hoping the 4th Secret Project is the best of all!

[@untamedbanana3794]

this is on my tbr before the year ends for sure. also, daniel do you have any plans to review the new ml wang book? the author of sword of kaigen wrote a new standalone novel and it’s pretty great stuff as well

[@terrencetan8376]

Blood over bright haven? This is so uncanny I just got chills. I happened to read that RIGHT before Yumi and the coincidence of the plot similarities were raising my eyebrows. Now you also coincidentally mention the very same 2 books without having read Yumi before. Whoa

[@Skitkat101]

Is it weird to say that I've begun to feel that the cosmere is the weakpoint of Sanderson's books? I don't have a comprehensive understanding of the cosmere, so all of these celestial mechanics and overcomplex magic systems touching on books that are never going to give a grounded understanding of _why_ any of this works feels like dead weight the story has to carry. I've absolutely adored all of the secret projects so far - they're my three favourite Sanderson books. I just wish we got more stuff like Handbook, which can stand on its own without needing to be tied into the cosmology of over a dozen other books.

[@Florkl]

I wouldn’t necessarily say it’s weird, but I will say that modern Cosmere feels primarily written for an audience that does have a solid understanding of the Cosmere (or easy access to Coppermind and enough understanding to navigate the terms), so I think it’s important to keep in mind the difference between something being weak and simply written for someone else. I’m very curious if Hoid’s explanation was in Emily’s draft- he said something about it being a later add-on, but I don’t know if it was added before or after Emily said it could be released.

[@rubyraptor]

I do think it is a little weird to say that and then include two Cosmere books in your top three 😂 jokes aside though I think the Cosmere is part of what makes his stories work so well. for me personally it’s a ton of fun to have the worlds interconnected along with the overarching magic system and plot that I get to unravel through a myriad of perspectives. I’m honestly not a huge fan of his other works, the Cosmere is what keeps me invested

[@johnringer4190]

I know you called it out in that MILLISECOND FLASH OF TEXT . . . butyaforgot"frugal"OKBYEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!

[@bretsheeley4034]

Spoilers . . . One thing I am wondering is when Hoid was recounting Yumi’s repeated day, did Hoid feel anything familiar or relatable to the scene? ;)

[@xraysandaliens]

I can't believe you tossed the book like that !

[@oba-1kenobi]

I got similar feeling to watching Your Name, with a similar romantic set up. The two protagonists taking each other's bodies etc. Im definitely not mad at it. The twist to the setup was very welcomed.

[@Sleepgarden]

50-60$ hardcover book with 30-40 dollar international shipping and Daniel's like "book go wheeee"

[@shawnadanielle1283]

I think you'd enjoy ML Wang's new book, Blood Over Bright Haven.

[@tasogarerubica]

Color me intrigued~ Also that's a smexy desk. What type of wood did your friend Kyle use?

[@jackjennings1707]

😂😂😂😂 in absolute stitches at your realising that

[@sntxrrr]

The info dumps at the end did bring the story down a bit for me. I'm there for a story, not a Wikipedia article. Having said that, I loved the main relationship. This is my favorite secret project so far also.

[@oogaboogabingo7222]

I think it broke the flow of the story but it really did clear things up a bit. It streamlined the story and created a richer narrative imo

[@michaszczepkowski4931]

Im massive Brando Sando fan but if he would make this particular one book with sad ending i would be pissed off. From all his books this one had no right to be sad

[@redacted6202]

Spoilers, but can someone please say what he’s referencing at 11:34 I finished the book but I got no clue

[@Ridsdale8950]

Hey Dan, you getting the feeling Brandon gave us these feel good books with happy endings to soften the blow Stormlight 5 is gunna hit us with?

[@fullmetalathlete]

I also had a real problem with the giant infodump at the end of the book...it felt like the magic system explanation was overly convoluted and if you need Hoid to stop and do like 3 separate info dumps to explain it, it's probably not that well written...most of the rest of the book I enjoyed but that part made for my least favorite of Sanderson's magic systems. Also OMG I can't figure out what he's referencing at 11:40 cause it's been a month since I finished it and it's driving me crazy so if you know what he's referring to please tell me.

[@Florkl]

Sanderson also didn’t like it, FWIW. But said he realized he had written himself into a corner and went with what he felt was least terrible solution.

[@lemoncat9329]

Sanderson has never tasted better.

[@jonathanpassey]

I had those same two complaints. too much exposition and the happy ending.

[@mateocartolano8656]

Hi Everyone! I come looking for guidance. I just finished Mistborn era I, and I'am currently in a crossroad as to where to continue. I've seen people say I should go directly to the Stormlight, and others said I should go for Elantris, Warbreaker, or Tress of the Emerald Sea. And I also thougth of reading the rest of Mistborn, but I understand that is not adviced. So, Tress, Elantris or Warbreaker? Or skip it and go directly to Stormlight? Thank you!

[@saschabaer3327]

It's hard to really go wrong. I will say that the later books in both Stormlight and Mistborn Era 2 have a bunch of crossover things that will likely be more interesting if you've read certain other books already, but should be perfectly fine if you haven't. If you want to make sure you understand absolutely everything right away, you'll probably want to read at least Warbreaker first, but I wouldn't say there's anything _wrong_ you can do. I'll also add that there's a narrative break between books 3&4 of Mistborn era 2, so you could totally read more Mistborn but decide later to first read all the other stuff before The Lost Metal. Also, I'd recommend saving up the secret projects as treats for making it through the cosmere 😊

[@cookedghost]

I'd probably take a breather with Warbreaker, dive into Stormlight (depending on your reading speed you might catch up by book 5's release next year!), then another break with Elantris and Tress, and finally Mistborn Era 2. You can also pepper in the short stories from Arcanum Unbouded mostly as you wish (although I recommend sandwiching Emperor's soul between books 3 and 4 of Era 2) Also, don't forget Secret History! It's a point of contention in the fandom whether it's best read after Hero of Ages or Bands of Mourning... I'm personally in the former camp, but it essentially boils down to more context (after Era 1) or more surprise (during Era 2) for a big reveal - after that it's mostly personal preference. Either way, happy reading!

[@mateocartolano8656]

@@cookedghost Finished the Trilogy in less than a month, and only because I am also reading for University, so I guess if I put myself to it I could catch up for Stormlight book 5, I hope I get everything read for december next year. I bought the Arcanum Unbounded collection after finishing Well of Ascension, I have it in store ready to dive into the short stories when it's time. Thank you!

[@mateocartolano8656]

@saschabaer3327 @cookedghost Three months later update, read Elantris, Warbreaker and just finished Oathbringer, gonna take a breather of Roshar and Start Alley of Law. Thank you so much to both of you for helping me with this journey!

[@jamestriplett5854]

this would make a really good animated series if taken seriously

[@Nasser851000]

Which is the best of the Secret Projects so far?

[@amolsonawane1476]

Tress of the Emerald Sea

[@DanielGreeneReviews]

Hard to choose between Tress and Yumi for me.

[@Aquilius25]

Yumi is primarily a cozy romance with a secondary layer of fantasy as a setting/plot device. This was totally not the story for a tragic ending. That would have gone against the story's overall theme and the underlying promises to the reader.

[@BEfantotheextreme]

The only thing that bothers me with Yumi was that for me, the printing of the foil wasnt centered on the spine and came off, along with some on the back. Such a good book though!!!

[@lastman9731]

Sounds a lot like Your Name in concept.

[@drunkwizard2362]

"There was a taste of Sanderson that I find so enticing"

[@fantasylovemagic]

(vague spoilers ) I love the AI vs art criticism throughout the book as well! x)

[@Mmitchtexas]

Question: I have never read Cosmere but want to start diving in. Is Yumi and The Nightmare Painter an okay place to start?

[@animationaxolotl372]

No. There are big spoilers for Stormlight Archive Book 4. I’d recommend reading The Way of Kings or Mistborn first.

[@feliperodrigues5437]

Start with Mistborn era 1.

[@TheCosmerenaut1]

Another great sanderson book! Just leading into the hype of stormlight 5! Completely agree with the characters in Painter’s world. Particularly the muscle guy who was my biggest problem in the book where every time he was on the page it was just “Mucle flex, bench press, shirtless.” He was incredibly one dimensional and was probably the worst character I’ve ever read from Brandon

[@christoferguson]

I had the feeling that he wanted to take this trope and show more nuance and complexity through his dialogue, but to me it just didn't land, rather changing the impression of the character from "bro" to "smart bro". Yes, some people are really into fitness and are really knowledgeable in it, but I still would've preferred another dimension to the character since that one aspect of him was played up so much.

[@azrsn5596]

For all those wondering what daniel was referring to in the end, here's my guess, major ryhtem of war spoilers ahead. . . . In the end of the book Hoid asks Design if she remembers the time he had some memories stolen. This is clearly referencing his encounter with Taravangian/Odium in the end of ROW. Reading that scene was horrifying because it seemed like Wit got completely owned. But here design just calls it hilarious and hoid thinks of it as embarrassing indicating that perhaps he wasn't as thoroughly bested as we might have thought. How'd I do daniel?