My favorite funny moment in the book is when Shallan is trying to talk the spren of the oath gate into taking them to the physical world and tries summoning pattern as a shard blade. Pattern’s just like “sorry!” From waaay over on the other side of the beads.
Spoiler What got me the most was after the "YOU CANNOT HAVE MY PAIN". The stormfather responding "your words...are....accepted". The fact he couldn't believe that Dalinar kept his oath
The graphic audio books go so much harder. There is currently someone posting them on TH-cam so you don’t have to pay the ridiculous prices for the audio books but they are so good
You guys got me to start reading after I saw your short on The Way of Kings. Just finished Oathbringer today. I don't think I'll ever stop reading now.
This book series is truly something special for me. From the characters, the epic moments, the emotional moments, these books are magnificent. I recognize that they aren’t the most beautifully written, the most tight-knit intriguing plots but this is my favorite book series. It’s also special because it got me back into reading! I just got caught up and finished Rythm of War. I’m currently reading Hyperion, and I have the faithful and the fallen and the first law sitting on my shelves and I’m super excited to start reading again. I also gotta say this podcast contributed to that so thank you guys!
@@2ToRamble It was amazing! Such a fun and exciting adventure with every word. My favorite story was either The Priests Tale or The Scholars and the mystery of the consul was fascinating! Disappointed it ends on a cliffhanger as I wasn’t sure if I wanted to read the rest of the series based on what I’ve heard, and I was looking for a one and done. But I guess the book made up my mind for me cause I gotta know what happened next.
I actually forgot about how great the end of part 3 is because I think the end of part 4 was peak storytelling. Thaylenah city oathgate and dalinar getting "completely outflanked" and the alliance getting undermined was brilliant. Never before was I so tempted to skip the interludes.
I'd argue most of the worldbuilding in the previous books focused on the ecological, geographical, and societal while leaving the historical as a mystery. It's just that in Oathbringer we start to get some reveals.
@@2ToRamble If you pay real close attention, you might notice that earth like creatures are generally localized to Shinovar. It's one of those nice clues towards the upcoming reveals.
Audio with the book slamming was not bad! I really appreciate your reviewing and review scores. I have used a 1-5 score (because that's what GoodReads uses), but I'm really starting to appreciate your review scale because there is a lot of complexity in it. I have reviews on my website and youtube channel that would be different scores using a different scale. So, maybe it's time to make a change. Thank you guys again for another great video and review! I love the Stormlight Archive and Brandon Sanderson too!
I'm so glad I didn't listen to various comments throughout the last few months that books three and four are the "least strong" of the series. Oathbringer is my favorite of the series. Dalinar Kholin forever.
I love the excitement of the conversation in this ! I really like this book, it has a few pacing issues for me but overall when its great, its some of the best fantasy Ive read.
Anyone else have this theory, Everytime Shallon draws a portrait of someone ( them in their full potential or how they could be from her perspective) and gives that portrait to them that character dies
Just 5 minutes in but Rothfuss is pretty alright too I think? Fame died down a bit cuz the third book is nowhere to be seen, but I remember it was so big during my teenage years
I watched til the end! The table banging was VERY loud, but because it accurately described how I feel about the book I’ll let it slide lol. This review was awesome to listen to today, really got me out of bed, thanks bros.
Loved the podcast. It’s really fun hearing your views on the book. And not going to lie, the reverb kinda worked to emphasize a few of Austin’s points. A question for Richard. You briefly mentioned Wheel of Time in this episode. I am about to finish book 1 of the series. I was wondering if it would be possible to make an episode for Wheel of Time. Maybe an episode where you sell Austin and the listeners on why we should read/continue to read the series. Regardless, thanks again for the content.
(Richard): Thanks for the compliment. We do plan to do a complete read through of WOT with Austin reading it for the first time and me for my second read through. That will be a very special series of videos for me.
Just finished oathbringer, it was fantastic. i took an extended hiatus from it about 1/3rd of the way through to catch up on the cosmere (yes i am insane). so i read mistborn era 1 trilogy, warbreaker, emperor's soul, edgedancer And tress of the emerald sea before returning to finish oathbringer and im so glad i did. I am in awe of what sanderson has accomplished with both the cosmere and stormlight. i loved catching the nods to his other cosmere stories and how massive it made the story feel. Now here to hoping ill pull another magic trick and finish Dawnshard and Rythm of War before wind and truth is out 😂
i’m reading through storm light for the first time myself right now and just finished Oathbringer 2 days ago and dawnshard just now. i don’t think i’m gonna make it in time for when Wind and Truth is out but i’m gonna try my hardest 😭😭
I’ve really found my grove the last few years and I’m definitely a scifi type of guy. Currently working on Hugo award winners. I don’t hate fantasy but it takes a little extra for me to really want to read a fantasy book and get into the story. Would you recommend this series to scifi reader?
(Richard): I am mostly a fantasy reader but I also love sci fy. Stormlight is most definitely epic fantasy but the hard magic system makes it more fun for sci fi readers.
@@2ToRamble looks like I’m going to have to add it to my ever growing list. Love the content you all put out but dang I’m getting so behind on books 😂😂😂
Finished this last night and I needed to hear other people rave about it. I predominantly see negativity surrounding it online so I went into it with low expectations, and it easily became my favourite so far.
Great video.. just finished Oathbringer about 3 days ago so perfect timing for me, just curious have y’all read rhythm of war already and are rereading or are just getting to it now?
Sanderson doesn’t have a modern Sci-FI analog because outside of Stephen King I can’t think of a modern popular artist that has his volume of output. The Sci-FI Sanderson is almost certainly Isaac Asimov, both had huge output, both were decried for being more focused on the systems and worlds than on the lyricism, and both are some of my favorite authors ever.
Oathbringer was a master class on plot, payoffs, and passion (hehe)! I could not put this book down. I clung to it even in the middle of my own “highstorm” (Hurricane Beryl lol). I’m really loving Stormlight as my intro to the Cosmere! And I do believe that Oathbringer may be my favorite book of all time… I love how Sando crafts this book (and really all of his books). The double sanderlanche took me OUT! The preludes were insightful. After every Sanderlanche, I’m always waiting for that “wth?!” chapter and he NEVER disappoints. I was not expecting this book to have such a high emotional impact on me, but it did. The characters are already amazing but then he managed to peel them back part by part and build up by build up. You can’t help but feel for these characters because you’ve spent SO much time with them! Journey before destination! He then adds on to their nuance by painting this cast of heroes that is not your typical brand of “imperfect human.” The mental health representation in this is insane. The HUMAN/SOCIETY/ENEMY representation in this is insane. I also adore how he jumps from playful and irreverent prose (looking at you, Lift) to stormy and introspective dialogue then right back to the very seat of storytelling with flowery depictions and parabolic undertones. Dalinar’s story is riveting. Sanderson was able to take us through one man’s life-without mercy-yet still honestly present it with all the glory and beauty that comes from true pain. I felt every thing. We saw the Blackthorn incarnate (though I would have loved to have seen when/why he got that name and more of he and Elhokar’s dynamic) and I will never be the same!😭 I learned so much about myself from this book. I learned about life. I’ll be keeping this book close for a long time yet! READ THIS BOOK! (Also, hi 2toRamble, I love y’all!🫶🏾)
The espionage section with Kholinar really let me down when reading this, by the time they got to shadesmar and mentioned they needed to go on a little sidequest to get funds and a boat, I was really struggling to continue. The rest of the book is so good and immediately after shadesmar is so good you forget. But man, that bit really drags and the revel was so uninteresting to me.
I really like this duo. Glad I discovered this channel. I really hate Brandon’s writing, for some reason I still read/listen to his books. I am bored of the tropes he uses, however the resulting Hero moments are peak dopamine hits for me. I skim 90% of the garbage for the 10% gold. I really like Joe Abercrombie’s writing how he handles characters’ motivations and their inner monologues . My dream book would be his style writing in this Cosmere series.
I don’t think his prose is necessarily the problem, as I don’t find “straight to the point” necessarily a bad thing. Or I won’t hold it against them at least. It’s more so, that he over explains obvious stuff sometimes. His narration will imply something, then the dialogue will reiterate it, or vice versa. The books could literally have the EXACT same story, and be reduced by 200 pages. I got the impression that he was writing as if his audience were children lacking critical thinking skills and attention span. To me, this is why I consider Stormlight a very intricate YA. There’s a certain intricate reward you attain, a satisfaction, from doing some of the “work” as a reader, and he takes that from you. That’s basically my main criticism. And his characters are surely in depth, but are also flawed to an unnecessary length. Like they each go through their own battles, external and internal, but eventually your like, okay, this is getting old. They become overly predictable.
I just finished Oathbringer and i've got issues with this book, but the ending is so satisfying that the issues are passable. Still a 4/5 book for me (I don't do partial points for my ratings beyond a .5, sorry!) Mainly, I ADORED the character work, emotional impact. I cried like 20 times throughout this book and continue to get emotional thinking about those moments. Just beautiful stuff. Thematically I think this book not only LANDS but is thought provoking and a better self help book than any actual self-help book hah I'll be thinking about this one for a long time. However, I did find the book to be too long and I was overwhelmed by the storylines and number of new characters often. Especially once Shallan/Kaladin/Adolin entered Alethkar and the last few pages of the battle (where I was thinking, okay lets wrap this up bud.) This is the first time in ANY Sanderson book were I wanted just quit full stop and thats not a good sign, even for something that you inevitably pick back up and finish and have an emotional experience, if you find yourself going "man, what are we doing? Why are we focusing on this" too often then I think thats an issue with pacing. I LOVE Shallan, and I don't understand the hate for her, but her stuff with the cult of moments had zero stakes for me that I didn't care about any of it, because of this the resolution with Veil had no impact for me - sorry for the kid who died, but I forgot who you were like 10 times so (shrug). Kaladin with the Alethkar wall guard again, great importance to Kaladin's character arc, but I didn't care about any of the wall guard during this whole section that I "almost" wanted to just skip ahead. I fully accept this might just be a me thing and perhaps this kind of Epic Fantasy isn't for me (Don't think Ill ever do Wheel of Time or Malazan), but these moments (and others like them) did weaken by enjoyment of reading the entirety of the book. So for as much as the ending is perfect and there are so many incredible moments in the book, the fact that I felt bored, confused, whiplashed, and frustrated throughout (especially during bulk of the Alethkar stuff) I think does weaken its overall score for me and makes me nervous about future SA books as I think the length is just too much for me. I enjoy Sanderson's shorted concise books over his big meandering epics, is what I've realized. Anyway, great review as always guys! I wish I could say share your level of enthusiasm for the book. I still love it, It'll always be the book that made me cry the most, it'll always be the book that helped me understand embracing the pain of your past and the actions of your past in order to move on from them, but as an overall enjoyable reading experience, idk, I need to think on that still.
Very interesting take, totally get it. Has to be a weird mix of a book that both emotionally gripped you, but also dragged at times. 4/5 seems bery fair for your reaction to it! Maybe we’ll reunite on our opinions of books 4 and 5
I just discovered your page and I want to watch you both talking about this so bad but I’m only a quarter of the way through Words or Radiance. Can I watch this without spoiling too much if WOR or should I come back in a week?
A lot of Spoilers for words of radiance and in the spoiler section, lots of Spoilers for oathbringer. We recommend watching after you finish the book and oh my I think youll love it
My one bitch about oath bringer is that in part four, the Szeth Chapters feel like the break the action, when in act four that's not what I felt I needed reading. Respectfully they should have been interlude chapters. Have a Venli, a Szeth, then a random roshari, then a Szeth and a Venli interlude. If Venli's character and arc wasn't deminished by her being an interlude chapters character, neither would Szeth.
For the Cosmere - you can definitely start Stormlight first if you want! Mistborn is a shorter and completed series if you want to start there as well. If you haven’t read Sanderson before, “Emperor’s Soul” is a short novella that can give you a feel for Sanderson’s writing. In short, you can definitely start with Way of Kings!
Really liked the first two books, couldn’t find joy reading this one. The characters felt like they became parodies of themselves. I took two lengthy breaks and finished other books in that time to make sure I wasn’t just burnt out. Had to force myself to finish this one and don’t know if I’ll finish the series
Sorry bros. I just can’t bring myself to care about Shallan. I think it has a lot to do with WHEN Sanderson cuts to her story. My complaint from TWOK returns here too, this book feels like it sags and drags in the middle. It could have been about 300 pages shorter.
First of all, Oathbringer is my least favourite book for now (didn’t read RoW yet) Second - holy sh*t, how do you like Dalinar?😂 He wasn’t my favourite in the first books either (Kaladin forever), but here, oh god. I guess, I just can’t forgive him, I started disliking him very much. But of course, he’s an interesting character, especially that one scene in flashbacks… it hits you. Just wanted to share this, because I think it’s so cool that everyone sees the story differently Hope you don’t mind that I’m using your channel like goodreads😂
WoR was amazing. I loved TWoK! but oathbringer. . . . . i struggled to finish it. I have peaks and valleys but i could not enjoy it like the first two books. Too many details that were soooo boooorring. and i didnt care about. Whaaaat happened? I cant put my finger on it but it just didnt do it for me. The plot was good but it took forever to get to a good place and then boom another monotonous boring detail that didnt drive the story forward in my opinion.
why did i get so bored listening to this book i usually like your guys recommendations. but i felt like the first book in the series was better stand alone i just lost so much interest when the magic system got fleshed out and just such a slog i dont know why did this book just not hit as hard as your other recommendations. i won't be continueing the series. Delanar really just urked me the most in this book his character ark just sucked so much. Tbh i never really liked his arc to begin with. and kaladin just crashed and burned for me too. good for you guys likeing it just not my cup of tea anymore thanks for your videos guys. i like your vids keep up the good work.
How can his books be so large, yet feel shallow and predictable. Im on Rhythm now and I feel like I have predicted every beat so far. He introduces really cool concepts, and abandons them or puts them on the back burner (shard plate, soul casting, fabrials, etc). And his dialogue can be so cringy at times.
You can skip half of the book and not miss anything. I have read a great deal of his books and just don't like his work. His characters are silly shallow tropes. His flashbacks and interludes are just cheap, lazy, and completely unnecessary. These books are a Betty crocker cookbook
Man I couldn't disagree more...absolutely horrific pacingnfor 1000 with two or three great moments. I was very disappointed and thought Rhythm of War was even worse.
Best book ever? SMH. You're young. Similar to Tolkien it could've been written in 500 pages with the same impact. The prose isn't good enough to warrant 1000+ pages. No way I'm reading 10 books all over 1000 pages. And yes, I've read the others in the series and LOTR and The Hobbit (as boring as they all were).
Your criticism doesn't really make sense though. Just like Tolkien it could have been written in 500 pages? But then you say that the prose isn't good enough to warrant 1000 pages? But Tolkien who has masterful prose also doesn't warrant 1000 pages? So what to you warrants 1000 pages if Tolkien's amazing prose and this book's amazing plot and character development doesn't?
@adoniscreed4031 Sorry, just seeing this now. One man's masterful prose is another borish and pretentious writing. I've never understood the praise Tolkien gets due character development or elevated prose. Give me Robert E. Howard any day (selecting a writer of the same era for comparison). My real issue with Sanderson (and Tolkien) is they are overly descriptive and indulgent in world building. Both tell you culture and surroundings (world building) with no payoff for the majority of what you've been told. Just so much fluff. That whole Ghost Bloods story arc was so meh. It's just not for me. Writing just isn't appealing and I don't understand the popularity. Give me Beyond The Black River or Red Nails any day.
@@2ToRambleI don't think of books in terms of best ever, just if I enjoyed them. For fantasy, there are so many great/enjoyable books. I'm just confused by the level of criticism you guys place on certain books, then just give Tolkien and Sanderson a pass when they do the same things.
My favorite funny moment in the book is when Shallan is trying to talk the spren of the oath gate into taking them to the physical world and tries summoning pattern as a shard blade. Pattern’s just like “sorry!” From waaay over on the other side of the beads.
Spoiler
What got me the most was after the "YOU CANNOT HAVE MY PAIN". The stormfather responding "your words...are....accepted".
The fact he couldn't believe that Dalinar kept his oath
Austin clutched onto oathbringer the same way that Dalinar clutched onto TWOK when confronting Odium
🤝🤝
Very rarely have I cried while reading a book or watching a movie, but Dalinar's scene had me crying. I'll never forget reading that for the 1st time.
Absolutely incredible
Just read it last night. I was in *tears*
I really like pattern how he has grown as a character "no mating"
The Michael Kramer and Kate Reading audiobooks of the series goes hard
So epic. I can't listen to the graphic audio it just feels wrong.
The graphic audio books go so much harder. There is currently someone posting them on TH-cam so you don’t have to pay the ridiculous prices for the audio books but they are so good
In my mind Michael Kramer's voice for dalinar is exactly what he would sound like
Honestly, I don’t like Kate’s voice in the audiobook. She sounds like she’s in pain and her voices for the Parshendi’s rhythms are strange
So epic. I don't want to read the next (4th( one kind of want to listen to the audiobook I'm so torn
You guys got me to start reading after I saw your short on The Way of Kings. Just finished Oathbringer today. I don't think I'll ever stop reading now.
Hell yea!!
slamming the table was not that bad. That should be the new thing. When ya'll really like the book, slam the table!! Good video guys
This book series is truly something special for me. From the characters, the epic moments, the emotional moments, these books are magnificent. I recognize that they aren’t the most beautifully written, the most tight-knit intriguing plots but this is my favorite book series. It’s also special because it got me back into reading! I just got caught up and finished Rythm of War. I’m currently reading Hyperion, and I have the faithful and the fallen and the first law sitting on my shelves and I’m super excited to start reading again. I also gotta say this podcast contributed to that so thank you guys!
This is amazing - glad we contributed in some way. Curious to see your thoughts on Hyperion when you finish!
@@2ToRamble It was amazing! Such a fun and exciting adventure with every word. My favorite story was either The Priests Tale or The Scholars and the mystery of the consul was fascinating! Disappointed it ends on a cliffhanger as I wasn’t sure if I wanted to read the rest of the series based on what I’ve heard, and I was looking for a one and done. But I guess the book made up my mind for me cause I gotta know what happened next.
@@lazyman1128 Fantastic!
Forgot to mention the midnight mother. That was such a good scene
I actually forgot about how great the end of part 3 is because I think the end of part 4 was peak storytelling. Thaylenah city oathgate and dalinar getting "completely outflanked" and the alliance getting undermined was brilliant. Never before was I so tempted to skip the interludes.
Rereading Stormlight at the moment. And I have to say i loved all the slamming. Especially the end
I'd argue most of the worldbuilding in the previous books focused on the ecological, geographical, and societal while leaving the historical as a mystery. It's just that in Oathbringer we start to get some reveals.
Thats a good point!
@@2ToRamble If you pay real close attention, you might notice that earth like creatures are generally localized to Shinovar. It's one of those nice clues towards the upcoming reveals.
8:20 The one big problem I have with Sanderson is he doesn't put a pronunciation guide for names in the book.
Completely with you. Oathbringer is my favorite Stormlight.
I tend to think Oathbringer is my least favorite of the Stormlight series so far, but I really enjoyed this video!
Could not finish it. Tried to read it three times and get to about 500 pages and stop
Audio with the book slamming was not bad! I really appreciate your reviewing and review scores. I have used a 1-5 score (because that's what GoodReads uses), but I'm really starting to appreciate your review scale because there is a lot of complexity in it. I have reviews on my website and youtube channel that would be different scores using a different scale. So, maybe it's time to make a change.
Thank you guys again for another great video and review! I love the Stormlight Archive and Brandon Sanderson too!
We so hope you give our rating system a shot, that would be awesome. And thank you for watching all the Stormlight content and your support!🥂
Just finished Oathbringer and then immediately watched this video. It was amazing! This book makes me want to be a better man.
👊👊👊🤝
That was some comedy gold fellas. Chemistry is over 9000
Wow thank you!
my favorite is "its not just a step forward its the step after that"
I'm so glad I didn't listen to various comments throughout the last few months that books three and four are the "least strong" of the series. Oathbringer is my favorite of the series. Dalinar Kholin forever.
Yes!!
I love the excitement of the conversation in this ! I really like this book, it has a few pacing issues for me but overall when its great, its some of the best fantasy Ive read.
Hell yea!
Anyone else have this theory,
Everytime Shallon draws a portrait of someone ( them in their full potential or how they could be from her perspective) and gives that portrait to them that character dies
😮oh I’ve never thought of that! I hope she keeps her drawings to herself!
My ears are bleeding from the reverberation! Great video as always gentlemen. Oathbringer was a fantastic book. My rating aligns more with Richard.
😂 And thank you as always!
I struggled through the first half of the book but omg the pay off was so good! Totally worth it.
6:54 I love how this comment can be interpreted as either a spoiler or non-spoiler
yeah so it’s actually pronounced “Adolin,” just wanted to let you guys know for the next one
Are you saying
Add o'lynn
Or
Aid O'lynn.
Just 5 minutes in but Rothfuss is pretty alright too I think? Fame died down a bit cuz the third book is nowhere to be seen, but I remember it was so big during my teenage years
I watched til the end! The table banging was VERY loud, but because it accurately described how I feel about the book I’ll let it slide lol. This review was awesome to listen to today, really got me out of bed, thanks bros.
Apologies to your ears 😭. Thank you for this, real glad you enjoyed!
Loved the podcast. It’s really fun hearing your views on the book. And not going to lie, the reverb kinda worked to emphasize a few of Austin’s points.
A question for Richard. You briefly mentioned Wheel of Time in this episode. I am about to finish book 1 of the series. I was wondering if it would be possible to make an episode for Wheel of Time. Maybe an episode where you sell Austin and the listeners on why we should read/continue to read the series. Regardless, thanks again for the content.
(Richard): Thanks for the compliment. We do plan to do a complete read through of WOT with Austin reading it for the first time and me for my second read through. That will be a very special series of videos for me.
@@2ToRamble Awesome! I can’t wait for that!
That's some praise! stormlight is awesome. Brandon Sanderson is a genius
just finished with headphones on, and did not notice any table slamming.
Pheww
Just finished oathbringer, it was fantastic. i took an extended hiatus from it about 1/3rd of the way through to catch up on the cosmere (yes i am insane). so i read mistborn era 1 trilogy, warbreaker, emperor's soul, edgedancer And tress of the emerald sea before returning to finish oathbringer and im so glad i did. I am in awe of what sanderson has accomplished with both the cosmere and stormlight. i loved catching the nods to his other cosmere stories and how massive it made the story feel. Now here to hoping ill pull another magic trick and finish Dawnshard and Rythm of War before wind and truth is out 😂
i’m reading through storm light for the first time myself right now and just finished Oathbringer 2 days ago and dawnshard just now. i don’t think i’m gonna make it in time for when Wind and Truth is out but i’m gonna try my hardest 😭😭
watching Richard be smug about how good wheel of time after watching the first two wheel of time videos is really, really funny actually
It makes me really, really sad😭
I’ve really found my grove the last few years and I’m definitely a scifi type of guy. Currently working on Hugo award winners. I don’t hate fantasy but it takes a little extra for me to really want to read a fantasy book and get into the story. Would you recommend this series to scifi reader?
(Richard): I am mostly a fantasy reader but I also love sci fy. Stormlight is most definitely epic fantasy but the hard magic system makes it more fun for sci fi readers.
@@2ToRamble looks like I’m going to have to add it to my ever growing list. Love the content you all put out but dang I’m getting so behind on books 😂😂😂
Finished this last night and I needed to hear other people rave about it. I predominantly see negativity surrounding it online so I went into it with low expectations, and it easily became my favourite so far.
It’s incredible isnt it!?
Great video.. just finished Oathbringer about 3 days ago so perfect timing for me, just curious have y’all read rhythm of war already and are rereading or are just getting to it now?
We’ve read it - just haven’t recorded an episode on it yet!
This is definitely my favorite of the 4 after my first read. I wonder if it will stay that way when I reread the series
Rereads are a neat shift of perspective - curious if it stays on top!
Omg. This podcast is a blast!
Sanderson doesn’t have a modern Sci-FI analog because outside of Stephen King I can’t think of a modern popular artist that has his volume of output. The Sci-FI Sanderson is almost certainly Isaac Asimov, both had huge output, both were decried for being more focused on the systems and worlds than on the lyricism, and both are some of my favorite authors ever.
4:32 this is old, but Peter F Hamilton. Prolific as heck… no adaptations that I’m aware of
i just finished oathbringer and there is tears all over the last 100 pages😢😭😭
😭😭 DALINAR!
Oathbringer was a master class on plot, payoffs, and passion (hehe)!
I could not put this book down. I clung to it even in the middle of my own “highstorm” (Hurricane Beryl lol).
I’m really loving Stormlight as my intro to the Cosmere! And I do believe that Oathbringer may be my favorite book of all time…
I love how Sando crafts this book (and really all of his books). The double sanderlanche took me OUT! The preludes were insightful. After every Sanderlanche, I’m always waiting for that “wth?!” chapter and he NEVER disappoints.
I was not expecting this book to have such a high emotional impact on me, but it did. The characters are already amazing but then he managed to peel them back part by part and build up by build up. You can’t help but feel for these characters because you’ve spent SO much time with them! Journey before destination!
He then adds on to their nuance by painting this cast of heroes that is not your typical brand of “imperfect human.” The mental health representation in this is insane. The HUMAN/SOCIETY/ENEMY representation in this is insane.
I also adore how he jumps from playful and irreverent prose (looking at you, Lift) to stormy and introspective dialogue then right back to the very seat of storytelling with flowery depictions and parabolic undertones.
Dalinar’s story is riveting. Sanderson was able to take us through one man’s life-without mercy-yet still honestly present it with all the glory and beauty that comes from true pain. I felt every thing. We saw the Blackthorn incarnate (though I would have loved to have seen when/why he got that name and more of he and Elhokar’s dynamic) and I will never be the same!😭
I learned so much about myself from this book. I learned about life. I’ll be keeping this book close for a long time yet!
READ THIS BOOK! (Also, hi 2toRamble, I love y’all!🫶🏾)
WELL SAID. In total agreement. Oathbringer is the best ever
@@2ToRamble ahh hi!! I love y’all! Thank you for taking the time to make these for us readers, listeners, and watchers!
@@briannamattis7454 Thank you a ton for the kindness!! So glad you enjoy our ramblings
The espionage section with Kholinar really let me down when reading this, by the time they got to shadesmar and mentioned they needed to go on a little sidequest to get funds and a boat, I was really struggling to continue.
The rest of the book is so good and immediately after shadesmar is so good you forget. But man, that bit really drags and the revel was so uninteresting to me.
I really like this duo. Glad I discovered this channel.
I really hate Brandon’s writing, for some reason I still read/listen to his books. I am bored of the tropes he uses, however the resulting Hero moments are peak dopamine hits for me. I skim 90% of the garbage for the 10% gold.
I really like Joe Abercrombie’s writing how he handles characters’ motivations and their inner monologues . My dream book would be his style writing in this Cosmere series.
Excited to read this book, weird tangent but whered you get that polo your wearing man, looks awesome on you
I don't really remember. Probably Sam's club or TJ max. Thanks for the compliment.
Keep killing it! Do Wheel of Time next!
Hopefully soon. We got lots on the reading docket this month and a few cool surprises.
I don’t think his prose is necessarily the problem, as I don’t find “straight to the point” necessarily a bad thing. Or I won’t hold it against them at least. It’s more so, that he over explains obvious stuff sometimes. His narration will imply something, then the dialogue will reiterate it, or vice versa. The books could literally have the EXACT same story, and be reduced by 200 pages. I got the impression that he was writing as if his audience were children lacking critical thinking skills and attention span. To me, this is why I consider Stormlight a very intricate YA. There’s a certain intricate reward you attain, a satisfaction, from doing some of the “work” as a reader, and he takes that from you. That’s basically my main criticism. And his characters are surely in depth, but are also flawed to an unnecessary length. Like they each go through their own battles, external and internal, but eventually your like, okay, this is getting old. They become overly predictable.
Graphic audio is amazing 🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌
I just finished Oathbringer and i've got issues with this book, but the ending is so satisfying that the issues are passable. Still a 4/5 book for me (I don't do partial points for my ratings beyond a .5, sorry!)
Mainly, I ADORED the character work, emotional impact. I cried like 20 times throughout this book and continue to get emotional thinking about those moments. Just beautiful stuff. Thematically I think this book not only LANDS but is thought provoking and a better self help book than any actual self-help book hah I'll be thinking about this one for a long time.
However, I did find the book to be too long and I was overwhelmed by the storylines and number of new characters often. Especially once Shallan/Kaladin/Adolin entered Alethkar and the last few pages of the battle (where I was thinking, okay lets wrap this up bud.) This is the first time in ANY Sanderson book were I wanted just quit full stop and thats not a good sign, even for something that you inevitably pick back up and finish and have an emotional experience, if you find yourself going "man, what are we doing? Why are we focusing on this" too often then I think thats an issue with pacing. I LOVE Shallan, and I don't understand the hate for her, but her stuff with the cult of moments had zero stakes for me that I didn't care about any of it, because of this the resolution with Veil had no impact for me - sorry for the kid who died, but I forgot who you were like 10 times so (shrug). Kaladin with the Alethkar wall guard again, great importance to Kaladin's character arc, but I didn't care about any of the wall guard during this whole section that I "almost" wanted to just skip ahead. I fully accept this might just be a me thing and perhaps this kind of Epic Fantasy isn't for me (Don't think Ill ever do Wheel of Time or Malazan), but these moments (and others like them) did weaken by enjoyment of reading the entirety of the book.
So for as much as the ending is perfect and there are so many incredible moments in the book, the fact that I felt bored, confused, whiplashed, and frustrated throughout (especially during bulk of the Alethkar stuff) I think does weaken its overall score for me and makes me nervous about future SA books as I think the length is just too much for me. I enjoy Sanderson's shorted concise books over his big meandering epics, is what I've realized.
Anyway, great review as always guys! I wish I could say share your level of enthusiasm for the book. I still love it, It'll always be the book that made me cry the most, it'll always be the book that helped me understand embracing the pain of your past and the actions of your past in order to move on from them, but as an overall enjoyable reading experience, idk, I need to think on that still.
Very interesting take, totally get it. Has to be a weird mix of a book that both emotionally gripped you, but also dragged at times. 4/5 seems bery fair for your reaction to it!
Maybe we’ll reunite on our opinions of books 4 and 5
I felt like book one was really kaladins book, book two was shallans but book 3 is where Dalinar shines and he’s really my favorite
I just discovered your page and I want to watch you both talking about this so bad but I’m only a quarter of the way through Words or Radiance.
Can I watch this without spoiling too much if WOR or should I come back in a week?
A lot of Spoilers for words of radiance and in the spoiler section, lots of Spoilers for oathbringer. We recommend watching after you finish the book and oh my I think youll love it
Moasch gave up his pain an at the same time gave up ability to feel. He became worse than all the darkness he raged against in Roshar.
A little annoying but passion is what gives life flavor and soul to a 50 min video.
We’ll take it 😆. Thanks for watching!
My one bitch about oath bringer is that in part four, the Szeth Chapters feel like the break the action, when in act four that's not what I felt I needed reading.
Respectfully they should have been interlude chapters. Have a Venli, a Szeth, then a random roshari, then a Szeth and a Venli interlude. If Venli's character and arc wasn't deminished by her being an interlude chapters character, neither would Szeth.
What did you give the book? An 8.9
What did you rate it in every category conceivable? 9.3
…?
Just started RoW, watching some recap vids, i too pound the table for the dalinar epic
🤝🤝
Lots of love from Italy guys, you're the best!!! After sanderson actually... :'D
Grazie!!
Dalinar is zaddy
Not gonna lie, did not notice the table slamming at all.
Didnt mention Zeth 😢😢😢
can u read the books unrelated to the others?
For the Cosmere - you can definitely start Stormlight first if you want! Mistborn is a shorter and completed series if you want to start there as well. If you haven’t read Sanderson before, “Emperor’s Soul” is a short novella that can give you a feel for Sanderson’s writing. In short, you can definitely start with Way of Kings!
Really liked the first two books, couldn’t find joy reading this one. The characters felt like they became parodies of themselves. I took two lengthy breaks and finished other books in that time to make sure I wasn’t just burnt out. Had to force myself to finish this one and don’t know if I’ll finish the series
Ah thats a shame, hope you can find enjoyment in other parts of the Cosmere!
Not mentioning kaladins 10 spears quote is a shame
I don't get why people don't like Oathbringer as much. It's the best one!
Brightlord Brandon is acceptable.
Also, Brandon Stormblessed
I was going to give this video a like but it’s sitting at 666 and I don’t want to mess with that man….
Sorry bros. I just can’t bring myself to care about Shallan. I think it has a lot to do with WHEN Sanderson cuts to her story.
My complaint from TWOK returns here too, this book feels like it sags and drags in the middle. It could have been about 300 pages shorter.
First of all, Oathbringer is my least favourite book for now (didn’t read RoW yet)
Second - holy sh*t, how do you like Dalinar?😂 He wasn’t my favourite in the first books either (Kaladin forever), but here, oh god. I guess, I just can’t forgive him, I started disliking him very much. But of course, he’s an interesting character, especially that one scene in flashbacks… it hits you.
Just wanted to share this, because I think it’s so cool that everyone sees the story differently
Hope you don’t mind that I’m using your channel like goodreads😂
The fact youre using our channel like Goodreads… YES. Well at least until we have a rating site of our own 😈.
But Dalinar is amazing!!
So, you felt a THRILL with Dalinor's fighting eh
You realize that is feeding the Dark Side?
I agree with austin! Its a red flag richard! Rethink your life choices 😅
😁😂
WoR was amazing. I loved TWoK! but oathbringer. . . . . i struggled to finish it. I have peaks and valleys but i could not enjoy it like the first two books. Too many details that were soooo boooorring. and i didnt care about. Whaaaat happened? I cant put my finger on it but it just didnt do it for me. The plot was good but it took forever to get to a good place and then boom another monotonous boring detail that didnt drive the story forward in my opinion.
why did i get so bored listening to this book i usually like your guys recommendations. but i felt like the first book in the series was better stand alone i just lost so much interest when the magic system got fleshed out and just such a slog i dont know why did this book just not hit as hard as your other recommendations. i won't be continueing the series. Delanar really just urked me the most in this book his character ark just sucked so much. Tbh i never really liked his arc to begin with. and kaladin just crashed and burned for me too. good for you guys likeing it just not my cup of tea anymore thanks for your videos guys. i like your vids keep up the good work.
Damn, sorry this one didn’t work for you - will thanks for watching, we’ll get some more recommendations coming and hope they’re better for ya
Oathbringer is NOT the best stormlight archive book. That would be hands down Words of radiance! Way of kings is #2. Oathbringer is... After those two
I think like 30% of this book could’ve been cut, still very good but a step down in quality
Richard (respectfully) wtf???
8.9????
How can his books be so large, yet feel shallow and predictable. Im on Rhythm now and I feel like I have predicted every beat so far. He introduces really cool concepts, and abandons them or puts them on the back burner (shard plate, soul casting, fabrials, etc).
And his dialogue can be so cringy at times.
prose is a cheap cop out. 98 iq is my guess
First
You can skip half of the book and not miss anything. I have read a great deal of his books and just don't like his work. His characters are silly shallow tropes. His flashbacks and interludes are just cheap, lazy, and completely unnecessary. These books are a Betty crocker cookbook
Man I couldn't disagree more...absolutely horrific pacingnfor 1000 with two or three great moments. I was very disappointed and thought Rhythm of War was even worse.
Best book ever? SMH. You're young. Similar to Tolkien it could've been written in 500 pages with the same impact. The prose isn't good enough to warrant 1000+ pages. No way I'm reading 10 books all over 1000 pages. And yes, I've read the others in the series and LOTR and The Hobbit (as boring as they all were).
Fair enough we are young. What book would you say is the best, always looking for new books to read.
Your criticism doesn't really make sense though. Just like Tolkien it could have been written in 500 pages? But then you say that the prose isn't good enough to warrant 1000 pages? But Tolkien who has masterful prose also doesn't warrant 1000 pages? So what to you warrants 1000 pages if Tolkien's amazing prose and this book's amazing plot and character development doesn't?
i agree with you. the payoff in this book for me didn't hit as hard as the previous books have something about this one just didnt stir my pot
@adoniscreed4031 Sorry, just seeing this now. One man's masterful prose is another borish and pretentious writing. I've never understood the praise Tolkien gets due character development or elevated prose. Give me Robert E. Howard any day (selecting a writer of the same era for comparison). My real issue with Sanderson (and Tolkien) is they are overly descriptive and indulgent in world building. Both tell you culture and surroundings (world building) with no payoff for the majority of what you've been told. Just so much fluff. That whole Ghost Bloods story arc was so meh. It's just not for me. Writing just isn't appealing and I don't understand the popularity. Give me Beyond The Black River or Red Nails any day.
@@2ToRambleI don't think of books in terms of best ever, just if I enjoyed them. For fantasy, there are so many great/enjoyable books. I'm just confused by the level of criticism you guys place on certain books, then just give Tolkien and Sanderson a pass when they do the same things.
the love tringle was the worst think in this book it was useless and unnecessary