r/brandonsanderson

I feel like I chose a not so optimal place to begin reading the Cosmere, but I loved the book nonetheless. I think I’m going to read Mistborn after a slight break with a shorter book.

The only downside to this is that I can no longer say that Brandon Sanderson is my favorite author that I’ve never read.

Art by me in Unreal Engine 5

For starters, I never finished a single book in my life, let alone a three-part novel like this. What got me hooked up is the way Brandon hides the major turning points of the story in plain sight. How he buries them in ash and mist only to reveal that they were there all along. Their is so much intricacy and detail to be missed and Im glad he was able to pinpoint them later that even a kindergartner can understand.

Its a masterful, wonderful experience that had me literally screaming as everything unfolded to its final destination. Brandon Sanderson is playing god in his Cosmere universe and im thrilled to read more.

*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?

Thought it would be a fun little Easter egg. IYKYK.

Edit: Thank you everyone for your help! I’m deleting the original post info because my SO is probably on here and very smart, even if he’s not quite as chronically on Reddit as I am haha.

I’m going with Shards of Creation as well as Mistborn! This ended up being even more helpful than I expected!

I got to paint with my favorite people again!

The Lightweaver Foundation and the The Compass Gallery hosted an amazing paint night. We painted characters from the Cosmere, while Hoid himself heckled us. Art was made, laughter was had, crayons were eaten.

This painting, along with those of my fellows, will be auctioned later this year through the Lightweaver Foundation.

Thanks to everyone who helped make this such a fantastic event!I And thank you Sierra for being the perfect Vin and a stoic art model!

The only physical copies I own, everything else I did via audiobook. I didn't get into him until last year when I started listening to audiobooks at work. I can net about 7 hours of listening a day so it's pretty productive.

By the end of the year I had listened to everything audible/graphic audio had from him. Great stuff.

Any recommendations for other good Fantasy or Sci-fi authors? Don't have to be like Sanderson, just really good audiobooks.