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Warbreaker

by Brandon Sanderson (Goodreads Author)

4.14 of 5 stars 4.14 · rating details · 17,014 ratings · 1,591 reviews

After bursting onto the fantasy scene with his acclaimed debut novel, Elantris, and following up with his blockbuster Mistborn trilogy, Brandon Sanderson proves again that he is today’s leading master of what Tolkien called “secondary creation,” the invention of whole worlds, complete with magics and myths all their own.

Warbreaker is the story of two sisters, who happen to...more

Paperback, 652 pages

Published 2011 by Gollancz (first published January 1st 2009)

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Mar 30, 2013 Jon added it · review of another edition

Shelves: fiction, fantasy, signed, read-in-my-40s, liked-it

4 stars. Due to the acquisition of GoodReads by Amazon on March 28, 2013 and my existing and continuing boycott of all things Amazon, the review I wrote after reading this book has been relocated to my blog and can be found in its entirety by following this link: http://bit.ly/16omgFU

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Jan 02, 2010 Colleen rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: group-read, fantasy

2.5

Let me start by saying that I was pleasantly surprised. For some reason I was expecting another epic type fantasy, with lots of travel and descriptions of foliage, and I was very glad to find myself mistaken in that regard. I enjoyed the more personal aspect of the story, and the intrigue and mystery which went along with it. It was definitely a page-turned, especially towards the end when I wanted to see how everything would work out.

So why only 2 1/2 stars?

A few reasons. The first is that i...more 2.5

Let me start by saying that I was pleasantly surprised. For some reason I was expecting another epic type fantasy, with lots of travel and descriptions of foliage, and I was very glad to find myself mistaken in that regard. I enjoyed the more personal aspect of the story, and the intrigue and mystery which went along with it. It was definitely a page-turned, especially towards the end when I wanted to see how everything would work out.

So why only 2 1/2 stars?

A few reasons. The first is that it was a pretty straight-forward story, for the most part, and I found a lot of it to be predictable. The parts that weren't predictable seemed a bit forced. Well, let me be fair - I was on board for the first twist. It made sense and all the signs were there and I, like Vivenna, was annoyed with myself for not having seen it coming. But the second twist seemed forced. Another reviewer compared it to Shymalan and his need to throw in insane twists for the sake of it. I wouldn't go that far, but I did feel a bit annoyed with it, which hampered my overall view of the story.

Secondly, while I liked some of the characters in a distant sort of way, I never really conntected with any of them. I don't know if it's because of the change of perspective, or because the characters felt like they were there to fit the story more than the story fitting them, but I just never connected with any of the characters on a level where I would've been really upset if something happened to them. I liked Siri and the God King. I enjoyed Lightsong most of the time. Vasher, a character type I normally love, didn't do it for me, though. Denth and Tonk Fah were ok with the banter, though I didn't find them nearly as amusing as some others did. Vivenna always just sort of annoyed me, and did so even at the end after her growth. I guess it just never felt like her growth was really growth, if that makes any sense.

Lastly, while it was page-turning towards the end, I felt the middle dragged a bit. It took awhile for things to get into place, which is fine, but it felt like the scenes where we switched from character to character to see how things were progressing, were pretty much the same scenes we'd seen last time. Yes, I know little things were happening... I don't know, if just felt like some of it was unnecessary padding. The internal monologues were the worst. The characters kept asking themselves the same questions of who they were and what they believed. While I love philosophical quandries in general, it felt a bit forced - it felt that the author was trying to get certain points across (points I don't necessarily disagree with), but perhaps the best method for this wasn't repetition of parable/event, then have the characters think over their lessons... Rinse, wash, repeat...

So, anyway, overall it was an enjoyable romp, the system of magic was interesting (since everyone goes on about that I feel I should make a mention of it), and the story was, generally, well told. I just wish I'd cared more about the characters and not just about the intrigue.

I might pick up the hinted at sequel - though since neither Vasher nor Vivenna were my favorite characters, I'm not sure. And while I certainly haven't sworn off the author, I'm not compelled to run out and buy his other books, either.(less)

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Jul 27, 2012 Jonathan rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: want, personal-favourites, humorous, brandon-sanderson

WOW, WOW, WOW!!!

I really have spoiled myself far too much after feeling exultant due to exams being over and holidays having begun. Firstly it was the sweets (drinking m&ms, eating cheescake, icecream, trifle and toasted sandwiches filled with caramelised apple - cook apples and then mix cream and brown sugar) but not all at once of course, only across 24 hours. And then secondly I read this absolute gem of a novel. But then I have found all of Brandon Sanderson's serious fantasy books to be...more

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May 16, 2012 Susan rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy

Ah, what to say about this book. I did enjoy it. I liked or loved the characters. And I would read it again. Yet I have a hard time giving it 5 stars.

There are 3 story lines, each interesting enough to hold my attention. However, about three quarters of the way through I began to wonder if two of the story lines weren't kind of marching in place waiting for the third (my favorite one) to catch up. I will add this: There was a 'gotcha' in this book that really got me good. I went back over it twi...more

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Sep 11, 2010 MJ rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: people who like descriptions of sexy ladies

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I was excited at first when I started reading this book. The magic system is new and interesting, and the settings were described well. Some of Sanderson's writing was great, but I was thoroughly disappointed with this book.

First of all: the characters. Early in the story, I had high hopes for Siri. I initially thought she might turn out to be a strong, independent character, regardless of her royal status. Nope, not at all - she sits around, enjoys her pretty dresses, and likes the pretty color...more I was excited at first when I started reading this book. The magic system is new and interesting, and the settings were described well. Some of Sanderson's writing was great, but I was thoroughly disappointed with this book.

First of all: the characters. Early in the story, I had high hopes for Siri. I initially thought she might turn out to be a strong, independent character, regardless of her royal status. Nope, not at all - she sits around, enjoys her pretty dresses, and likes the pretty colors of Hallandren. She snoops around a little, but doesn't manage to learn anything or make any huge changes. The one exception is that she teaches the God King to read and write. She is described as an impulsive, emotional girl when she finally sleeps with him. Thanks to that unnecessary detail that Sanderson threw in, I lost all respect for her.

Vivenna starts out a spoiled, prissy princess who can't do anything on her own, and ends up as a spoiled, prissy princess who can't do anything on her own. She needs men, both hired and not, to do work for her, and is one of the most useless characters I have read in literature. I disliked her at the beginning, but kept an open mind thinking she would change. She learns a little about breaths and how to use them and quits being such a traditionalist, but she is still unlikable. She's good at crying, at least.

Siri and Vivenna are the two main female characters. They are both typical weak female characters - no skills, no talents, and they both have flat personalities. When their hair changes color, though, you can count on Sanderson to tell you all about it.

There is another female character, though not as important as the first two - Blushweaver, the goddess of honesty. The book says the goddess of honesty but she's more like the goddess of T&A. Seriously, nobody else in this book has their appearance explained in half as much detail as this lady. Every sexy outfit, every sexy pose, every sexy eyelash bat - it will all be described in sexy detail, because she is a sexy woman, and everyone must know about it, sexily. Why only her? Why do all the other characters have a brief, meaningful description of their appearance, and yet, we can rely on Sanderson to explain her voluptuous body and the slinky dress it's in in every new scene with her?

Often in the company of Blushweaver is the god Lightsong. Most of the interesting dialogue in this book occurs between them him and the Previously Mentioned Goddess of Awkward Fanservice - but it is usually playful banter. Sanderson does an okay job of showing off how well he can write witty conversations. I felt the urge to skip past them, but I read them in full, thinking I might miss an important detail. At some point their conversations would change and go back to the story, but their flirting served no purpose and made the story come to a halt every time. The flirting never got either of them anywhere, so what was the point? It sure as hell didn't serve as character development.

Lightsong is an okay character, even if I did get tired of Sanderson reiterating how lazy and sarcastic the guy is. Yes, he's apathetic, he's mischievous, we get it. Out of all the characters, Lightsong has the most defined personality and the most recognizable speech patterns. I would sympathize more for Lightsong, but the source of his angst is simply the fact that he didn't know who he was in a past life, and he didn't feel like he was really a god. Oh, poor baby, he lives a life of leisure but doesn't know who he really is. If Lightsong was a female character, people would stomp their feet angrily and call her a Mary Sue.

Then there's the mercenaries Denth and Tonk Fah. They would repeatedly say to Vivenna that no one trusts mercenaries. The third or so time this was emphasized, I knew something was up and that they were really the bad guys. Sigh. Sanderson also tried too hard to make them funny. They weren't.

Vasher is in the first chapter, but ignored for most of the book. He has an abrupt personality change - first he is nasty and rude, and then he's the quiet, misunderstood loner. This cliche isn't necessarily a bad one, everyone likes a good loner character, but he wasn't well-developed. I didn't feel sympathy for him.

When the story reaches its climax, all the pieces are hastily put together and there are several reveals. Bluefingers is bad, the Pahn Kahl are behind everything, Llarimar is Lightsong's brother, Lightsong was a scribe in his past life (I liked this reveal, for whatever reason), Lightsong finally realizes he is a god, Lightsong dies by giving Susebron his breath, Susebron gains a tongue from this somehow, the way Vasher killed Arsteel (as well as Denth) was by giving him breath and stunning him, Vasher is Peacegiver/Kalad the Usurper, the statues in Hallandren are Kalad's army, and there were probably other reveals I didn't mention. It was a little over the top.

I found the characters weak and the story uninteresting. I think I would have liked the story more if I could like the characters, but it got to the point where I was hoping that Vivenna would be on the streets forever, and that the annoying talking sword would break somehow. I wasn't rooting for any of the characters. It was worth what I paid for it - nothing.(less)

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Oct 02, 2010 Mike (the Paladin) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy

This is the second (and better) book I've read by Mr. Sanderson (the first being his first installment in the eternally continuing saga of the Wheel of Time). My rating on it went back and forth throughout the volume, but I finally settled on a 4. It is an enjoyable book and despite being (what I find) overly wordy with quite a bit of unnecessary dialogue t picks up and finally gets down to business.

The magic system in this book is probably one reason for a lot of the dialogue as it's a good way...more

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Jan 06, 2010 Sandi rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, 2010, audiobooks

This was my very first audiobook and it was a long one--three parts totaling over 24 hours. While I thoroughly enjoyed the reading, I strongly suspect that I would have interpreted the characters far differently than the narrator did. I don't think I would have heard Tonkfa as Andre the Giant or Lightsong as a stoned surfer dude. I probably also wouldn't have noticed that every character rolled his/her eyes or raised his/her eyebrows or sighed heavily way too often.

Warbreaker was an engaging st...more

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Jul 28, 2012 Allison rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, favorites, standalone, political-intrigue, own-it-e-book

This is the first Brandon Sanderson book I read. I chose it because it was a standalone, it was on sale, and I wanted to take the measure of the guy who was finishing the Wheel of Time.

I loved it. It's full of political intrigue, characters to care about, and wonderful magic. Sanderson is truly one of the most imaginative authors I've read. It was well-written, which was such a relief after all the duds I'd been reading. My hopes for the WoT ending were fully revived.

At the end of the book, my...more

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May 20, 2012 Ray rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Warbreaker is enjoyable, but in my opinion it's Between this and Elantris for Sanderson's weakest novel. Elantris struggles in execution, stylistic. problems. Warbreaker is stlistically strong, but the problems are in the overarching plot. The magic is a bit gimmicky, but it's still really well thought through, especially in terms of the ways it presents cultural/religious and personal conflicts.
The main weaknesses of the story come from the cliches. Sanderson is best when he is directly subver...more

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Mar 10, 2013 Zachary Muse rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I love unique magic systems in fantasy books. I love witty characters. This book has those ingredients.
I think the first thing I disliked about the book was that the most interesting characters were side characters; [slight spoiler!] Denth, Tonk Fah, even Lightsong. I was disappointed when I figured out, moreso when I read, that Lightsong's true part in the story was so miniscule when you consider how much time was spent talking about him. [end spoiler]
I love twists, suspense, and surprises. Th...more

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May 10, 2010 Jared rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, funny

Once again, Brandon Sanderson proves that he can come up with a unique system of magic and make it hang together, coupling it with a fascinating story. The book had twists that I didn't foresee -- always a pleasure -- characters that were complex and dynamic, and a world with a rich history, of which the reader only gets to see the edges.

Masterful storytelling. I docked it a star because he forgot to finish the book. He alludes to the final resolution, but he didn't bother to write it. Very irri...more

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Apr 06, 2011 Brandy rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favoritos

Un 5 de 5. 10 de 10, o como se quiera.
Ya han pasado varios días desde que terminé este libro y todavía me duran sus efectos.
Si bien es cierto que no cumplió la regla de los libros 5 estrellas que es el de leerselo en 2/3 días, el motivo fue porque la vida real no me dejó tiempo para ello.
En El aliento de los dioses encuentras tres historias, tres puntos de vista diferentes con un mismo punto común: la inminente guerra entre dos países: uno de ellos reinado por noble linaje y en las montañas y el...more Un 5 de 5. 10 de 10, o como se quiera.
Ya han pasado varios días desde que terminé este libro y todavía me duran sus efectos.
Si bien es cierto que no cumplió la regla de los libros 5 estrellas que es el de leerselo en 2/3 días, el motivo fue porque la vida real no me dejó tiempo para ello.
En El aliento de los dioses encuentras tres historias, tres puntos de vista diferentes con un mismo punto común: la inminente guerra entre dos países: uno de ellos reinado por noble linaje y en las montañas y el otro reinado por un "dios" y portuario. El día y la noche.
Vivenna es la hija mayor del rey, la que según un acuerdo de paz está destinada a ser la esposa del rey-dios, y a la que se la ha educado para esa tarea. Pero cuando las cosas se tuercen, y es su hermana pequeña la que ocupa su lugar, decide rescatarla aunque eso suponga entrar en territorio enemigo.
Para mi, este personaje es el más interesante respecto a los otros dos ya que es el que más cambios y modificaciones lleva a cabo, tanto en su carácter como su forma de pensar. La que mas experiencias acumula y la que entra en contacto con más personajes secundarios.

Siri, es la hermana pequeña. La típica rebelde que abandona los estudios por travesuras. Por orden de su padre es ofrecida a Susebron, el rey-dios como esposa con la única finalidad de procrear. A través de ella, conocemos al rey dios intimamente. Esta relación está llena de sorpresas. Es la más romántica del libro y los dos personajes son de los que enamoran a los lectores.

Y por último está Sondeluz, uno de los "retornados" y por lo tanto un dios para la gente común de la ciudad portuaria y para mi el mejor personaje sin lugar a dudas. El más cínico, diferente y divertido.
Y además el que más secretos guarda. Es la caja de sorpresas del título. Una auténtica gozada.

Si a estos tres personajes añades una galería de secundarios sorprendentes, donde las apariencias engañan la percepción del lector una y otra vez y el arte que tiene Brandon para enganchar con una trama sencilla de seguir que se va haciendo más compleja conforme se va desarrollando, queda un libro digno de tener en la estantería y gritar a los cuatro vientos: ADOROOOO LA NOVELA FANTASTICAAAAAAAAA!!!(less)

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Nov 24, 2010 Flint rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: epic-fantasy, wishlist

The plot of Warbreaker moves much too slowly with not much happening until the very last few pages. This doesn't necessarily mean it's boring, because Sanderson does keep a very steady pace with his storytelling, but there also didn't appear to be any urgency to his story either. Even the villians came off half heartedly written. This simply was not Elantris, Mistborn or Gathering Storm. Many of the characters simply don't have much to do, which was not something I was expecting from a Sanderson...more

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Jun 28, 2009 Daniel Burton rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy

Warbreaker is Brandon Sanderson's fifth novel.

Warbreaker has all of the themes that have been played throughout author Brandon Sanderson's other fantasy novels: epic fantasy, unconventional magic systems defined in almost scientific terms, an empire or nation on the edge of collapse, war and/or planetary destruction, and heroes(usually female) that are thrust into saving a man, nation, and world. Oh, and love, too; the heroine always fall in love with the most unlikely of persons.

In Warbreaker,...more Warbreaker is Brandon Sanderson's fifth novel.

Warbreaker has all of the themes that have been played throughout author Brandon Sanderson's other fantasy novels: epic fantasy, unconventional magic systems defined in almost scientific terms, an empire or nation on the edge of collapse, war and/or planetary destruction, and heroes(usually female) that are thrust into saving a man, nation, and world. Oh, and love, too; the heroine always fall in love with the most unlikely of persons.

In Warbreaker, Siri, the youngest daughter of the king , is to marry the semi-immortal God-King of the rival kingdom, Hallendren, in order to stave off war, and certain annihilation, for their people. Siri's sister, Vivienna, eldest daughter of the king and long expected to have been the one sent as the bride, is left behind, but soon follows on a rescue mission. Susebron, the deified king and God to the Hallendren, faces his own challenges from the very priests that worship him and the lower gods that surround him. And among the people of Hallendren travels a dangerous and mysterious stranger carrying a sword, secrets, and a mysterious purpose.

Sanderson specializes in creating page turners, and Warbreaker is no exception. He is careful to leave hints and foreshadowing along the way, and a careful reader should be able to figure out who is who and what is happening before the last pages are read. The story is creative, as are the characters. The setting and background develops with a care that breathes and moves with life.

Unlike a lot of fantasy novels, Warbreaker manages to address issues not unfamiliar to the real world. The reader encounters prejudice, persecution, and poverty, as well as the line dividing the wealthy from the poor, rulers from the ruled. The issues are woven into the story, however, avoiding the complaints that have often beset the Star Trek franchise previous to the most recent movie.

All praise for Sanderson's creative and engaging story aside, his best work is still to come. Stephen King once wrote that every draft should be cut down ten percent before it can be counted a finished work. It's a rule that Sanderson could, and should, apply. Instead of showing us what the characters are learning or how they are changing, Sanderson weighs down his novel, and novels, with excess character explanation that is neither in dialogue or action. Some of this is obviously acceptable, though almost never necessary, but Sanderson seems to cross the line from necessary to luxury. Paragraph after paragraph could be replaced by a single meaningful scene or interaction with another character. Sanderson's novels weigh in at over 400 or 500 pages; I would not complain if he paired them down.

Which leads me to another critique: show versus tell. I like Sanderson's writing, I like his plots, and I like the creativity with which he builds his worlds, but I could use less of the explanation narrative. Show us, don't tell us, that Vivienna is giving up her prejudices. Show us, don't tell us, that Lightsong is becoming "the Bold." It is true that Sanderson knows this rule, because I have seen him apply it; but his desire to make sure the reader gets what he wants them to get seems to drive him to put more in than he needs. In the end, it diminishes the impact of the "show" because there is so much "tell."

For this reason, I had a hard time deciding to rate the book with four or three stars. In the end, I decided that I liked the book and, although it stands alone as a story, I wanted to know what would happen to the characters next. Sanderson has obviously left the door open to future stories and novels about the characters, and I hope he will continue to write those stories. He seems to like the novel format, but the story in Warbreaker would lend itself to spin-offs in novella or short story format.(less)

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Feb 09, 2009 Elise rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy

It was nice to be able to download and read for free, but it still seems like there are some changes to be made before this is actually published. The typos were of course distracting, but also I think the ending could use a bit of work. When Susebron takes power, it doesn't really explain how he knew all the BioChroma commands etc. I also thought it could dwell on Vasher's history more. That part was really interesting but it was so sparse. And the romance is always hinted at between Vasher and...more

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Sep 09, 2011 Bridget rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I like Sanderson's first Mistborn book & 'Elantris' (a stand alone book, so no waiting for the next book to come out/ what a nice change of pace) a bit more than this one. This is an interesting read nonetheless. Sanderson has great ideas & does fantastic world building. It had some slow moments but I'd still recommend it if you like the genre.

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Mar 02, 2013 Meg rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011, fantasy-epic, 2013

While I enjoyed this book on second reading, and will leave my rating at four stars, I did notice that the exposition got a little heavy in a few places. The most noticeable might be where Vasher is explaining how BioChroma works. Also, there's something about the term "BioChroma" that didn't seem to fit in with the rest of the world.

Still, these are small comments. Overall I really enjoy this book and the world Sanderson has built. I wouldn't mind another book set in this universe, but it's a...more

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Jul 19, 2010 Crystal Sloan rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Crystal by: Ricardo

Shelves: magic, fantasy

This was my first time reading anything by Brandon Sanderson, and I really enjoyed it. The balance of it's unique magic system, dark humor, and well thought out characters made it really hard to put down. And the last fifth, or so, of the book was very intense, told at break-neck speed. The plot twists were (for the most part) unexpected, and the character development was probably what truly made this book so good. My only complaint was the really clipped ending. It sort of left me wanting more,...more

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Jan 12, 2013 Tedric rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Product Description

Warbreaker is the story of two sisters, who happen to be princesses, the God King one of them has to marry, the lesser god who doesnt like his job, and the immortal whos still trying to undo the mistakes he made hundreds of years ago. Their world is one in which those who die in glory, return as gods to live confined to a pantheon in Hallandrens capital city and where a power known as BioChromatic magic is based on an essence known as breath that can only be collected one un

...more

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Nov 19, 2012 Onefinemess rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

His latest, although evidently it was written a while ago, or something. He also released early drafts of it on the web for free. I probably should have checked them out, to see more about how his process went but I hate reading books on computer.

So. Yeah this was good, it took me a while to get into it – 15 chapters or so, so that makes it probably his “least” good book, but it was still quite enjoyable. The whole magic system came off kind of goofy to me BUT with the caveat that if he has a go...more

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May 20, 2013 Chloe rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I really enjoyed this book. As usual, Sanderson creates a new and interesting method of magic and places it into his familiar context. A universe and culture similar to those in his other books, he creates new cities and ruling elite which establishes his characters specific magical abilities perfectly.

Another long book (which I would never complain about), Sanderson really explores his character's emotional and psychological developments, in-particular Vivenna and Siri, who from the out-set ar...more

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May 19, 2013 Christine rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Sanderson writes wonderful, complex plots and engaging characters* and has a great feel for world creation. I think what keeps this from being a five star book for me is the over-formulaic feel of his magic. With a little more polish, Breath - the power used to Awaken and manipulate once-living objects in the world of Warbreaker - would not feel quite so much like an MMO mechanic. And to me, words like "BioChroma" and "organic" would be less jarringly out of place if there were some other hint t...more

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May 08, 2013 Naushaad rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I've read Brandon Sanderson books. I've read the ones he published after this one, as I came to know his via The Wheel of Time books. I made it my "mission" to read his books, as I liked what he had done fot WoT and also because I like reading. Ajd I have to say this, he man is a great writer. In the world where there are so kany writers of so many genres, especially Epic Fantasy, one would always find his name mentioned somewhere by a fellow writer and also by readers.
I loved the book. It was...more

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Apr 29, 2013 Martin Wilson rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Warbreaker is a fun fantasy read with a good blend of action, intrigue and characters. This was my second exposure to the idea of a magic system with strict rules and limitations, and I found it very enjoyable. The rules are simple and easy to follow, while leaving plenty of room for the imagination.

A little disclaimer ahead of time, I listened to this on an unabridged audiobook, so I may misspell the characters' names.

The book is a bit of a tease as it opens with one of the characters, Vasher,...more Warbreaker is a fun fantasy read with a good blend of action, intrigue and characters. This was my second exposure to the idea of a magic system with strict rules and limitations, and I found it very enjoyable. The rules are simple and easy to follow, while leaving plenty of room for the imagination.

A little disclaimer ahead of time, I listened to this on an unabridged audiobook, so I may misspell the characters' names.

The book is a bit of a tease as it opens with one of the characters, Vasher, breaking into a building in order to extract 'breaths', a source of magical power, from a prisoner inside. After this tantalising episode, the pacing lags rather dramatically as we're introduced to the main characters. The character development in the book is very strong, which is good because some of the characters start out incredibly boring and it takes a while before they come to life.

Two main of the main characters are Siri and her older sister Vivenna. Their character arcs are juxtaposed as the tomboyish Siri learns to play court politics and enjoy her role as wife to the 'Godking', a role originally intended for Vivenna, while the prim and proper Vivenna is thrown down to the streets and has to work her way up to being a powerful 'Awakener'. Although after reading this book, Name of the Wind and Mistborn I begin to wonder if being a homeless street urchin is a compulsory part of the character arc of any fantasy main character.

Lightsong the Bold is the third main character, and probably the most interesting in his own right, although his overall contribution to the plot is probably less than the sisters. His chapters are the most amusing, filled with Lightsong's musing over his own nature as an atheist God.

The supporting characters are another strong point of the book. I won't go into detail on every one, suffice it to say that each main character has a coterie of strong supporting characters.

There are only a couple of issues I have with the book. The book strives to explain that neither side in the cold war that takes up the book is 'evil' and that politics are actually much more complicated and wars are sometimes born out of fear and lack of trust more than malicious intent... all of which is great! Right up until the final act when the curtain is pulled back and suddenly there are some evil villains we can pin it all on. Turns out they were the ones pushing for the war all along! This jars a fair bit, although I wouldn't say it spoils what goes beforehand.

The other issue is that Vasher's backstory, one of the most interesting aspects of the book, is only touched upon and not fully explored. It's a fun twist, but he goes into the details of the magic system at one point in a very scientific manner, also highlighting the many unknowns involved in it, and this really left me wanting more as a reader. It's not clear why nobody is researching the magic anymore. For that matter, the book leaves a few things up in the air at the very end, including one of the major implications of the ending.

Overall fun and fascinating, if a little slow to take off. If you enjoy fantasy but deplore all the trilogies, quadrilogies and dodecadologies out there, then this book is for you, an excellent standalone.(less)

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Apr 11, 2013 The Airship Librarian rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Brandon Sanderson, you are a dear. A rather odd duck, true, but a dear none the less. You have this extraordinary talent for writing big books that I enjoy very much. You see, you are so thorough. Your worlds are so well built, and your magic systems are so uniquely awesome. I mean, colours and breath? What creative mind comes up with something like that? Obviously, yours does, and for that I am grateful. If your mind hadn't come up with this story, I would be collapsed on the floor in a heap of...more Brandon Sanderson, you are a dear. A rather odd duck, true, but a dear none the less. You have this extraordinary talent for writing big books that I enjoy very much. You see, you are so thorough. Your worlds are so well built, and your magic systems are so uniquely awesome. I mean, colours and breath? What creative mind comes up with something like that? Obviously, yours does, and for that I am grateful. If your mind hadn't come up with this story, I would be collapsed on the floor in a heap of exhaustion right now. To be perfectly honest, I probably wouldn't be this tired if it hadn't been for your book either (darn those late reading nights!)

But, really, the moral of this story is not that I shouldn't read late at night, but that Brandon Sanderson is a genius whom all should adore. I know I do. Why? Because every one of his books that I've read so far is perfectly thought out and crafted. Let's take a look:

1: The world is solid. So solid. There is lots of history, but it's not dumped on you in an annoying fashion (well, accept for when Siri is listening to the story teller. I skimmed that part) Really, I didn't find that I had a whole lot of questions. I mean there were some about Kalad's army that didn't get answered, but that didn't really annoy.

2: The completely awesome concept. Breath that exists in colour and gives you heightened senses? Sweet! The Awakening was super interesting as well. Loved it. (view spoiler)

3: The characters. My goodness, Sanderson's characters are barking fantastic. Even minor ones are well written. All the main ones are nicely rounded (I wouldn't have minded more on Denth and Tonk Fah, but... ah well.) I really enjoyed the characters. Susebron, Vivenna, Nightblood, Siri, and... last but foremost: Lightsong! He was my favorite and I rather adored him. One more fictional character who may visit me in my corner of hermithood.

4: The classic Sanderson plot twists and surprises. Love them, but enough of that. No spoilers.

5: The classic Sanderson questions on theology. I don't always agree with him, but he certainly raises interesting questions and there are few things I love so much as questions. Also, the whole god/goddess system felt like a satire of the old Greek mythology. It was extremely amusing.

Really, this book had so many good points. I'm not even sure why I'm shaving a star off. It was a great book. However, I felt like there was something missing. Something kept me from loving it as much as I loved the Mistborn books. Still, this book is awesome and I recommend it to people who are sick and tired of the mediocrity of YA fiction. YA fiction can be so cheesy and stupid. Sanderson's writing has this lovely maturity that is refreshing. I'm starting to really enjoy adult fantasy/science fiction because of the less annoying and immature writing style. Though, there is still a very large shelf in my heart for YA.

Oh man! I just had a thought. You know what would be sweet? A prequel video game that focuses on (view spoiler)

(less)

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Apr 08, 2013 Dangermousie rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: aaangst, characters-with-superpowers, fantasy, tough-heroines, horrible-childhood-of-h-h

Warbreaker is a stand-alone (yesss!) novel about Vivenna and Siri, two very different sisters who, in a way, switch fates.

Hallandren is a powerful kingdom based on colors (even the alphabet is color-based) and the powers these colors can bestow. It is awash in people who can use colors to take other people's essence or manifest other powers, and even bring people back from the dead (even if that will result in pretty much a zombie). It is ruled by the 'Returned' - people who somehow came back f...more Warbreaker is a stand-alone (yesss!) novel about Vivenna and Siri, two very different sisters who, in a way, switch fates.

Hallandren is a powerful kingdom based on colors (even the alphabet is color-based) and the powers these colors can bestow. It is awash in people who can use colors to take other people's essence or manifest other powers, and even bring people back from the dead (even if that will result in pretty much a zombie). It is ruled by the 'Returned' - people who somehow came back from the dead and are treated as Gods and, above them all, is Susebron, the God King, someone who was never alive - who 'returned' from being a stillborn. And Hallandren has its eye on Idris, a poor, small neighbor kingdom.

From childhood, the King of Idris' oldest daughter, Vivenna, was promised in marriage to the fearsome God King of a powerful neighboring kingdom as a way to avoid war. Vivenna is dutiful, poised, ladylike. She has been brought up to know the ins and outs of her future husband's kingdom. Siri, the youngest, is the polar opposite - never meant to be anyone of particular importance, Siri is bad at obedience, defies her father regularly, and loves flaunting colors - the ultimate sin in Idris, where it is believed that colors can invite people who will steal one's 'Breath' (a sort of hybrid soul and power concept). So when push comes to shove, and the King has to send his daughter to marriage and almost certain death (even if the reputedly monstrous God King will leave her alive, war is coming and then the princess becomes a hostage and eventually dead), he cannot bear to send his favorite Vivenna. He sends Siri instead.

And then, the proper, prim Vivenna does something unthinkable - she disguises herself and sets off to the faraway Hallandren to rescue her sister.

The novel follows multiple characters - Vivenna and her adventure quest plus her interactions with a bunch of rebels and a mysterious man who may or may not be the key in stopping the war. Meanwhile, Siri is navigating the dangerous waters of the court and coming to terms with the fact that she is married to a person whom she is not supposed to speak to or touch (well, touch to the minimum necessary to get an heir). Oh, and there is Lightsong, a resurrected God who questions just how divine he really is.

I LOVE IT!!!! The worldbuilding is great, I adore both Vivenna and Siri (though confess to liking Siri just a smidge more), the plot is complicated and things are not always as they seem (let's just say that God King and the priests are not really what/how you think they are).

And if you need an OTP, Siri/Susibron hit all my kinks, in a very very unexpected way. (view spoiler)(less)

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Mar 08, 2013 Rowan rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book was really annoying. It was partially annoying for how bad the dialogue was, and partially because it was just good enough that I kept reading it anyway. The plot is interesting, and what he tries to portray visa vi moral relativism seems well-intentioned, if a bit sophomoric. The characters are totally one dimensional until more than 1/2 way through, and then they become 2D... hooray. The book also has really bad gender stuff happening. Some of the characters read like stand-up comedy...more

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Mar 06, 2013 Chade66 rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: high-fantasy, read-2013

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I plunged into this right after reading Mistborn and I have to admire Sanderson's ability to bring interesting magic systems to the table.

I couldn't help but notice that in many ways Warbreaker felt just like Mistborn, minus the ash falling from the sky.

Oppressed people rising up against an almost eternal overload, whose description is so much like the overlord in Mistborn I wondered if there had been a cut and paste accident. Oh yes and the coming of age story for the girls.

I loved Lightsong an...more I plunged into this right after reading Mistborn and I have to admire Sanderson's ability to bring interesting magic systems to the table.

I couldn't help but notice that in many ways Warbreaker felt just like Mistborn, minus the ash falling from the sky.

Oppressed people rising up against an almost eternal overload, whose description is so much like the overlord in Mistborn I wondered if there had been a cut and paste accident. Oh yes and the coming of age story for the girls.

I loved Lightsong and his banter. That was a lot of fun, though I found Blushweaver to be a sad sterotype. I loved the twist with Lightsong in the end. Very clever of him to end his confusing existence and manage to save the God King all in one breathe (all puns intended).

I would have loved to seen more from Siri. It was like it was all built up for her to do something incredible but no, here comes a man to save the day while she stands around helplessly. And the fact that Siri's father basically sent her off to be killed because he like Vivenna better never seems to be an issue. Huh? Why leave that in there if there was no plan for it?

If this had been a roleplaying mod (it had that feeling to me sometimes), I would have been really ticked off as Vasher (basically an NPC not a PC), who doesn't really do much but run around killing people, turns out to be this ancient hero. "Oh, by the way, here is a magic weapon that will solve all of your problems. Now I'm going to wander off and be moody for another 500 years." WHAT? NPC trumps PCs with a here you go, no work necessary ending.

I found the whole story line with Vivenna annoying. For someone who was trying to save her sister from rape and enslavement, she had no real sense of urgency about what she was doing. By the time Vasher saves her, she pretty much just does whatever he tells her to do and follows him around like a puppy. Very disappointing considering how cool Vin was in Mistborn.

All that said, I found some of the characters, mainly Lightsong and Siri so interesting that it pulled me through the monstrous length of the book.(less)

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Mar 01, 2013 Abby rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: audio-books, fantasy

I like Brandon Sanderson. His writing is a little overly explanatory and his language often strays into overly formal or absurdly casual, but he tells a good, creative, interesting story and he writes strong, well-developed characters whose good/evil factor is always somewhere in the gray zone. His Mistborn trilogy was phenomenal, and if you even think you might like fantasy, you should read those books. I was excited when Warbreaker came out, but like many bibliophiles, I was already reading fo...more

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Feb 27, 2013 John Hill rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I feel like I should preface this review by letting readers know that I have yet to read a Brandon Sanderson novel that I have not completely loved. “Warbreaker” has been no exception in that regard.

Once again, Mr. Sanderson has created an excellent ride of a novel. Like most of his works, it is a rich and vibrant world, with a unique magical system, and characters that make you fall in love with them, many times in spite of the characters themselves.
Warbreaker is also a novel of some serious in...more I feel like I should preface this review by letting readers know that I have yet to read a Brandon Sanderson novel that I have not completely loved. “Warbreaker” has been no exception in that regard.

Once again, Mr. Sanderson has created an excellent ride of a novel. Like most of his works, it is a rich and vibrant world, with a unique magical system, and characters that make you fall in love with them, many times in spite of the characters themselves.
Warbreaker is also a novel of some serious intrigues and plot twists. I do not want to ruin anything for anybody, but if you have read any of Sanderson’s previous novels than you know that he is a big fan of plot twists. Some of them are quite large twists. But the twists and turns that happen in this novel are like nothing you’ve experienced from him yet. Plot twist is almost too small of a word, a better word might be plot reversal.

The characters in “Warbreaker” may be some of my favorite of Sanderson’s outside of the “Mistborn” realm. Lightsong certainly gleams and no doubt is a fan favorite. I really enjoyed Denth, although for different reasons than Lightsong; he is one of the deepest characters in the novel and he is not even a viewpoint character. Another non-POV character who I thought was wonderfully deep and I became very emotionally attached to was Llairmar (aka: Scoot), Lightsong’s head priest. Vasher, Siri, and Vivenna as other POV characters are wonderful and well-written, but Mr. Sanderson’s ability really shines through in his treatment and depth of non-POV characters.

The magic system in “Warbreak” is pure Sanderson. Original and so well thought out that it becomes almost a science in its own right. There is little “Oh the magic powers flowed through” and a lot of hard science behind every magical act. In some ways, it can read like a science fiction novel, especially with “Warbreakers” BioChromatic system; similar to the “Mistborn” metallurgical magic system. I honestly don’t know how Sanderson comes up with magic systems like this but his continued ability to do so amazes me.

This novel is a lengthy one, but do not let that scare you off. Sanderson keeps the pacing spot on and there are very few dull or boring spots. I loved long fantasy epics, but even my eyes begin to glaze over in many of them when the author is doing a lot of world building, but I never reached that point in ‘Warbreaker”.
This is high fantasy as its greatest, and my one complaint is that Sanderson has indicated he will be doing sequel of “Warbreaker” yet little has been released on any work being done on that front.

PS – I bought the Kindle edition, which come enhanced with behind the scene annotations on each and every chapter. This is awesome for an aspiring writer like me (or anyone who is interested in the writing process) as Mr. Sanderson allows access to his creative process; how he works through a scene; issues with editors and agents; and plotting, all of which leads up to a much fuller, richer experience with “Warbreaker”. I highly, highly, recommend getting the enhanced version. (less)

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About Brandon Sanderson

Brandon Sanderson is an American fantasy author. A Nebraska native, he currently resides in Provo, Utah. He earned his Master's degree in Creative Writing in 2005 from Brigham Young University. He has been nominated twice for the John W. Campbell Award.

Sanderson married on July 7, 2006 and is a member of the LDS church. Sanderson's writing is noteworthy for its epic fantasy tone, unique settings,...more

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The Way of Kings (The Stormlight Archive, #1)

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