Something very important I missed: THE HUMOR. I don't think Sanderson write good jokes or funny characters, so when one of his characters makes a lame joke and literally ALL the other characters laugh as if it's the funniest thing they ever heard, it takes me out of the story. This is true for all his "funny" characters I've encountered.
The stormlight archive is my favorite book series, and will probably stay that way the rest of my life. However. I got to one of Shallan's first scenes where she makes a joke about "letting someone entirely too close to her head with a cudgel" in response to someone telling her to "keep her wits about" her. I ragequit the book and left it for over a year. It was just that stupid and cringe inducing, I couldn't take it.
@@tequila6306 Ah, yes, getting to the end of a scene and dropping the book because I didn't like it makes me a "snowflake" lmao I already knew people who use the term "snowflake" were dumbasses, but at least most of them are smart enough to know what it means
Interesting that you compared how magic/action scenes work in Stormlight Archive with Marvel. I always thougt of them as very videogamey in feeling. Not to mention that the desolations gives of some serious mass effect vibes.
I think videos like this are so important! When we speak about very popular stories, it can be hard to find people with different points of view, and you do such a wonderful job articulating your thoughts. Sanderson really isn't for everyone, as you've shown yourself, and I'm so happy you shared your thoughts!
Thanks you Emily! That's so kind of you to say 💕I do hope most people will enjoy his works when they pick it up, it's never nice to have high expectations and then be let down
Sound mean to say it, but i've been scouring youtube for Sanderson haters, because the narrative is so biased in favor of him. I personally never liked his stuff.
Interesting to hear you bring up one point that I've been a little outspoken about in the past: the issue of him never allowing for subtext and always making the point blatantly obvious to a point where it's almost insulting. The example of this that I always think of is Kaladin taking young boys under his wing to protect them. Someone even half paying attention could tell you that's a reflection of his feeling of failure towards the brother he lost, and yet Sanderson still feels the need to spell it out directly and have characters explain it out loud. Really feels like you're being talked down to as a reader.
Dalinar talking to one of the high princes with Adolin there doesn't result in repetitive writing imo. Dalinar took Adolin with him because Adolin needed to learn a lesson. What we witness in that scene is a not very subtle threat, and Adolin's interpretation of the moment. We learn about Dalinar being not very subtle in his politicking (because he is Dalinar) but less blunt than Adolin would have expected. The characters learn about each other and we learn about their dynamic. With regards to the subtext issue - there are many words that are used within fantasy that don't belong there. Maybe they should have had a different word for magnet too, or for idiopathic/symptomatic - none of these terms are endemic to the cosmere - they're our words. Even in world - somone may use 'subtext' in the same way we use 'hungover'. It's a word for a concept we all know - but the origins of which you only really understand if you look into it. The word sinister comes from 'left' in latin, but now meaning wrong, twisted, creepy etc. Basically what I'm saying is 'all words are made up'. And once they're made up they can be easily sectioned off form their original meaning/origin and just used by anyone with a wide vocabulary. It's ok to not like something or for something not to be for you, but i do find your analysis to be rather mean-spirited and condescending. It's ok not to like a book or an author, but you shouldn't declare that 'manga type reactions' don't belong in fantasy, just as other people shouldn't say fantasy or sci fi doesn't belong in literature. It sounds very snobbish imo.
Specifically when you talked about not feeling like it's fantasy when we get into stormligjt Magic. I forget where but in an interview someone asked him if he considers the cosmere to be fantasy or sci-fi. And he basically was like a bit of both. My friend is always talkimg about how from an advanced civ perspective, magic becomes more of a science, which I feel is how he's built his magic systems. They are still magic, but that they follow and have explainable rules.
I get that. But I don't think Sanderson style incredibly concrete magic systems are necessarily the most interesting thing. It makes the magic feel less magical. That's not to say that's a deal breaker, but I feel the criticism that it doesn't feel like magic is a valid one. Particularly when everything is over explained. I tend to prefer, even if a system has hard rules if not all of those rules are spelled out to us directly. Harry Potter for example, doesn't need to explain that discreet spells with discreet names do discreet things. It also does a great job of showing you that the best wizards don't need wands, given that only the old, powerful wizards are seen casting without them. I also don't really need to know how the spells work or even how they were created, what energies they use, ect ect. Explaining every bit of detail I think drains away more fun than it gives.
I had the exact opposite outcome. I felt that mistborn was too short and spoon fed the magic system to the reader. The stormlight series is fantastic. I wish the books were longer. I loved every page, every chapter.
I think Sanderson's books are simply put, middle grade style writing with young adult type characters set in an adult fantasy world. I dnf'd Mistborn after two books after liking all of his previous standalones. I am still on the fence about reading the Stormlight Archive because i am a sucker for thick epic fantasy books. I am not certain what I should do with this series yet.
I have never read Brandon Sanderson but am going to read his books starting next year. It is nice to hear someones opinion who didn't like him so I can lower my expectations! I have read Wheel of time(currently reading the last book in the series) and liked it though so maybe I will like it 😁
Haha, finger's crossed for you! 😁 I know most people absolutely love the series so I'm definitely in minority here. And as someone who didn't like WoT that much, I can say I think if you love one, there's a good chance you'll like the other as well!
Nice to hear 😊 Not sure if I like or love Wheel of time yet, think it will depend on the ending. Also need to marinate the show a bit before I can decide :)
Really great video, Jolien. You articulated your thoughts so well and I really appreciate how eloquent you remained while talking about all of your gripes!! Give yourself a pat on the back, you deserve it ;) Funnily enough, I totally agree with most of your critiques... and yet I still love Stormlight a lot. The humour and unbelievable reactions of characters definitely irk me as well, but I guess my brain has just accepted that and I can ignore it now. Also, if you already felt like the magic system was too hard/strict in these first two books, then I think you really wouldn't have enjoyed the development of the magic later on in the series. That's my main issue with the series currently, I don't like how scientific the magic feels. I mean, it's definitely impressive how well-thought out the magic is, but I did not come for a science lesson, thank you very much 🤣 Loved hearing your thoughts on this, thanks so much for sharing and pushing back on the hype a little bit! It's so important to hear different perspectives from time to time!
Haha, thanks Esmay! -pats myself on the back- 🤣 I think this is why negative reviews can also be helpful, what someone dislikes might be someone else's reason to pick up the book! And I agree, I've seen some spoilers of what happens towards the end of Words of Radiance and I just know I would have hated that haha, so this strengthens my belief that DNFing the series was the right choice for me.
I respect the voices of variety in the fantasy landscape. I like the S.A. but I don't require or need everyone else to like it too. That would be a conceited assumption on my part. I, personally, don't like the book "The Name of the Wind". But many fantasy fans love the book. Both views are fine and I think we all need to get back to a place where we all understand that disagreement is not the same as disrespect. It's just a point of view. We're talking about fiction, after all. Cheers! Thanks for sharing!
I also hate To name the Wind- it started off weird and got creepy stalky. I listened to both books and would not buy the last if Rothfus ever did finish it. (Sort of how I feel about The Winds of Winter- even if GRRM ever does release it, I won't read it after the last 2 year of GOT killed me. Killed me.
Thanks for putting this out there because it’s nice to have a different opinion on it. Warbreaker is my favorite book of his. Elantris and Mistborn books 2 and 3 dragged. I’ve been putting off SA and have zero desire to read WoT. 🤷♀️
You're welcome! I'm always surprised to see how many people let me know they also didn't like the series. 😅 (Although overall it is well loved ofcourse) I liked both Warbreaker and Elantris haha! So it seems you're even more picky when it comes to Sanderson than me! If you do try it I hope you'll love SA though. It's a too big commitment to just be 'meh' about it.
I’m sorry this series didn’t work for you, Jolien! I’m worried that I may feel the same way. I only made it 150 pages into The Eye of the World 🙈 I will still give SA a try, though!
I hope you'll love it regardless Sarah! So many people love it so I think the odds are in your favor... Then again a lot of people like Wheel of Time also 😅 I'd be interested to hear your thoughts once you've started Way of Kings!
Generally speaking trying to find realism in a genre which is meant to be unrealistic is quite disoriented as far as it considers what you expect to read generally in the genre. But even then I can't agree because out of the context of the made up aspect of the story, I can't deem characters as unrealistic because that would mean i think that I completely understand the entirety of human conscience, which I know I don't , and quite frankly no one does, at least regarding your comment on 3:40.
So what you are basically saving is we can never review something as we are not all-knowing. I don't presume to know the entirety of human behavior but I am... you know, human and have my fair share of interaction with fellow humans. Based on this the characters do not feel real TO ME. Also, the remark that nothing jas to be realistic because 'fantasy' is one I don't agree with. In this fantasy world, things still need to make sense/have logical consequenses for the world that it takes place in.
I am not talking about reviewing anything in general. After all literature is art which is mainly a subjective issue as far as it considers how we perceive it. I am just saying that deeming something unrealistic is probably an off characterization because the sum total ( if there can be one ) of human behaviour is vast and on its overwhelming majority unknown to us categorically speaking. However this is not a criticism on your perception of the book for as I said, it is entirely subjective which is probed by the fact that, I loved the book which in a synopsis means that it appealed to me on a different way. It just baffles me that the main thing you said you wanted from fantasy is realism ( probably paraphrasing but pretty sure you said that in the video) which seems contradictory to me but ok.
I've been debating whether I should continue with this series, I read the first SA book and it was just painful to get through to a point that I have to give up on reading it myself and just listen to the audiobook to finish it. While the writing style was very easy to read, I just found it boring, it had no flavor, usually when I *read* books even if I don't enjoy the story in particular I enjoy the reading experience & the writing style. I also thought the book was 1,000 pages long just for the sake of being long, not because it has anything to add on. Even though alot of his fans tell me to read more of his works I can't help but feel afraid sorta of how bland it will be, and when I think of other fantasy series that I know I'll enjoy more I don't think I'll continue with this one. And knowing that those issues of the first book will continue on to the rest is a solid point for me to give up on it.
Interesting criticisms. I consider myself a fan of the books, but the humor definitely falls flat a bit. The critique on characters is an interesting one to me though. Certain characters in the series I absolutely adore, but there’s a couple I kind of hate, especially when I have to sit through a chapter in their POV. I’d say in book 3 Dalinar gets one of the best character studies I’ve seen in fantasy, but even then I know that character didn’t click for everyone the way he did with me. The books are certainly not for everyone and it’s a huge commitment, especially if you’re not really into it. Appreciate you sharing your thoughts :)
Thanks for sharing your point of view Jordy! I have a friend on discord who is absolutely loving the series and characters as well. I didn't like Dalinar in he first book, but I think more will happen to his character (I might have read some spoilers) so I can see him being a fan favorite over time. For the first book I was a fan of Kaladin, and Dalinars son (the warrior). The other characters I didn't really care about and especially Shallan annoyed me quite a bit haha. I think because she's one of those characters that is supposed to be funny. I hope you continue to enjoy the series! The first arc is almost finished and knowing Sanderson the ending will probably be epic!
I frigging hate Dalinar- only because I'm an audio listener, and hate his and Navahni's voices. The narrator tries to give each person their own voices but they aren't pleasant sometimes. He's great with some voices- adolin's fine, J=Kaladin's ok, Sadeas sounds like the asshole he is, but those two, I hate.
This is so right. I have had so much trouble reading WoK because of all of this things. I specially feel like this books needed a good editor. And it's a bit sad that this book isn't as great as the fans think it is because the story is really good, but in a medium in which words and how you use them are basically the only way of expressing things, not having good prose, having errors and mistakes and weak characterization at times, underestimating the reader and even beign naive at times when is not needed really brings down the experience, no matter how great the story is overall. I hate when people tell me, yeah the first 300 pages are slow, but the end is really worth it. That's exactly how it seemed Sanderson wrote his book, he just dumped 400 pages of blandness to then write something he thinks is cool. It seems to me that he loves ending thinks more than exploring things. It's a superhero movie but with a thousand pages before when se the cool things.
Hi Jolien, I have to admit I have tried and retried to read Brandon Sandersons books but have given up and Dnf'd them. I totally agree with you even if it's a very unpopular opinion. A great video😊
Thanks Milly! I'm always surprised to see quite some people feeling the same. Sometimes it feels like EVERYONE loves Sanderson (or a really popular book) but apparently we're not as alone with our opinion as we think 😊
Jolien, I just wanted to thank you for giving so many examples and articulating so well your arguments for why this didn't work for you. Very helpful video for people who are thinking about trying this series. I hope to get to it near the end of next year and I'll be open minded, but I have a feeling I'll agree with some of these points. To each their own! Great video
Thanks Theo, I appreciate it! I hope you do end up loving the series once you start it next year. The odds are in your favor since it seems like most people think it's the best thing written in the last 50 years!
I got 550 pages into Oathbringer and unfortunately had to DNF the book. The first two were decent books but overhyped. I enjoyed the mistborn trilogy a lot more. Every other Sanderson book I've read I've not enjoyed very much at all. Either I just cannot get on with the authors writing or high/epic fantasy isn't for me. This series does not hold a candle to A song of ice and fire IMO. Great video!
It's endlessly fascinating to me that 9 times out of 10 people who like Elantris & Warbreaker hate Stormlight and vice versa. I've noticed that across a lot of Sanderson review videos
Elantris is absolutely my favourite Brandon Sanderson book- and while I've read all Stormlight Archive to date I kinda hate-read it. (Am listening to book 3 for the second time and STILL hate it- hated Rhythm of War so much I didn't finish it.) I hated Mistborn, enough to only read the first. He uses the words "He sighed, deeply" every freaking time someone sighs, which is a lot.
@@heather173 He also can't stop using the word 'Caliginous' across all his books. He must be so proud of the longest word he knows. P.S. Elantris is pretty GOATed
@@masonrockwood7732 I read the 3 books of mistborn, secret story and warbreaker. And I'm on the stormlight archive. I don't remember a time he used that word. I would remember it because as a non English speaker, I'm looking for words pretty hard in every book I read. I suppose you are talking about the archive, but if that's the case then it doesn't apply to "all his books" as you said. The word he used a lot in Mistborn that I can remember, was "awesome" and it was a jarring experience for me because of my 2024 brain rot.
@@reachthezora1912 "All his books" (that i've read) I could have clarified, but I wasn't being literal, exaggerating to make a point. It's in Elantris, Stormlight Archive frequently, and in the Wheel of Time books under his name constantly.
I just finished the whole Stormlight archive again (2 days ago)- and went right to Elantris after. I still like Elantris better than RoW which I remain quite hateful towards. I want to punch Lirin and Kaladin and especially Navani...The Way of Kings and Words of Radiance I rather loved, and still do. I can read every Stephen King book except Tommyknockers over and over, but Rhythm of War- got 2 rereads, and that's it forever for me.
This is my main problem with Brandon Sanderson. I'm so apprehensive to read Stormlight because I didn't enjoy Mistborn. The reason is because of the spoon feeding, out of character decisions, and plot conveniences. Everyone shills Sanderson as a paragon of adult fantasy, but it reads soooo YA. And I absolutely hate YA... so it comes off as a bit deceptive in regards to marketing
Bravo 👏, I read this book in 2011 and I was so bored 😴, I have to say that the Mistborn Trilogy are my favorite fantasy books of all time, than reading The Way of Kings felt almost like a betrayal a joke even... personally this book felt like a never ending Prologue 😕 😆 🤣 But, now that book 5 is coming soon, guess what? I will give this series another chance, I started today with the audiobook, let's see what will happen 😀
Okay so if you want to only view it as a standalone book or Series then the Interludes are (almost) not really important to the story. I always see this critique about WoK and I always feel the need to explain why it is my favourite part. Don't get me wrong, when I saw Interludes about people we don't know and don't care about I just wanted to get back to Kaladin - but having read the rest of the cosmere these little unimportant scenes paint a really big part of the actual plot happening in the cosmere. It's okay to not enjoy that odc - but reading another cosmere book and thinking "wait a minute - I know that guy!" feels so incredibly rewarding. Also having to look out for people that are described as non-native is so exiting because you get to find out where they are from and what they are doing there.
You have no idea the peace of mind this video gives me. Went through all of way of kings, and it was a rough ride. The ending was good enough to get me excited for Words of Radiance thinking it would continue up at that pace. But wow...half way through the second book I just had to quit. It felt like going over the same thing all over again. I was feeling so frustrated because a lot of fantasy booktubers were hyping this series so much. But I just found it lame, shallow and stiff. Some action scenes were very well written. But others felt cartoonish and videogamey. The characters were melodramatic and lacking verosimiltude. Since a lot of people also recommended wheel of time I gave it a try. Book 1 is basically a re skin of fellowhip of the ring and I found it entertaining enough. But I couldn't get past book 3. And that's not even where fans say "the slog" starts. I agree it has all the same attributes that made me drop Stormlight Archives. Seems like the Jordan-Sanderson style of fantasy is immensely popular and digestible for a large audience, but for my taste in books it's just insufferable. You have so eloquently put words to my own feelings that it makes me feel less awkward for just not liking these novels. I'll be checking your recommendations to see if we share not only our dislikes but also our preferences in fantasy literature!
I've never thought I could make it through the first book of WoT. It was the most boring and generic stuff I've read in my entire life. Why's Jordan so hyped?? Is Sandersom any better?? Beacuse I wanted to read him
I’m loving this book. Started mistborn, which I’m enjoying, but then I just read the prologue to the way of kings and was hooked immediately. Mistborn can wait lol
I seriously think it has to do with reading experience. The Belgariad is very basic but it was an early read so I have nostalgia for it. I suspect the same of Sanderson fans. I didn’t get to Mistborn till this year, 40 yrs into fantasy, and I couldn’t stand how simplistic it was, how obvious, no surprises, cardboard characters. I had bought the box set and just cannot bring myself to even open book 2. I am the same with Wheel of time, it was one I read in mid 20s about 15 yrs after starting fantasy and I don’t ever want to read it again. Hobb and Tolkien and Martin I will happily reread again and again. So glad I am not totally alone
I have to be honest: I'm slightly afraid to ever reread Mistborn (luckily I'm not a big rereader) because I think it's mostly nostalgia and the fact that I was somewhat new to the fantasy genre that made me love those books. Which is great, they're the reason I continued reading and discovered other fantasy series. But I don't think I'd love them as much upon a reread. Like you I'd reread Hobb and Martin any time I am able to haha
No surprises? You're telling me that you weren't surprised by: (spoilers) The fact that the lord ruler isn't Alendi, but Rashek. That the lord ruler would die in the first book. That taking the power of the well for yourself is actually a good thing. That Vin's earring is an hemalurgic spike. That koloss were once humans. That Tensoon killed Oreseur and replaced him. That Sazed is the hero of ages. And I could keep going. You're telling me that you guessed all of that?
This is so odd to me because I think Sanderson has some of the most world-altering plot twists I've ever read in fiction. Some pages will make you reconsider your entire understanding of power dynamics and worldbuilding, or who a character even is and what they know. I can't take you seriously from that part of your comment I'm afraid, because it's provably false.
Man can’t understand DNFing stormlight… such an incredible series but not every style needs to be everyone’s taste. Definitely disagree with this review but can see some of the issues mentioned. Kinda sounds like you zoomed in on minor things you didn’t like and harped on them, I think most people would breeze right past them instead of making them not like the series. Things like Adolin explaining something, is easily something you can just move past. Not sure why it would take you out of the series and make you not like it. Anyways I’m sure many series have character development many would find more realistic, the plot is very important to enjoying the series as it’s not a book solely about character development.
Completely agree. It’s easy to create a plot, or move it forward, if your characters are emotionally immature and unrealistically naive to the point that their decision making just creates an extra 200 pages of “fluff” problems they have to work through. A good author creates a relationship between the reader and the characters. While Brandon did do this, the relationship felt as if I was just a helpless therapist. This would be a good book to hand off to a 14 year old perhaps (and I am not saying this as an insult). But reading the real literature that’s out there, I could not recommend this to a mature reader with taste. I would be wasting their time. Aside from that, amazing review, certainly subscribing, because the way you judge a book, I can trust. You know what to look for and we share the same criticisms despite popular opinion.
I'm reading the second book now. I put it off for a year. The main reason I liked the first book was how easy it was to read. Yes, to me there were flaws. But, being I've been a major young adult fantasy reader, it worked will for me. Not that I'm not going to try other authors I will. I'm 57 and my main reading tastes has been suspense and thrillers mostly. I love a good book that grabs me. These book by him are really long and I'm only going to read them once a year. I also don't reread books much.
As long as you're having fun while reading, you're doing it right! I love to hear that this series made you interested in fantasy besides your main genres. It's always nice to mix things up a little!
great video, really well articulated. Sanderson is just entry level writing and its easy to read and thats why hes so popular, but as a writer, his work lacks any personality and its way too PG. I was not surprised at all when i heard that hes a mormon. All the characters are way too cliche and vanilla, is could have been written by AI.
Hey, Joalien! I thought your review was great, but there is one thing that I would give my perspective on as a Sanderson fan. You said the world building is not very deep, but I just think that you’re looking for the depth in the wrong places. Authors like GRRM for instance like to focus on politics and history, but that is not something that Brandon seems to be very interested in. Instead, he likes to focus on other parts of his worldbuilding. One thing that Sanderson I feel like did a great job in is the fleshing out the ecology of Roshar. The world feels alien, not like Earth at all, and it has its own creatures like Chasimfiends and other unique animals. Sanderson also expands on how highstorms have big effect the on the plant life in Roshar. There is no soil in most places, and plants have their own weird way of adapting to Highstorms. And… MASSIVE SPOILERS FOT THE REST FOR THE REST OF THE SERIES IN CASE YOU WILL EVER READ IT AGAIN. This is how some of the fandom theorized that humans are not native to Roshar. They look at the flora and fauna, and how it seems to be perfect for the Parshendi, and how it’s weird and alien for humans. And this is just one aspect of the world. While Sanderson doesn’t care much modern history of Roshar (like we probably won’t ever get to know much about how Alethkar was founded), Sanderson will definitely expand on the ancient history of his world. Another thing is that most political factions and cultures aren’t that important in the grand scheme of things. Sanderson will focus on groups like the Ghostbloods, Sons of Honor, or the Diagram that have much bigger goals that simply conquering more land. And lastly, I sincerely hope I didn’t come across as a mean Sanderson fan boy. You’re opinions are 100% valid, I just hope you’ll appreciate my perspective as a fan. Have a nice day!
Hi Fahad, first of all thanks for explaining your point of view as a Sanderson fan! I agree that the fauna and flora of his world is very interesting. The shattered plains, the wildlife that thrives there, and how the Alethi survive is quite well thought out (for the part that I've encountered ofcourse), but those are usually the type of things that I don't care about that much haha. History, lore, political intrigue,... Are more my cup of tea. I find it an interesting idea that humans might have come from another planet. Especially with the Cosmere expanding and more and more series being interconnected, that will be a cool thing to look into even further, trying to find more easter eggs. I'm personally not a fan of sci-fi and fantasy being mixed, so this would be another thing I don't care for too much, BUT I can definitely see why it appeals to a lot of people. I hope you'll enjoy the 5th book when it comes out! 😊
Why would you say ''massive spoilers'' and then bring up something that was just a theory made up by fans, instead of saying that either Oathbringer or Rhythm of War(can't remember, it's been a while) literally state that humans are indeed from another planet?
Such a shallow review, “the culture and religion why they are the way they are” is explained in other books. I don’t get why impatient people even read fantasy.
Stormlight represents everything I dislike most modern epic fantasy because they focus on all the wrong things imo. Way too many fight scenes and action scenes, overexplaining boring magic systems, shallow characters, lame dialogue, bland world building, bad prose, don’t like them at all. I know grimdark isn’t for everyone, but it’s one of the only modern genres of fantasy that actually has great complex characters without focusing too much on any of the things I listed above. I also like classic epic fantasy from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s as well.
Well, I love intricate magic systems, fight scenes using said magic systems and worldbuilding based on those too. It's probably my favourite part of epic fantasy and the reason I also adore The Wheel of Time. To each their own I suppose.
I like those things too, but I feel like they often come at the expense of actual good storytelling and character development. It's not that I have a problem with them, I just feel a lot of modern authors have forgotten to have have a good balance of both those things and instead having all style and no substance.@@arenkai
Thanks my friend! I know many more people like it than the ones who dislike the series, and I am a bit jealous of people who have a new favorite series to dive into 😄 unfortunately that was not the case for me.
I wanted to write a shot comment on thi video, I hope that's okay! First up I want to say that this video is fairly important. Amongst some of the most positive comments on the platform, having someone who actively dislikes this book is a fresh take and I think it will help some people figuring out if they want to continue reading it or not. Now, I am not really a discussion savvy person, so I won't elaborate on all these counter-arguments I have, because in the end these are your valid personal opinions and if you don't like other similar written works, it might be just that the kind of stories are not for you! Most of the things you mentioned get tied to personal preferences in story-writing and in the end, that's why we read, for our own enjoyment. So not finding that in this series and deciding to prioritize other series is totally valid! I love Stormlight Archive and I think it's perfect for me so I will continue reading. I also am excited to see why GRR Martin's series is considered your favourite and how those books differ from these! It's gonna be fun to see the differences for sure :D
Thanks for the kind words Hans! And I am so happy for you that you enjoy the series. I always forget if you've read a lot of other works by Sanderson, but if not I just know you're going to love everything of the Cosmere so there are a lot of great books ahead for you! And please feel free to spoil me on the stuff happening in book 3 and 4 of Stormlight Archive haha 😊 Even though I won't be reading further, I'd still like to know what happens, blame my curiosity!
@@JolienReads i've read 5 other works outside Stormlight by Sanderson! The cosmere is such a great universe and whilst I do no pick up on some of the greater easter eggs, its one of the best series for me imo 💕 I for sure will do this 🦆 Gonna be fun still to enjoy it hahaha
I wholeheartedly disagree with every point made here. I enjoy watching reviews of people with opposite opinions so that I can think about how I actually feel after finishing a book. This has reinforced how great the book actually is. Most of your opinions I find to be condescending, specially when saying something like 'he made mistakes' or 'more editing is needed ' as objective observations (which is insulting at best and obtuse at worst) . I find you may be right and need to read more high fantasy as the key word is 'fantasy' not 'reality'. Character driven is all I can think about when I think of this series. I enjoyed this so much I've read 2 books (2000+ pages) of it in under 3 weeks and am currently halfway through the third. Sorry to say that I simply find the criticisms unfounded though you are free to have your opinions which are (luckily) not a fact.
finally. so satisfying to hear from another character reader voice these things. the stormlight archive characters became plot puppets too often and the flashbacks bored me deeply. wheel of time characters make the book painful to read. i never got further than book 3 i think.
Even though I'm more positive on this series than you are, and am enjoying my reread, I agree with a lot of this. I don't think Sanderson's character work is his strongest suit. I find most of the characters are serviceable but I really like and even love quite a few of them. I'm fine with a plot driven story as long as I'm invested, which I am but I see where you're coming from. I normally prefer character driven stories. Also yes. Sanderson's humour is not to my taste either. You've a good point on the repetitive nature and being too on the nose. Though I'll be charitable to Sanderson here since these are quite large books and would take a lot of people a long time to read so a refresher would be needed. I read Way of Kings and Words of Radiance 6 or so months apart so I was grateful for the refreshers but that would definitely annoy me if I had read them closer together. Another great point. I'm mixed on the interludes. I'm tempted to skip them as I'm re-reading WoK and WoR. Another great point. I'm not fond of hard magic systems. Its just superpowers with rules. I only DNF'D Oathbringer because I felt I had left it too long between that and Words of Radiance. Everything else I've read of the Cosmere I've been too mixed on to have any interest, right now at least, in reading anything in the Cosmere outside of Stormlight.
I hope you end up finishing the first arc and love it! I think part of it is definitely the length of the series as well. If I'm to invest this amount of time in it, it better be the best thing I've ever read and it's far from that in my case. If he ever writes a sequel of Elantra's or Warbreaker I'll probably still read that since I enjoyed those two books, but everything else I'm not going to bother with. But yes, I do agree with you that a lot of people will probably enjoy the reminders he puts in his stories. I think I started noticing it because I was not invested to begin with, and once you see it, you can't unsee it 😛
When you mentioned that people tell you that this and WOT are "complicated series".... 👿 I will try Branderson next year, but probably not this series...
YES, that comment makes me feel more annoyed than it probably should 😅 Sanderson is a mixed bag for me, there are some works of him that I enjoyed a lot (like Elantris) and then some I just couldn't connect to. Hopefully you pick up one that you love!
i dont think either series is particularly complicated. usually when i see people say that, they are referring to the large scopes of the worlds and how details and teasers dont get explained until later in the stories in big reveals, but i enjoy that kind of story telling.
The word I would use for Sanderson's universe is intricate, not complicated. His plots and characters are very straightforward, but the way he builds up his universe is akin to having a math problem in front of you where all the unknowns ger gradually revealed until you can solve the entire puzzle. If you're not a plot and world-oriented reader, Sanderson is probably not the author for you. My experience with other fantasy authors like Rothfuss or Le Guin is that I resonate a lot with the way they build a sense of wonder in their worlds, but I always leave their stories disapointed, with a certain sense of "that's it ??". I can wholeheartedly say that I enjoyed my read through the Kingkiller Chronicles and the Earthsea cycle, but I never had the kind of exhilarating moments of understanding I can have when I'm reading a Sanderson novel.
I find it super interesting that some pf the critics are about not realistic characters, when for some other people find that is one of the few believable characters dealing with mental illnesses.
I'm always pleased when people feel like they can relate to a character, especially in the case of (mental) illness or disabilities. As someone who suffers from mental illness as well, I do think that Kaladin is a faithful portrayal in the sense that you might think things are looking better and you're 'over' it, and then you get knocked down again. It is only one facet but at least it is well done. In the case of Shallan I think her betrayal is okay, and how she deals with trauma might be realistic, but how everyone around her reacts is not, in my opinion. My main problem is with the secondary characters, dialogue, and reactions towards events or things that are revealed that make no sense. On top of that I would also like to note that an illness is not the person nor is it their character (although it can ofcourse influence it). So while mental illness might be well portrayed, there needs to be more to the character than just that. So good portrayal of mental illness? Maybe and if a lot of others can relate I am happy to believe that. But there is a lot more to writing realistic characters.
If you are in that? Try Malazan Book of the Fallen. 😈😉 That’s the anti-Sanderson series. Fair warning: needs very!! much attention from the reader and love for themes and ideas too. It’s professional writing and realistic characters. Yet again: it won’t help you in understanding it fast.
Yeah, I'd recommend that if you do want to dive in, or at least wait until the 5th book has a release date (which is in 2024 I think?) because that's the end of the first arc! I hope you do love it once you get to it
I personally quit Stormlight at the end of Book 2. You are absolutely spot on about it being plot-driven because if one doesn't care about Cosmere Easter eggs, then reading the chapter summaries and reading the book yields the same reading experience in my opinion. I very much agree with your pinned comment as well. Personally for me writing = characterisation > plot > themes > worldbuilding. The writing is OK for me (nothing special), the plot is interesting but the thing that Sanderson actually focuses on the most is worldbuilding which I care least about. On the other hand there were some really great character moments which I could have done more with- but that didn't happen - missed potential there. Finally the repetition - 💯 agree there. I think these books could have been trimmed by 25-30% easily just by omitting the incessant repetitions. In the end reading another 3× 1250+ page books to know what happens exhausted me and I quit. Maybe I'll still read Stormlight 5 because I like some of the MCs but not anything beyond chapter summaries for Books 3 and 4. Happy reading and thanks for sharing your thoughts!
I have the same preference hierarchy as you! If a hard magic system is completely your thing and you like the superheroes aspect of it, I can see why this series is right up your ally, but it seems like a character driven reader is not really going to get a lot of enjoyment out of it. Especially once you start noticing the small things that bother you and you see them appear in every chapter
You just described everything I disliked about Mistborn 😅 Sooo I don't think I will enjoy Stormlight Archive. Buuut I have the first book here and maybe try it out... someday :D
Fascinating take. I absolutely don’t agree with them, particularly the “realism” expected in Epic fantasy. Why can’t reactions not be more “manga-like”? I respect your subjective take on the jokes you don’t enjoy. I’m not sure this is a reflection of badly written characters, but that that style doesn’t work for you… This is all subjective analysis and not objective analysis. I was struggling to hear WHY it doesn’t work. What you say about subtext is wrong. Some male characters CAN read in this world, and your take here is actively condescending from someone who definitely has more skill and many many editors who are simply better at this than you. You stopped reading at TWOR so you don’t get this. I respect your opinions, I just don’t think you are qualified to have it. Of course, you are allowed not to like it. That’s not what is hapening here, it’s just poor analysis. How can you stop a series of Cosmere books (dozens of them) and book 1 of a 10 book series and comment on any world building??? On Interludes, yeah you can’t comment on that because again, you miss out…From Interlude 1, they are all relevant…The problem is that you don’t like B Sand…”enjoy reading it” FOR YOU is SUBJECTIVE…and that’s fine… You say it’s your opinion, but you make flawed logic conclusions that try to sound like more than just opinion… I mean, I’m gonna sub because despite all of this, you are a breath of fresh air on this app…
As always, I respect your opinions, Jolien (especially since, like you, I'm a very character-driven reader). The only Sanderson I've read is the original Mistborn trilogy, and I didn't particularly enjoy it. I recently picked up The Way of Kings just because I found an used copy for $1 at a library sale, but I should have probably saved my dollar! 😄
Haha, well at the very least you have beautiful cover art to look at 🤣 And who knows, it might be your cup of tea, but knowing your taste a little I don't think it will...
Great review I bought the first book to give it a try, but as 13:57 mentioned that interludes are unnecessary, question is can people skip the interludes and begin with the next chapter? Seems in your description won’t miss much?
You can definitely skip the interludes. They mostly add world building, but i recommend not skipping any Taravangian chapters. The interludes also often contain many easter eggs from the Cosmere (extended Universe), if you enjoy something like that.
All of these points ring true from where I'm standing but with that said, this creator is miles ahead of my analysis. My problem with Sanderson is as straightforward as his prose: he only writes young adult fiction. RoW was pure teeth-sucking cringe in the last half and so I've since stepped off of the ride.
doesn't seem like the series is for you. i strongly disagree with most of your points except that some explanations are a little repetitive but not enough to bother me like wheel of time. to anyone considering it, i highly recommend it. i think its incredible and im just finishing my 3rd read through.
Try Joe Abercrombie First Law Trilogy and his stand alone books, great stuff! First time I've ever read an author trilogy and the standalone straight through without a break, amazing writer.
Hi 👋 just be honest with the review of books on ur channel... reading is personal what you like or you don’t like a book series?? Happy reading to you! 😊🍂🍁🎞📽⚔️
Hi Safina! Thanks for the support! 😊 I agree, reading is such a personal experience and what I 'hate' about a book might be what another person loves about it
I dnfed the way of kings at 50% because kaladin’s chapters are super repititive. The same thing happens again and again. I decided to look at kaladin chapter after about 100 pages and he is still doing the same miserable things in bridge 4. I felt like my time wasnt being respected. Too much bloat. I wish i could understand the hype
@@sangeo0000 yep i understand but doesnt mean it should drag for that long. At least for me, i dont think it was necessary for the same thing to be written again and again
I too heard that Sanderson was the greatest fantasy writer of our time, so i picked up The Way of Kings. Wow. Talk about a slog. I was bored out of my mind listening to this book. Nothing happened for hundreds of pages. 200, 300, 400 pages in, the characters would be in exactly the same place they were at the beginning. I found myself listening to the audiobook and literally shouting out loud, "Oh my gawd, would something please just happen!!!" The action scenes were cool, but by the time they happened, i was so bored, they didn't get me going. I was just relieved something was finally happening. In short, i dont like Sanderson's writing and storytelling style. And i do not like the Stormlight Archive.
I've just finished reading the second Mistborn book, The Well of Ascension and I felt like this throughout the book. Another aspect that I have trouble with is the constant introspection and self-doubt experienced by his main characters. No spoilers but it's the constant "Am I good enough?" 🥱
@@ProdigioPete the "Am I good enough" self-doubt thing is my biggest pet peeve in modern fiction. Characters who have a whiny over-self-awareness of their own shortcomings is so pathetic. It is an unskilled writer's attempt at writing a complex character without knowing how to do good inner struggle. And it just comes off as wimpy.
Before I read a book, especially a popular book with a rabid fanbase, I seek out negative reviews of it. If the negative aspects of the book aren't deal breakers for me, I find that I have a much better chance of enjoying a book I've vetted in this way. After catching a few videos with people fawning all over Sanderson like he's the messiah, I stumbled into your incredibly refreshing take. The details you provided gave me a lot of insights into how this book would read for me, and I really think you helped me dodge a bullet. I abhor the Wheel of Time and your comparison of how Sanderson copies Jordan's style of composing plot points was the nail in the coffin for me. Thanks for saving me money and sparing me a terrible read. I very much appreciate the work you put into making this video.
Interesting that the worldbuilding also lacked a certain depth for you. I mean I could tell it was nowhere near Middle-Earth or Westeros or even Temerant but it's interesting that it didn't feel deep to you, given this is what Sanderson excels at traditionally. Ugh the condescension sucks, I'm sorry. Every series can be complex or simple or anything in between depending on the reader. I agree about your assessment of WoT as well based on the two books I read. And it's true, Stormlight does the same with the revered Sanderlanches. Just doesn't work for me with 10 (ultimately) 1250+ page behemoths. I'd rather read 10 (or 13-15 given the length 😛standalones), 5-6 duologies or 3-4 trilogies. TL;DR: Payoff wasn't worth it imo so I quit! 😄 Also I need to find your quitting WoT video and rant a bit there. 😛
I think it's partially because Sanderson is, like you mentioned, seen as the king of worldbuilding, and partially because I found everything else a bit bland so I focused on it too much. I'm fine with simple worldbuilding, but if you are going to add details and put so much focus on the world, you're going to need to give me more than only the cool stuff on the surface. But, if I liked the characters more, I probably wouldn't have noticed it that much. I also agree that I probably would have powered through if it was a trilogy, but the books being massive (for no reason), and there being 10 in total to get through (which will be a waiting period of what, 10-20 years in total before the series gets finished, possibly in collaboration with other authors), makes it not worth the effort for me! It's another one of the reasons why I'm probably be a bit harsher: He did write this as an epic that is apparently worth this huuuuge time investment and (for me at least) that's a bit overselling it 😛 I was supposed to put the WoT video in the description but I forgot haha, it's there now!
I absolutely agree!! I also enjoyed the Mistborn trilogy and Warbreaker but this book murdered my spirit!! It was such a torture! And basically nothing happens. All the characters are at the exact same point at the end as they were in the beginning.. or almost the same… it definitely could have shorter.. much shorter
I just finished the second audiobook and found it too frustrating to continue. I agree with your criticism, the repetition, poor character writing and info dumping got in the way of enjoying the plot. I felt like my intelligence was insulted with the way that Sanderson has to explain everything implied, explicitly. Why would I care about these cryptic interludes when i know that every important hint is going to be explained four times over anyway? I found myself zoning out at the start of each chapter while they played, waiting for the real story to begin. I didn’t know the term ‘plot driven’ before, and this does describe one of my problems with how authentic the characters felt. The requirements of the plot seemed to determine the character’s actions, rather than the plot progressing organically because of the characters’ natural choices. Cause and effect have swapped roles? I think it can be ok have some sort of narrative around ‘fate’, which i feel this story is gearing towards, but it’s not so believable or compelling for me in this instance. The world bulding really bored me. I’m sorry, I don’t need you to explain in great detail what every creature and plant looks like when it’s irrelevant up until the one time you show a character picking off their legs. Stop explaining the history of this side characters’ outfit and his inner monologue on modern fashion. I don’t care. What’s happening with the bridge boys? Oh, guess I get to find out the intricacies of Alethkar’s sewerage system instead. I listen to audiobooks while working a physical job and use them to cut through the tedium, not face more of it. I initially got through 10 hours (1/5th way through) of the first before giving up and listening to something different, returning 3 audiobooks later, after my friends insisted it’s worth it. At that point, there were maybe three memorable events. I had hoped that things would develop better after the first, assuming the slog was over. It was not. Such a shame that I did very much enjoy the plot for the most part, and the world is quite compelling, but I don’t think I can continue with the bulk of these book.
Couldn't have said it better myself! I feel very validated quitting at the start of the second book if this is how it progressed. And I agree, there is a good story in there, somewhere! It's just buried under a lot of unnecessary information that I couldn't care less about.
I agree with everything you said pretty much. I enjoyed the first two books enough to overlook all these problems, but i just cant get through oathbringer... And i dont see that it gets better. Its just his writing/story telling style...
Arguments against your points here. 1. Characters - firstly, they do develop from the start of WoK to the end. But, you can't expect massive character development over the course of 1 and a quarter books in a 5 book series. The characters are entirely different at the end of RoW to the start of WoK. You can't criticise character development if you don't read enough to see that development. Also, how do the characters not act like the same in relation to the world? And Bridge Four have been depressed for so long, makes sense that when they wake up a shit joke makes them do something OTT 2. Writing Oh, no, a person never thinks about subtext from what the other is saying. That definitely, never, ever, ever happens /s Sanderson does POV better than most writers as those are things that runs through a person's head too. Maybe take your head out of what writing should be and understand Sanderson is giving a gateway into that person's psyche, which helps later on understanding and appreciating their character development 3. Subtext. Can you give an actual example? You just say "oh, he did something out of character" but make absolutely no reference. Plenty of non-spoilery moments you could use if this was actually a good point and not just a way to feel superior. Also, you liked Mistborn 1 but blame the editor here? They are the same person! 4. Can agree it was kind of silly for characters to be like "oh, he talks bad cause from x" but it could also be seen as a POV justification? But yeah, agree on this one. But no, it could not have been 200 pages shorter, stop. 5. Once again, this is explained more as the book goes on. Religions, the different cultures etc are explained in far more detail even in WoR, which you stopped reading. It's book 1 of 10, book 1 of 5 in part 1. Stop judging the whole series. It makes much more sense to slowly reveal the world through plot movement then just lore dump for the first 400 pages. You don't understand good world-building, don't comment on it. And you also give out about the interludes when giving about world building, just stop 😂😂 6. Why doesn't it feel like magic? He also said it'd a mix between magic and sci-fi, it's a whole universe so magic systems are different everywhere. It makes more sense if you read longer and longer. But you haven't done that again. Also, if you like WoT then why aren't you giving it the same benefit? Also, Eye of the World is my second favourite opening book of a series after WoK Wait, you call it fast paced but give about lack of character development and also world building? Ah stop, if you don't like either Sanderson or Jordan high fantasy probably isn't for you 😂😂
I wish you'd go into specifics a little more in your descriptions of the scenes, but yes. Though I rather enjoyed The Way of Kings, his writing is occasionally very off and it gets so much more noticeable as the series goes on. I'm still waiting for an explanation for why Vorin women cover their left hands for instance. In the first volume it felt like he was trying to stick to a medieval-like paradigm, but then it was as if with Shallan he was taking a breather and writing in our thought patterns and ESPECIALLY sense of humour (how, for example, did Shallan comment on misogyny in Alethkar as opposed to something like the inequality or oppression of women? Did she have any chance to participate in academia (no) and learn its proper name? How, without knowing a lick of Latin, was she able to make a pun on it with Jasnah's name? "misJasnahgyny"). Fastforward two books later, Sanderson's let himself go and everyone thinks and talks like Shallan. In addition, I can also see the gears grinding (great way to put it by the way) whenever he gets into more the esoteric elements of the world. The way powers work is described in a way that not only leaves no mystery, but goes so far in the other direction that it feels like video game mechanics. Do a half Lashing, quarter Lashing, dismiss your Shardblade! Very weird thing for a book to remind you of.
But the ending tho Spoilers Joking aside, I did finish Words of Radiance, and really didn't like the ending. If you say you don't like superhero movies, the ending in my opinion is almost an over the top superhero plot. Almost everyone we know or have seen some interaction with is by the end of the book a Knight Radiant, yes the ones who have left the world in book one to know exist again. That didn't work for me, and yes the Robert Jordan part, like (I know you haven't come to this part in the book but I already mentioned I will give some spoilers) Adolin kills his uncle Sadeas, so this is a setup for the next book about what will happen next and what not. You got the hype/want to continue but probably it will be a slow/meandering 3/4 of the book before something really happens Also having read the same Sanderson books as you did (except for Mistborn Era 2) I can recognize some of his tropes (fake death for example) so some things that people would go wild over for me was like, yes predicted it. Almost like feeling to make a bingo card out of Sanderson tropes for next books and see if these things are in every book. (when reading Sanderson books back to back it really stands out) As a completionist I will continue with this serie, but it isn't high on my priority list. I think I can say that I'm more invested in Wheel of Time then in Stormlight Archive
Oh Jeroen haha, thanks for making me absolutely certain I would have hated Words of Radiance if I did continue 🤣 You're right, I would be annoyed to find out that everyone was a Knight Radiant at the end. The 'twist' of Adolin killing Sadeas would probably make me excited to continue reading as well, but like you said, it's probably another big chunk of nothingness before we actually get to the exciting part. I hope you still enjoy both WoT and SA when you continue reading them!
@@JolienReads With both WoT & SA I know now that I need to read a couple of books at the same time to avoid getting into a readingslump. Words of Radiance did that for me, and I was only halfway that book. I think 1 of SA and 1 (or 2 depending how the story evolves) of WoT is what I can handle in 1 year. So I'll make some progress with these big series.
I agree with you there. The ending in book two sucked. What Adelin did took me as a surprise and that was for me the most satisfying part. But the rest with the knights radiant, just felt like Sanderson was giving the reader what he thought they wanted, but failing to make it at all satisfying.
@@lachlancampbell4238 I'll start Oathbringer next week, luckily it's a buddyread so it can keep me motivated to read without the slump lurking around. As an author you should read your story, not what you think the audience/reader wants, Sanderson has already a very strong fanbase so he knows people will read his stories, but let them be how you want the story to go, not like a this part of my fans will like this more, does it fit the story, no but they'll talk about it and spread the good word.
Finally, I was excited to read this because of all the hype; and wow was I disappointed. I can only think it’s rated so high because of its simplistic writing. So I assume a lot of teens like it and that is why it’s rated so high.
@@darren2880yep. Sanderson is God tier. I think often the people who criticize him, the minority, either don't have the capacity to read simple prose, or are just marks who want to be edgy and different.
Lol, good to hear I'm not the only one! Since I was doing a read along for SA I was hyped because everyone else was excited. It took me until starting Words of Radiance for me to realize that I was dreading to pick it up again... And like you I liked Warbreaker and Mistborn era 1! So it's not that I'm a Sanderson hater or anything like that. This one just didn't work for me
I did not delete a single comment on my channel, ever. Was there a link in yours? TH-cam deletes those often themselves. If you used swearing it's possible someone else flagged it. Feel free to write your comment again.
It seems like some people just feel personally attacked when someone else doesn't like the stuff they like. So yes, I think he's implying I'm just too dumb to understand the magnificence that is Stormlight Archive. 🙃 Happy it works for him though!
Both of those books are more well written than way of kings. It’s hilarious that Sanderson fans think they are geniuses cuz they read 900 pages of repetitive filler and 100 pages of telling “prose.”😂🤣 ooh but his brilliant world building! There’s a giant crab! Only a genius could think of something like that!
@@JoeMama-yd1ve Just because OP made a dumb comment doesn't you have to start making up nonsense. 50 shades of grey is genuinely awful and no one would like it if it wasn't written porn.
@@JoeMama-yd1veJolien made points from her own experience and opinion. You are just trying to be petty and repeat things you heard elsewhere. Be better, kid.
No offence, but if you dislike the SA then you still have to improve a lot of fantasy reading appreciation skills (objectively speaking skills). Calling SA not funny for example or other arguments you use in this video is just missing the point of the genre and book. I even suspect that you made this video/title as clickbait in order to grow your account, which on itself is allright, but someday I hope that you agree to at least some irl friends that you cannot dislike SA.
Lmao are you really talking anout apprehension skills. Humor is sanderson's big weekness even his big fans agree. Hell even Sanderson himself has acknowledged that humor & romance is his weak points.
@@Chu9947 you are just repeating what she said in this video. Sorry…. But rating a FANTASY book on the lack of humour just seems like a joke (lol..) to me. How can that be your main argument why you do not like the book. Im not a big sanderson fan at all, but its merely impossible to deny the great level of storytelling he uses in his books.
Something very important I missed: THE HUMOR. I don't think Sanderson write good jokes or funny characters, so when one of his characters makes a lame joke and literally ALL the other characters laugh as if it's the funniest thing they ever heard, it takes me out of the story. This is true for all his "funny" characters I've encountered.
The stormlight archive is my favorite book series, and will probably stay that way the rest of my life.
However.
I got to one of Shallan's first scenes where she makes a joke about "letting someone entirely too close to her head with a cudgel" in response to someone telling her to "keep her wits about" her.
I ragequit the book and left it for over a year. It was just that stupid and cringe inducing, I couldn't take it.
@@Klaridsnowflake
@@tequila6306 lmao what
@@Klarid reading one line then refusing to read a book for a year is snowflake behaviour
@@tequila6306 Ah, yes, getting to the end of a scene and dropping the book because I didn't like it makes me a "snowflake" lmao
I already knew people who use the term "snowflake" were dumbasses, but at least most of them are smart enough to know what it means
Interesting that you compared how magic/action scenes work in Stormlight Archive with Marvel. I always thougt of them as very videogamey in feeling. Not to mention that the desolations gives of some serious mass effect vibes.
I literally skipped through most of the action scenes because there were no stakes and characters barely lost anything as an outcome
I think videos like this are so important! When we speak about very popular stories, it can be hard to find people with different points of view, and you do such a wonderful job articulating your thoughts. Sanderson really isn't for everyone, as you've shown yourself, and I'm so happy you shared your thoughts!
Thanks you Emily! That's so kind of you to say 💕I do hope most people will enjoy his works when they pick it up, it's never nice to have high expectations and then be let down
Sound mean to say it, but i've been scouring youtube for Sanderson haters, because the narrative is so biased in favor of him. I personally never liked his stuff.
@@JOSEPH-vs2gcsame
it is SO HARD to find someone who doesn't worship Sanderson and this is refreshing.
Speaking of fantasy author worship, just wait till you meet Malazan fans.
@@nilsar4357 count me in
Interesting to hear you bring up one point that I've been a little outspoken about in the past: the issue of him never allowing for subtext and always making the point blatantly obvious to a point where it's almost insulting. The example of this that I always think of is Kaladin taking young boys under his wing to protect them. Someone even half paying attention could tell you that's a reflection of his feeling of failure towards the brother he lost, and yet Sanderson still feels the need to spell it out directly and have characters explain it out loud. Really feels like you're being talked down to as a reader.
Dalinar talking to one of the high princes with Adolin there doesn't result in repetitive writing imo. Dalinar took Adolin with him because Adolin needed to learn a lesson. What we witness in that scene is a not very subtle threat, and Adolin's interpretation of the moment. We learn about Dalinar being not very subtle in his politicking (because he is Dalinar) but less blunt than Adolin would have expected. The characters learn about each other and we learn about their dynamic.
With regards to the subtext issue - there are many words that are used within fantasy that don't belong there. Maybe they should have had a different word for magnet too, or for idiopathic/symptomatic - none of these terms are endemic to the cosmere - they're our words. Even in world - somone may use 'subtext' in the same way we use 'hungover'. It's a word for a concept we all know - but the origins of which you only really understand if you look into it. The word sinister comes from 'left' in latin, but now meaning wrong, twisted, creepy etc.
Basically what I'm saying is 'all words are made up'. And once they're made up they can be easily sectioned off form their original meaning/origin and just used by anyone with a wide vocabulary.
It's ok to not like something or for something not to be for you, but i do find your analysis to be rather mean-spirited and condescending. It's ok not to like a book or an author, but you shouldn't declare that 'manga type reactions' don't belong in fantasy, just as other people shouldn't say fantasy or sci fi doesn't belong in literature. It sounds very snobbish imo.
Specifically when you talked about not feeling like it's fantasy when we get into stormligjt Magic. I forget where but in an interview someone asked him if he considers the cosmere to be fantasy or sci-fi. And he basically was like a bit of both. My friend is always talkimg about how from an advanced civ perspective, magic becomes more of a science, which I feel is how he's built his magic systems. They are still magic, but that they follow and have explainable rules.
I get that. But I don't think Sanderson style incredibly concrete magic systems are necessarily the most interesting thing. It makes the magic feel less magical. That's not to say that's a deal breaker, but I feel the criticism that it doesn't feel like magic is a valid one. Particularly when everything is over explained.
I tend to prefer, even if a system has hard rules if not all of those rules are spelled out to us directly. Harry Potter for example, doesn't need to explain that discreet spells with discreet names do discreet things. It also does a great job of showing you that the best wizards don't need wands, given that only the old, powerful wizards are seen casting without them. I also don't really need to know how the spells work or even how they were created, what energies they use, ect ect.
Explaining every bit of detail I think drains away more fun than it gives.
I had the exact opposite outcome. I felt that mistborn was too short and spoon fed the magic system to the reader. The stormlight series is fantastic. I wish the books were longer. I loved every page, every chapter.
Exactly! Even though Mistborn is on roughly the same scale antagonist wise, Mistborn feels much smaller and duller to me.
Agreed
I'm absolutely shocked people love these books like that, I just couldnt get into it at all, and I really wanted to lol
I think Sanderson's books are simply put, middle grade style writing with young adult type characters set in an adult fantasy world. I dnf'd Mistborn after two books after liking all of his previous standalones. I am still on the fence about reading the Stormlight Archive because i am a sucker for thick epic fantasy books. I am not certain what I should do with this series yet.
I have never read Brandon Sanderson but am going to read his books starting next year. It is nice to hear someones opinion who didn't like him so I can lower my expectations! I have read Wheel of time(currently reading the last book in the series) and liked it though so maybe I will like it 😁
Haha, finger's crossed for you! 😁 I know most people absolutely love the series so I'm definitely in minority here. And as someone who didn't like WoT that much, I can say I think if you love one, there's a good chance you'll like the other as well!
Nice to hear 😊 Not sure if I like or love Wheel of time yet, think it will depend on the ending. Also need to marinate the show a bit before I can decide :)
Especially with a series as big as WoT there are bound to be some things you like and some things you don't!
if you enjoyed wheel of time i think you will love stormlight archive. imo SA has better, more in depth character development.
@@shikasin5775 Nice to hear!
Thank you so much for this review - I completely agree
So nice seeing a review that does not worship the ground Sanderson walks on. Very good review
Really great video, Jolien. You articulated your thoughts so well and I really appreciate how eloquent you remained while talking about all of your gripes!! Give yourself a pat on the back, you deserve it ;)
Funnily enough, I totally agree with most of your critiques... and yet I still love Stormlight a lot. The humour and unbelievable reactions of characters definitely irk me as well, but I guess my brain has just accepted that and I can ignore it now.
Also, if you already felt like the magic system was too hard/strict in these first two books, then I think you really wouldn't have enjoyed the development of the magic later on in the series. That's my main issue with the series currently, I don't like how scientific the magic feels. I mean, it's definitely impressive how well-thought out the magic is, but I did not come for a science lesson, thank you very much 🤣
Loved hearing your thoughts on this, thanks so much for sharing and pushing back on the hype a little bit! It's so important to hear different perspectives from time to time!
Haha, thanks Esmay! -pats myself on the back- 🤣
I think this is why negative reviews can also be helpful, what someone dislikes might be someone else's reason to pick up the book! And I agree, I've seen some spoilers of what happens towards the end of Words of Radiance and I just know I would have hated that haha, so this strengthens my belief that DNFing the series was the right choice for me.
I respect the voices of variety in the fantasy landscape. I like the S.A. but I don't require or need everyone else to like it too. That would be a conceited assumption on my part.
I, personally, don't like the book "The Name of the Wind". But many fantasy fans love the book. Both views are fine and I think we all need to get back to a place where we all understand that disagreement is not the same as disrespect. It's just a point of view. We're talking about fiction, after all.
Cheers! Thanks for sharing!
I also hate To name the Wind- it started off weird and got creepy stalky. I listened to both books and would not buy the last if Rothfus ever did finish it. (Sort of how I feel about The Winds of Winter- even if GRRM ever does release it, I won't read it after the last 2 year of GOT killed me. Killed me.
Such a well rounded book channel.
Thanks Scully, appreciate it!
Thanks for putting this out there because it’s nice to have a different opinion on it.
Warbreaker is my favorite book of his. Elantris and Mistborn books 2 and 3 dragged. I’ve been putting off SA and have zero desire to read WoT. 🤷♀️
You're welcome! I'm always surprised to see how many people let me know they also didn't like the series. 😅 (Although overall it is well loved ofcourse)
I liked both Warbreaker and Elantris haha! So it seems you're even more picky when it comes to Sanderson than me! If you do try it I hope you'll love SA though. It's a too big commitment to just be 'meh' about it.
I’m sorry this series didn’t work for you, Jolien! I’m worried that I may feel the same way. I only made it 150 pages into The Eye of the World 🙈 I will still give SA a try, though!
I hope you'll love it regardless Sarah! So many people love it so I think the odds are in your favor... Then again a lot of people like Wheel of Time also 😅 I'd be interested to hear your thoughts once you've started Way of Kings!
I'm a little worried now, too LOL.
@@RekindledReader 😬😬
Beat you Sarah: I DNFed EotW after 250 pages. 😆
@@MattonBooks hahahaha. You have the stronger constitution, undoubtedly🤣
A phenomenal, respectable, honest review. Instantly subscribed!
Generally speaking trying to find realism in a genre which is meant to be unrealistic is quite disoriented as far as it considers what you expect to read generally in the genre. But even then I can't agree because out of the context of the made up aspect of the story, I can't deem characters as unrealistic because that would mean i think that I completely understand the entirety of human conscience, which I know I don't , and quite frankly no one does, at least regarding your comment on 3:40.
So what you are basically saving is we can never review something as we are not all-knowing. I don't presume to know the entirety of human behavior but I am... you know, human and have my fair share of interaction with fellow humans. Based on this the characters do not feel real TO ME.
Also, the remark that nothing jas to be realistic because 'fantasy' is one I don't agree with. In this fantasy world, things still need to make sense/have logical consequenses for the world that it takes place in.
I am not talking about reviewing anything in general. After all literature is art which is mainly a subjective issue as far as it considers how we perceive it. I am just saying that deeming something unrealistic is probably an off characterization because the sum total ( if there can be one ) of human behaviour is vast and on its overwhelming majority unknown to us categorically speaking. However this is not a criticism on your perception of the book for as I said, it is entirely subjective which is probed by the fact that, I loved the book which in a synopsis means that it appealed to me on a different way. It just baffles me that the main thing you said you wanted from fantasy is realism ( probably paraphrasing but pretty sure you said that in the video) which seems contradictory to me but ok.
Proved*
You probably hear this a lot but I'll reiterate the fact that you're Wrong.
I've been debating whether I should continue with this series, I read the first SA book and it was just painful to get through to a point that I have to give up on reading it myself and just listen to the audiobook to finish it.
While the writing style was very easy to read, I just found it boring, it had no flavor, usually when I *read* books even if I don't enjoy the story in particular I enjoy the reading experience & the writing style.
I also thought the book was 1,000 pages long just for the sake of being long, not because it has anything to add on.
Even though alot of his fans tell me to read more of his works I can't help but feel afraid sorta of how bland it will be, and when I think of other fantasy series that I know I'll enjoy more I don't think I'll continue with this one. And knowing that those issues of the first book will continue on to the rest is a solid point for me to give up on it.
It's a top notch quality worldbuilding, but the story within tastes like a fanfic in terms of drama and insight about human relationships
The second book in my opinion is definitely the best one, it picks up the pace a lot.
I’m 250 pages in and bored out of my mind, and I don’t care about the characters. I feel like i’m on bridge 4 when reading this.
Interesting criticisms. I consider myself a fan of the books, but the humor definitely falls flat a bit. The critique on characters is an interesting one to me though. Certain characters in the series I absolutely adore, but there’s a couple I kind of hate, especially when I have to sit through a chapter in their POV. I’d say in book 3 Dalinar gets one of the best character studies I’ve seen in fantasy, but even then I know that character didn’t click for everyone the way he did with me. The books are certainly not for everyone and it’s a huge commitment, especially if you’re not really into it. Appreciate you sharing your thoughts :)
Thanks for sharing your point of view Jordy! I have a friend on discord who is absolutely loving the series and characters as well. I didn't like Dalinar in he first book, but I think more will happen to his character (I might have read some spoilers) so I can see him being a fan favorite over time. For the first book I was a fan of Kaladin, and Dalinars son (the warrior). The other characters I didn't really care about and especially Shallan annoyed me quite a bit haha. I think because she's one of those characters that is supposed to be funny.
I hope you continue to enjoy the series! The first arc is almost finished and knowing Sanderson the ending will probably be epic!
I frigging hate Dalinar- only because I'm an audio listener, and hate his and Navahni's voices. The narrator tries to give each person their own voices but they aren't pleasant sometimes. He's great with some voices-
adolin's fine, J=Kaladin's ok, Sadeas sounds like the asshole he is, but those two, I hate.
This is so right. I have had so much trouble reading WoK because of all of this things. I specially feel like this books needed a good editor. And it's a bit sad that this book isn't as great as the fans think it is because the story is really good, but in a medium in which words and how you use them are basically the only way of expressing things, not having good prose, having errors and mistakes and weak characterization at times, underestimating the reader and even beign naive at times when is not needed really brings down the experience, no matter how great the story is overall. I hate when people tell me, yeah the first 300 pages are slow, but the end is really worth it. That's exactly how it seemed Sanderson wrote his book, he just dumped 400 pages of blandness to then write something he thinks is cool. It seems to me that he loves ending thinks more than exploring things. It's a superhero movie but with a thousand pages before when se the cool things.
Hi Jolien, I have to admit I have tried and retried to read Brandon Sandersons books but have given up and Dnf'd them. I totally agree with you even if it's a very unpopular opinion. A great video😊
Thanks Milly! I'm always surprised to see quite some people feeling the same. Sometimes it feels like EVERYONE loves Sanderson (or a really popular book) but apparently we're not as alone with our opinion as we think 😊
Jolien, I just wanted to thank you for giving so many examples and articulating so well your arguments for why this didn't work for you. Very helpful video for people who are thinking about trying this series. I hope to get to it near the end of next year and I'll be open minded, but I have a feeling I'll agree with some of these points. To each their own! Great video
Thanks Theo, I appreciate it! I hope you do end up loving the series once you start it next year. The odds are in your favor since it seems like most people think it's the best thing written in the last 50 years!
I got 550 pages into Oathbringer and unfortunately had to DNF the book. The first two were decent books but overhyped. I enjoyed the mistborn trilogy a lot more. Every other Sanderson book I've read I've not enjoyed very much at all. Either I just cannot get on with the authors writing or high/epic fantasy isn't for me. This series does not hold a candle to A song of ice and fire IMO. Great video!
It's endlessly fascinating to me that 9 times out of 10 people who like Elantris & Warbreaker hate Stormlight and vice versa. I've noticed that across a lot of Sanderson review videos
Elantris is absolutely my favourite Brandon Sanderson book- and while I've read all Stormlight Archive to date I kinda hate-read it. (Am listening to book 3 for the second time and STILL hate it- hated Rhythm of War so much I didn't finish it.) I hated Mistborn, enough to only read the first. He uses the words "He sighed, deeply" every freaking time someone sighs, which is a lot.
@@heather173 He also can't stop using the word 'Caliginous' across all his books. He must be so proud of the longest word he knows. P.S. Elantris is pretty GOATed
@@masonrockwood7732 I read the 3 books of mistborn, secret story and warbreaker. And I'm on the stormlight archive. I don't remember a time he used that word. I would remember it because as a non English speaker, I'm looking for words pretty hard in every book I read. I suppose you are talking about the archive, but if that's the case then it doesn't apply to "all his books" as you said. The word he used a lot in Mistborn that I can remember, was "awesome" and it was a jarring experience for me because of my 2024 brain rot.
@@reachthezora1912 "All his books" (that i've read) I could have clarified, but I wasn't being literal, exaggerating to make a point. It's in Elantris, Stormlight Archive frequently, and in the Wheel of Time books under his name constantly.
I just finished the whole Stormlight archive again (2 days ago)- and went right to Elantris after. I still like Elantris better than RoW which I remain quite hateful towards. I want to punch Lirin and Kaladin and especially Navani...The Way of Kings and Words of Radiance I rather loved, and still do. I can read every Stephen King book except Tommyknockers over and over, but Rhythm of War- got 2 rereads, and that's it forever for me.
Thank you for your frank Opinion.
This is my main problem with Brandon Sanderson. I'm so apprehensive to read Stormlight because I didn't enjoy Mistborn. The reason is because of the spoon feeding, out of character decisions, and plot conveniences. Everyone shills Sanderson as a paragon of adult fantasy, but it reads soooo YA. And I absolutely hate YA... so it comes off as a bit deceptive in regards to marketing
Bravo 👏, I read this book in 2011 and I was so bored 😴, I have to say that the Mistborn Trilogy are my favorite fantasy books of all time, than reading The Way of Kings felt almost like a betrayal a joke even... personally this book felt like a never ending Prologue 😕 😆 🤣
But, now that book 5 is coming soon, guess what? I will give this series another chance, I started today with the audiobook, let's see what will happen 😀
Okay so if you want to only view it as a standalone book or Series then the Interludes are (almost) not really important to the story. I always see this critique about WoK and I always feel the need to explain why it is my favourite part. Don't get me wrong, when I saw Interludes about people we don't know and don't care about I just wanted to get back to Kaladin - but having read the rest of the cosmere these little unimportant scenes paint a really big part of the actual plot happening in the cosmere.
It's okay to not enjoy that odc - but reading another cosmere book and thinking "wait a minute - I know that guy!" feels so incredibly rewarding. Also having to look out for people that are described as non-native is so exiting because you get to find out where they are from and what they are doing there.
You have no idea the peace of mind this video gives me.
Went through all of way of kings, and it was a rough ride. The ending was good enough to get me excited for Words of Radiance thinking it would continue up at that pace. But wow...half way through the second book I just had to quit. It felt like going over the same thing all over again.
I was feeling so frustrated because a lot of fantasy booktubers were hyping this series so much. But I just found it lame, shallow and stiff. Some action scenes were very well written. But others felt cartoonish and videogamey. The characters were melodramatic and lacking verosimiltude.
Since a lot of people also recommended wheel of time I gave it a try.
Book 1 is basically a re skin of fellowhip of the ring and I found it entertaining enough. But I couldn't get past book 3. And that's not even where fans say "the slog" starts. I agree it has all the same attributes that made me drop Stormlight Archives.
Seems like the Jordan-Sanderson style of fantasy is immensely popular and digestible for a large audience, but for my taste in books it's just insufferable. You have so eloquently put words to my own feelings that it makes me feel less awkward for just not liking these novels.
I'll be checking your recommendations to see if we share not only our dislikes but also our preferences in fantasy literature!
I've never thought I could make it through the first book of WoT. It was the most boring and generic stuff I've read in my entire life. Why's Jordan so hyped?? Is Sandersom any better?? Beacuse I wanted to read him
I’m loving this book. Started mistborn, which I’m enjoying, but then I just read the prologue to the way of kings and was hooked immediately. Mistborn can wait lol
I seriously think it has to do with reading experience. The Belgariad is very basic but it was an early read so I have nostalgia for it. I suspect the same of Sanderson fans.
I didn’t get to Mistborn till this year, 40 yrs into fantasy, and I couldn’t stand how simplistic it was, how obvious, no surprises, cardboard characters. I had bought the box set and just cannot bring myself to even open book 2.
I am the same with Wheel of time, it was one I read in mid 20s about 15 yrs after starting fantasy and I don’t ever want to read it again.
Hobb and Tolkien and Martin I will happily reread again and again.
So glad I am not totally alone
I have to be honest: I'm slightly afraid to ever reread Mistborn (luckily I'm not a big rereader) because I think it's mostly nostalgia and the fact that I was somewhat new to the fantasy genre that made me love those books. Which is great, they're the reason I continued reading and discovered other fantasy series. But I don't think I'd love them as much upon a reread. Like you I'd reread Hobb and Martin any time I am able to haha
No surprises? You're telling me that you weren't surprised by: (spoilers)
The fact that the lord ruler isn't Alendi, but Rashek. That the lord ruler would die in the first book. That taking the power of the well for yourself is actually a good thing. That Vin's earring is an hemalurgic spike. That koloss were once humans. That Tensoon killed Oreseur and replaced him. That Sazed is the hero of ages. And I could keep going.
You're telling me that you guessed all of that?
If u think there are no surprises in mistborn u NEED to read the next two books and secret history. You’ll see how much u actually missed.
This is so odd to me because I think Sanderson has some of the most world-altering plot twists I've ever read in fiction.
Some pages will make you reconsider your entire understanding of power dynamics and worldbuilding, or who a character even is and what they know.
I can't take you seriously from that part of your comment I'm afraid, because it's provably false.
not finishing words of radiance is INSANE. what a fucking amazing book
Man can’t understand DNFing stormlight… such an incredible series but not every style needs to be everyone’s taste. Definitely disagree with this review but can see some of the issues mentioned.
Kinda sounds like you zoomed in on minor things you didn’t like and harped on them, I think most people would breeze right past them instead of making them not like the series. Things like Adolin explaining something, is easily something you can just move past. Not sure why it would take you out of the series and make you not like it.
Anyways I’m sure many series have character development many would find more realistic, the plot is very important to enjoying the series as it’s not a book solely about character development.
Completely agree. It’s easy to create a plot, or move it forward, if your characters are emotionally immature and unrealistically naive to the point that their decision making just creates an extra 200 pages of “fluff” problems they have to work through. A good author creates a relationship between the reader and the characters. While Brandon did do this, the relationship felt as if I was just a helpless therapist. This would be a good book to hand off to a 14 year old perhaps (and I am not saying this as an insult). But reading the real literature that’s out there, I could not recommend this to a mature reader with taste. I would be wasting their time. Aside from that, amazing review, certainly subscribing, because the way you judge a book, I can trust. You know what to look for and we share the same criticisms despite popular opinion.
It's a shame that you didn't enjoy it, but not everything is for everyone and there are many good books out there.
I'm reading the second book now. I put it off for a year. The main reason I liked the first book was how easy it was to read. Yes, to me there were flaws. But, being I've been a major young adult fantasy reader, it worked will for me. Not that I'm not going to try other authors I will. I'm 57 and my main reading tastes has been suspense and thrillers mostly. I love a good book that grabs me. These book by him are really long and I'm only going to read them once a year. I also don't reread books much.
As long as you're having fun while reading, you're doing it right! I love to hear that this series made you interested in fantasy besides your main genres. It's always nice to mix things up a little!
great video, really well articulated. Sanderson is just entry level writing and its easy to read and thats why hes so popular, but as a writer, his work lacks any personality and its way too PG. I was not surprised at all when i heard that hes a mormon. All the characters are way too cliche and vanilla, is could have been written by AI.
Elantris 👍
Yeeeees! Elantra's fans unite! There aren't many of us 🤣
@@JolienReads It wasn't a stellar book 😅 but it is the Sanderson book I think back on the most! Which is impressive
Hey, Joalien! I thought your review was great, but there is one thing that I would give my perspective on as a Sanderson fan. You said the world building is not very deep, but I just think that you’re looking for the depth in the wrong places.
Authors like GRRM for instance like to focus on politics and history, but that is not something that Brandon seems to be very interested in. Instead, he likes to focus on other parts of his worldbuilding.
One thing that Sanderson I feel like did a great job in is the fleshing out the ecology of Roshar. The world feels alien, not like Earth at all, and it has its own creatures like Chasimfiends and other unique animals. Sanderson also expands on how highstorms have big effect the on the plant life in Roshar. There is no soil in most places, and plants have their own weird way of adapting to Highstorms. And…
MASSIVE SPOILERS FOT THE REST FOR THE REST OF THE SERIES IN CASE YOU WILL EVER READ IT AGAIN.
This is how some of the fandom theorized that humans are not native to Roshar. They look at the flora and fauna, and how it seems to be perfect for the Parshendi, and how it’s weird and alien for humans.
And this is just one aspect of the world. While Sanderson doesn’t care much modern history of Roshar (like we probably won’t ever get to know much about how Alethkar was founded), Sanderson will definitely expand on the ancient history of his world.
Another thing is that most political factions and cultures aren’t that important in the grand scheme of things. Sanderson will focus on groups like the Ghostbloods, Sons of Honor, or the Diagram that have much bigger goals that simply conquering more land.
And lastly, I sincerely hope I didn’t come across as a mean Sanderson fan boy. You’re opinions are 100% valid, I just hope you’ll appreciate my perspective as a fan. Have a nice day!
Hi Fahad, first of all thanks for explaining your point of view as a Sanderson fan! I agree that the fauna and flora of his world is very interesting. The shattered plains, the wildlife that thrives there, and how the Alethi survive is quite well thought out (for the part that I've encountered ofcourse), but those are usually the type of things that I don't care about that much haha. History, lore, political intrigue,... Are more my cup of tea.
I find it an interesting idea that humans might have come from another planet. Especially with the Cosmere expanding and more and more series being interconnected, that will be a cool thing to look into even further, trying to find more easter eggs. I'm personally not a fan of sci-fi and fantasy being mixed, so this would be another thing I don't care for too much, BUT I can definitely see why it appeals to a lot of people.
I hope you'll enjoy the 5th book when it comes out! 😊
Why would you say ''massive spoilers'' and then bring up something that was just a theory made up by fans, instead of saying that either Oathbringer or Rhythm of War(can't remember, it's been a while) literally state that humans are indeed from another planet?
Thank you
Such a shallow review, “the culture and religion why they are the way they are” is explained in other books. I don’t get why impatient people even read fantasy.
I think you're wrong
Ya I am not a big fan of the sort of info dumping that he could do. I want to enjoy the writing and be hooked, not just get information
Stormlight represents everything I dislike most modern epic fantasy because they focus on all the wrong things imo. Way too many fight scenes and action scenes, overexplaining boring magic systems, shallow characters, lame dialogue, bland world building, bad prose, don’t like them at all.
I know grimdark isn’t for everyone, but it’s one of the only modern genres of fantasy that actually has great complex characters without focusing too much on any of the things I listed above. I also like classic epic fantasy from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s as well.
Kaladin from way of kings was grimdark. He lost all hope. Even to live. But the book as a whole is not.
Well, I love intricate magic systems, fight scenes using said magic systems and worldbuilding based on those too.
It's probably my favourite part of epic fantasy and the reason I also adore The Wheel of Time.
To each their own I suppose.
I like those things too, but I feel like they often come at the expense of actual good storytelling and character development. It's not that I have a problem with them, I just feel a lot of modern authors have forgotten to have have a good balance of both those things and instead having all style and no substance.@@arenkai
Sorry this series didn’t click with you Jolien. You have some very valid criticisms.
Thanks my friend! I know many more people like it than the ones who dislike the series, and I am a bit jealous of people who have a new favorite series to dive into 😄 unfortunately that was not the case for me.
I wanted to write a shot comment on thi video, I hope that's okay!
First up I want to say that this video is fairly important. Amongst some of the most positive comments on the platform, having someone who actively dislikes this book is a fresh take and I think it will help some people figuring out if they want to continue reading it or not.
Now, I am not really a discussion savvy person, so I won't elaborate on all these counter-arguments I have, because in the end these are your valid personal opinions and if you don't like other similar written works, it might be just that the kind of stories are not for you!
Most of the things you mentioned get tied to personal preferences in story-writing and in the end, that's why we read, for our own enjoyment. So not finding that in this series and deciding to prioritize other series is totally valid!
I love Stormlight Archive and I think it's perfect for me so I will continue reading. I also am excited to see why GRR Martin's series is considered your favourite and how those books differ from these! It's gonna be fun to see the differences for sure :D
Thanks for the kind words Hans! And I am so happy for you that you enjoy the series. I always forget if you've read a lot of other works by Sanderson, but if not I just know you're going to love everything of the Cosmere so there are a lot of great books ahead for you! And please feel free to spoil me on the stuff happening in book 3 and 4 of Stormlight Archive haha 😊 Even though I won't be reading further, I'd still like to know what happens, blame my curiosity!
@@JolienReads i've read 5 other works outside Stormlight by Sanderson! The cosmere is such a great universe and whilst I do no pick up on some of the greater easter eggs, its one of the best series for me imo 💕 I for sure will do this 🦆 Gonna be fun still to enjoy it hahaha
I wholeheartedly disagree with every point made here. I enjoy watching reviews of people with opposite opinions so that I can think about how I actually feel after finishing a book. This has reinforced how great the book actually is. Most of your opinions I find to be condescending, specially when saying something like 'he made mistakes' or 'more editing is needed ' as objective observations (which is insulting at best and obtuse at worst) . I find you may be right and need to read more high fantasy as the key word is 'fantasy' not 'reality'. Character driven is all I can think about when I think of this series. I enjoyed this so much I've read 2 books (2000+ pages) of it in under 3 weeks and am currently halfway through the third. Sorry to say that I simply find the criticisms unfounded though you are free to have your opinions which are (luckily) not a fact.
It sounds like you're suffering from sunk cost fallacy.
WOR was much more well paced and consistently fun as compare to WOK so kinda sad that you couldn't finish it
Happy to hear that the series improves for those that enjoy the books!
finally. so satisfying to hear from another character reader voice these things. the stormlight archive characters became plot puppets too often and the flashbacks bored me deeply. wheel of time characters make the book painful to read. i never got further than book 3 i think.
Even though I'm more positive on this series than you are, and am enjoying my reread, I agree with a lot of this. I don't think Sanderson's character work is his strongest suit. I find most of the characters are serviceable but I really like and even love quite a few of them.
I'm fine with a plot driven story as long as I'm invested, which I am but I see where you're coming from. I normally prefer character driven stories.
Also yes. Sanderson's humour is not to my taste either.
You've a good point on the repetitive nature and being too on the nose. Though I'll be charitable to Sanderson here since these are quite large books and would take a lot of people a long time to read so a refresher would be needed.
I read Way of Kings and Words of Radiance 6 or so months apart so I was grateful for the refreshers but that would definitely annoy me if I had read them closer together.
Another great point. I'm mixed on the interludes. I'm tempted to skip them as I'm re-reading WoK and WoR.
Another great point. I'm not fond of hard magic systems. Its just superpowers with rules.
I only DNF'D Oathbringer because I felt I had left it too long between that and Words of Radiance. Everything else I've read of the Cosmere I've been too mixed on to have any interest, right now at least, in reading anything in the Cosmere outside of Stormlight.
I hope you end up finishing the first arc and love it! I think part of it is definitely the length of the series as well. If I'm to invest this amount of time in it, it better be the best thing I've ever read and it's far from that in my case. If he ever writes a sequel of Elantra's or Warbreaker I'll probably still read that since I enjoyed those two books, but everything else I'm not going to bother with.
But yes, I do agree with you that a lot of people will probably enjoy the reminders he puts in his stories. I think I started noticing it because I was not invested to begin with, and once you see it, you can't unsee it 😛
When you mentioned that people tell you that this and WOT are "complicated series".... 👿 I will try Branderson next year, but probably not this series...
YES, that comment makes me feel more annoyed than it probably should 😅 Sanderson is a mixed bag for me, there are some works of him that I enjoyed a lot (like Elantris) and then some I just couldn't connect to. Hopefully you pick up one that you love!
i dont think either series is particularly complicated. usually when i see people say that, they are referring to the large scopes of the worlds and how details and teasers dont get explained until later in the stories in big reveals, but i enjoy that kind of story telling.
The word I would use for Sanderson's universe is intricate, not complicated.
His plots and characters are very straightforward, but the way he builds up his universe is akin to having a math problem in front of you where all the unknowns ger gradually revealed until you can solve the entire puzzle.
If you're not a plot and world-oriented reader, Sanderson is probably not the author for you.
My experience with other fantasy authors like Rothfuss or Le Guin is that I resonate a lot with the way they build a sense of wonder in their worlds, but I always leave their stories disapointed, with a certain sense of "that's it ??". I can wholeheartedly say that I enjoyed my read through the Kingkiller Chronicles and the Earthsea cycle, but I never had the kind of exhilarating moments of understanding I can have when I'm reading a Sanderson novel.
I find it super interesting that some pf the critics are about not realistic characters, when for some other people find that is one of the few believable characters dealing with mental illnesses.
I'm always pleased when people feel like they can relate to a character, especially in the case of (mental) illness or disabilities. As someone who suffers from mental illness as well, I do think that Kaladin is a faithful portrayal in the sense that you might think things are looking better and you're 'over' it, and then you get knocked down again. It is only one facet but at least it is well done. In the case of Shallan I think her betrayal is okay, and how she deals with trauma might be realistic, but how everyone around her reacts is not, in my opinion. My main problem is with the secondary characters, dialogue, and reactions towards events or things that are revealed that make no sense.
On top of that I would also like to note that an illness is not the person nor is it their character (although it can ofcourse influence it). So while mental illness might be well portrayed, there needs to be more to the character than just that. So good portrayal of mental illness? Maybe and if a lot of others can relate I am happy to believe that. But there is a lot more to writing realistic characters.
If you are in that? Try Malazan Book of the Fallen. 😈😉 That’s the anti-Sanderson series. Fair warning: needs very!! much attention from the reader and love for themes and ideas too. It’s professional writing and realistic characters. Yet again: it won’t help you in understanding it fast.
I haven't read it. But someday I'll give it a try. Maybe when it's finished.
Yeah, I'd recommend that if you do want to dive in, or at least wait until the 5th book has a release date (which is in 2024 I think?) because that's the end of the first arc! I hope you do love it once you get to it
I personally quit Stormlight at the end of Book 2. You are absolutely spot on about it being plot-driven because if one doesn't care about Cosmere Easter eggs, then reading the chapter summaries and reading the book yields the same reading experience in my opinion. I very much agree with your pinned comment as well.
Personally for me writing = characterisation > plot > themes > worldbuilding. The writing is OK for me (nothing special), the plot is interesting but the thing that Sanderson actually focuses on the most is worldbuilding which I care least about. On the other hand there were some really great character moments which I could have done more with- but that didn't happen - missed potential there.
Finally the repetition - 💯 agree there. I think these books could have been trimmed by 25-30% easily just by omitting the incessant repetitions. In the end reading another 3× 1250+ page books to know what happens exhausted me and I quit. Maybe I'll still read Stormlight 5 because I like some of the MCs but not anything beyond chapter summaries for Books 3 and 4.
Happy reading and thanks for sharing your thoughts!
I have the same preference hierarchy as you! If a hard magic system is completely your thing and you like the superheroes aspect of it, I can see why this series is right up your ally, but it seems like a character driven reader is not really going to get a lot of enjoyment out of it. Especially once you start noticing the small things that bother you and you see them appear in every chapter
Agree with all your points. I couldnt get into Stormlight archieve.
Agreed.
You just described everything I disliked about Mistborn 😅 Sooo I don't think I will enjoy Stormlight Archive. Buuut I have the first book here and maybe try it out... someday :D
Haha, that's not a good sign 😅 But if you already own the first book you can always give it a try, no harm done!
I dislike his writing style as well. I have tried two series mist and strom and just don't enjoy Brandon's writing.
Fascinating take. I absolutely don’t agree with them, particularly the “realism” expected in Epic fantasy. Why can’t reactions not be more “manga-like”? I respect your subjective take on the jokes you don’t enjoy.
I’m not sure this is a reflection of badly written characters, but that that style doesn’t work for you…
This is all subjective analysis and not objective analysis. I was struggling to hear WHY it doesn’t work.
What you say about subtext is wrong. Some male characters CAN read in this world, and your take here is actively condescending from someone who definitely has more skill and many many editors who are simply better at this than you. You stopped reading at TWOR so you don’t get this.
I respect your opinions, I just don’t think you are qualified to have it. Of course, you are allowed not to like it. That’s not what is hapening here, it’s just poor analysis.
How can you stop a series of Cosmere books (dozens of them) and book 1 of a 10 book series and comment on any world building???
On Interludes, yeah you can’t comment on that because again, you miss out…From Interlude 1, they are all relevant…The problem is that you don’t like B Sand…”enjoy reading it” FOR YOU is SUBJECTIVE…and that’s fine…
You say it’s your opinion, but you make flawed logic conclusions that try to sound like more than just opinion…
I mean, I’m gonna sub because despite all of this, you are a breath of fresh air on this app…
I agree with this comment! I don't see how not reading = not being able to understand subtext 😅
You're wrong
Sanderson's "prose" is good for those learning english as a second language.🤣
As always, I respect your opinions, Jolien (especially since, like you, I'm a very character-driven reader). The only Sanderson I've read is the original Mistborn trilogy, and I didn't particularly enjoy it. I recently picked up The Way of Kings just because I found an used copy for $1 at a library sale, but I should have probably saved my dollar! 😄
Haha, well at the very least you have beautiful cover art to look at 🤣 And who knows, it might be your cup of tea, but knowing your taste a little I don't think it will...
Great review I bought the first book to give it a try, but as 13:57 mentioned that interludes are unnecessary, question is can people skip the interludes and begin with the next chapter? Seems in your description won’t miss much?
You can skip them. You can also come back to them later. They add world-building and some get revisited.
You can definitely skip the interludes. They mostly add world building, but i recommend not skipping any Taravangian chapters.
The interludes also often contain many easter eggs from the Cosmere (extended Universe), if you enjoy something like that.
Might as well read them. Some are literally a page long.
All of these points ring true from where I'm standing but with that said, this creator is miles ahead of my analysis.
My problem with Sanderson is as straightforward as his prose: he only writes young adult fiction. RoW was pure teeth-sucking cringe in the last half and so I've since stepped off of the ride.
doesn't seem like the series is for you. i strongly disagree with most of your points except that some explanations are a little repetitive but not enough to bother me like wheel of time. to anyone considering it, i highly recommend it. i think its incredible and im just finishing my 3rd read through.
I'm glad the series is working for you!
I like reading Sanderson until I got introduced to King and Martin. Now Sanderson doesn't hold up compared to these two.
Try Joe Abercrombie First Law Trilogy and his stand alone books, great stuff! First time I've ever read an author trilogy and the standalone straight through without a break, amazing writer.
Hi 👋 just be honest with the review of books on ur channel... reading is personal what you like or you don’t like a book series?? Happy reading to you! 😊🍂🍁🎞📽⚔️
Hi Safina! Thanks for the support! 😊 I agree, reading is such a personal experience and what I 'hate' about a book might be what another person loves about it
Nice, a reviewer I can trust!
I dnfed the way of kings at 50% because kaladin’s chapters are super repititive. The same thing happens again and again. I decided to look at kaladin chapter after about 100 pages and he is still doing the same miserable things in bridge 4. I felt like my time wasnt being respected. Too much bloat. I wish i could understand the hype
It’s repetitive because so many bad things have happened to him he has gone into depression and is not able to get out of the state of mind.
@@sangeo0000 yep i understand but doesnt mean it should drag for that long. At least for me, i dont think it was necessary for the same thing to be written again and again
Well this was a.... review. I guess... 😅😬
I too heard that Sanderson was the greatest fantasy writer of our time, so i picked up The Way of Kings. Wow. Talk about a slog. I was bored out of my mind listening to this book. Nothing happened for hundreds of pages. 200, 300, 400 pages in, the characters would be in exactly the same place they were at the beginning. I found myself listening to the audiobook and literally shouting out loud, "Oh my gawd, would something please just happen!!!" The action scenes were cool, but by the time they happened, i was so bored, they didn't get me going. I was just relieved something was finally happening. In short, i dont like Sanderson's writing and storytelling style. And i do not like the Stormlight Archive.
THANK YOU!
I've just finished reading the second Mistborn book, The Well of Ascension and I felt like this throughout the book.
Another aspect that I have trouble with is the constant introspection and self-doubt experienced by his main characters. No spoilers but it's the constant "Am I good enough?" 🥱
@@ProdigioPete the "Am I good enough" self-doubt thing is my biggest pet peeve in modern fiction. Characters who have a whiny over-self-awareness of their own shortcomings is so pathetic. It is an unskilled writer's attempt at writing a complex character without knowing how to do good inner struggle. And it just comes off as wimpy.
Before I read a book, especially a popular book with a rabid fanbase, I seek out negative reviews of it. If the negative aspects of the book aren't deal breakers for me, I find that I have a much better chance of enjoying a book I've vetted in this way.
After catching a few videos with people fawning all over Sanderson like he's the messiah, I stumbled into your incredibly refreshing take.
The details you provided gave me a lot of insights into how this book would read for me, and I really think you helped me dodge a bullet.
I abhor the Wheel of Time and your comparison of how Sanderson copies Jordan's style of composing plot points was the nail in the coffin for me.
Thanks for saving me money and sparing me a terrible read. I very much appreciate the work you put into making this video.
W
Interesting that the worldbuilding also lacked a certain depth for you. I mean I could tell it was nowhere near Middle-Earth or Westeros or even Temerant but it's interesting that it didn't feel deep to you, given this is what Sanderson excels at traditionally.
Ugh the condescension sucks, I'm sorry. Every series can be complex or simple or anything in between depending on the reader.
I agree about your assessment of WoT as well based on the two books I read.
And it's true, Stormlight does the same with the revered Sanderlanches. Just doesn't work for me with 10 (ultimately) 1250+ page behemoths.
I'd rather read 10 (or 13-15 given the length 😛standalones), 5-6 duologies or 3-4 trilogies.
TL;DR: Payoff wasn't worth it imo so I quit! 😄
Also I need to find your quitting WoT video and rant a bit there. 😛
I think it's partially because Sanderson is, like you mentioned, seen as the king of worldbuilding, and partially because I found everything else a bit bland so I focused on it too much. I'm fine with simple worldbuilding, but if you are going to add details and put so much focus on the world, you're going to need to give me more than only the cool stuff on the surface. But, if I liked the characters more, I probably wouldn't have noticed it that much.
I also agree that I probably would have powered through if it was a trilogy, but the books being massive (for no reason), and there being 10 in total to get through (which will be a waiting period of what, 10-20 years in total before the series gets finished, possibly in collaboration with other authors), makes it not worth the effort for me! It's another one of the reasons why I'm probably be a bit harsher: He did write this as an epic that is apparently worth this huuuuge time investment and (for me at least) that's a bit overselling it 😛
I was supposed to put the WoT video in the description but I forgot haha, it's there now!
@@JolienReads Agree completely. And yay, thanks!
Thank you for your service. subscribed.
No problem! You subscribed in my looooong break, but hopefully I can put up some videos soon 😅
I absolutely agree!!
I also enjoyed the Mistborn trilogy and Warbreaker but this book murdered my spirit!! It was such a torture! And basically nothing happens. All the characters are at the exact same point at the end as they were in the beginning.. or almost the same… it definitely could have shorter.. much shorter
I just finished the second audiobook and found it too frustrating to continue. I agree with your criticism, the repetition, poor character writing and info dumping got in the way of enjoying the plot. I felt like my intelligence was insulted with the way that Sanderson has to explain everything implied, explicitly.
Why would I care about these cryptic interludes when i know that every important hint is going to be explained four times over anyway? I found myself zoning out at the start of each chapter while they played, waiting for the real story to begin.
I didn’t know the term ‘plot driven’ before, and this does describe one of my problems with how authentic the characters felt. The requirements of the plot seemed to determine the character’s actions, rather than the plot progressing organically because of the characters’ natural choices. Cause and effect have swapped roles? I think it can be ok have some sort of narrative around ‘fate’, which i feel this story is gearing towards, but it’s not so believable or compelling for me in this instance.
The world bulding really bored me. I’m sorry, I don’t need you to explain in great detail what every creature and plant looks like when it’s irrelevant up until the one time you show a character picking off their legs. Stop explaining the history of this side characters’ outfit and his inner monologue on modern fashion. I don’t care. What’s happening with the bridge boys? Oh, guess I get to find out the intricacies of Alethkar’s sewerage system instead.
I listen to audiobooks while working a physical job and use them to cut through the tedium, not face more of it. I initially got through 10 hours (1/5th way through) of the first before giving up and listening to something different, returning 3 audiobooks later, after my friends insisted it’s worth it. At that point, there were maybe three memorable events. I had hoped that things would develop better after the first, assuming the slog was over. It was not. Such a shame that I did very much enjoy the plot for the most part, and the world is quite compelling, but I don’t think I can continue with the bulk of these book.
Couldn't have said it better myself! I feel very validated quitting at the start of the second book if this is how it progressed. And I agree, there is a good story in there, somewhere! It's just buried under a lot of unnecessary information that I couldn't care less about.
I agree with everything you said pretty much. I enjoyed the first two books enough to overlook all these problems, but i just cant get through oathbringer... And i dont see that it gets better. Its just his writing/story telling style...
Arguments against your points here.
1. Characters - firstly, they do develop from the start of WoK to the end. But, you can't expect massive character development over the course of 1 and a quarter books in a 5 book series. The characters are entirely different at the end of RoW to the start of WoK. You can't criticise character development if you don't read enough to see that development.
Also, how do the characters not act like the same in relation to the world? And Bridge Four have been depressed for so long, makes sense that when they wake up a shit joke makes them do something OTT
2. Writing
Oh, no, a person never thinks about subtext from what the other is saying. That definitely, never, ever, ever happens /s
Sanderson does POV better than most writers as those are things that runs through a person's head too. Maybe take your head out of what writing should be and understand Sanderson is giving a gateway into that person's psyche, which helps later on understanding and appreciating their character development
3. Subtext. Can you give an actual example? You just say "oh, he did something out of character" but make absolutely no reference. Plenty of non-spoilery moments you could use if this was actually a good point and not just a way to feel superior. Also, you liked Mistborn 1 but blame the editor here? They are the same person!
4. Can agree it was kind of silly for characters to be like "oh, he talks bad cause from x" but it could also be seen as a POV justification? But yeah, agree on this one. But no, it could not have been 200 pages shorter, stop.
5. Once again, this is explained more as the book goes on. Religions, the different cultures etc are explained in far more detail even in WoR, which you stopped reading. It's book 1 of 10, book 1 of 5 in part 1. Stop judging the whole series. It makes much more sense to slowly reveal the world through plot movement then just lore dump for the first 400 pages. You don't understand good world-building, don't comment on it. And you also give out about the interludes when giving about world building, just stop 😂😂
6. Why doesn't it feel like magic? He also said it'd a mix between magic and sci-fi, it's a whole universe so magic systems are different everywhere. It makes more sense if you read longer and longer. But you haven't done that again. Also, if you like WoT then why aren't you giving it the same benefit? Also, Eye of the World is my second favourite opening book of a series after WoK
Wait, you call it fast paced but give about lack of character development and also world building? Ah stop, if you don't like either Sanderson or Jordan high fantasy probably isn't for you 😂😂
I wish you'd go into specifics a little more in your descriptions of the scenes, but yes. Though I rather enjoyed The Way of Kings, his writing is occasionally very off and it gets so much more noticeable as the series goes on. I'm still waiting for an explanation for why Vorin women cover their left hands for instance. In the first volume it felt like he was trying to stick to a medieval-like paradigm, but then it was as if with Shallan he was taking a breather and writing in our thought patterns and ESPECIALLY sense of humour (how, for example, did Shallan comment on misogyny in Alethkar as opposed to something like the inequality or oppression of women? Did she have any chance to participate in academia (no) and learn its proper name? How, without knowing a lick of Latin, was she able to make a pun on it with Jasnah's name? "misJasnahgyny"). Fastforward two books later, Sanderson's let himself go and everyone thinks and talks like Shallan.
In addition, I can also see the gears grinding (great way to put it by the way) whenever he gets into more the esoteric elements of the world. The way powers work is described in a way that not only leaves no mystery, but goes so far in the other direction that it feels like video game mechanics. Do a half Lashing, quarter Lashing, dismiss your Shardblade! Very weird thing for a book to remind you of.
FINALLY!!!! A decent criticism of Sanderson and Stormlight.
But the ending tho
Spoilers
Joking aside, I did finish Words of Radiance, and really didn't like the ending. If you say you don't like superhero movies, the ending in my opinion is almost an over the top superhero plot. Almost everyone we know or have seen some interaction with is by the end of the book a Knight Radiant, yes the ones who have left the world in book one to know exist again. That didn't work for me, and yes the Robert Jordan part, like (I know you haven't come to this part in the book but I already mentioned I will give some spoilers) Adolin kills his uncle Sadeas, so this is a setup for the next book about what will happen next and what not. You got the hype/want to continue but probably it will be a slow/meandering 3/4 of the book before something really happens
Also having read the same Sanderson books as you did (except for Mistborn Era 2) I can recognize some of his tropes (fake death for example) so some things that people would go wild over for me was like, yes predicted it. Almost like feeling to make a bingo card out of Sanderson tropes for next books and see if these things are in every book. (when reading Sanderson books back to back it really stands out)
As a completionist I will continue with this serie, but it isn't high on my priority list. I think I can say that I'm more invested in Wheel of Time then in Stormlight Archive
Oh Jeroen haha, thanks for making me absolutely certain I would have hated Words of Radiance if I did continue 🤣 You're right, I would be annoyed to find out that everyone was a Knight Radiant at the end. The 'twist' of Adolin killing Sadeas would probably make me excited to continue reading as well, but like you said, it's probably another big chunk of nothingness before we actually get to the exciting part.
I hope you still enjoy both WoT and SA when you continue reading them!
@@JolienReads With both WoT & SA I know now that I need to read a couple of books at the same time to avoid getting into a readingslump. Words of Radiance did that for me, and I was only halfway that book. I think 1 of SA and 1 (or 2 depending how the story evolves) of WoT is what I can handle in 1 year. So I'll make some progress with these big series.
I agree with you there. The ending in book two sucked. What Adelin did took me as a surprise and that was for me the most satisfying part. But the rest with the knights radiant, just felt like Sanderson was giving the reader what he thought they wanted, but failing to make it at all satisfying.
@@lachlancampbell4238 I'll start Oathbringer next week, luckily it's a buddyread so it can keep me motivated to read without the slump lurking around.
As an author you should read your story, not what you think the audience/reader wants, Sanderson has already a very strong fanbase so he knows people will read his stories, but let them be how you want the story to go, not like a this part of my fans will like this more, does it fit the story, no but they'll talk about it and spread the good word.
Finally, I was excited to read this because of all the hype; and wow was I disappointed. I can only think it’s rated so high because of its simplistic writing. So I assume a lot of teens like it and that is why it’s rated so high.
😕
Sorry Darren, to each their own! 😄
@@JolienReads yeah definitely ☺️
@@darren2880yep. Sanderson is God tier. I think often the people who criticize him, the minority, either don't have the capacity to read simple prose, or are just marks who want to be edgy and different.
The tea 😁 I only enjoyed Warbreaker and Mistborn book 1. The Way of Kings was borderline unreadable 🍵
Lol, good to hear I'm not the only one! Since I was doing a read along for SA I was hyped because everyone else was excited. It took me until starting Words of Radiance for me to realize that I was dreading to pick it up again...
And like you I liked Warbreaker and Mistborn era 1! So it's not that I'm a Sanderson hater or anything like that. This one just didn't work for me
I am glad to find someone with the same experience than me with these books. I am glad people enjoy them, but they are just not for me.
Thank you for addressing his world-building, it always blows my mind when people think it’s great. Compared to Erikson, it’s laughable.
Pretty neat to delete comments you don’t like after giving your own unfettered opinion
I did not delete a single comment on my channel, ever. Was there a link in yours? TH-cam deletes those often themselves. If you used swearing it's possible someone else flagged it. Feel free to write your comment again.
I wish the hate on Sanderson and this dumb book would be more common. Thank you!!! 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽
Ok Go to read Hunger games and 50 grey😂
Is that comment meant to discredit her opinion or what?
It seems like some people just feel personally attacked when someone else doesn't like the stuff they like. So yes, I think he's implying I'm just too dumb to understand the magnificence that is Stormlight Archive. 🙃 Happy it works for him though!
Both of those books are more well written than way of kings. It’s hilarious that Sanderson fans think they are geniuses cuz they read 900 pages of repetitive filler and 100 pages of telling “prose.”😂🤣 ooh but his brilliant world building! There’s a giant crab! Only a genius could think of something like that!
@@JoeMama-yd1ve Just because OP made a dumb comment doesn't you have to start making up nonsense. 50 shades of grey is genuinely awful and no one would like it if it wasn't written porn.
@@JoeMama-yd1veJolien made points from her own experience and opinion. You are just trying to be petty and repeat things you heard elsewhere. Be better, kid.
Agree. A good editor would have made the book much shorter. Repetitions got to me
It literally could be 1/4 the length and nothing would be lost. It baffles me.
No offence, but if you dislike the SA then you still have to improve a lot of fantasy reading appreciation skills (objectively speaking skills). Calling SA not funny for example or other arguments you use in this video is just missing the point of the genre and book. I even suspect that you made this video/title as clickbait in order to grow your account, which on itself is allright, but someday I hope that you agree to at least some irl friends that you cannot dislike SA.
Lmao are you really talking anout apprehension skills. Humor is sanderson's big weekness even his big fans agree. Hell even Sanderson himself has acknowledged that humor & romance is his weak points.
@@Chu9947 you are just repeating what she said in this video. Sorry…. But rating a FANTASY book on the lack of humour just seems like a joke (lol..) to me. How can that be your main argument why you do not like the book. Im not a big sanderson fan at all, but its merely impossible to deny the great level of storytelling he uses in his books.
You are just wrong on evey level, no wonder you have no subs