2020 Cosmere BR (Currently reading: Edgedancer)

[Beena]

Yay Choko! Shall we just start from the 1st? Can't remember who else was gonna join...

[Choko]

I will be here on the first (✷‿✷)

[Beena]

Yay, looking forward to it!

[Anni]

Not sure if I'll be able to start on the first, but I'll try to join you :)

[Beena]

Sir Anni wrote: "Not sure if I'll be able to start on the first, but I'll try to join you :)"

Hope you can make it Anni! No worries, I'll probably be slow going anyway, don't get enough time to read! :(

[Lucija]

I'd like to join, if that's alright

[Soo]

This is a re-read for me. I got my hands on the Graphic Audio of the book. Should be fun. =)

Figure I'll skim read and listen.

[Choko]

Yay!!! Lucija and Soo!!! Awesome!

[Beena]

Lucija wrote: "I'd like to join, if that's alright"

Yeah, that's great!

[Beena]

Yeah!! Got my nice, new copies of The Way of Kings!! Excited! Been wanting to read this for a while!

[Paula]

I'd also like to join

[Beena]

Paula wrote: "I'd also like to join"

Good to have you Paula :)

[Beena]

Starting tonight :)

[Choko]

Great!!!

[Soo]

Hm, I got my hands on Graphic Audio for Way of Kings. Will probably start tonight-ish.

=)

[Rob]

I may reread before the next book, but possibly just Oathbringer

[Beena]

Prologue: To Kill (view spoiler)[ I had to read through that so slowly! Very cool concept, but having just been introduced to the magic and whatnot, it took me a while to decipher what was going on in that fight lol. Definitely a lot of information thrown at you already up to the Prologue, hope it gets easier to grasp. But I really enjoyed the fact that the Stormlight can make them into super fighters; awesome. And I'm glad it gets straight into the action and you don't have to wait for it.

Did anyone else laugh at the description of the fearspren? "Like globs of purplish goo"- seems a strange thing to come up with, even for fantasy haha. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 1- Stormblessed (view spoiler)[ Really enjoyed this whole battle scene! Especially all the detail Sanderson goes into. It's been a while since I've read the last few books of The Wheel of Time, but I swear the scenes are definitely more intense here, than in those. And already liking Kaladin, I'm intrigued. (hide spoiler)]

[Paula]

Prelude (view spoiler)[ so they have basically let a friend in torture alone and he doesn't even know it. It would have been better if someone chose it, instead of being abandoned (hide spoiler)]

Prologue (view spoiler)[ cool chapter, though there were many details about the magic that I had to read slowly or I would have been lost. The magic is nice, not surprising considering its Sanderson, and I'm impatient to learn more of it (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 1 (view spoiler)[ I liked the battle. It was very detailed, and we can see that kaladin hates the people with light eyes which will be interesting to find out why. In the end cenn and dallet were killed weren't they? I'm also a little confused as to why we have those little paragraphs at the begining of each chapter (hide spoiler)]

[Paula]

And yes Beena, that description was funny

[Choko]

Those little snippets are very important! Always look for clues in them. A lot like WoT and Malazan, there are so many crumbs to follow. I am just starting and already loving the world building!

[Lucija]

I'm so excited to finally read Stormlight! First time for me

Prelude, Prologue, Chapter 1 (view spoiler)[I thought the prelude was really cool, by the end I was hooked. I liked the fighting scenes in prologue and ch1 (and at the same time I have no clue who is fighting who in chapter 1 and what is going on, but it's fine at this point), and I absolutely loved the detail about how the Heralds names got changed through the years (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 2 (view spoiler)[So wait, did I get that wrong or is grass, like, moving around on its own? Now I can't help but imagine happy little blades of grass running around and being cute and all haha. Also, Kaladin now being a slave is quite a turn. I'm interested in learning more about all those spren thingies. (hide spoiler)]

About the swords: (view spoiler)[The huge swords are the ones left by the Heralds right? For some reason I thought they couldn't be used by normal people, I thought they would be left in that circle where the heralds left them (hide spoiler)]

[Paula]

Lucija, this is also my first time and I'm really enjoying this

Chapter 2 (view spoiler)[ kaladin is a slave. What a turn of events. And I think the blades of grass don't move, they just retract to where they came from, or something like that (hide spoiler)]

About the swords (view spoiler)[ the heralds use different swords than the shardblades I think they're called. In the prelude it says that the herald swords were more powerful than shardblades and that they were unique (hide spoiler)]

[Paula]

Chapter 3 (view spoiler)[ there are so many different types of people that I'm a little confused but I guess I'll remember them more the more I read. Shallan is funny with those sharp remarks. It's harsh to make them work to death because of the debts so I hope that shallan does something about it (hide spoiler)]

[Beena]

@Paula RE the little paragraphs at the beginning of each chapter; they're like parts of the world's history/literature and prophecy, which contain little details. Right now it makes little sense but definitely agree with Choko, they're interesting to pay attention to.

[Beena]

Those little snippets are very important! Always look for clues in them. A lot like WoT and Malazan, there are so many crumbs to follow. I am just starting and already loving the world building!

I know right, crazy amount of world-building already! I wish he'd give us a second to take it all in lol, a lot of history, world-building, character setting and introduction to magic system already and I'm only up to chapter 4! But I'm really enjoying it so far too.

[Beena]

@Lucija RE Chapter 2 (view spoiler)[ The grass isn't actually moving around like side to side, it's retracting down into the ground. I know, I was wondering what the hell happened with Kaladin as well! (hide spoiler)]

@Paula and Lucija, this is my first time reading Stormlight too! Excited!

[Beena]

About the swords (view spoiler)[ the heralds use different swords than the shardblades I think they're called. In the prelude it says that the herald swords were more powerful than shardblades and that they were unique

Hmm, I might have to read that back, I was under the impression that the shardblades were the same swords that they used.. their armour and swords turned them into super fighters right, so I thought it must be? (hide spoiler)]

Also, I forgot to add, I LOVE the descriptions of their amour and swords.

[Paula]

Thanks Beena and Choko, I'll pay more attention to them

[Paula]

About the swords (view spoiler)[ I'm not sure, I think they could be more potent shardblades, that's why there were ten heralds with their respective swords. That's what I gathered but we'll have our questions answered sooner or later, the book is big so I hope so (hide spoiler)]

[Choko]

About the blades, I think (view spoiler)[ there are more than just the Herald's blades and armor, but I also have no idea what makes them different from the rest of the shard blades. I am guessing that because the Herald's blades were named, maybe they are stronger somehow, but I am not sure...

Also, about the Light Eyes. I am guessing that they are rare in this world and they are considered like nobility. But I have no idea◉‿◉ (hide spoiler)]

[Paula]

About the light eyes (view spoiler)[ I also think they are the nobility and the dark eyes are the common people (hide spoiler)]

[Timelord Iain, Tech Support]

Stormlight Archive is a very rich reading experience... the epigraphs (little things at start of each chapter) tend to be chock full of foreshadowing or Cosmere Easter eggs...

Sanderson writes these books differently than his other books... he considers each book a trilogy of books unto themselves while outlining... and while writing, he tends to write each POV or group of POVs seperately, before slotting them where they go in the narrative... same with the epigraphs and Interludes between each Part/chunk of the book... some epigraphs hold more meaning when read in their entirety, because some are a correspondence spread across several dozen chapters line by line... also, each book tends to have a byline story told thru Interlude, where the same person appears at least once in each Interlude chunk... other Interludes are used for more varied worldbuilding...

[Timelord Iain, Tech Support]

I’m not sure when you learn what is special about Herald Blades, but the difference is that (view spoiler)[they allow you to use Stormlight to do magic of the associated Herald’s Order of Knights Radiant, like Szeth’s power to manipulate gravity (I forget the other power, each order has a combo of 2 powers) (hide spoiler)]

Shardblades just cut through everything but Shardplate...

[Lucija]

Timelord Iain wrote: "Stormlight Archive is a very rich reading experience... the epigraphs (little things at start of each chapter) tend to be chock full of foreshadowing or Cosmere Easter eggs...

Sanderson writes the..."

Ah, that's cool, thanks for the info, I'll definitely keep that in mind while reading
I thought it was something similar to what we got in Mistborn. I can't remember exactly what it was because I read it some years ago, but I know there was always a bit of story before the chapters

[Timelord Iain, Tech Support]

Lucija wrote: "Timelord Iain wrote: "Stormlight Archive is a very rich reading experience... the epigraphs (little things at start of each chapter) tend to be chock full of foreshadowing or Cosmere Easter eggs......"

Stormlight and Mistborn are tentpoles of the Cosmere... Stormlight is where we get much more knowledge about Realmatic Theory and other things... Mistborn is where everything will end, since there are 4 trilogies planned (originally 3, Wax & Wayne were a surprise, even to Sanderson, when he needed a lighthearted break from Stormlight 2)... Mistborn is designed to shift genres, as decades or centuries pass between trilogies... Traditional Fantasy -> (Weird Western) -> Urban Fantasy -> Sci-fi / Magepunk...

There will also be an origin story series, between Stormlight 10 & the Sci-fi trilogy, that finally reveals the origins of Hoid, and how Adonalsium was Shattered into the 16 Shards that generate magic in these worlds/series... this Dragonsteel series takes place 12,000 years in the past... 7500 years before the Prelude to Stormlight Archive... I'm not expecting that series until 2040s... the UF trilogy is coming between Stormlight 5 & 6 (Stormlight is 2x five book arcs)... so around 2025

[Beena]

@Iain, Christ on a bike, that is INSANE! Absolutely mind-boggling that he's come up with a whole damn universe, not just your standard trilogy/series within the same world. I mean, I vaguely knew it was all interconnected somehow, just hadn't realised how vast it actually was!

[Choko]

Iain is the bestest person for all things Sanderson to have with us!!! I am so glad he is here ❤️!

I really dislike the concept and just the existence of slavery... In any shape and form. This is so sad, that (view spoiler)[ Kaladin is enslaved, and even when he tries to help others, he really can't... I feel for the dude...

The little wind spren is kind of adorable. It is interesting to see how she is becoming more and more sentient as we go... (hide spoiler)]

[Choko]

Beena, yeah, the whole universe concept is absolutely mind blowing and awesome!!!

[Beena]

@Choko (view spoiler)[ Same, there's definitely more to Kaladin's history and I'll be interested to know what happened with all these people he's tried to help and failed.

The little wind spren is kind of adorable. It is interesting to see how she is becoming more and more sentient as we go..

Totally agree! She's cute, but a nosy little thing! Interesting that only Kaladin can see and hear her, I think there's more to
that. (hide spoiler)]

[Timelord Iain, Tech Support]

The biggest problem with re-read BRs of Sandersons multibook works, is being unable to talk about the big twists you already know, or the foreshadowing you notice as a result...

In Mistborn, that means Kelsier... in Stormlight, it’s the Voidbringers, among other things...

[Timelord Iain, Tech Support]

@Beena: each book focuses on flashbacks from a different main character... altho their arcs are definitely ongoing in the present and future books...

[Beena]

Definitely enjoying Kaladin's thread more than Shallan's, remains to be seen whether I warm up to her more...

Chapter 6 (view spoiler)[ Poor Kaladin, I really felt his pain and despair, he thinks life can't get any shittier and then it does. :( Obviously still has a will too live though, despite everything that's happened to him. This whole bridge- running scene was really well done, great chapter.

Sidenote; I like the little windspren's name, pretty! (hide spoiler)]

Also, the buttoned up left sleeve on the higher-born ladies dresses is rather strange. So why is it ok to bare the right hand? lol.


Just an aside, for some reason there's seems to be a lot of full stops missing in my copy and it's really starting to bug me now, not happy that those errors weren't caught!

[Lucija]

@Beena: Yes, just read chapter 6 and I have the exact same thoughts as you haha
Kaladin's story got me hooked, Shallan's on the other hand not so much yet
And I want to know what's with that left hand.

[Timelord Iain, Tech Support]

I actually like Shallan more in the first book than the 2nd & 3rd book... some people have the opposite opinion tho... I'm really curious to see her in the 4th book tho, because I heard Sanderson say he got a new beta reader to help him with his depiction of Shallan, that's supposed to make her storyline more organic/real... and maybe that'll be enough to make her more tolerable... (I'm trying to be vague here, because BIG THINGS happen with Shallan in book 2, when you learn her backstory, on top of current events)... for those that have read (view spoiler)[Sanderson has a beta reader with Dissociative Identity Disorder, now... (hide spoiler)]

[Choko]

Wow! That is just cool!
I love Jasnah! She is so strong and independent, and so demanding - I totally adore her! I am still not sure about Kaladin, but I am growing more and more intrigued by the King's uncle. Those visions, the first one we actually experience with him, intense!!! His sons have potential too.

Just finished the first interlude. (view spoiler)[ The way the characters from the lake speak is awesome! I love the G-d whom they say they worship, despite that they don't, just so he doesn't get jealous and smite them(◠‿◕)

Also, I think I feel kind of sorry for Z, but at the same time I feel like shaking him - stop letting those losers hold your Oath Stone! Be at least a bit of a part of the control of how you want your life to go on!!! I know he is following his culture and traditions, but there doesn't seem to be anyone who knows those and still cares, so at least choose a better type of master! (hide spoiler)]

Loving the world building so much! The plants and the scenery are so distinct and do interesting, I keep wanting more information.... I am sure I will get to see much more as we go.

I forgot to mention, I loved the young sailor who accompanied Shallan in the city! I hope we get more from him too!

[Lucija]

Chapters 7&8: So glad we got those two Shallan chapters back to back, I really enjoyed them
Yes Choko, me too, I absolutely love Yalb and that ardent Shallan has a brief interaction with (Brother Kabsal is his name I think)

[Anni]

Timelord Iain wrote: "I actually like Shallan more in the first book than the 2nd & 3rd book... some people have the opposite opinion tho... I'm really curious to see her in the 4th book tho, because I heard Sanderson s..."

That's really cool :) I liked her in book 1, but became really annoying by her in book 3 🙈

[Choko]

Just finished the second set of interlude. Z's story is breaking my heart. (view spoiler)[ After this new owner and the set of new orders, I pity the world! Someone is obviously aiming at killing off the leaders of the world's countries without taking responsibility for it. This will destabilize the order and bring infighting and chaos. I wonder who is going to take advantage of that.... I feel terrible for Z's soul and this is why I wish he would just forget the darn Oath Stone and run away... But he still follows the rules of his traditions...

I love what Kaladin is doing to win the hearts and minds of Bridge 4. He is definitely a great problem solver. The idea of getting those weeds for the sap and selling it to the apothecary, then buying food and treating the bridgmen is brilliant! And I love the little spren helping, she is adorable! Her growth is amazing! Rock is very vital to his implementation of his plan. I really like him.

The chasm duty is horrific. Everything those people are going through, obviously nobody cares if they live, and if they do end up surviving, what condition their soul is going to be in... I don't think the army supplies them with psychotherapy after in order to deal with their post traumatics stress syndromes. I am not sure if that way of life deserves being saved at all. Slavery, poverty, random power structure, no chances for advancement, racism and bigotry, what is good here? Nothing. I guess there are some good people, but overall, the whole thing sucks. A complete overhaul of the whole social structure would serve them right!!! (hide spoiler)]

[Beena]

Anni! When are you joining us? :)

I read up to end of Part 1 yesterday. (view spoiler)[ Quite enjoyed the description of ShalIan's sketching/artwork, I figured she'd get Jasnah to take her on eventually, but I like that Sanderson made her work for it and it didn't just happen immediately. Though what I don't get, is that her family seems like a moderately wealthy family, surely they could have just hired a thief to get the soulcaster rather than Shallan going through all that trouble?? Or steal it off someone else? (I don't know how common they are but there must be a few more.)

Did quite like the witty comebacks Shallan had to that bookstore guy, she put him in his place.

Glad Kaladin didn't kill himself, didn't think he really would though. They've put him in the worst position possible, to constantly face his death and watch all his other team members die, I feel so bad for him. Will be interesting to see if/how he manages to get himself out of it. And I love Sylphrena, she's so sweet.

Was also very interesting to get a window into Kaladin's history, intrigued to know more about what happened to his brother, it's obviously had a really scarring effect on him. (hide spoiler)]

[Beena]

@Choko, totally agree, the world-building is amazing! It just seems like it's on a whole different level to other books I've read.

Haha, I liked Yalb too!