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Matt Quann's Reviews > Oathbringer
Oathbringer (The Stormlight Archive, #3)
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Brandon Sanderson writes fantasy novels for the video game generation. The man has tapped into some sort of fantasy writing that plays perfectly on the effort-reward curve, making for compulsive and rewarding writing. When you're a writer who drops 1000 page books on your audience every two years, you've got to have something to keep the fans reading!
I just finished the third instalment of Brandon Sanderson's The Stormlight Archive after living the book hermit lifestyle and I have for you SOME THOUGHTS. It's tough to summarize 1200+ pages of a book in the middle of an epic fantasy series, but what I offer instead are some things I thought were great, a few that could use improvement for subsequent volumes, and some general stuff about why I like Sanderson's series.
As far as spoilers go, I wouldn't read much further if you haven't read Words of Radiance . I'll discuss some key revelations from book 2 without encasing them in the spoiler boxes. I think it is safe to say that you're unlikely to read this review if you aren't already a Stormlight fan. You'll be safe from Oathbringer spoilers though!
Sanderson: The Master of the Modern Doorstopper Fantasy
There's a particular itch that Sanderson's novels scratch for me, but The Stormlight Archive novels are my favourite thing he writes. It's always a capital-E event when one of these books drop. I begin to look for time that I can spare to sit and digest the book in 100-page sittings, I fawn over the beautiful design of the hardcovers, and I wonder at the Cosmere at large. The world feels epic, the action scenes are jaw-dropping, and the characters are (mostly) enjoyable. I love the binding with the embossed glyph of one of the orders of Knights Radiant, the gorgeous, volume-specific endpapers, and the art that appears regularly throughout the read.
Hop Aboard Angst Airways
I feel like not enough people are critical of Sanderson's character work, which grated on me during some of my reading of Oathbringer. Kaladin, Shallan, and Dalinar spend a good portion of this book agonizing over wrongs committed, considering personal flaws, and pondering on who they really are. For the most part, this doesn't bother me, but Oathbringer felt like it could have been tighter with 100-200 pages of the book diced out. Specifically, let's not try and make Kaladin brood for 300 pages in each instalment.
Dalinar Will Be Serving As Your Flashback Host!
It was great to finally get some backstory on the legendary Blackthorn in Oathbringer, and Sanderson does not disappoint! Contrasting Dalinar's acts and anger in the past with his newfound attempt at zen made for a solid narrative running throughout the book. More than any of the other books, Dalinar's journey leads to a colossal twist during Oathbringer's climax that had me bingeing my way through the last 200 pages.
Oh, So You Haven't Heard of the Cosmere?
Because Oathbringer is possibly the book whose ties to Sanderson's meta-universe are most prominent. Unfortunately, because I've not read all of the Cosmere books (notably Elantris and Warbreaker) I didn't appreciate the full scope of every scene. With that said, some of the Cosmere ties slipped by with hardly a bump in the narrative. I was discussing the book's ties to other series with a fellow Sanderson fan who isn't a big reader. He's pretty daunted by the sheer volume of reading required, but these books can still be enjoyed on their own within a series. The connections are out there if you are looking for them, but they are not essential to your enjoyment. Still, I wish I'd read Warbreaker!
The Most Bloated Entry Yet
As I mentioned above, this book does feel much longer than it needs to be. The world-building and lore expansion is absolute gravy: I'll have second servings and still be hungry for more. By contrast, the character work feels like it retreads old ground in Oathbringer when it seems to have much more compelling arcs to investigate. I mean, Jasnah Kholin is the character who seems most different from our current consistent leads (Shallan, Kaladin, Dalinar, Adolin), but she is criminally underused in this book. I know, I know, she'll get her time in the spotlight eventually. But I wouldn't be hurt if we spent less time with those folks and shifted focus to some of the other Knights Radiant in book 4.
The Building Block
Sanderson plans to do The Stormlight Archive in two, five-book arcs that have a gap in between (best explained in this interesting interview). This makes Oathbringer the fulcrum upon which the first arc swings. As such, this book reveals a lot of secrets while building up the mystery and conflict for the final two chapters in the opening half. There's less action here than in Words of Radiance, but this one feels most like the stepping stone for what comes next.
Conclusion & The Two Year Wait
If you are a fantasy fan, you've more than likely read something Sanderson has written. You probably also have a feel for whether or not this is your scene. Sanderson isn't writing the most poetic fantasy in the game, but he's arguably doing the most insane world-building. I think an argument can be made that he does some of the most cinematic combat too. If you haven't taken the plunge into the Stormlight books yet, then now is the time! After all, once more of the books are out it becomes an even more daunting consideration to tackle the series.
Even though I had some problems with this book, I still had an astoundingly good time reading it. I spent the last 200 pages bent over a gargantuan tome, eyes wide, and palms sweaty. Sanderson does a great job of providing these huge moments that feel like the end of the story, but the spends the last bit of the book reminding you that you are only 30% done with this series. I'm so invested in The Stormlight Archive that I both crave the fourth book and am happy it is a few years out.
Indeed, these books are a ton of fun, but this one has left me feeling like I've had nothing but chips and goodies for the past few weeks. It leaves me revitalized as a reader and excited to go out into an entirely different genre with my next read. I'm sad to be saying goodbye to the Rosharians for now, but I'll be excited to catch up with them when next Sanderson decides to steer them my way.
Plus, I think it's high time I got around to Elantris and Warbreaker!
I just finished the third instalment of Brandon Sanderson's The Stormlight Archive after living the book hermit lifestyle and I have for you SOME THOUGHTS. It's tough to summarize 1200+ pages of a book in the middle of an epic fantasy series, but what I offer instead are some things I thought were great, a few that could use improvement for subsequent volumes, and some general stuff about why I like Sanderson's series.
As far as spoilers go, I wouldn't read much further if you haven't read Words of Radiance . I'll discuss some key revelations from book 2 without encasing them in the spoiler boxes. I think it is safe to say that you're unlikely to read this review if you aren't already a Stormlight fan. You'll be safe from Oathbringer spoilers though!
Sanderson: The Master of the Modern Doorstopper Fantasy
There's a particular itch that Sanderson's novels scratch for me, but The Stormlight Archive novels are my favourite thing he writes. It's always a capital-E event when one of these books drop. I begin to look for time that I can spare to sit and digest the book in 100-page sittings, I fawn over the beautiful design of the hardcovers, and I wonder at the Cosmere at large. The world feels epic, the action scenes are jaw-dropping, and the characters are (mostly) enjoyable. I love the binding with the embossed glyph of one of the orders of Knights Radiant, the gorgeous, volume-specific endpapers, and the art that appears regularly throughout the read.
Hop Aboard Angst Airways
I feel like not enough people are critical of Sanderson's character work, which grated on me during some of my reading of Oathbringer. Kaladin, Shallan, and Dalinar spend a good portion of this book agonizing over wrongs committed, considering personal flaws, and pondering on who they really are. For the most part, this doesn't bother me, but Oathbringer felt like it could have been tighter with 100-200 pages of the book diced out. Specifically, let's not try and make Kaladin brood for 300 pages in each instalment.
Dalinar Will Be Serving As Your Flashback Host!
It was great to finally get some backstory on the legendary Blackthorn in Oathbringer, and Sanderson does not disappoint! Contrasting Dalinar's acts and anger in the past with his newfound attempt at zen made for a solid narrative running throughout the book. More than any of the other books, Dalinar's journey leads to a colossal twist during Oathbringer's climax that had me bingeing my way through the last 200 pages.
Oh, So You Haven't Heard of the Cosmere?
Because Oathbringer is possibly the book whose ties to Sanderson's meta-universe are most prominent. Unfortunately, because I've not read all of the Cosmere books (notably Elantris and Warbreaker) I didn't appreciate the full scope of every scene. With that said, some of the Cosmere ties slipped by with hardly a bump in the narrative. I was discussing the book's ties to other series with a fellow Sanderson fan who isn't a big reader. He's pretty daunted by the sheer volume of reading required, but these books can still be enjoyed on their own within a series. The connections are out there if you are looking for them, but they are not essential to your enjoyment. Still, I wish I'd read Warbreaker!
The Most Bloated Entry Yet
As I mentioned above, this book does feel much longer than it needs to be. The world-building and lore expansion is absolute gravy: I'll have second servings and still be hungry for more. By contrast, the character work feels like it retreads old ground in Oathbringer when it seems to have much more compelling arcs to investigate. I mean, Jasnah Kholin is the character who seems most different from our current consistent leads (Shallan, Kaladin, Dalinar, Adolin), but she is criminally underused in this book. I know, I know, she'll get her time in the spotlight eventually. But I wouldn't be hurt if we spent less time with those folks and shifted focus to some of the other Knights Radiant in book 4.
The Building Block
Sanderson plans to do The Stormlight Archive in two, five-book arcs that have a gap in between (best explained in this interesting interview). This makes Oathbringer the fulcrum upon which the first arc swings. As such, this book reveals a lot of secrets while building up the mystery and conflict for the final two chapters in the opening half. There's less action here than in Words of Radiance, but this one feels most like the stepping stone for what comes next.
Conclusion & The Two Year Wait
If you are a fantasy fan, you've more than likely read something Sanderson has written. You probably also have a feel for whether or not this is your scene. Sanderson isn't writing the most poetic fantasy in the game, but he's arguably doing the most insane world-building. I think an argument can be made that he does some of the most cinematic combat too. If you haven't taken the plunge into the Stormlight books yet, then now is the time! After all, once more of the books are out it becomes an even more daunting consideration to tackle the series.
Even though I had some problems with this book, I still had an astoundingly good time reading it. I spent the last 200 pages bent over a gargantuan tome, eyes wide, and palms sweaty. Sanderson does a great job of providing these huge moments that feel like the end of the story, but the spends the last bit of the book reminding you that you are only 30% done with this series. I'm so invested in The Stormlight Archive that I both crave the fourth book and am happy it is a few years out.
Indeed, these books are a ton of fun, but this one has left me feeling like I've had nothing but chips and goodies for the past few weeks. It leaves me revitalized as a reader and excited to go out into an entirely different genre with my next read. I'm sad to be saying goodbye to the Rosharians for now, but I'll be excited to catch up with them when next Sanderson decides to steer them my way.
Plus, I think it's high time I got around to Elantris and Warbreaker!
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Reading Progress
March 15, 2016
– Shelved
March 15, 2016
– Shelved as:
to-read
January 20, 2018
–
Started Reading
January 22, 2018
–
16.73%
"I'm aiming for updates every 100 pages. Sort of like a review in real-time? It's been a joy to read so far and I forgot how breezy and compelling Sanderson's writing can be. I mean, this isn't groundbreaking prose, but it is infinitely bingeable and entertaining."
page
208
January 25, 2018
–
27.76%
"Stray Observations:
1) In Brandon Sanderson's world NO ONE SHALL HAVE PREMARITAL SEX!
2) I have always loved the interlude passages in these books. They help to sell the scope and scale of the world.
3) Speaking of the world: glad to see that the series is interested in moving into new territories and away from the Shattered Plains.
4) Introduction of the first of the Unmade: cool!"
page
345
1) In Brandon Sanderson's world NO ONE SHALL HAVE PREMARITAL SEX!
2) I have always loved the interlude passages in these books. They help to sell the scope and scale of the world.
3) Speaking of the world: glad to see that the series is interested in moving into new territories and away from the Shattered Plains.
4) Introduction of the first of the Unmade: cool!"
January 29, 2018
–
46.66%
"I remember Words of Radiance feeling like a climax every 300-400 pages. By contrast, Oathbringer is a welcome expansion on the world of Roshar, its mythology, and is finally providing answers to questions I've had since the start of the series. Though its only the third book, it feels right to get some answers after 2500+ pages."
page
580
January 31, 2018
–
68.3%
"Some spoiler-y criticisms for those who have read through Words of Radiance:
-This one isn’t as action-packed as book 2. There’s much more groundwork being laid.
-Dalinar’s flashback sequences are the most generic of the series so far.
-Jasnah is the most compelling character who we haven’t seen much of. More of her POV please!"
page
849
-This one isn’t as action-packed as book 2. There’s much more groundwork being laid.
-Dalinar’s flashback sequences are the most generic of the series so far.
-Jasnah is the most compelling character who we haven’t seen much of. More of her POV please!"
February 2, 2018
–
83.99%
"Things are ramping up towards the finale, though the shape of the book's climax is still a bit nebulous. Of all the Stormlight books so far, this one feels the most bloated. With that said, it still scratches that Sanderson-itch that I was after."
page
1044
February 3, 2018
– Shelved as:
fantasy
February 3, 2018
– Shelved as:
big-books-500-pages-plus
February 3, 2018
– Shelved as:
cosmere
February 3, 2018
–
Finished Reading
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Robert
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Feb 03, 2018 05:55PM
I really need to read one of these this year...If only to see if I still belong in the "video game generation"!
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Robert wrote: "I really need to read one of these this year...If only to see if I still belong in the "video game generation"!"I'd love to read your take on the series Robert! I'm wondering if other people will see the game-y vibe that I'm picking up. There's something that's so reminiscent of that quest for the next answer, battle scene, or lore bit that reminds me of time spent playing fantasy-based video games.
Great review, I feel very much on the same page with you about this series. “Sanderson isn't writing the most poetic fantasy in the game, but he's arguably doing the most insane world-building" in particular is well said, as well as your thoughts on his character work.
Philip wrote: "Great review, I feel very much on the same page with you about this series. “Sanderson isn't writing the most poetic fantasy in the game, but he's arguably doing the most insane world-building" in ..."Thanks a lot for the comment Philip! I noticed that this book and Words of Radiance have some of the highest cumulative scores on Goodreads. I figured some criticism of the weaker points of the books might not go astray. Still a hell of a lot of fun though!
"Even though I had some problems with this book, I still had an astoundingly good time reading it. I spent the last 200 pages bent over a gargantuan tome, eyes wide, and palms sweaty." YEP. I liked Words of Radiance one full star more than Oathbringer, which can be slow when brooding and Shadesmar are involved. My main issue was [spoiler alert if you're reading the comments in a review of a book you haven't read?] is that neither Shallan nor Kaladin significantly grow or change in this book, as proven by the fact Kal can't say the Words and Shallan doesn't really admit more truths to herself. Obviously you can't have the same characters consistently have full emotional arcs over 5 or 10 books. The Dalinar storyline is :chefskiss: and I was both horrified at his past and delighted at his present.
And boyohboy, can Sanderson write action scenes. While not heating the peaks of Words of Radiance, the Kholinar scenes and all of Part 5 in this book are just absolutely thrilling. I am ready for Rhythm of War.
Pablo wrote: ""Even though I had some problems with this book, I still had an astoundingly good time reading it. I spent the last 200 pages bent over a gargantuan tome, eyes wide, and palms sweaty." YEP. I lik..."
Pablo, glad you liked the ending: the action scenes were, as you said, on-point! I agree that Kaladin and Shallan's progress in this one felt slow, a bit meandering, and the Shadesmar stuff was more promises-to-be-cool-later than instantly appealing. Dalinar also seriously upped his game in this novel and left me excited for what's next.
I, too, am ready for Rhythm of War.
About 2/3s of the way through this one, thought I'd check some of the reviews out. Kaladin I felt wasn't nearly as broody in this one as Radiance (he has a base line level of brood, of course, but there are times where he's almost pleasant), but holy shit, Shallan is INSUFFERABLE during this book. Which is a shame, because I really liked her in the first two. Hopefully she gets her shit together. Anyway, appreciated your review! I don't get the video game vibe that you and some others mention, but I don't actively disagree with it either.
