u/boxerdotson

For me this has been the summer of Sanderson. I was looking for a new author, and originally bought the first Stormlight box set on Amazon. When it arrived and I saw the size of the books, I thought ‘Hold on, what am I getting into’? I did some research, fell into the rabbit hole, and found out about this massive Cosmere universe. If this was as good as everyone said, I wanted to do it right. So I followed the recommended reading order.

I have been absolutely devouring these books. I’m talking reading for six hours straight into the ungodly hours of the night, without so much as a bathroom break. I found myself wondering, what is it about Sanderson that is making me read with such a ravenous appetite?

I just finished Warbreaker. I was thoroughly enjoying it and reading it at a nice pace, but was growing frustrated that (unlike Mistborn) not much was happening for the first 500 pages. Then the Sanderlanche hit and now I have an answer, actually two answers, for my previous question about what kept driving me forward:

1. The reward. I’ve now read enough Sanderson to appreciate the meticulous plotting. Everything is there for a reason. Everything has a purpose and is building to something.
2. Character investment. Somehow, Sanderson breathes life into his characters like no author I’ve read before. We as readers become deeply connected to and invested in the journey. Sanderson has a gift for developing flawed but noble and fundamentally good heroes who are so much more than an archetype.

For example, here’s the exact moment that I realized I had tears during Warbreaker:
>!“His eyes were closed, and he seemed to sleep, as if at peace. A man sat next to him - Lightsong’s high priest, holding the god’s head in his lap.”!<
It is not typical for me to become so emotionally invested in a character, especially in a way that just creeps up on me.

Now I’m finally ready to circle back and read the first Sanderson books I purchased back in June. On to Stormlight. Deep breath…here we go.

Siri asks Hoid where he learned to tell stories, and he says “I learned it many, many years ago from a man who didn’t know who he was, your majesty. It was a distant place where two lands meet and gods have died. But that is unimportant.”

1. Is this important

and if so

2. Should I get this reference if I’ve only read the first Mistborn series, Elantris, and some Arcanum, or is this a RAFO situation?

Seeing Paul Molitor at the Field of Dreams game made me think about this.

Molitor: I loved watching the pure hitters as a kid. You just knew every time he came up that it was going to be a good at bat. It’s easy to forget that he was a great defender and base runner in his prime.

Mitchell: He’s been in a funk lately, and the strikeouts are frustrating, but he’s got all five tools. Love watching his defense and hustle on the bases. I find myself pulling for him every time he’s at the plate because I know his potential to be a great hitter.

I have made only three posts on Reddit. The first was to a book forum, and it turned into a wonderful discussion on a book series I love. It got a lot of upvotes, but I didn’t really care about that.

Then I made the mistake of posting my opinion on a sports forum. I never use profanity and I wasn’t rude. However, I got tons of down votes, simply because people didn’t like my opinion.

I posted again in the book forum, and got a message saying that it’s being reviewed by the moderator. I did a quick search and realized that this was because I apparently have negative karma now because of the sports people. Can I really not post anymore? Should I delete my account and make a new one?

I just finished Elantris, with the first Mistborn trilogy having been my only prior Sanderson reads. I’ve done enough research to know that many Sanderson fans believe this to be one of his weakest novels, and Brandon himself said it shouldn’t be one of the first tastes of his work. Having now finished it, I can see why he would say that, but I still thoroughly enjoyed it.

The good:
-fascinating, unique world building (obviously)
-deep and interesting antagonists in Hrathen and Dilaf
-the political intrigue (having read only this and Mistborn, I’m hoping this is a Sanderson trademark?)
-a painstakingly crafted, satisfying Sanderlanche (I’m still new and hope I used that correctly)
-beautifully simple theme of hope and justice prevailing

The not so good:
-I found much of this book to be a slog. It just felt a bit too expository for my tastes.
-The names and unnecessarily complicated Aon lore took me out of the fantasy a bit.
-It’s obvious at times that this was a young writer trying to make a vision fit.
-Some of the humor came across as a tad juvenile compared to the wit of Mistborn.
-None of the protagonists will stick with me as beloved, like Sazed in Mistborn (although some had that potential).

Now it’s on to Hope of Elantris and Emperor’s Soul. I’m curious to see if I’ll notice any difference in Brandon’s growth as a writer.

First, I must say that this was a reading experience like no other I’ve ever had. I am a voracious reader, but a slow one. The fact that I plowed through all three of these books in a couple of weeks is due to the fact that I’ve never before encountered this combination of literary quality, world building, character development, and masterful plotting. I am hooked and have already ordered most of the other Cosmere books.

I have a million thoughts and questions that are all jumbled up in my head after just finishing the series, but for now here are the ones that are most pressing for me:

1. After much research, I’ve decided to read Elantris, followed by Warbreaker, and then start Stormlight. Thoughts? Please know that I’m aware Elantris is considered raw, but I’m completely committed to reading everything eventually.
2. I have many plot-specific questions, including some that I’m guessing will be expanded upon in other books and therefore don’t even want to ask. However, there was one obvious loose end that I just had to find out. >!What happened to Marsh? I did a quick search and saw that he appears in the second Mistborn series.!< My question is: Will knowing this ruin my enjoyment of that series? Please no specific spoilers of what is to come.
3. This is more of a meta question, and I apologize if it’s been answered elsewhere. As a newbie to Sanderson, I don’t know a ton about him, but I do know that he is a Mormon. I love the overall message of faith and hope in this series, but I’m curious as to what role the author’s own faith played in this series, and plays in the larger universe. Is Mistborn meant to be allegorical in some way? Again, no specific spoilers for what is to come, please.

I appreciate any thoughts, as unfortunately I don’t personally know anyone who has read these books, and I’m dying to hear other people’s perspectives!