Series: Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson ("Way of Kings")

[Mason]

Allison wrote: "Also, if I am glad to have read Edgedancer, I intend to give myself all the credit for being wise in my decisions. If I don't, I intend to blame you fully ;-)"

I second this :)

End of WoR Spoiler replies:
(view spoiler)[ I was jumping for joy when Jasnah walked back into the story. I pretty moved on from the idea of her returning after Shallan found Uruthiru but then Sanderson throws another curveball! Can’t wait to see how she plays in with the return of the voidbringers.

My favorite part of the last bit (that surprisingly hasn’t been brought up yet) was the death/murder of Sadeas! I was hoping this would happen for two books now :). I felt so relieved that Adalin actually did it. I feel that it’s going to somehow come back and bite him in the backside in Oathbringer but so worth it. I wonder what’s going to happen to Oathbringer now that Dalinar is a Radiant. Hopefully they make an exception and allow Dalinar to carry Oathbringer.

As for the other knights, I like the characters that Sanderson chose for them. Renarin and Dalinar were not really a surprise for me. But the way Dalinar became one definitely was huge but felt right considering the character. Lopen (and other Bride Four members) still hasn’t come out of the darkness with his new found power.

Re to Shallan’s flashbacks:
I thought it was drawn out as well for most of WoR but the ending was so worth it to me! I never saw that coming with her mother. Maybe I was just blinded by all the action going on. I felt really bad for her father after reading it, sure he was a bastard but he had his reasons. (hide spoiler)]

[Leonie]

I'm about 45% through Oathbringer. 😊😊😊😊

[Allison, Fairy Mod-mother]

Leonie wrote: "I'm about 45% through Oathbringer. 😊😊😊😊"

Aaahh! Jelly! I'm racing to catch up. Edgedancer has me chuckling right now. Anyone else hear Anthony Daniels (C3PO) for Wyndle's voice?

[Allison, Fairy Mod-mother]

Mason, re: your end of WoR spoiler:

(view spoiler)[At first I thought all the bridgemen would be Windrunners, since it was mentioned they had a military rank system. But Lopen healing his whole arm feels like it'd be a little much for normal stormlight maybe? Is he something with Regrowth like Wyndle mentioned?

Also holy cow are there a lot of factions. Ghostbloods, Men of Honor, Disciples of the Diagram (side note, it really tickled me to have all of the teachings have names that include their initial location. Book of the Lamp Shade and all that XD). I wonder how they all fit in. (hide spoiler)]

[Rachel]

I’m probably about 70% through WoK and it’s hard for me to read at this time of year (seasonal affective disorder aka lack of sunlight ) and it seems very clear that Kaladin had SAD/depression too!! Anyway it’s hard for me to read a lot of what is going on in this section as I find myself in ‘sympathy depression ‘ with characters!!

[Allison, Fairy Mod-mother]

Rachel wrote: "I’m probably about 70% through WoK and it’s hard for me to read at this time of year (seasonal affective disorder aka lack of sunlight ) and it seems very clear that Kaladin had SAD/depression too!..."

Solidarity, sister. I love Kaladin and how he portrays depression, but I can also see it being hard, especially now. I don't think I could read these books as well in February, as that's our equivalent of the Weeping, I think. WoK is a tough one in that respect, but I think the end will cheer you up, if you are up to finishing it! Otherwise, see us in the spring, don't make things hard for yourself :)

[Rachel]

Yes - I love the clear portrayal of depression and SAD - I was like, wait he’s always a ‘wretch’ when it’s been raining for weeks?!? Omg!
November has historically been my ‘worst’ month so...I’ll be reading maybe 100 pages between other book I think lol.

[Mason]

Allison wrote: "Mason, re: your end of WoR spoiler:"

Re: (view spoiler)[ I was so happy for Lopen! I really hope there’s more to his abilities. I liked how he found out too, how he ‘just had to’ get his practice with breathing in stormlight in or else maybe he missed his chance. Regrowth would be pretty cool. Lopen with a spren sounds hilarious to me. Speaking of regrowth, I wonder how Lift is going to tie in with the main story? For some reason, I can’t see her walking around with Kaladin and co.

I agree, there are a lot of factions. But they seem to mesh pretty well and not be too overwhelming. I’m most interested with how Shallan deals with the Ghostbloods now that Mraize knows about her. Definitely haven’t seen the last of Moash and his new ‘friends’ either. (hide spoiler)]

[Allison, Fairy Mod-mother]

Since I'm reading Edgedancer, I hope you know what I'm going to ask.

(not a spoiler that I'm aware of.)

So. What body part would you be in the One Organism?

I think I'd be an eye. haha!

[Mason]

Hmm. . . I think I would be an ear. The eye is a close second.

[Elena]

Hard to decide between an eye and a mouth/ tongue for me, but the latter would win I guess, because speech (and taste besides. I think somebody mentioned cheese being one of the essences, so... ;) ).

[Allison, Fairy Mod-mother]

haha!

Finished and liked Edgedancer. Now onto the main event!!

[Rob]

Allison wrote: "haha!

Finished and liked Edgedancer. Now onto the main event!!"

I finally got my book on Saturday, but I'm a slow reader. I'm on part 2 around page 400 or something I think. You'll probably finish before me.

[Travis]

Falling behind the pack here! I'm at around 76% of WoR. Some of the banter is feeling as formulaic and tiresome as an episode of Friends (which, as banter, is probably the point, but do we really need to read all of it to get the point?).

That said, I continue to find myself utterly immersed and delighted by these books. I'm hoping my copy of Oathbringer comes in at the library soon, so I can pick it up after finishing Edgedancer...

[Rob]

Sanderson isn't as good at banter as he is at world building/magic. In other books he tries to be funny too much and it falls flat (for me).

The jokes and the banter in this series seem to be less frequent and seem to work better. I still roll my eyes on occasion though.

[Allison, Fairy Mod-mother]

Travis wrote: "Falling behind the pack here! I'm at around 76% of WoR. Some of the banter is feeling as formulaic and tiresome as an episode of Friends (which, as banter, is probably the point, but do we really n..."

Yeah. While Shallan gets badass in this one, I also felt she got a little more trite at certain points, IMO. Maybe they all did, but her in particular.

[Travis]

Alright, I just read chapter 71 over lunch, the one where(view spoiler)[Shallan shares her own brokenness with Kaladin (hide spoiler)], and it made up for all of the banter. Chills!

[Allison, Fairy Mod-mother]

...oh, no.

I just thought of something that would really upset me if it happened. Nobody read unless you want to revel in miserable conjecture with me. Best after reading WoR but after Chapter 71 is probably safe.

(view spoiler)[I was thinking about the love triangle aspect and wondering if that's going to bother me. And then I had a terrible thought. What if Shallan as Veil gets with Kaladin while Shallan as herself stays with Adolin? I'd be SO MAD. (hide spoiler)]

[Allison, Fairy Mod-mother]

Things I really need to have addressed soon in some fashion: (spoilers for end of WoR)

(view spoiler)[
-Why was Syl adamant that Kaladin couldn't back out of his bargain with Moash, but was okay with Kaladin double crossing them?

-How did Syl almost die but come back?

-Is the Everstorm really just a reverse highstorm with new spren? That felt anti-climactic.

-What happened with Talenel'Elin? Did someone remember to bring the prisoners to Urithiru? And what about his warnings about the use of stone?

(hide spoiler)]

[Rob]

Allison wrote: "Things I really need to have addressed soon in some fashion: (spoilers for end of WoR)."

Refresh my memory from WoR:

(view spoiler)[What happened with Kalladin and Moash? I don't recall. (hide spoiler)]

[Allison, Fairy Mod-mother]

Rob wrote: "Allison wrote: "Things I really need to have addressed soon in some fashion: (spoilers for end of WoR)."

Refresh my memory from WoR:

[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ Moash was going to assassinate the king and Kal agreed. Then, the day it was set to go down, Kal intervened, Moash nearly killed him, and then Kal flew across the plains to deal with the assassin. That's roughly where we left that subplot and I need it to have a bow post haste. (hide spoiler)]

[Rob]

Thanks Allison

[Allison, Fairy Mod-mother]

NP Rob!

OH NO I STARTED THE PROLOGUE AND AM FREAKING OUT! Every time I think I understand, instead I don't!!

[Travis]

I fell hard for Pai right away.... (view spoiler)[even though it was very very clear she'd be dead by the end of the interlude. (hide spoiler)]

[Allison, Fairy Mod-mother]

Travis wrote: "I fell hard for Pai right away.... [spoilers removed]"

Her story really hit me a lot harder in this political climate.

[Travis]

Allison wrote: "Her story really hit me a lot harder in this political climate."

All the people barely getting by. All the people benefiting from their suffering.

[Allison, Fairy Mod-mother]

Travis wrote: "Allison wrote: "Her story really hit me a lot harder in this political climate."

All the people barely getting by. All the people benefiting from their suffering."

And then (view spoiler)[one speaking truth to power, getting killed for it and starting riots. I feel like I keep seeing this story but I don't think we have any Radiants around... (hide spoiler)]

[Allison, Fairy Mod-mother]

I think I'm gonna need to take a day off from all responsibility and read this damn thing in a go, because I am stuck on it. I usually listen to other books during the slow part of my day but I don't want to start anything new. However I read much faster than they talk, so it seems silly to burn my Audible credit and spend all day half listening to something I want to pay attention to to get 3% further in the book. *incoherent tantrum*

[Elena]

Allison wrote: "...oh, no.

I just thought of something that would really upset me if it happened. Nobody read unless you want to revel in miserable conjecture with me. Best after reading WoR but after Chapter 71 ..."

I thought about that too! Kinda glad not to be alone in suffering because of the possibility of that happening - sorry. :)
(view spoiler)[I feel like the beginnings of the love triangle are already here, and it does bother me a bit already, mostly the fact that Shallan's thoughts seem to be a lot along the lines of "Kaladin is so brave and insufferable, Adolin is so handsome!" I am of course simplifying and generalising, but that's the feeling I personally get. I agree with you, Allison, I'd be super mad if what you thought about happened! I'd be flipping tables kind of mad in fact, I think. So I'm hoping it will never happen, it would feel way too cheap of a solution. I might be channeling Martin again here, but I thought a possible solution to the triangle could be Adolin dying somehow. That would be terrible as well, as I love how his character of a bit of a cliche pretty soldier boy is finally turning to something more complex after what he did to Sadeas at the end of WoR. (hide spoiler)]

[Allison, Fairy Mod-mother]

Elena wrote: "Allison wrote: "...oh, no.

I just thought of something that would really upset me if it happened. Nobody read unless you want to revel in miserable conjecture with me. Best after reading WoR but a..."

Lol! "Channeling Martin" love it! Oof. It makes me sad to think about that. I think this whole thing makes me sad.

(view spoiler)[I think best result, Kal once again doesn't get what he wants and is mopey about it but gracious. If we're going to throw love around in these books, I'd hope he finds someone, but not at the cost of further betrayal of anyone AND DEFINITELY not through deceit. (hide spoiler)]

[Travis]

Elena wrote: "Allison wrote: "...oh, no.

I just thought of something that would really upset me if it happened. Nobody read unless you want to revel in miserable conjecture with me. Best after reading WoR but a..."

(view spoiler)[Ugh. Please say that doesn't happen. That sort of comedic plot structure would drive me crazy in this narrative. (hide spoiler)]

[Travis]

Allison wrote: "Elena wrote: "Allison wrote: "...oh, no.

I just thought of something that would really upset me if it happened. Nobody read unless you want to revel in miserable conjecture with me. Best after rea..."

(view spoiler)[I vote for Moash, who will reform and repent so he and Kaladin can fall madly in love. Surely there's some good slash fiction out with that very plot already! (hide spoiler)]

[Allison, Fairy Mod-mother]

Travis wrote: "Allison wrote: "Elena wrote: "Allison wrote: "...oh, no.

I just thought of something that would really upset me if it happened. Nobody read unless you want to revel in miserable conjecture with me..."

Yessssssssssss. (view spoiler)[ Or Elhokar. You'll know why when you get there. But I ship it and it's not like his wife sounds like a keeper. (hide spoiler)]

[Travis]

Just finished WoR. Wow!

Seconding all of your reactions, Mason. Asking all of your same questions, Allison. And struggling alongside you all to keep track of the different factions and their motivations.

I was going to wait for a copy of Oathbreaker to come in for me from the library, but the ending of WoK made that pretty well impossible. So I bought a copy to arrive at my in-laws Friday. Do you think they'll understand when I spend the whole weekend with my head in a book?

[Travis]

Allison wrote: "Travis wrote: "Allison wrote: "Elena wrote: "Allison wrote: "...oh, no.

I just thought of something that would really upset me if it happened. Nobody read unless you want to revel in miserable con..."
(view spoiler)[ Yes to Elhokar! They've already shared some choice moments together. (hide spoiler)]

[Allison, Fairy Mod-mother]

Travis wrote: "Allison wrote: "Travis wrote: "Allison wrote: "Elena wrote: "Allison wrote: "...oh, no.

I just thought of something that would really upset me if it happened. Nobody read unless you want to revel ..."

You finished!! Yes! I am somehow doubtful that that particular outcome will manifest, but it is the flip side of the table-throwing anger Elena referenced. I would suddenly be the happiest I've ever been. (view spoiler)[The thing about Moash is that he's in the chain of command and there's like an authority issue there that I'm afraid of exploring. I feel like that often devolves in books to super problematic areas and I'd be sad if Kal wasn't the perfect gentleman about it. (hide spoiler)]

[Elena]

I won't hide this behind the spoiler because I'm not afraid to admit to these feelings, ok? I want Kaladin to be happy. Really happy, with as little bittersweet aftertaste as possible for him. There, I said it.

Now, to another matter. At some point I mentioned here that I couldn't choose which POV character I like more - Kaladin or Dalinar, well let me tell you that currently Dalinar is in fact winning. That is happening on account of me reading the Oathbringer, although I'm getting slower and slower as life's not being kind at the moment. Anyway, the spoilery part is only about the topic and the vague mention of what we'll be finding out in Oathbringer.
(view spoiler)[What I loved about Dalinar in WoK and WoR was that he was such an honour personified kind of man. I also liked it that his visions made him feel uncertain and to question and to fight against gossip and prejudice and betrayals. But what I love about him in Oathbringer is that we still get glimpses of him being truly honorable and trying to do the right thing, even if at times it's a bit too much (his unhuman patience re private life, anyone?). But we get to see his flashbacks as well - finally. Those make me so happy, because I've wanted to learn the story about his wife since they first mentioned he'd had all memory of her removed. And also, maybe weirdly, because what we find out about what Dalinar used to be as a young man seems at times not far from a monster, and I love it because how complex a character, a person it makes him. I want to know all of that history of his, and I'm super curious about what I'll think about him once I do know. (hide spoiler)]

[Allison, Fairy Mod-mother]

Elena, we are on the same page! Kaladin should be happy (spoiler Ch 8 Oathbringer but not really) (view spoiler)[even if he's being a total lighteyed dill weed right now (hide spoiler)].

And yes re: your spoiler. It's adding so much depth. TBH right now the only person I like entirely is (same Ch 8 spoiler tag)
(view spoiler)[Renarin, and that's because he hasn't said boo to anyone yet! Kaladin's being a prig, Dalinar is messy, Shallan's a liar, Adolin's spoiled, Jasnah is cold, Navani's veering into Aunt Pol territory... (hide spoiler)] I love them all very much but I want desperately to have something to hold onto again. WoK set them up so delightfully, and then WoR made them human. I am excited to see them become heroes.

[Travis]

It will be very exciting to get more of Dalinar's story.

[Elena]

Yes, Allison! I want more of that character as well and like him too! I wonder if he ever gets his own POV.

[Rob]

I'm up to about page 500/ Chapter 51 of Oathbringer:

(view spoiler)[Dalinar bringing people into his visions has been really interesting. Even more interesting was when Lift showed up uninvited. Why she was with the young king would make no sense without reading Edgedancer, so maybe that's why he recommended it? I hope we see more of Lift in this book though.

My favorite part of part 2 so far is the bridge runner chapters. Especially the Moash chapters. Those poor Parshmen are being punished for Kaladin. It sounds like Moash stepping in might make things better. I'm curious to see where his story goes. So far no pretty bow that Allison was hoping for though.

Shallan is starting to feel schizophrenic. She's treating her different personas like they are different people. I loved her defending Renarin. She seems a better matches to him than Andolin too. (hide spoiler)]

[Allison, Fairy Mod-mother]

I am on chapter 19, and if I lived in Roshar, I would be lost in a sea of joyspren.

ETA I am enamored of Pattern.

[Travis]

Just finished Edgedancer and am very glad I read it. Is there any doubt at all that Pippi Longstocking was an inspiration for Lift?

[Allison, Fairy Mod-mother]

Travis wrote: "Just finished Edgedancer and am very glad I read it. Is there any doubt at all that Pippi Longstocking was an inspiration for Lift?"

:-)
I think that's probably quite apt.

Also Mason...you can just...friend Brandon??? o.O

Hang on, I'm hyperventilating a bit.

[Mason]

Allison wrote: "Also Mason...you can just...friend Brandon??? o.O"

LOL you didn't know that Brandon and I are the best of pals?? ;)

[Mason]

Travis wrote: "Just finished Edgedancer and am very glad I read it. Is there any doubt at all that Pippi Longstocking was an inspiration for Lift?"

I felt the same way about it. Didn't have to read it but very glad I did. Looking forward seeing to Lift in Oathbringer.

[Hank]

I am not keeping up well, I am only on ~page 200 of WOR and I am deathly afraid of spoilers so I will jump back in (obviously too late) once I am done.

[Allison, Fairy Mod-mother]

Hank wrote: "I am not keeping up well, I am only on ~page 200 of WOR and I am deathly afraid of spoilers so I will jump back in (obviously too late) once I am done."

You do what works for you, Hank! I hope you'll remember to come back and gossip with us :-)

[Elena]

Travis wrote: "Just finished Edgedancer and am very glad I read it. Is there any doubt at all that Pippi Longstocking was an inspiration for Lift?"

I don't know how I didn't see that while reading, but it's so true, Travis! :) Glad you enjoyed it.

[Elena]

Allison wrote: "I am on chapter 19, and if I lived in Roshar, I would be lost in a sea of joyspren.

ETA I am enamored of Pattern."

Oh man I hope I'll get to chapter 19 tonight, it sounds promising! And I'm near pulling my hair out in despair wanting to click all Rob's spoilers, haha!