Rythym of War starts way better than expected.
*I clicked spoilers but don’t think this has any real spoilers except maybe the Moash comment. But figured safe rather than sorry.
I went into Rhythm of War a little worried because I always see people rank it below the first three Stormlight books. I’m only about 250 pages in, so obviously my opinion could change, but this has honestly been Sanderson’s strongest opening to any of the Stormlight books for me.
The character work has been excellent. I’m really invested in Navani, Kaladin, and even seeing how Moash is being used as a foil to Kaladin. The story feels very focused, and I was surprised by how quickly I was pulled back into the world.
Maybe the novel goes somewhere later that doesn’t work for me, and I’ll make that judgment once I’ve read the whole thing. But based on the opening alone, it has completely exceeded my expectations.
I’m not sure it can surpass Oathbringer for me because that book genuinely changed how I read and think about stories. Even if Rhythm of War ends up being a better novel in some ways, it’s hard to top a book that shifts your perspective as a reader.
Did anyone else come into Rhythm of War expecting it to be weaker because of its reputation and end up loving the beginning?